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Positive training · From eight weeks

Golden Retriever Puppy Training Manual

From 8 Weeks

Golden Retriever: retrieve games build cooperation when starts, releases and rest are part of the routine.

29 chapters · English / 中文

Watercolour illustration of a Golden Retriever puppy carrying a plush duck through a grassy field during retrieve play
Golden Retriever: retrieve games build cooperation when starts, releases and rest are part of the routine.

Breed profile

Training group
Gundogs and retrievers
Origin
The Golden Retriever originated in Scotland as a retrieving dog.
Shoulder height
51–61 cm
Weight
25–34 kg
Coat
Long double coat
Coat care
Build calm, cooperative acceptance of brushing, combing and dryer sound and airflow from puppyhood; split each handling task into small voluntary steps.
Drive keywords
Retrieving · Pleasing people · Social contact
Handling practice
Condition calm, voluntary brushing and combing of the long double coat by working in small sections and releasing the puppy before tension or avoidance appears. · Introduce dryer sound, airflow and whole-body handling as separate easy steps, alongside cooperative paw and nail handling.

General Australian reference range only; individual dogs vary considerably.

Precision before vocabulary

Marker training foundations

A marker is one short, consistent sound—a clicker click or a spoken “Yes!”—that means: “That exact behaviour; your reward is coming.”

Charge the marker in three steps

  1. Choose a quiet environment Remove toys, people and movement so the sound is the only new information.
  2. Marker, then food within one second ×15 Make the sound once, then deliver one piece of food within one second. The puppy does not need to perform a cue.
  3. Test the association Make the marker sound while the puppy is not already watching you. An immediate turn towards you means charging is complete.
Watercolour diagram showing the timing of a marker word and food reward
YES = marker word; TREAT WITHIN 2 SECONDS = reward promptly. This manual uses a stricter one-second training target.

Reward placement sets up the next action

Keep the position

Feed at the puppy’s mouth

To maintain a sit, bring the food directly to the mouth so the puppy does not need to stand or step forward.

Reset for another repetition

Toss the food away

To have the puppy get up and repeat, toss the food away, let the puppy collect it, then set up the behaviour again.

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