Golden Retrievers are friendly, intelligent dogs that love learning and meeting new people & pets. Here’s how to effectively train and socialize them:
🐾 Training – Teach New Commands & Skills
🔹 Start with Basic Obedience – If they know “Sit” and “Stay,” move on to “Heel” or “Leave It.”
🔹 Short Sessions (5-10 min) – Keep training fun and rewarding.
🔹 Use Positive Reinforcement – Treats, praise, and playtime work best.
🔹 Train in Different Locations – Practice commands at home, in the park, and around distractions to reinforce learning.
🔹 Mental Stimulation – Try puzzle toys, scent work, or trick training.
📌 New Commands to Teach:
✔️ “Heel” – Walk beside you without pulling.
✔️ “Wait” – Stay still before crossing a road or entering a door.
✔️ “Place” – Go to a bed or mat on command.
✔️ “Drop It” – Release an item from their mouth.
🐕 Socialization – Meet Other Dogs & People
🔹 Introduce New People – Let them meet calm adults, children, and people wearing hats, sunglasses, or uniforms.
🔹 Dog Park Visits – Supervised playdates help them learn social cues.
🔹 Leash Walks in Public – Helps them get used to new sights, sounds, and smells.
🔹 Car Rides & Different Environments – Take them to pet-friendly stores, vet clinics, or outdoor cafés.
🔹 Handling Exercises – Touch their paws, ears, and mouth to get them comfortable with vet visits and grooming.
🚨 Important Socialization Tips:
✔️ Stay Calm – If you’re nervous, your dog may pick up on it.
✔️ Use Treats & Praise – Reward good interactions.
✔️ Avoid Overwhelming Situations – Go slow with shy or nervous dogs.
✔️ Watch Body Language – Signs of stress (tail tucked, ears back, yawning) mean they need a break.
⏳ Best Time for Socialization?
✔️ Puppy Stage (8-16 weeks) – This is the critical period for socialization.
✔️ Adult Dogs – Can still be socialized, but it requires patience & consistency.
