Best Training Methods For Golden Retriever Puppies
Golden Retrievers are one of the friendliest, smartest, and most eager-to-please breeds out there. That’s why people assume they’ll be easy to train. And while Goldens learn fast, they can also develop bad habits just as quickly if you don’t train them properly from the start.
As a veterinarian with ten years of experience and someone who runs a sanctuary for stray dogs and cats, I’ve seen too many Golden Retrievers whose owners assumed their natural sweetness meant they didn’t need structure. That’s a mistake. Without clear guidance, they’ll become mouthy, overly excitable, and even destructive.
The good news? If you train them right, you’ll have one of the most well-behaved, affectionate, and obedient dogs out there. Here’s how to do it.
1. Start Training the Day You Bring Them Home
Golden Retriever puppies are sponges—they start learning the moment they step into your house. If you let them get away with bad behavior now, they’ll think it’s okay later.
👉 How to do it:
- Set clear rules immediately. If they’re not allowed on the couch, don’t make exceptions.
- Start teaching basic commands (sit, stay, come) from day one.
- Use a structured routine for feeding, potty breaks, and playtime.
💡 Pro tip: Don’t wait until they’re older. Bad habits are much harder to fix than they are to prevent.
2. Use Positive Reinforcement—Goldens Thrive on It
Golden Retrievers are gentle and sensitive, so harsh punishment doesn’t work—it just confuses them. They learn best when rewarded for good behavior.
👉 How to do it:
- Reward with treats, praise, or playtime when they listen.
- Be quick with rewards—they need to associate the good behavior with the treat.
- Keep training fun and upbeat—they respond best to encouragement.
💡 Pro tip: Goldens are food-motivated, but don’t rely only on treats. Mix in praise and affection, too.
3. Socialization—Expose Them to Everything Early
Golden Retrievers are naturally friendly, but that doesn’t mean you can skip socialization. If they don’t experience different people, places, and situations early on, they can become shy, anxious, or overly excitable.
👉 How to do it:
- Introduce them to different types of people, dogs, and environments by 12 weeks old.
- Expose them to noises like vacuum cleaners, car horns, and doorbells.
- Arrange puppy playdates—but only with well-behaved dogs.
💡 Pro tip: Poorly socialized Goldens can develop fear-based behaviors, which can turn into excessive barking or nervousness.
4. Teach Bite Inhibition—Goldens Are Mouthy
Golden Retriever puppies love to use their mouths—it’s part of how they explore the world. If you don’t teach them bite inhibition early, they’ll keep nipping well into adulthood.
👉 How to do it:
- If they bite too hard during play, yelp and stop playing immediately.
- Redirect them to a chew toy—never let them think biting human hands is okay.
- Reward gentle mouth behavior with treats and praise.
💡 Pro tip: A firm “no” doesn’t work as well as withdrawing attention—they learn fast when fun stops.
5. Crate Train for Structure and Housebreaking
A crate isn’t cruel—it’s one of the best tools for house-training and creating a sense of security. Goldens like having a cozy spot of their own, and a crate helps them learn bladder control.
👉 How to do it:
- Make the crate comfortable with a soft bed and a toy.
- Use short crate sessions at first, gradually increasing the time.
- Take them outside immediately after crating—no exceptions.
💡 Pro tip: Never use the crate as punishment. It should be their safe space, not a timeout zone.
6. Leash Training—Start Before Bad Habits Form
Golden Retriever puppies love to pull on the leash. If you don’t correct this early, you’ll end up with a fully grown 70-pound dog dragging you down the street.
👉 How to do it:
- Use a no-pull harness—avoid choke collars, they’re unnecessary.
- Stop walking the second they start pulling. Only move when the leash is loose.
- Reward calm walking with treats and praise.
💡 Pro tip: Make walks about more than exercise—use them as training sessions.
7. Teach “Come” Early—It Could Save Their Life
Golden Retrievers are friendly to a fault—if they see another dog or person, they might bolt to say hello. Teaching solid recall early is critical.
👉 How to do it:
- Start in a controlled space (like indoors or a fenced yard).
- Say “Come!” in a happy, excited voice, then reward heavily when they obey.
- Never punish them for coming late—they should always associate “come” with good things.
💡 Pro tip: Practice “come” every day—even when you don’t need it. They should respond instantly, no hesitation.
8. Prevent Jumping—It’s Cute Now, But Not Later
Golden Retriever puppies love to jump on people. It’s adorable when they’re tiny, but not when they’re full-grown.
👉 How to do it:
- Ignore them when they jump—don’t give attention until all four paws are on the ground.
- Teach “sit” as a greeting—reward them for sitting instead of jumping.
- Don’t encourage jumping now and correct it later—stay consistent.
💡 Pro tip: If guests come over, have them ignore the puppy until they sit calmly.
Final Thoughts
Golden Retriever puppies are easy to train—but only if you do it right from the beginning. If you slack off, you’ll end up with an overly excited, mouthy, and uncontrollable dog. But if you stay consistent? You’ll have one of the best-behaved, most loving dogs around.
✅ Start training immediately—don’t wait.
✅ Use positive reinforcement—Goldens love praise and rewards.
✅ Socialize early and often—it prevents anxiety and overexcitement.
✅ Teach bite inhibition—redirect nipping before it becomes a habit.
✅ Crate train and leash train—structure makes everything easier.
✅ Teach recall (“come”) ASAP—it’s one of the most important commands.
✅ Don’t allow jumping now if you don’t want it later.
Put in the work now, and you’ll have a well-behaved, loyal companion for life. But if you let bad habits form? Good luck breaking them later. Train them right from the start—it’s worth it.
