Question of the day: Do you think your puppy might like a “tuggotoy“?
Golden Retrievers were originally bred in the Scottish Highlands as hunting dogs. According to the American Kennel Club, Golden Retrievers are now the third most popular breed in the United States. These dogs are smart, lively, affectionate and highly adaptable. They can be guide dogs, best friends or playmates for your children. Whether you are looking for a hunting partner or a companion, here are five training tips that will help you raise your Golden Retriever the right way.
Supervise Your Puppy’s Play Time
When your Golden Retriever puppy is not in his crate, he should be under your watchful eye. As puppies, this breed has a tendency to chew things as a way to explore their surroundings. An unattended puppy may do more than chew up your favorite shoes. He could be damaging furniture, carpeting or even dangerous objects like power cords. Keep an eye the puppy as he explores, and make sure he understands which objects are off-limits. By enforcing this rule while the puppy is young, you will be stopping a lifelong destructive chewing habit before it starts.
Avoid Confusion: Make a Schedule
Golden Retriever pups are just like humans in that they feel safe and reassured when they have a routine. Right from the start, establish feeding times, bathroom breaks, playtime and training sessions. Regular feeding will help you understand when the puppy needs to relieve himself. Clearly defined play times and training sessions will help the puppy understand when it’s appropriate to be silly or when it’s time to focus on the task at hand.
Teaching Your Puppy the Basics
Golden Retriever puppies should also become accustomed to being handled from a young age. Teaching a puppy still as you brush their coat, trim toenails or give them a bath is far easier than struggling with 70 pounds of squirming Golden Retriever later on. You can also start getting them used to other things that will be a part of daily life, such as wearing a collar, walking on a leash or going for car rides.
Put a Stop to Bad Habits Early
What your Golden Retriever learns as a puppy will shape his future. Even though bad habits like growling and barking during playtime seem cute, it can become a real problem as your puppy grows. Engaging in tug-of-war battles while training hunting dogs to fetch will teach them that this is acceptable behavior in the field. Do everything you can to discourage bad habits during puppy-hood so that you and your Golden Retriever can avoid extensive re-training later.
Be Consistent with the Word “No”
When you use correction words, speak in a firm tone. If necessary, pick up the puppy and look into his eyes as you say “No” so that he understands you that you are serious. There is no need to shout or be harsh, but at the same time don’t “nag” your Golden Retriever with corrective words. Make sure that the puppy knows you are serious each and every time you say “No.” If you are lax with your correction words, your puppy will quickly learn that he can ignore you whenever he likes.
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- License: Image author owned
+Neil Kilgore is a dog owner and the Jack (Russell) of all trades at Greenfield Puppies in Lancaster Pa. He gives helpful advice about dogs and puppy care on the Greenfield Puppies website.
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