Golden Retriever Training

The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the UK, known for its friendly, intelligent, and loyal nature.

Originally bred as working dogs to retrieve game for hunters, Golden Retrievers are highly trainable and eager to please. Their gentle temperament makes them excellent family pets, therapy dogs, and service animals. However, despite their easy-going personality, Golden Retrievers can sometimes present challenges in training due to their high energy and playful nature. With consistent training and positive reinforcement, they can become well-mannered and balanced companions.

Common Challenges with Golden Retrievers

Although Golden Retrievers are naturally friendly and intelligent, training them can still present some unique challenges. Their high energy levels and social nature mean they need plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and structure.

Without these elements, they can become bored or develop unwanted behaviours.

Addressing these challenges early on with proper training techniques is key to raising a well-behaved dog.

High Energy & Need for Exercise

Golden Retrievers are active dogs with high energy levels. They were bred to work, which means they require plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Without sufficient activity, they may become bored or restless, leading to behaviours like chewing or digging. Engaging activities like swimming or fetch are great ways to help burn off their excess energy.

Overexcitability & Jumping

Golden Retrievers are sociable and friendly, often becoming overexcited when greeting people. This can lead to unwanted behaviours like jumping up on visitors or family members. While their excitement is often seen as a sign of affection, it’s important to train them to greet people calmly. By incorporating impulse control exercises and teaching commands you can manage their excitement and help them develop better manners.

Chewing & Destructive Behaviour

They have strong jaws and a natural urge to chew, which can sometimes result in destructive behaviour, especially during their teething phase. Providing them with appropriate chew toys and teaching them what is acceptable to chew on is essential. In addition, keeping them mentally stimulated with puzzle toys or treat-dispensing games can help prevent boredom, which is often the root cause of destructive chewing.

Attention-Seeking Behaviour

As a social breed, they thrive on human interaction and can become overly dependent on attention. This may lead to attention-seeking behaviours such as barking or nudging when they feel ignored. Teaching your Golden Retriever to be independent and gradually increasing the time they spend alone will help reduce these behaviours. Creating a consistent routine will give them a sense of security and reduce anxiety.

Golden Retrievers
as Assistance Dogs

Golden Retrievers aren’t just affectionate companions—they’re also one of the most reliable breeds for assistance work. Their intelligence, gentle temperament, and eagerness to please make them ideal for supporting individuals with disabilities, including those with mobility challenges, autism, or emotional support needs.

Goldens excel in tasks like retrieving items, opening doors, and providing balance support for individuals with physical impairments. Their highly intuitive nature allows them to sense emotional distress and respond with calming behaviours, making them excellent therapy and emotional support dogs. Whether assisting with daily tasks or offering comfort in stressful situations, Golden Retrievers provide unwavering companionship and support, improving the quality of life for their handlers.

Assistance Dog Training

Our Approach to Golden Retriever Training

We understand the unique characteristics and training needs of Golden Retrievers. Our programmes are designed to provide the physical and mental stimulation they require, while addressing common challenges like overexcitability, chewing, and attention-seeking behaviour.

Obedience & Impulse Control

Golden Retrievers are eager to please, making them responsive to obedience training. We focus on teaching key commands to help manage their behaviour, both at home and in public. Our training emphasises impulse control, ensuring they greet people calmly and respond consistently to commands.

Physical & Mental Stimulation

To meet their high energy needs, we incorporate activities such as fetch, agility, and swimming. These exercises not only burn off excess energy but also engage their minds. Additionally, we use interactive games and scent work to challenge their natural intelligence, ensuring they remain happy and balanced.

Destructive Behaviour Management

We address destructive chewing by providing appropriate outlets for this behaviour. By teaching Golden Retrievers what’s acceptable to chew and providing mental stimulation through puzzle toys, we help prevent boredom and the development of destructive habits.

Socialisation & Confidence Building

Socialisation is key for Golden Retrievers, helping them feel comfortable in various environments and with different people. Our programmes expose them to a variety of situations, building their confidence and teaching them to remain calm and well-behaved in social settings.