Golden Retriever Puppy Training: First Week At Home

Some new owners are having doubts as to when is the right time to start their golden retriever puppy training. They probably think that pups aging eight weeks are extremely young, vulnerable and most of all, too adorable to go through arduous training. But that is not the case actually. What a few of them failed to realize is the fact that, training must start the day the new puppy arrives home.

While they might be too young to roll over or play dead, training at this age should include lessons on socialization and getting him accustomed to the new environment he is into. When your puppy arrives home, do not give him free access to the whole house. Set rules and restrictions as to what he’s permitted to do or where he is allowed to go and reinforce the rules strictly.

Introduce him to the members of the family, including pets if there is any, in a moderate approach. Make every meeting or experience enjoyable so that he will be able to adapt easily. Anyway, golden retrievers are naturally friendly and kind breed so it wouldn’t be too hard to get him used to other living creatures inside your house.

In terms of housebreaking, start off your dog training by designating a place where he’s permitted to do his business. It could be a shady spot in your backyard or a small room covered with paper, that depends which works perfect for you and your dog. Set a schedule for toilet breaks and adhere to that schedule as much as possible. The best times for potty breaks are: right after waking up in the morning, after eating or drinking, after exercises and prior to going to sleep at night.

The puppy’s first night at home can be stressful to you as it is to him. He may feel lonely after being taken away from from his mother and littermates the first time in his life. But do not let this be the reason for him to overthrow you from your bed. Let him sleep in his crate or bed but put it close to your bed or inside the room where he can see you. This is to assure him that he doesn’t need to feel worried because you are there. During the next few nights, try to transfer his bed/crate a little farther from your bed and even outside your room.

Golden retriever puppy training can be a sensitive issue hence ought to be done appropriately to help him grow up the way you wanted him to be.