Golden Retrievers are widely recognized for their intelligence, eagerness to please, and gentle demeanor—qualities that make them exceptionally trainable. Whether you’ve just brought home a puppy or adopted an adult Golden, teaching basic commands is one of the best investments you can make in your dog’s well-being and your bond with them.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to teach your Golden Retriever essential obedience commands, offer tips for success, and troubleshoot common training issues.
Why Teaching Commands Is So Important
Training your Golden Retriever to respond to basic commands isn’t just about control—it’s about communication. Dogs thrive on structure and consistency, and obedience training provides both.
Benefits of Command Training:
- Enhances safety during walks and public outings
- Builds trust and strengthens the human-dog bond
- Reduces problem behaviors like jumping, barking, and chewing
- Provides mental stimulation
- Helps your dog become more confident and secure
A trained Golden is a happier, more balanced dog.
Preparing for Training: What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the right tools and set the stage for a positive training experience.
Essentials:
- High-value treats (chicken, cheese, or commercial training bites)
- Clicker (optional, for clicker training)
- Leash and collar or harness
- Quiet environment free from distractions
- Patience and consistency
Keep sessions short and fun—5 to 10 minutes, a few times per day.
Command #1: Sit
“Sit” is often the first command dogs learn and serves as a foundation for more advanced behaviors.
How to Teach:
- Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose.
- Slowly move your hand upward, encouraging their head to follow the treat. Their bottom will naturally lower.
- As soon as they sit, say “Sit” clearly and give the treat.
- Repeat several times and practice daily.
Tip: Never push your dog’s back down. Use gentle guidance and reward when they succeed on their own.
Command #2: Stay
“Stay” teaches impulse control and can be a lifesaver in potentially dangerous situations.
How to Teach:
- Ask your dog to sit.
- Hold your hand out in front of you like a “stop” sign and say, “Stay.”
- Take one step back. If they stay, reward immediately.
- Gradually increase distance and duration over time.
Tip: Always release your dog from the stay using a word like “Okay” or “Free.”
Command #3: Come
Also known as recall, “Come” helps you call your dog to you reliably, whether at the park or in your yard.
How to Teach:
- Start indoors on a leash or long lead.
- Crouch down, open your arms, and say “Come” in a happy voice.
- When they reach you, reward with treats and praise.
- Practice at increasing distances and in different locations.
Tip: Never call your dog to scold them. You want “Come” to always mean something good.
Command #4: Down
“Down” is useful for calming your dog and establishing control during overstimulating moments.
How to Teach:
- Start with your dog sitting.
- Hold a treat in front of their nose, then lower it slowly to the ground.
- Slide the treat forward, encouraging their body to follow.
- When they lie down, say “Down” and give the treat.
Tip: Be patient. Some dogs resist lying down in certain environments. Practice on soft surfaces if needed.
Command #5: Leave It
This command prevents your dog from picking up dangerous or unwanted items.
How to Teach:
- Hold a treat in your closed hand and let your dog sniff.
- When they lose interest, say “Leave it,” then reward them with a different treat from your other hand.
- Once consistent, try it with treats on the floor.
Tip: Gradually build up to more tempting items and increase the challenge.
Command #6: Heel (Loose Leash Walking)
Golden Retrievers love to explore, but pulling on the leash can be frustrating. Teaching “Heel” promotes calm walking behavior.
How to Teach:
- Start in a distraction-free area.
- Hold a treat at your side and say “Heel” as you begin walking.
- Reward when your dog walks beside you without pulling.
- Stop walking if they pull, and resume when they return to your side.
Tip: Use a front-clip harness for extra control if needed.
Tips for Successful Training
Training takes time and patience. These strategies will help you get the most from your sessions:
Be Consistent
Use the same words, hand signals, and tone every time. Consistency is key to building associations.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Reward good behavior with treats, praise, toys, or affection. Avoid punishment—it can create fear and confusion.
Keep Sessions Short
End on a high note, before your dog gets bored or frustrated. Multiple short sessions are better than one long one.
Practice in Different Environments
Once your dog masters a command at home, try it outside, at the park, or with distractions.
Use Hand Signals
Goldens are visual learners. Pair words with simple gestures to strengthen understanding.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Problem: Dog Doesn’t Respond
- Solution: Increase the value of the reward or move to a less distracting environment.
Problem: Dog Gets Bored
- Solution: Add variety, turn commands into games, and keep sessions fun.
Problem: Inconsistent Performance
- Solution: Reinforce regularly and don’t assume a command is “fully learned” after a few successes.
When to Start Training
Golden Retriever puppies can start learning commands as early as 8 weeks old. Keep lessons gentle and play-based. Older dogs can learn just as well—it might take a bit more patience, but the results are just as rewarding.
Train with Love, Lead with Patience
Teaching your Golden Retriever basic commands doesn’t just make life easier—it creates a stronger, more trusting relationship between you and your dog.
These intelligent, eager-to-please companions are ready and willing to learn—you just need to guide them with clarity, consistency, and kindness.
Every command they master opens a new door to communication—and deepens the bond you share. 🐾🎓