What are good ways to train my Golden?

Question

I had my dog for a couple of months, he's 2yrs. He was a present from my bf. He has the classic energetic, fun-loving, yet gentle personaility of the Golden breed. Although, he needs some training. He knows his name ("Hydro") yet when I call him sometimes he comes and sometimes he dosen't. It's really annoying but I'm being patient because eventhough he's a not a puppy he's still young. I don't have money for a trainer and I enjoy training my dog but I need some good suggestions. Also, from books I read about this particular breed it told me that playing games should exercise their mind as well as body because of the inteligence they posess. What are good games I could play with him other than retriving?

Answer 1

Ok for starters - only use POSITIVE training ( no prong collars, no punnishments etc if he doesn't listen)

This may sound silly but does he know his name ?
Alot of dogs don't - if you say his name does he look at you or seem to aknoledge is name ?? - i f not i reccomend making hapy exciting noises & say his name if he looks give him a small treat & pet him & give him lots of attention- continue it as a game do it for a minuite or two continously - only give him the praise/ petting/ food etc if he looks at you when you say his name..

As for come - does 'Hydro" like treats or toys ? have someone hold him & you go a distance ( not to far away at first) clap your hands , make high pitch noises / voices and call him in a very happy ( over acted voice ) ( Hydro come) bang the toy on the floor so it looks ' alive' clap act goofy do what ever you have to - to get him to come to you.. once you call him the the other person holding him should immediatlly release him
if he comes HUGE praise petting playing with toys etc make a hug e fuss over him Everytime he comes to you continue doing this a few times once he comes more regularry increase distances - & if he knows stay you can eventually fade out the person holding him ...
Increase calling distance only if he is relyable in comming, if he stops being relyable decrease distance - if he is very solid on recal htrow in distractions - toys on floor - ball rolling past while hes comming squeaky toys, people walking around etc.. Never let him of leash our doors unfenced intill your 500 % sure he willl come no matter what happens

Games to exercise his mind - I know nearly all dogs love playing hide & go seek - also great for recall practice once he has that mastered - u put him on a sit stay or have someone hold him .. first hide in not to difficult places on the bed or in a room doors open - then make it more difficult behind doors ,in the bathtub etc

You could do find the cookie games like which hand is it in ( close your fists) or hidethem arooundthe room under toys etc .....- there are sites that have long lits of things to do with your dog & every little thing will help he and you bond there for make him more devoted & relyable in come & other such tasks
Goldens are working dogs - if you don't work them they may find a job to do that you may not be fond of.( eatting couches, shoes etc)

- if he has his obedience etc down & come you can dog trick training , dog sports - freestyle , agility scent hurdeling & more

Hope that helps !!!

Answer 2

~easy to train @ any age. :)
if you can find something he really likes: cooked hamberger, jerky treats, doggie treats, use it - but only for the training and no other time. And, while you are training him don't allow anyone else to feed him. You can also use hugs.

Also, use the sound control technique. Like a clicker to let him know he did exactly what you asked of him.

Answer 3

welll if you start to bribe him he will come to you. then slowly stop bribing him and call him and if he doesn't come try again
Keep on being patient it will eventually learn.
if you hook on his leash and throw leash over his nose he will start to play tugawar. also play tugawar with a stick(my dog loves playing and chewing sticks, She's a golden too.)