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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 Southeast Michigan has years of experience with both Golden Retriever training and Golden Retriever puppy training. Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan 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 Southeast Michigan 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 Southeast Michigan location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Training a Golden Retriever Puppy
Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan 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 Southeast Michigan 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 Southeast Michigan 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 Southeast Michigan 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 Southeast Michigan 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 Southeast Michigan uses modern training methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding between dog and dog owner. Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan 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 Southeast Michigan 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 Southeast Michigan’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!
Hailey makes dog training so fun. Our puppy loves to see her drive in. Hailey is very professional yet caring and kind. Always on time. Austin did our home assessment. He explained everything in detail and answered all questions.— Teresa Roy
Posted April 27th 2024
Hailey is an exceptional trainer! Emily is a much different/better companion because of her. We're very glad we contacted Elite.— Linda Eaves
Posted April 27th 2024
Hailey has been working with us and our puppy Maple for 7 lessons. She is so patient and knowledgeable. We are making amazing progress. We have been to other places for training in the past with other dogs but the advantages of in home training are so much better. Hailey is always on time and asks if there is anything specific we want to work on as well as scheduled lesson. Austin came out for the initial assessment and explained the program thoroughly. It is everything he said it would be.— Teresa Roy
Posted April 25th 2024
Ryann Reese is the best! She is always patient with me and very helpful! My dog is so much better now since I was taught how to be boss mom! Thank you Ryann!— Dianne Wright
Posted April 19th 2024
We could not have been happier with the training that we got from Dog Training Elite. Austin and Hailey both did an excellent job and worked hand in hand with us through the training. We were able to incorporate our kids and have them involved in the process, with an 85 pound German Shepard we felt like this was important for our dog to listen to the kids as well. The knowledge that DTE was able to give us has allowed us to continue training on our own and have the confidence to take him out in public without concern. I would highly recommend their service, definitely worth the investment. Thanks Austin and Hailey!— Brian Bott
Posted April 17th 2024
Hailey was great!! We learned the tools needed to help train our golden retriever puppy in a fun but effective way. We would highly recommend Hailey!— Robyn Leineke
Posted March 27th 2024
Hailey did a great job training our very active GSP, Diesel!! Looking forward to the group sessions.— Judith Westerberg
Posted March 23rd 2024
Worth every penny! We are first time dog owners and have found this training SO helpful. It has given us the tools to feel like we understand our dog’s behavior and have control over it too. This training has given our family a lot of confidence with our new pet and has made dog ownership more enjoyable as we’ve navigated the behavior of a rescue puppy. Hailey and Austin are awesome! Hailey is communicative, kind and flexible. She put me at ease whenever we had trainings because of her knowledge, patience and kindness. She helped get our whole family involved in the trainings, including our kids. She’s easy to talk with and I looked forward to our trainings each time. She’s super encouraging and always available if something comes up between training sessions. You can tell she really loves dogs! I feel so appreciative of what Dog Training Elite has given our family - Highly recommend!— Krista Mast
Posted March 21st 2024
Austin and Haley have not only been a pleasure to work with—they have helped us transform our dog into a sociable, well-behaved companion. He was already sweet, but was overly protective, barking way too much, pulling on his leash, lunging at strangers. Now we can take him anywhere. Friends and family encourage us to bring him along! We can walk quietly past bikers, strollers, joggers, other dogs. He’s friendly with other dogs and people. Good thing, since he has now been certified as a therapy dog! He’s clearly happier too and more confident. He also LOVES Austin and Haley and is always so happy to see them even though they put him through his paces! I highly recommend Dog Training Elite.— Mary Jo Larson
Posted March 9th 2024
I recommend dog training elite to everyone who needs help with their dog or is interested in having a service dog. From the very beginning they have been wonderful and supportive of my journey to have a trained service dog for myself. They even helped me pick out the perfect puppy and they came out to the dog breeder’s house with me to interview the dogs and help me find the right dog. They have been supportive for every step throughout my dog’s early puppy months and beyond. My dog has passed obedience training and now we are onto the service dog portion. Raising my own service dog has been very therapeutic for me and I feel confident that with my dog at my side I can now get out in the world again. None of this would have been possible without the team at dog training elite. Ryen and Austin are the best. Thank you for everything you have done for me and for my dog Billy.— Kimberly McMurray
Posted February 26th 2024
DTE has provided excellent training for both my dog Louie and me! From the initial in-home assessment throughout the entire training program Austen has been consistent in approach and extraordinarily effective with my dog. Hailey has added to that, reinforcing what we have been taught in an effective and compassionate manner. Louie has become a wonderful therapy dog and we look forward to serving our community. We are truly grateful for DTE!— Diana DiRita
Posted February 16th 2024
I have nothing but great things to say about DTE. Austin and his team were professional and knowledgeable. They were patient with the questions I had and were thorough with responses. Hailey was also great when she ran DTE's group classes on Saturdays. She displayed knowledge and confidence in her ability to communicate and educate the dog owners. Now if only they could get a group class on the Eastside...— Stephanie Falotico
Posted February 15th 2024
Austin and his team are great. Very professional and provides great service. Highly recommend.— James Griffith Dewling
Posted February 2nd 2024
Ryan and Austin both were amazing from start to finish. I started with puppy classes and just finished our 1-on-1’s from advanced obedience. My Doberman responded amazingly and they always were there to answer my many (many lol) questions. I highly suggest starting them with puppy classes because it really built the foundation for the obedience classes to move much smoother.— Alexiss Marie
Posted January 28th 2024
We are so happy with our training from Elite. We have a 5 year old rescue and they proved you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. Very professional, positive and patient. We had a great experience with Holleigh!— Allison Siriani
Posted October 31st 2023
We have 2 Newfoundlands weighing in at 120 pounds each, a six year old and an 18 month pup. The pup is very high energy and was very aggressively friendly towards other dogs and people and has pulled my wife and I down several times resulting in broken bones. In just 6 weeks, the aggressiveness and energy are under control and we can walk both dogs together safely. We even walked through Home Depot without incident. I never thought that would be possible. I can't say enough good things about Austin and his team. Friendly, professional, understanding, flexible, courteous...and unbelievable results. All I can really say is thank you so much!!— David Fitnich
Posted September 13th 2023
Austin and his team are absolutely incredible. Our 3 1/2 yo goldendoodle had 0 training and Austin took her (and us!) all the way through to Service Dog certification. We are thrilled with Sosha's success. Austin's calm demeanor and training approach made the learning curve easy!— MK Merrigan
Posted August 31st 2023
The gratitude and appreciation I have for Austin, both as a professional trainer and as a person, cannot be overstated. His kindness and patience, coupled with detailed knowledge of dog behavior and training best practices have made the puppy months incredibly enjoyable and rewarding (and my pup, Charlie agrees!) I am a first-time owner, so raising a confident, yet obedient and well-mannered dog, has been my primary goal. Notably, I have seen the level of engagement in helping me meet my goal be extended to each owner he works with - a consummate trainer and consultant.— L B S
Posted July 25th 2023
My family and I wanted to thank Austin for an amazing dog training experience. This was our first dog and we got him as a newborn, completely untrained. Austin was soooo very knowledgeable about every aspect of our puppy. On our first session, he predicted all the outcomes and reactions from our puppy before they happened, and he was 100% spot on. Austin had a very gentle way with our puppy and was able to command respect with a soft and loving touch. Austin gave us all the tools we need to continue training our furbaby at our own pace. We use and depend on his techniques everyday. We are so blessed that we found him.— Alka Jain
Posted June 26th 2023
Austin's expertise, experience and patient demeanor have made training easy to follow and fun. My dog is so much calmer now that he knows what I am asking of him. I'm still working the program, but I have so much more confidence in going out in public and testing his new skills. If you want a calm and confident dog that you can take anywhere they are welcome, definitely call Austin and DTE right away. It has changed our lives.— Michelle Hutter
Posted March 11th 2023
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan, 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 Southeast Michigan 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.