An image of a happy golden retriever - contact Dog Training Elite for your golden retriever training in Columbia, SC.

Professional Training For

Golden Retrievers

Dog Training Elite Midlands SC

Request Free Assessment

Request Free Assessment

Our Golden Retriever Training Could Help:
Separation anxiety
Excessive barking
Overexcitement
Destructive chewing
Jumping on people
Pulling on the leash
Uncontrolled digging

Golden Retriever Training in Columbia, SC

At Dog Training Elite, we have extensive experience in Golden Retriever training in Columbia, SC, both as puppies and adults. This breed's eagerness to please and high intelligence make them relatively easy to train, whether the goal is basic obedience, therapy work, or specialized tasks. Our training programs are tailored to maximize the breed's natural abilities and ensure effective, lasting results.

By working with our team at Dog Training Elite Midlands SC, owners can develop a strong bond with their Golden Retriever, guiding them through each stage of their development. We focus on harnessing your dog's inherent qualities, helping you raise a well-behaved, reliable, and loving companion.

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A well-trained golden retriever with their owner - our Columbia golden retriever puppy training can help your pup be a loving family companion.

Why Golden Retrievers Make Ideal Family Dogs


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Golden Retrievers have long been a favorite choice for families, consistently ranking as one of the top five breeds in America. Their intelligence, loyalty, and friendly disposition make them exceptional companions, especially in households with children. These dogs are gentle, fun-loving, and excel in various roles due to their strong work ethic and adaptability.

Despite their many strengths, Golden Retrievers are not naturally aggressive, which means they may not be the best choice as guard dogs. However, their calm and sociable nature makes them a perfect fit for families looking for a loving and dependable companion.

Get Your Free Assessment

You and your canine companion really can have it all. See how easy it can be to become a member of the elite pup society by requesting a free consultation today!

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Zach Underwood
    Feb. 19, 2026
    Justin was great. Extremely professional and helpful. Cannot wait to join the DTE family.
  • Sharon
    Dec. 31, 2025
    Logyn was empathetic with challenges experienced with our now 22 week old Lab. We visited Lowes to expose our puppy to different noises. I had so much anxiety. Not knowing how she would react to the environment. But she did well. We worked on commands. Very good training, we have homework. Thanks Logyn!
  • Barbara Philson
    Feb. 11, 2026
    Our training today was amazing with immediately responses from our dogs. We are so pleased with the training. 😊
  • Charline Mayo
    Feb. 1, 2026
    I am so thankful for the training, guidance, and support Justin, Loghin, and their team have provided me as I raise Beaufort, my English Springer Spaniel. It has been a long time since I have reared a puppy, and I want to be sure I get it right. I want Beaufort to be the kind of dog people love and want to be around. And I want to give him the best possible life I can give him, and the team at Dog Training Elite is helping me do just that. Thank you and God Bless!
  • Matthew Wilson
    Jan. 19, 2026
    Justin was through in his demonstration of expected dog behaviors, and of the different programs available.
  • michael varallo Sr.
    Nov. 12, 2025
    Super program Super Trainer Great start for our Charlie
  • Stephen Lynch
    Dec. 19, 2025
    Justin dealt with our dog at the craziest he'd been yet and took it in stride. Really impressed with their methods and how they walk owners through what to do!
  • Gail Marcum
    Dec. 12, 2025
    This session was really needed. We worked on "place" with our wild puppy. Instructions were great and puppy is learning with us
  • Natasha Stamps
    Jan. 8, 2026
    Justin and his team are amazing trainers. 10/10 recommend!
  • Lu
    Jan. 5, 2026
    We had our assessment today with Justin and he was awesome! He was professional, knowledgeable, and down to earth. We can’t forget about his fur co-assessor Louie!! So adorable!
  • Melissa
    Dec. 23, 2025
    I was hesitant to use a trainer but my Luna got to be too much to handle on my own. Still a ways to go, but After 5 sessions I can take her on a walk and not have to worry about her chasing cars, people, or trying to pull me with the leash. I am thankful for our trainer in giving us the tools we need to be able to enjoy having Luna with us enjoying more than just our home.
  • Ted Smith
    Nov. 14, 2025
    Awesome first session with Bear! Thanks Justin!
  • Tina Boutte
    Dec. 4, 2025
    Justin was very professional and pleasant to talk with. He explained the process very well and provided a on-site demonstration with his dog Louie. Awesome experience.
  • Mary BACO
    Dec. 3, 2025
    My first training session with Logan, it was great. We made a lot of progress with Daisy that I will work on over this week. All of my training received with Elite/Midlands has been great. THANKS!
  • Ben Ott
    Nov. 20, 2025
    Highly recommended!! Great experience and great trainers
  • Marvin Carraway
    Aug. 21, 2025
    Can't say enough positive things about Justin. Justin is truly an elite trainer who is very modest and well grounded.
  • Loghin Livingston
    Nov. 11, 2025
    The team has been outstanding from start to finish. Their professionalism and dedication made the process seamless, from helping me find the right dog to guiding us through training from 10 weeks to 15 months. My Service Dog now performs with near-perfect accuracy, and thanks to their expertise, I’ve been able to move away from the medication I once relied on. I’m incredibly grateful for this team and all they’ve done to help my dog and me reach this level of success.
  • Ashley Roberts
    Nov. 5, 2025
    We have a 10 month old English Setter. We have had 5 sessions with Justin so far and it has been an amazing experience. We have learned so much and our dog Penny has too! We did our first lesson out in public yesterday and I was so nervous but Justin met me at the store and took control of her because he knew I was nervous and she did great! I feel much more confident in my own ability to handle her in public now which will open up so many possibilities for us to travel with her and experience new things. I HIGHLY recommend Justin and his crew! We did another week long board and train program and it just wasn’t effective but having Justin come and train us all in our environment has been a game changer for us. Justin also brings his dogs to help socialize and train and offers group classes on weekends too!
  • Darren Bean
    Oct. 27, 2025
    Intro meeting. Straight forward and thorough
  • Bryce Harrington
    Oct. 22, 2025
    Justin has been great at instructing and demonstrating the commands to teach our dog the behaviors we’re looking for. We have seen dramatic improvements in our dog’s behavior in just two lessons. We would recommend Dog Training Elite Midlands to anyone.
A well-trained golden retriever posing for a picture.

Columbia Golden Retriever Puppy Training

Training a Golden Retriever Puppy

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At Dog Training Elite Midlands SC, we recommend starting dog training as early as possible. Puppies are capable of learning basic commands, and smart Golden Retriever puppies do great with early training.

Complete Columbia Golden Retriever Puppy Training typically takes a few months. We offer 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, we offer 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 be 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.

Additional Breeds We Train

Dog Training Elite Midlands SC - German Shepherd Training in Columbia. DTE

German Shepherd

Dog Training Elite Midlands SC - Labrador Dog Training in Columbia, SC. DTE

Labrador

Dog Training Elite Midlands SC - Goldendoodle Training in Columbia, SC. Dog Training Elite

Goldendoodle

Dog Training Elite Midlands SC - Beagle Dog Training in Columbia, SC. DTE

Beagle

Dog Training Elite Midlands SC - Pitbull Training in Columbia, SC. DTE

Pitbull

Dog Training Elite Midlands SC - Doberman Training in Columbia, SC. DTE

Doberman

Dog Training Elite Midlands SC - Border Collie Training in Columbia, SC. DTE

Border Collie

Dog Training Elite Midlands SC - French Bulldog Training in Columbia, SC. DTE

French Bulldog

Golden Retriever Training Tips

Golden Retrievers are quick learners with a strong desire to work alongside their owners. Their intelligence and willingness to follow commands make them ideal for various types of training, from basic obedience to more advanced skills.

Here are some essential training tips for Golden Retrievers.

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 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.

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.

At Dog Training Elite, we have developed training programs for puppies and adult dogs alike based on proven techniques. German Shepherd training with our in-home option is entirely possible.

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.
A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Midlands SC.
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Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Victory Begins With Elite Education

An happy, well manered golden retriever with training from Dog Training Elite Midlands SC.

The Dog Training Elite Difference

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At Dog Training Elite Midlands SC, we use modern training methods focused on balance and bonding between dog and dog owner. We never resort 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 training theory for every dog breed 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. Our method 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!