Basic obedience training for Golden Retrievers includes commands such as sit, down, shake (paw), come, and bow.
Training Commands and Methods for Golden Retrievers
1. Sit
Gently press your dog's rear end down to the floor while saying the command "sit". The hand gesture to accompany this is extending your right arm to the side, with your forearm pointing upwards, and your palm facing forward in an "L" shape. Keep your hand on its rear to hold the position for 10-15 seconds, then release. Repeat this several times daily. Most dogs learn this within three to five days.
2. Down
Place one hand on your dog's back and apply gentle pressure to help it lie down, while using the command "down". With your other hand, gently extend the dog's legs forward. The hand signal is extending your right arm straight forward with your palm facing downward. Have the dog hold this position briefly, then release. Reward your dog with treats for a good job. If it doesn’t perform it correctly, repeat the steps, keeping training sessions under 15 minutes.
3. Shake (Paw)
Hold a treat in one hand and gently lift your dog’s right paw with your other hand. Gently shake the paw while saying the command "shake". Hold this for a few seconds, then release. Keep repeating until the dog understands the actions, then reward it with the treat.
4. Come
First, call your dog’s name to get its attention. Then show your dog a toy or treat while saying the command "come". The hand gesture is extending your left arm to the side, with your palm facing downward. If the dog does not come, you can encourage them by backing away, clapping and crouching, or even running in the opposite direction. If it comes to you, praise it with affection and positive reinforcement.
5. Bow
Use both hands to hold the dog’s front paws. Gently lift them up into a standing position and then move them together, moving them up and down while saying "bow". Maintain this position for a few seconds, then release the paws. Repeat this action until the dog learns. During this phase, do not introduce any other new commands, otherwise, the dog may become confused.