How often do we find it cute to see a well-trained puppy following instructions without being adamant? Training a Golden retriever puppy is not as easy as one might think; getting the training right takes up a lot of your time and effort. Training Golden retriever puppies begins immediately after you bring them home. Let us dive into a few tips for training Golden retriever puppies.
- Have patience.
Puppies tend to have short attention spans, which take them a little longer to learn even the most basic commands, so it is important to be patient with them. Expecting too much from your puppy applies unnecessary pressure on the puppy. Give them time as you reward their little progressions and forgive their shortcomings.
- Try to match their energy.
One of the ways to train a young Golden retriever puppy is to relate to it. Golden retrievers are overly playful breeds with a lot of pent-up energy, especially puppies. This specific character sometimes interferes with your training. They may take a training lesson as a playful moment with you. Instead of condemning the behavior, turn your training into something fun; you can engage in a tug of war with the puppy or play fetch. Doing this helps maintain your puppy’s concentration.
- Begin your training early.
People often wonder how to train a 2months old Golden retriever and think it is insane. It is advisable to start training a Golden retriever puppy as soon as possible. Starting your training early creates a bond between you and your puppy and ensures your puppy grows with the required skills for survival. Just like humans, knowledge gained when young remain embedded in the brain and is hard to forget. Starting your training early also implies that when you bring the puppy home, teach it the house rules as soon as possible and remain consistent; it will start learning what you expect from it.
- Train one skill at a time.
Just like you do not expect your child to learn everything on the first day of school, your puppy should be no exemption. For your training to be effective, make it fun for both you and your puppy. Keep the training sessions short, preferably five to seven minutes a day. During the sessions, tackle one command at a time. Repeat the command for several sessions as you reward the progress. Once you are sure your puppy has mastered the first command, you can introduce a second command, and then soon enough, try both commands to test your puppy’s capability. It is also important to use single or simple word commands such as ‘sit’ instead of ‘please sit’ to avoid confusion.
- Be the boss.
Take utter control and decide what and how to train your Golden retriever puppy. Your puppy should learn to respond to your hand signals or verbal commands. Some basic commands such as “stay,” “leave it,” and “come” are essential to help manage your puppy and ensure they are safe. Training your Golden retriever puppy to follow your instructions allows your dog to relinquish control and become fully dependent on you. Ensure you take away its’ toys or treats once it does not comply with reminding it who is in charge.
- Reward your puppy with treats.
Using treats on your puppy may be the best tip in a Golden Retriever puppy training book. Give a reward when your puppy executes a command right or goes outside to pee. A reward can be anything your puppy responds to, a treat, praise, or play. Knowing and using the right treats for your Golden retriever puppy is also necessary. Rewarding good behavior motivates your puppy to do better to get another reward and is also a way to make your Golden retriever puppy happy.
- Teach socialization.
Over time studies have shown that the best time to train your dog to socialize with other human beings and animals is at an early age of up to three months. Make the introductions gradual and at your puppy’s pace, reducing resistance and anxiety. Ensure your puppy is vaccinated before exposing it to other dogs and people. Do not rush the socialization process; pause once you observe some resistance from your puppy and only resume once your puppy is ready to try again.
- Be consistent.
Make training an everyday activity. The short time spans for training are not enough to ensure your puppy is fully equipped, be consistent. Once your puppy understands there is a time in the day when they have to train, they are psychologically prepared. Consistency also helps your puppy remember commands more easily since they just heard them yesterday. Once a day or two is skipped, your puppy tends to forget or get confused once you resume. Stick to a schedule.
- Allow more freedom.
Golden retrievers are full of energy. It is important to let your puppy to run and play to eliminate the excess energy. If your puppy is not allowed to play outside, they turn to ripping off cushions or chewing on shoes. Avoid the disappointment and let your puppy outside with its’ toys, but always observe from a distance.
- Get the whole family involved.
Through your Golden Retriever puppy behavior stages, ensure you introduce it to your family members and encourage them to participate in the training. Getting to know each member enables your puppy to maintain its cool around them and create a comfortable platform for all of you. Training your puppy with your family makes it feel loved and welcome by the whole family, guaranteeing a success rate in your training.
Conclusion.
Golden retrievers can get frustrated too. If your puppy gets mouthy and jumpy during training, take a break and resume later. There is no shame if you run into a few hiccups during training, seek professional advice and help to ensure your puppy gets the best.
Wrap up.
- Can I start training my puppy as early as a few weeks old?
Golden retrievers have been intelligent animals since birth. You should start your training at home and probably take them outside after five weeks, with a collar on them.
- What size collar for an 8weeks old Golden retriever is advisable?
Measuring your puppy’s neck before purchasing a collar is best, but the small 12-16inch collar should serve you for a few weeks.
- How to train a Golden Retriever puppy not to bite.
You must give your puppy something to bite on, like a toy. Calmly correct your puppy when it bites on something it is not supposed to, like a shoe or couch. Allow your puppy to play outside to burn out its’ pent-up energy.