Golden Retrievers are eager to please and quick to learn, which makes them a joy to train when you use positive, consistent methods. This guide covers housebreaking, basic commands, socialization, and how to set your puppy up for a lifetime of good behavior.

Core Principles

• 🐾Positive reinforcement – Reward what you like (treats, praise, play); ignore or redirect what you don’t.
• 🐾Consistency – Same cues, same rules, and the whole family on the same page.
• 🐾Short sessions – Puppies have short attention spans; 5–10 minutes several times a day beats one long session.

Housebreaking

1. 🐾Schedule – Take your puppy out after waking, eating, playing, and every 1–2 hours.
2. 🐾Same spot – Use one area in the yard so the smell cues them.
3. 🐾Reward immediately – Treat and praise the moment they finish outside.
4. 🐾Clean accidents well – Use an enzymatic cleaner like our Training essentials to remove odor so they don’t re-soil.

Basic Commands (Sit, Stay, Come)

• 🐾Sit – Lure with a treat over the nose, reward when bottom hits the floor.
• 🐾Stay – Start with 1 second, then build duration and distance.
• 🐾Come – Use a long line at first; reward every time they reach you. High-value treats help – see Food/Treats.

Keep sessions fun and end on a success. For more structure, pair with a good book or our Puppy Care guide for health and routine.

Socialization

Expose your puppy safely to people, dogs, sounds, and surfaces. Avoid overwhelming them; let them approach at their pace. Well-socialized Goldens grow into confident, friendly adults.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• 🐾Punishing accidents after the fact (they won’t connect it).
• 🐾Inconsistent rules (e.g., allowing jumping sometimes).
• 🐾Skipping socialization or pushing too fast.

Final Thought

Training is an ongoing conversation with your Golden. Stay patient, reward often, and enjoy the process.