Effective Golden Retriever dog Training Techniques

Golden retriever training is considerably easier than training of other dogs as golden retrievers are naturally smart and agile. A golden retriever can be taught the basics of dog training much easier than a regular dog. However, if you are buying a golden retriever make sure it gets the exercise that it requires so it stays in good health through its years.

The basic commands that a dog should learn through its training are those of sitting, staying, walking to heel and lying down. Golden retriever training also mainly focuses on these commands. The basic structure behind the training of a dog revolves around the same system as does regular human psychology. This involves the use of the reward mechanism as an incentive for the dog to carry out certain actions. The reward here being that of a treat. Always pick a treat that your puppy likes in particular. These could be anything from a bone or a biscut to a piece of meat. The treat acts as a motivator for the dog to act in certain ways that it’s the purpose of your training.

The reward mechanism also involves the use of a method of punishment to act as a deterrent to your dog – that is, to tell him that he is not supposed to do certain acts. This can be accomplished by similarly easy means. While one would be tempted to physically hurt the dog – this is often not necessary and something as simple as a tap on the nose would be useful in correcting the dog. Golden retriever training thus involves both aspects – punishment and reward.

The first command would be to make the dog sit on the floor. This can be done by lightly applying pressure on the dog’s head till he sits down. After accomplishing this act, reward the dog with the treat. Do this again but step away from the dog as you’re doing it and make sure he maintains the position. Reward him once more. The second command of lying down on the floor follows from the first command of sitting. Lightly apply more pressure on the dog’s head or even stretch his legs in front of you till he is lying prostrate on the floor. Give him a treat once you’re done. Then step away as you had done before and make sure he maintains the position and give him the treat once more. Through golden retriever training the puppy will learn to associate the act and the sound with the prospect of a treat and will continue to do so.

Lastly, you will also want to teach your dog the commands of walking to heel and staying as this will make him significantly easier to control. Staying can be done simply by moving away from the dog while constantly repeating the words ‘Stay’ and rewarding the dog. Walking to heel however will require the use of a leash which can be made shorter and shorter and thereby condition the dog to walk to heel upon the command being spoken. Thus, effective golden retriever training depends on timely administration of reward and constant surveillance of your dog.