{"id":1736,"date":"2020-03-24T03:59:08","date_gmt":"2020-03-24T03:59:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sitmeanssit.com\/dog-training-mu\/south-chicago-dog-training\/?p=1736"},"modified":"2020-03-24T04:00:30","modified_gmt":"2020-03-24T04:00:30","slug":"5-tips-for-training-a-golden-retriever-puppy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sitmeanssit.com\/dog-training-mu\/western-chicago-dog-training\/blog\/5-tips-for-training-a-golden-retriever-puppy\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Tips for Training a Golden Retriever Puppy"},"content":{"rendered":"

With their boundless energy, playful nature, and their need for mental stimulation, Golden Retriever puppies need training\u2014 though that can seem like a daunting task! Our team of expert dog trainers in Chicago<\/a> and beyond know what it takes to make your pup the perfect family pet.<\/p>\n

When Stacy McGowan and her family brought their Golden Retriever to us, she was a source of frustration for the family. After going through the Sit Means Sit board and train program, Stacy says:<\/p>\n

\u201cKerry is AMAZING with dogs and their owners. She is straightforward, positive, and flexible. We were feeling pretty frustrated with our “spirited” golden retriever, but after our board & train she is now so pleasant and fun to be around. This training works. Thank you, Kerry!\u201d<\/p>\n

How did we do it? Read our top 5 tips on how to train a golden retriever puppy!<\/p>\n

1. Don\u2019t Forget to Socialize Your Puppy!<\/h2>\n

Before training even begins, learn the proper way to socialize your puppy. If you want a friendly and social dog, socialization is one of the most important steps! Puppies have what\u2019s called a \u201csocialization period\u201d that closes at 3 months of age where you want to ensure they have a positive encounter with everything they may encounter as an adult.<\/p>\n

Take your puppy to socialization classes (only after they\u2019ve been properly vaccinated!), like the Sit Means Sit group classes. Group class is a safe environment where you can work on socialization and ask for help as needed. We hold our group classes in a variety of public places, making it easy to get your puppy used to local parks and stores they may visit!<\/p>\n

2. Take Advantage of Their Love of Food<\/h2>\n

Golden Retrievers love food; if they could talk, they would tell their owners that they live to eat rather than eat to live. Find treats that motivate them and use those treats to reward their positive behavior.<\/p>\n

A dog diet tip- if you\u2019re using lots of treats throughout a training session, cut back on the kibble you feed in the evenings or mornings! More snacks mean more calories throughout the day and you don\u2019t want your dog to become overweight.<\/p>\n

3. Focus on Basic Obedience<\/h2>\n

It might be cute to ask your dog for a high-five, but if your Golden Retriever won\u2019t perform standard commands such as \u201csit\u201d or \u201cstay\u201d, they might frustrate you. Testing boundaries, not listening, rambunctiousness\u2014 all typical adolescent behaviors\u2014 can plague Golden Retrievers starting at around 8-10 months.<\/p>\n

During this time, it\u2019s important to focus on standard commands such as:<\/p>\n