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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 Lowcountry has years of experience with both Golden Retriever training and Golden Retriever puppy training. Dog Training Elite Lowcountry 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 Lowcountry 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 Lowcountry location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Training a Golden Retriever Puppy
Dog Training Elite Lowcountry 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 Lowcountry 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 Lowcountry 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 Lowcountry 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 Lowcountry 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 Lowcountry uses modern training methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding between dog and dog owner. Dog Training Elite Lowcountry 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 Lowcountry 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 Lowcountry’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!
The entire team was fabulous. They taught my dog, Bella, and me to be a true team. All with positive reinforcement!— Annette Cooper
Posted April 23rd 2024
Dog Training Elite is one of the best things to ever happen to me. They helped me find my sweet baby Shadow who has helped me tremendously. In just one training session with Colby, my puppy was acting like a whole new dog. Colby was very attentive and took the time to get to know me and my dog to better help with the training and from the start, Shadow was attached and couldn’t get enough of her. Along with Colby, Steve (the owner) took Shadow in for a week for intense training and she came back knowing so much more than she did going in. He took the time to fill me in on what she had learn and how to hold her to those standards. The whole team at DTE is just wonderful and I would highly recommend them to all!— Amber Nejman
Posted April 12th 2024
Training with the owner Steve has been great! Second session and we are working on heel. He was able to stay in a Place for the entirety of a surgery so I've been very impressed. Our puppy is being trained as a service dog, and he loves going everywhere. He's always on his best behavior. The trainers are doing an excellent job of training us how to help him be successful long-term. All of us enjoy the training sessions and learning new skills— Heather C
Posted March 22nd 2024
Steve was awesome and I really liked the approach. I am convinced that my dogs will be so much easier to control after training. The dogs are great and love people but their level of love and excitement made some people uncomfortable. The are responding in a very positive way to the trading.— Karen Eaton
Posted October 7th 2023
Dog Training Elite Lowcountry helped us train our Bernedoodle as a service dog. They worked with our busy schedule and truly met the needs of our family. Our dog had her CGC, AKC Urban, AKC community, and service dog public access tests passed before she turned 1 thanks to their guidance. I now have all the tools necessary to maintain her training.— Lindsey Rebecca
Posted June 30th 2023
Steve was the trainer for Lana, our golden doodle 2 year old dog. Lana was trained from a very energetic dog that lunged towards strangers to say hello and pulled on walks to a service dog for PTSD. I recently took her on an international flight and she behaved perfectly and sat under my seat the whole flight. The crew said that she was the most well behaved service dog they have ever seen. Lana has become a new dog and now we take her everywhere. Steve was so helpful and went above and beyond to help train our dog. We recommend him to everyone and cannot say enough about the training Lana received! He drove out to our house for every lesson and worked with our schedule to make it work. Thank you!— Rachel Banu
Posted November 6th 2022
Steve was the trainer for Lana, our golden doodle 2 year old dog. Lana was trained from a very energetic dog that lunged towards strangers to say hello and pulled on walks to a service dog for PTSD. I recently took her on an international flight and she behaved perfectly and sat under my seat the whole flight. The crew said that she was the most well behaved service dog they have ever seen. Lana has become a new dog and now we take her everywhere. Steve was so helpful and went above and beyond to help train our dog. We recommend him to everyone and cannot say enough about the training Lana received! He drove out to our house for every lesson and worked with our schedule to make it work. Thank you!— Rachel Banu
Posted November 6th 2022
Had a great time working with Steven. Steven worked with Winnie and Marley amazingly. Thank you for all the help!— Duey Carstensen
Posted August 24th 2022
Our almost 3 year old was super hyper and would not listen at all! after just our first session with Dog Training Elite Low country, he was a totally different dog! We cannot believe what a difference this training has made. Thank you Valerie and Steve!— Amanda MB
Posted August 12th 2022
This is the best investment we have ever made with our dog. Steven Thompson is professional, prompt, kind, and extremely competent with canines. Our Goldendoodle is excited to see him for a lesson and she learns very quickly with his handling. He is also very patient with Lana’s human friends who he teaches alongside her. We are excited to be able to take a well-behaved dog with us to explore new places, confident that she is under control.— Linda Dotson Perkins
Posted August 12th 2022
Valerie and Steve area AMAZING PEOPLE and Charleston is very lucky to have them to help improve the lives of both dogs and their owners. You can tell they truly care about driving quality results and are very compassionate about improving your relationship with your beloved furry family member. I know that they are also very passionate about giving back to the community through their charity organization, the Malinois Foundation. They are extremely professional yet personal and if you are looking for a Dog Trainer in Charleston, look no further! Wish I could give more than 5 stars!— Kyle Christie
Posted July 8th 2022
Valerie an Steve are very knowledgeable an knows exactly what they are doing in training an the steps that need to be taken. Very detailed with explanations an process. I would definitely recommend their services! Thanks for all you do for our fur babies!— Joyce Carpenter
Posted July 1st 2022
Val and Steve are fantastic trainers. They are dedicated and truly passionate about improving the bond between dogs and their owners. I highly recommend them for all training needs!— craig fizer
Posted June 14th 2022
I would like congratulate Steve and Valerie on the opening of their Dog Training Elite business. I have seen the effectiveness of their training methods and the positive transformation in the behavior of the dogs they train. They genuinely want each owner to have the best possible relationship with their dog so that both can experience the all fun activities and joy that dogs bring to our lives. If you would like to make your dog a bigger part of your lifestyle, I encourage you to have Steve and Valerie demonstrate the level of confidence and obedience that their training can provide for your dog.— Vince Conrad
Posted June 6th 2022
My puppy, Tails, is currently in the training program and it has been great so far. Valerie and Steve are kind, professional, attentive, and always willing to answer any questions I have.— Abi C
Posted June 4th 2022
Valerie and Steve are tremendous and caring dog trainers, they are patient and want to help with every situation. After seeing their amazing dogs Hank and Rusty, I can't believe how lucky the Charleston area is to have such caring people in their area.— George Rehbein
Posted June 1st 2022
Valerie and Steve are so passionate about the work that they do!— Kelley Rosequist
Posted May 18th 2022
Valerie and her dog, Hank, were amazing! So excited for her to train my dog and to work with her!— Sunny de Armas
Posted May 18th 2022
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite Lowcountry, we believe that Service Dogs save lives. It is our mission to make these life-saving companions available to our Veterans, First Responders, Women Survivors, and Children with Medical Needs. Whether it be for PTSD, Mobility Support, or Special Needs, Dog Training Elite Lowcountry works with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.