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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 Rhode Island has years of experience with both Golden Retriever training and Golden Retriever puppy training. Dog Training Elite Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Training a Golden Retriever Puppy
Dog Training Elite Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island uses modern training methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding between dog and dog owner. Dog Training Elite Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island’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!
Danielle is the BEST! She is one of those people who just has a natural "connection" with dogs. She is very patient, kind, understanding, and extremely helpful. I can't say enough good things about her, and I'm so glad we are lucky enough to have found her for our training. 😊— Charles Peckham Jr.
Posted September 2nd 2024
Danielle is the BEST! She is one of those people who just has a natural "connection" with dogs. She is very patient, kind, understanding, and extremely helpful. I can't say enough good things about her, and I'm so glad we are lucky enough to have found her for our training.— Charles
Posted September 2nd 2024
Danielle is absolutely fantastic! She has a true understanding of each dog's temperament and abilities. She knows just how far to push them each class so that they can reach their full potential.— Michelle Pacheco
Posted August 31st 2024
Danielle is amazing! She has been working with me and our newly adopted Alaskan Malamute, Storm. She has been patient and kind as Storm and I work together to become a pet therapy team. Storm adores Danielle and enjoys every class we attend.— Donna Zannelli
Posted August 18th 2024
I adopted a two year old Alaskan Malamute. When we got her, she was nervous, suffered from separation anxiety, and constantly used her big paws to get our attention. Danielle has been so patient and kind with both me and our Storm. Working with Danielle, Storm now walks on a lead with confidence, no long uses her paws to get our attention, and can now be left alone at home without her howling or being destructive. Storm actually looks forward to our lessons, and so do I. Danielle has helped us become a team. I highly recommend Danielle and Dog Training Elite to anyone who has a dog, regardless of their age or breed!— Donna Zannelli
Posted August 18th 2024
Danielle is an amazing trainer! I couldn’t recommend her enough. She was patient and kind during all sessions. My dog is an amazing service animal thanks to Danielle and it’s made a huge difference in my life.— T Tat
Posted July 8th 2024
Danielle is the best by far of dog trainers I've known. She knows what she's doing and does it exceptionally well.— Andrew Frisch
Posted June 22nd 2024
Danielle helped us to train our Great Dane puppy in no time. We have a toddler and a new born in our house and we wanted to be sure Ringo would be gentle and respectful of the kid’s personal as well as listen to all his commands. With Danielle’s help, we were able to get our 7 month old, 70 lbs, Great Dane to place where we feel comfortable with him around not just the toddler, but the new born baby and guests as wel with minimal supervision.— Paul Fickenwirth
Posted June 6th 2024
Outstanding training and outstanding results. Our minigoldendoodle was a wild one until we enrolled him. After 5 lessons he is a pleasure to have. The group lessons are a plus as our pooch does not interact with bigger dogs like he does at group class. The decision to use Danielle proved to be very well worth it!— paul
Posted May 20th 2024
Danielle is amazing!! She has trained our Dutch Shepherd puppy and totally transformed her. She has learned so much from her private lessons and our group lessons. I highly recommend Danielle at Dog Training Elite!— Robin Cook
Posted May 11th 2024
Danielle is amazing. You can tell her love for dogs as soon as you meet her. She is so patient, and her instruction is very clear. Our dog Odie has made great strides in his training both at home and in group. I highly recommend Danielle at Dog Training Elite.— Pat Small
Posted May 6th 2024
Dog Training Elite RI has been a game-changer for Sully, our dog, thanks to the exceptional training provided by Danielle. Her commands for both the dog and the trainer are comprehensive and effortlessly understood. She is undeniably a seasoned expert in her field. I highly recommend her services to anyone, regardless of their dog’s breed or size.— James Lampman
Posted May 4th 2024
We reached out to Danielle regarding our 6 year old hound mix who’s part beagle and we are not sure what else. Lexi was your typical dog, behaved generally well and knew commands such as sit, stay, down, etc. She barked at pretty much anything, and would jump on anyone who walked through our door to try to lick their face. Fast forward to late 2022 we noticed Lexi become more skittish and would appear anxious since our son would at times lunge at her unexpectedly. This lasted through the year and she was getting more and more anxious. Fast forward to winter of 2023, our son HATED bath time for a bit as two year olds do, and Lexi started to not quite attack me when clean up his toys but would get aggressive and put herself between me and the toys I was trying to clean. We resorted to locking her in a room at bedtime for my safety since I was pregnant at the time. She also started going after our dog when other dogs would just walk by our home, or if we accidentally so much as stepped on her paw, she would attack our other dog, most times drawing blood. We were at a point of, “do we re-home her”, we have young children and we’re not sure we could trust her to not hurt them or us. This was a dog who completely changed from an easygoing dog to one who became so anxious with children in the home. We are BEYOND grateful to Danielle for coming and working with us, it saved our first baby and showed us that if you put in the love, time, and effort you can also have your beloved pet back. Danielle came out in the end of March for our first one on one session. After the first class we practiced the “come, off, quiet” and within that first week, we noticed a big difference with her barking, jumping on people and coming after me at bedtime. Others who came over that she normally jumped on also noticed a big difference. As the weeks went on, we continued through the program and we got Lexi to the point of being on a leash not pulling, lunging at other dogs and was able to walk along side Danielle’s dog in the final one on one. If you are hesitating, do we try this?, DO IT! We have a completely different dog back and she listens better than she ever has. We are so grateful for this training.— Shannon Tacelli
Posted April 26th 2024
Danielle was great. We have a 10 month old bully mix who is very energetic we also have a child on the way and knew we needed help before she arrives. She helped us to get him to listen to us and follow directions both around the house and while out on walks. We have seen steady improvement with our dog as his training progresses.— Benjamin Phillips
Posted April 23rd 2024
I am a student at Roger Williams University working on a dog scent project. I couldn’t have been happier with picking Dog Training Elite to help me out. Kona was very well trained puppy who showed great work doing her smell training. I would highly recommended this company for all type of training. Danel greatly helped me out answering any and all questions I had. And she did it with a smile on her face the entire time.— Seth Jablonki
Posted April 23rd 2024
In Dec 2022 I brought home an 8 week old, highly energetic, husky malamute shepherd mix. It was immediately clear that I needed more training than I knew at the time and I enlisted the help and expertise of Danielle at Dog Training Elite. I started with the puppy training package which provided the fundamentals. I then followed that with Advanced Training, which built on the fundamentals and included e-collar training and group classes. The group classes are where the rubber meets the road and the practice of all the training you’ve done comes together in practical application. Danielle excels at providing patient instruction to the dog and the owner. She offers solutions to problems that aren’t a one size fits all solution. I chose Danille because I highly valued a balanced training approach that came by way of treats and praise, as well as using the modern tools at our disposal including prong collars and e-collars. The e-collar is an invaluable communication tool and I knew it would be the right method for my dog. I highly recommend Danielle, her approach, and her training.— John Babb
Posted March 30th 2024
I would definitely recommend Dog Training Elite!! The amount of care and one on one experience is worth the money! I've seen such improvement in my pup since we started!— Kimberly Thompson
Posted February 26th 2024
We recently got a puppy to be little sister to our 6-year old lab mix, and looked into training for them both. We couldn’t be happier to have found Danielle at Dog Training Elite RI. They have both come so far with their obedience training, and we will also be doing service animal training. Danielle’s love of dogs shines through in all of her classes. This was the best decision for the happiness of our fur babies!!— Robert Bolt
Posted December 2nd 2023
Daniel is the best, From the initial training to the followup classes we have been very happy.— gary chiasson
Posted November 22nd 2023