Learning how to train a dog is essential in having a dog well-integrated into your home. Read on to learn more about the basic dog training commands, or if you would prefer, you can jump straight to the
Training Videos
.
Dog training can be a lot of fun, in particular since Golden Retrievers can be taught to do many things. But before you get into the fancy and cutesy tricks (for example speak, roll-over, and even shake hands), it is critical to know how to train a dog some basics. The following is a list of some of the important commands and what exactly they mean. When your Golden masters these, she will truly be a well-behaved reliable dog, who can accompany you anywhere.
Sit -- This position is self-explanatory. A dog who sits down on command is far preferable to one who jumps around unmanageably. Goldens will often proactively sit down when they want to ask for something (treats for example!).
Down -- This position is when the dog lies all the way down, with her belly touching the floor. It is ideal if she moves her hind legs over slightly to one side. This position is very comfortable for the dog, and can be easily maintained for a long time. Please note that this command should not be confused with the "Off" command below.
Stay -- This command means that the dog has to maintain the position in which she was when this command was given. So there can be a sit-stay, or a down-stay.
Wait -- This command means that the dog should stop forward motion. She does not have to maintain her position -- she can stand, sit or even move around -- as long as she does not move forward. This is useful when the dog is going ahead of you in an off-leash area, when you open the front door and you don't want her to go out, when you give her food and you don't want her to rush to it, and so on.
Off -- This dog training command is when you want your dog to get off of something - a person, furniture, and so on. Please do not use the word "Down" for this. In general, you can use any word for any command as long as each word consistently means only one action.
Leave It -- This command is to be used when you want your dog to leave something alone. This can be a child's toy, some tissue paper (my Goldens love this), or any hazardous or undesirable object.
Settle -- This command basically tells the dog that you want her to calm down, and settle down for a while.
Come -- This dog training command is a super important one. Whether your dog comes to you or not when called can literally be a matter of life and death for her (for example if she is off leash near a street).
Heel -- This command is to make the dog walk properly by your side, without darting ahead of you. This is particularly important when you take her to a crowded area.
You have to work with your dog until she follows these commands consistently and reliably. Do sessions in a wide variety of environments, at times with distractions around as well. The specifics of how to train a dog these commands can be taught are best learned from a qualified trainer.
Of course, if you and your dog enjoy training and working together, there is a whole new universe out there for you. If you want to learn more about training puppies yourself, you can take a look at Free Puppy Training Tips.
After you are done with the basics of training a Golden Retriever, you can get involved in the Canine Good Citizen Program, Agility, Obedience, Field Work, and Rally (a relatively new activity introduced by the AKC). Have fun and happy training!
It is critical to teach your Golden Retriever some basic commands. This will facilitate in making her an integral and valuable member of your family and of society in general.
