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Golden Retrievers have been the classic family dog for years and rank as one of the top five breeds in America. These smart, loyal, friendly dogs make great companions. Not only do they have a gentle and fun-loving nature that makes them ideal for families with kids, they are also capable and intelligent working dogs.
Golden Retrievers are not at all aggressive. They can be great with other pets if given a proper introduction, but their lack of aggression doesn’t make them great as guard dogs.
Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland has years of experience with both Golden Retriever training and Golden Retriever puppy training. Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland puppy training, obedience and therapy animal training programs are well-suited for Golden Retrievers.
Because of their eager-to-please nature and intelligence, Golden Retriever puppies are relatively easy to train. Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland will help owners develop a strong bond with their new Golden Retriever puppy and harness all the wonderful qualities of the breed.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Training a Golden Retriever Puppy
Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland recommends starting dog training as early as possible. Puppies are capable of learning basic commands. Smart Golden Retriever puppies do great with early training.
Complete Golden Retriever puppy training typically takes a few months. Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland offers specialized in-home training. Working with a Golden Retriever puppy and the owner directly in the home prevents puppies from being distracted and allows dog trainers to create personalized training plans for individual puppies, as well as address any unique needs or issues. Once a puppy has completed in-home training, Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland offers puppy group classes for further training.
Beginning Golden Retriever training in the home also helps owners bond with their pup so when the dog trainer leaves, no progress is lost. It’s important for owners to stay consistent with puppy training and continue it long term.
Training can be great mental stimulation, so a great exercise for Golden Retrievers as they get older is progressing their training. Once your puppy has mastered sitting, for example, train them to maintain the position until released. Once your puppy is a bit older, explore other sports and activities.
Our Balanced Theory
We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.
Empowering Owners
We empower owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times.
Personalized
We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis.
Environment Specific
We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
Supportive
We support owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session").
Involved
We work with all members of the household.
Simplified & Customized
We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.
Continued Training
Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training.
Lifetime Investment
We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term.
Satisfaction Ratings
Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.
clas·si·cal con·di·tion·ing PSYCHOLOGY noun A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired; a response that is at first elicited by the second stimulus and is eventually elicited by the first stimulus alone.
Golden Retriever Specific Tips Exercise
Golden Retrievers are considered “sporting dogs” and require at least an hour of daily exercise. True to their name, Golden Retrievers love retrieving things! Golden Retrievers can even participate in obedience and agility events, and they’ll enjoy every minute of it.
A Golden Retriever puppy that doesn’t get enough exercise is likely to develop bad behaviors like digging or chewing. During the first two years of a Golden Retriever’s life, however, make sure to take it easy with exercise as their growth plates are still forming - don’t go for long, strenuous runs or hikes until the dog is fully grown and try to always opt for grass instead of concrete.
Golden Retriever Specific Tips Weight Management
Golden Retrievers can easily become overweight so owners will need to help manage their food intake. Measure out food twice a day instead of “free-feeding” and give treats in moderation.
Golden Retriever Specific Tips Make it a Family Affair
If you have adopted a Golden Retriever puppy to become part of a family, make sure all kids and adults are on the same page with training and all practice basic tricks with the family dog.
Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland has developed training programs for puppies and adult dogs alike based on positive reinforcement. German Shepherd training with our in-home option is entirely possible. Read on to learn more about the Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland training method.
Golden Retriever Specific Tips Be Consistent
Establish house rules for your dog, and then stick to them. If you choose not to let your dog on the couch, don’t ever let them on the couch for any reason. Golden Retriever training can help you establish routines and learn how to be consistent about enforcing them.
The Dog Training Elite
Difference
Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland uses modern training methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding between dog and dog owner. Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland never resorts to the use of punishment to help dogs unlearn bad behavior. The difference becomes clear when comparing a dog that is trained out of anxiety and intimidation vs a dog who truly desires to please from the inside out.
The Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland training theory is mostly based around classical conditioning, also known as the Pavlovian method or respondent conditioning. This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when an owner says "sit," their dog automatically sits without thinking about it.
Through a combination of commands and an electronic collar, dogs learn to follow commands at once. The electronic collar is not a shock collar; it is a gentle electronic pulse, similar to the tug of a leash, used to get the dog’s attention. Other dog trainers use harsh static collars or spray collars which have been shown to be less effective. Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland’s method of focusing on positive behavior reinforcement nurtures a dog's loving and naturally obedient nature.
Ready to turn your Golden Retriever puppy into a loyal and loving companion? Find a trainer near you today!
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We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!
Our training program with Dog Training Elite was a huge success. Christy and her team (Samantha for us) were really easy to work with, and seem to have a strong, intuitive connection with doggies. Annie is a changed dog. Significantly less pulling on the leash, (almost none) comes when we call, stays in her "place" when told, and much more. We are so grateful and look forward to the play groups.— Lyn Hopkins
Posted February 8th 2023
I did the 5 week training plan with Dog training elite and could not be happier with the results. My 9 month old lab was disobedient in just about every way. Christy and Sean did an amazing job transforming my dog into a great obedient pet . Come , sit , lay down , heel and place ,are just a few of the commands that I now have at my disposal. I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone considering training .— Rick Clow
Posted January 17th 2023
Christy and Sean did an amazing job with my 9 month old puppy Koda . I went from chasing my dog around the yard to bring him back , to having him respond to my every command. The whole experience was very informative and enjoyable. Christy was very flexible with the in home training . I had to reschedule a couple appointments and it was no problem at all. I would highly recommend dog training elite to anyone looking for dog training.— Rick Clow
Posted January 17th 2023
I contacted Dog Training Elite to help with training purposes as well as anxiety with my dog. I have a black lab who I started with them when she was about 10 months old. She struggled with anxiety ever since this past summer with fireworks, as before that she had no problem! Ever since working with Dog Training Elite, they have instilled many great training qualities in her, and us as owners that has really helped her confidence and anxiety in situations. When we notice something may scare her and she cowers back, we always resort back to the commands and she has no problem. I highly recommend Dog training Elite if you not only want your dog trained to a high standard, but for yourself to also learn how to train your dog and know what to do in certain situations!— Jara Matlick
Posted January 9th 2023
Dog Training Elite was a life changer for me and my dog. This training method is very practical and makes my life so much easier. My dog listens so well to the commands he was taught and I can take him anywhere and know I will be able to maintain control. I needed to have this with such a large breed.— Emily Kellen
Posted January 7th 2023
We love Dog Training Elite Annapolis! They have been flexible with training times and made training our newfypoo an enjoyable experience. He is on his way to being a PSD dog for our daughter and we are forever grateful for their continued guidance.— Danielle Clark
Posted December 30th 2022
Our dog is now enjoyable to be around. She is much better behaved, listens to commands, and is easy to walk. All thanks to Christy and Sam at Dog Training Elite Annapolis.— Amy Hetherington
Posted December 29th 2022