Golden retrievers are highly intelligent animals and can be trained very easily. They are also very obedient and will follow instructions although they tend to have a playful attitude. If you make sure to keep your training sessions very short so they don’t last more than 10 minutes, you should be fine.

The Golden Retriever is a very playful dog and curbing this instinct will only make the dog unhappy and depressed. If you want a serious-minded dog that will listen to your every call, get yourself a German Shepherd. The Goldie is meant for different people, people who love dogs and want dogs that love them in return. The Golden Retriever is a very affectionate dog and will be effusive in his show of affection which is what people want in them and training them to be otherwise is a waste of a good dog.

When they are little, keep repeating what you want them to do; either to go to the bathroom or not to go anywhere. They are very small and their attitude means that they do not listen to you, although in a very short time they will understand what you want them to do. You never have to physically correct your dog, and a resounding NO is more than enough to correct errant behavior. Stick to potty training and have the dog call you when he wants to come out for the first few months.

Once the dog has crossed 6 months, you can slowly start with other things, like having the dog come closer or fetching things. Even here you have to realize that dogs fully grow up only when they are two or more years old and they are still too young and playful to obey you all the time. The repetition is enough as they will slowly follow your commands and after they grow up it won’t be a problem at all.

Training them with treats is one of the easiest things to do, but not always recommended. This is because they have voracious appetites and once they realize you are treating them if they obey you, they will be almost your slaves as long as you keep feeding them. This is bad in the long run, as they tend to become obese and cause a number of physical problems.

In general, you can’t go too far wrong with a retriever, as they are eager to please and a joy to train.