Golden retrievers are wonderful, beautiful and intelligent dogs. To know how to train a golden retriever puppy is the best thing to start as soon as possible. There should be a lot of patience on your part.
With repetition, these intelligent dogs can be easily trained. It helps if you have trained puppies in the past. However, if this is your first puppy, do not fret. There are many things you can do to train your golden retriever puppy.
Here is a guide on how to train a golden retriever puppy:
1. Patience
This is more about you than your puppy. You must be patient and persistent. Your puppy will make mistakes and take time. Each golden retriever is a unique individual. Golden retriever puppies may also get bored and have a short attention span, so be aware of this.
Patience is key, but make use of treats to help in training. This can help them pay more attention if they know they will be rewarded. Remember, it is still a puppy, so do not scold your baby, and have lots of patience.
2. Basic Training
When you first get your golden retriever puppies for sale, make sure it is at least eight weeks old. Once you have brought it home, basically, training can slowly start from day 1. The training will start with potty training, crate training, walking with a leash, etc. Some puppies don’t like to have a collar on and make a fuss over it.
Persist with it, reward your puppy with a treat, and praise them. You may occasionally need to be firm—the same thing for crate training. Let them know that this is their place. They will eventually understand, and they’ll know that you are the leader.
3. Potty Training
When you first get your puppy, it is important to take it outside regularly; sometimes, even every hour, if you can manage it. You can also look out for certain signs from your puppy that they need to use the toilet. Remember, initially, there may be accidents. Be prepared for this and do not scold them. Reward them when they do the right thing. Praise them as well.
Some signs to expect from your puppy are scratching at the door, barking at the door, circling, pacing, sniffing or even making whining noises. When you see this, take your puppy out. Try to get into a routine (if possible) so that your puppy gets used to it. You can use specific words such as “go potty” or “do poo poo”; whatever you like, but be consistent.
Try to pick a regular spot, so they will generally go on this area. When they do, give them a treat and lots of praise. This helps to strengthen your bond as well.
4. Crate Training
Crate training can be a little tricky and even controversial. Some people do not like to use a crate. Some dogs also hate being crated and may experience some kind of anxiety. You can certainly try it, but if you notice your puppy having difficulty or getting separation anxiety, then skip crate training. Don’t ever force this issue.
Go with the response of your puppy. If they are handling it relatively well, then by all means persist. Your puppy will soon realize that this is their safe place and feel comfortable and secure. You can also leave them some treats in their crate or one or two of their favourite squeaky toys. They will come to understand that this is THEIR special place in the home.
5. Sit Training
Want to teach your puppy to sit? This is a basic but important command. Use a toy or treat to help you. Start by standing in front of your puppy. Now take a yummy treat and hold the treat near its nose. Slowly raise the treat higher.
Your puppy may sit. If not, encourage it with a soft push and say the word “sit.” When it does sit, offer the treat and praise. Rinse & repeat.
6. Stay Training
You can use verbal commands and a hand signal to teach your puppy to stay. While sitting (by now, your puppy should know the sit command), put your palm close to its face and say “stay” while slowly taking a few steps back.
If your puppy does so, go back and praise and offer the treat. You can slowly increase the time and the backward steps as they get better.
7. Come Training
You can teach your puppy to come by using a treat or toy and calling your puppy’s name. At the same time, say the word “come.” With practice, your puppy will understand the come command. When they do, always give the treat and offer loads of praise.
These are just a few tips on training a golden retriever puppy with some basic things. You can then progress to leash training and teach it heel training. You can always use a professional to help as well.
