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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 Huntsville has years of experience with both Golden Retriever training and Golden Retriever puppy training. Dog Training Elite Huntsville 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 Huntsville 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 Huntsville location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Training a Golden Retriever Puppy
Dog Training Elite Huntsville 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 Huntsville 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 Huntsville 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 Huntsville 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 Huntsville 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 Huntsville uses modern training methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding between dog and dog owner. Dog Training Elite Huntsville 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 Huntsville 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 Huntsville’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!
They have done a phenomenal job training ‘tracker’ to be a diabetic alert dog for our 4 year old. He is extremely well behaved especially in public and doing a great job alerting at such a young age already!— Bryan Landreth
Posted April 13th 2024
We have Mr JB helped us with evaluating puppies and got our servicedog puppy. This is our first dog so we followed professional instructions thru our puppy Ruby’s arrival to family , puppy training and now we are at Service Dog training session. Mr JB and his wife are excellent dog trainers. Our puppy is only four months old now but already started picking up kid from school. Ruby the golden doodle girl is already a star for being loving and obedient. We are ready to take group training class now. Very exciting and proud for our little Ruby. Thank you , Dog Training Elite ! You are the best.— Julie Castellanos
Posted September 13th 2023
JB has been amazing. Our puppy has learned so much and now both of us feel confident with each other. Thanks so much JB for training us.— Melanie Harries Blitch
Posted August 31st 2023
We have had such a positive experience with the whole DTE team! There are several packages and training by options to fit multiple needs. The trainers are all great! We worked mostly with JB working on obedience and some behavior issues we were having. Can’t say enough good things! Highly recommend!!— Kristin McElroy
Posted August 4th 2023
Can't believe the change in my dog. Her training made her realize that she is not the boss, and it has completely changed her.— sandra hensley
Posted July 4th 2023
I would highly recommend Elite Dog Training. JB was found to be not only professional, but also extremely experienced with the behaviors of dogs and the mistakes that I was making as a 🐾 paw parent.This insight brought me and my dog on the same path and has given me and my dog, a stronger bond and relationship And as a treasured member of our family I could not of selected a better person to help me with Bella than JB. Thank you J B. Jerome Honeyman— Jerome Honeyman
Posted April 21st 2023
Very knowledgeable and flexible in assisting us train a service dog. Individual classes are very effective, and group classes are fun for both the dog and handler.— Don Traut
Posted April 11th 2023
I'm very pleased with JB. I have difficult dogs and he's great with them, and pretty good with training me to work with them.— katandthefids everything2cellos
Posted April 8th 2023
We are so thankful for JB and Dog Training Elite! Our 5 year old whipador is highly anxious, and the training has helped her to trust us more and calm down. JB knows how to train the dogs AND the owners, which is key in having an obedient pet. We appreciate that JB makes house calls for the training, thus including the whole family, and the group sessions are a great way to expose our dog to other dogs while continuing to receive training under JB's watch and care. We highly recommend DTE!— Carissa Callan
Posted December 22nd 2022
DTE is awesome! Though skeptical at first, I am convinced that they are the best, and have an amazing dog to show for it! John is great and highly recommended!!!— Paul Hearn
Posted June 16th 2022
I highly recommend Dog Training Elite! From their training methods to the care and respect they show towards the dogs and owners, you can’t go wrong!— Cassie Frank
Posted June 16th 2022
JB is great,patient, and we are beyond thankful to have him working with us getting our puppy trained. I can contact him after hours with questions and he’s very responsive while educating you at the same time. Couldn’t have made a better investment with DTE !!— Derek Lazarus
Posted June 1st 2022
So far elite dog training has been great for my stubborn one year old service dog in training ! JB is always available to answer any questions and really helps understand each weeks training task!— M Girard
Posted May 25th 2022
These people are my neighbors. I watch them as they walk the streets with dogs in training. Dogs are well behaved, and trainers treat dogs with respect and positive reinforcement.— Kelly White
Posted May 3rd 2022
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite Huntsville, 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 Huntsville 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.