Q&A for How to Train a Golden Retriever Puppy

Yes, just choose a command like “good” or “yes” as a signal if you don’t have a clicker.

Yes it is. Many people compare owning a puppy to having a baby because the youngster needs constant supervision, takes a lot of clearing up after, and you have sleepless nights. Truly, getting a puppy is an utter joy but it's also a huge commitment if you are going to raise the puppy right so they grow into a happy, well-adjusted adult dog.

There is no one answer to this because there are different levels of insurance coverage (for example coverage up to $2,000 of vet bills or up to $12,000). Also, some policies pay out just for one event a year, whilst others cover the pet for life. The size of the deductible influences the cost. However, there are lots of price comparison websites where you can input the details and come up with a range of policy prices from different insurers.

Basic house training can start from around 8 weeks of age, but don't expect too much success before 10-12 weeks. Start basic obedience training around this time, but be sure to use reward-based methods and keep things fun.

All dogs learn at different rates, and golden retrievers are no different. Potty training comes first, with most dogs learning to be clean within 2-6 weeks. Obedience training should continue throughout their life, in order to provide valuable mental stimulation and bonding with their owner.

Golden retrievers are amiable and eager to please, which is a great combination when it comes to training. Use reward-based methods and make each session fun, and you'll have a well-mannered dog in no time.

Being overly aggressive is rare in Golden Retrievers, but it would most likely be due to improper socialization, fear from bad treatment or a run in with a large dog or possibly from poor breeding. If you think your puppy was mistreated by it's former caretakers or attacked by a dog these are likely causes of aggression.

Goldens can do well in apartments as long as they get plenty of exercise, so you will need to commit to doing more than just walks (play fetch, run or bike with it, go to a dog park, etc.) Their friendliness and lack of a guarding instinct are additional positives, though their tendency to put on weight when not getting enough exercise could become a problem.

It's fine to start as early as 8 weeks (the age you would typically get your puppy) but you can wait till about 6 months if you want. When training a young puppy you should be sure to keep training sessions very short (2-3 minutes) and don't punish or correct the puppy since punishment isn't effective and young puppies do not understand being corrected.

Golden retrievers were ranked by the American Kennel Club as the 4th easiest to train out of all breeds. Of course, each individuals dog's personality can vary.

Yes, you can if you want to.

You could consult a professional dog training service and work with the dog to get over this behavior while it is still young.

Most of the time breeders just care about the money and not at all about the health of the puppy or its parents. Getting from a breeder gives them more reason to continue to do what they do now. Most of the times, these dogs also tend to have health problems as they get older due to improper breeding.

I think if your parents won't let you get one dog, they definitely won't let you get two. Show them that you are responsible and can handle a dog. Start out with a lower-maintenance pet, such as a fish or a hamster. When you do get a dog, adopt him/her from a shelter and do not buy him/her from a pet store or breeder.

When your golden retriever tries to bite you, move your hand and FIRMLY tell it no. When it tries again, try and catch the bottom of its chin in the palm of your hand, sit it down with your other hand, and again tell it no.

You should play with him a bit to tire him out. If a dog loses all this excess energy, he is easier to train

Make sure to get all the proper vaccinations for your golden and check dog food ingredients if your golden is allergic to food products. Regular vet checkups should keep your golden healthy.

Check out the article on How to Stop a Dog from Digging .

Golden retrievers are gentle and intelligent. They usually get along with other pets. Just make sure to supervise your dog's interactions with any smaller pet, at least for the first few times they meet, just to make sure no one gets hurt.

Yes. All dogs lose their baby teeth.

Sometimes they are just not ready. I'm 14 and I've been asking since I was 5, and my parents just don't want one. They do let me do dogsitting at my house, so I can get "part-time pets." Think about pet sitting if all else fails.

It depends on where you live, where you're purchasing the puppy, whether it's a purebred or not, etc. You could expect to spend anywhere from $50 to hundreds of dollars!

This is different for every puppy. It depends on understanding, focus, practice and more.

Give her lots of chew toys. Be aware that Goldens tend to chew and mouth things a lot, especially in puppyhood.

Get a treat and call for him. The sound of a treat box or bag will normally get them wanting to come inside. Give them the treat when they come inside and say, “Good come”.

Yes, but make sure it isn’t a toy he or she might choke on. For example, small plastic bones may be a choking hazard. Things like stuffed animals may also be a choking hazard because your puppy may rip it apart and choke on the stuffing. Squeaky toys are fine, though.

Yes. Puppies need lots of sleep because they grow a lot when they are that young. If you are concerned about it, contact your local vet.

Yes. You should start training your pup not to bite. Don’t expect them to be done just like that. When they bite, make a loud yipping sound. Not only will it startle them (causing them to stop biting), they will know that when they do that, it hurts you. Remember to be positive and patient with your puppy and not to scold them too much or it could cause them to become depressed and they may no longer want to play.

Yes, golden retrievers are very good family and house dogs. They are very easy to potty train and train in obedience.

Dogs are hard to take care of, they are also expensive. They need daily attention, walks, grooming and feeding. They need to be taken to the vet for checkups and to fix injuries and illness. They make mess and you need to clean up their poop. Are you up for all that?