Golden Retrievers are known for their intelligence, eagerness to please, and friendly demeanor, making them an ideal breed for training. Teaching your Golden Retriever commands not only provides mental stimulation but also helps to establish a strong bond between you and your canine companion. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 20 essential commands to teach your Golden Retriever, along with brief descriptions and explanations on how to train them.
1. Basic Obedience Commands
Sit
Description: The “Sit” command instructs your dog to sit down on their haunches, with their rear end on the ground.
How to Teach: Hold a treat above your dog’s nose and slowly move it back over their head. As your dog’s head follows the treat, their rear end will naturally lower into a sitting position. Say “Sit” and reward them with the treat and praise when they sit.
Stay
Description: The “Stay” command teaches your dog to remain in their current position without moving until released.
How to Teach: Ask your dog to sit or lie down, then hold your palm open towards them while saying “Stay.” Take a step back and wait for a few seconds. If your dog remains in place, return to them, praise, and reward. Gradually increase the distance and duration of the “Stay.”
Down
Description: The “Down” command instructs your dog to lie down with their chest and belly on the ground.
How to Teach: Hold a treat in your hand and let your dog sniff it. Say “Down” and slowly move the treat down to the ground, encouraging your dog to follow. As their head lowers, gently guide them into a lying position. Once they’re lying down, praise and reward with the treat.
Come
Description: The “Come” command, also known as recall, teaches your dog to return to you when called.
How to Teach: With your dog on a leash, crouch down, and call their name followed by “Come.” Gently tug the leash towards you, and as your dog comes to you, praise and reward them with a treat. Gradually increase the distance and practice off-leash in a secure area.
Heel
Description: The “Heel” command instructs your dog to walk beside you, with their head or shoulder aligned with your leg.
How to Teach: Start with your dog sitting beside you, hold a treat in the hand closest to them, and say “Heel.” Begin walking forward, using the treat to guide your dog into the proper position. Praise and reward when they walk beside you. Gradually reduce the use of treats as they become more consistent.
2. Crate Training and the “Crate” Command
Crate
Description: The “Crate” command teaches your dog to enter their crate willingly and remain calm while inside.
How to Teach: Place a treat or toy inside the crate and say “Crate.” Encourage your dog to enter and praise them when they do. Start by closing the door for a few seconds, then gradually increase the time. Always make the crate a positive experience, and never use it as a punishment.
3. Loose-Leash Walking and the “Let’s Go” Command
Let’s Go
Description: The “Let’s Go” command teaches your dog to walk calmly on a loose leash without pulling.
How to Teach: Start with your dog in the “Heel” position. Say “Let’s Go” and begin walking, rewarding your dog for staying by your side. If they pull ahead, stop walking, and wait for them
to return to your side before moving forward again. Consistency is key; make sure to reward good behavior and correct pulling.
4. Polite Greetings and the “Off” Command for Jumping
Off
Description: The “Off” command teaches your dog to keep all four paws on the ground and not jump on people or furniture.
How to Teach: When your dog jumps on you, turn your back and say “Off.” As soon as their paws touch the ground, praise and reward them. If they jump on furniture, calmly say “Off,” then guide them down and reward them for complying.
5. Fetch and the “Bring” or “Give” Commands for Retrieving Objects
Bring and Give
Description: The “Bring” command teaches your dog to retrieve an object and return it to you, while the “Give” command instructs them to release the object into your hand.
How to Teach: Start by throwing a toy or ball and encouraging your dog to chase it. Say “Bring” as they pick it up. Once they return to you, hold your hand out and say “Give.” If necessary, use a treat to encourage them to release the object. Praise and reward when they successfully complete the task.
6. “Leave It” and “Drop It” Commands for Controlling Access to Objects or Food
Leave It
Description: The “Leave It” command teaches your dog to ignore or avoid items on the ground, such as food or dangerous objects.
How to Teach: Hold a treat in your closed hand and let your dog sniff it. Say “Leave It” and wait for them to stop trying to get the treat. Once they back away, praise and reward them with a different treat from your other hand.
Drop It
Description: The “Drop It” command instructs your dog to release an object from their mouth immediately.
How to Teach: When your dog has a toy in their mouth, hold a treat close to their nose and say “Drop It.” When they release the toy, praise and reward them with the treat.
7. “Wait” or “Hold” Command for Impulse Control and Safety
Wait or Hold
Description: The “Wait” or “Hold” command teaches your dog to pause and wait for your next instruction, which is useful for safety and impulse control.
How to Teach: Ask your dog to sit, then open a door or gate slightly. Say “Wait” or “Hold” and block their path with your body. If they remain in place, praise and reward them. Gradually increase the distance and duration of the “Wait” or “Hold.”
8. “Speak” and “Quiet” Commands for Controlling Barking
Speak and Quiet
Description: The “Speak” command teaches your dog to bark on cue, while the “Quiet” command instructs them to stop barking.
How to Teach: Encourage your dog to bark, such as by knocking on a door or playing a recording of a doorbell. When they bark, say “Speak” and reward them. To teach “Quiet,” wait for a moment when your dog is not barking, say “Quiet,” and reward them. Gradually increase the duration of quietness before rewarding.
9. “Roll Over” and “Play Dead” as Fun Tricks and Mental Stimulation
Roll Over
Description: The “Roll Over” command teaches your dog to perform a full 360-degree roll onto their back and then back to their feet.
How to Teach: Start with your dog in a “Down” position. Hold a treat near their nose and slowly
move it towards their shoulder, encouraging them to turn their head. As their head turns, guide them to roll onto their side, and then continue guiding them through the full roll. Say “Roll Over” during the process and reward them when they complete the roll.
Play Dead
Description: The “Play Dead” command instructs your dog to lie on their side with their head down, mimicking the appearance of being “dead.”
How to Teach: Start with your dog in a “Down” position. Hold a treat near their nose and guide them to roll onto their side. Say “Play Dead” and gently hold their head down. Praise and reward when they stay in this position. Gradually increase the duration before rewarding.
10. “Shake” or “High Five” for Friendly Interactions and Building Trust
Shake
Description: The “Shake” command teaches your dog to offer their paw for a handshake.
How to Teach: Ask your dog to sit, then gently tap their front paw while saying “Shake.” When they lift their paw, hold it in your hand and praise them. Reward them with a treat and repeat the process until they consistently offer their paw.
High Five
Description: The “High Five” command instructs your dog to raise their paw and touch your hand in a high-five motion.
How to Teach: Start with the “Shake” command. Once your dog lifts their paw, present your open hand, palm facing them, and say “High Five.” Encourage them to touch your palm with their paw. Praise and reward when they make contact.
11. “Place” or “Settle” Command for Designated Relaxation Areas
Place or Settle
Description: The “Place” or “Settle” command teaches your dog to go to a designated area, such as a bed or mat, and remain there until released.
How to Teach: Place a bed or mat on the ground and lead your dog to it, saying “Place” or “Settle.” Encourage them to lie down on the bed, then praise and reward them. Gradually increase the duration they must stay on the bed before rewarding. Make sure to release them with a cue like “Okay” or “Free.”
12. “Find It” Command for Scent Work and Nose Games
Find It
Description: The “Find It” command teaches your dog to use their sense of smell to locate hidden objects, such as treats or toys.
How to Teach: Start by tossing a treat on the ground and saying “Find It” as your dog goes to retrieve it. Gradually increase the difficulty by hiding treats or toys in more challenging locations. Encourage your dog to use their nose to locate the hidden items and praise them when they find them.
13. “Up” and “Off” Commands for Controlling Access to Furniture
Up
Description: The “Up” command teaches your dog to jump onto furniture, such as a couch or bed, only when given permission.
How to Teach: Stand next to the piece of furniture and pat the surface while saying “Up.” Encourage your dog to jump up, then praise and reward them when they do. Repeat the process to reinforce the command.
Off (Furniture)
Description: This “Off” command variation is specifically for teaching your dog to get off furniture when asked.
How to Teach: When your dog is on the furniture, calmly say “Off,” then guide them down using a treat or gentle pressure. Praise and reward when they comply. Be consistent in using the command and rewarding good behavior.
14. “Back Up” Command Back Up
Description: The “Back Up” command teaches your dog to move backward, creating distance and personal space when needed.
How to Teach: Stand in front of your dog and gently walk towards them while saying “Back Up.” Encourage them to take steps backward without turning around. Praise and reward them for each step they take in reverse. Gradually increase the distance they need to back up before rewarding.
15. “Spin” or “Twirl” Commands for Fun Tricks and Exercise
Spin and Twirl
Description: The “Spin” and “Twirl” commands instruct your dog to turn in a circle in either direction, providing a fun trick and physical activity.
How to Teach: Hold a treat near your dog’s nose and slowly guide them in a circle, saying “Spin” or “Twirl” depending on the direction. Praise and reward them when they complete the circle. Teach both directions for added mental stimulation and variety.
16. Recall Training and the Emergency “Stop” Command for Safety
Stop
Description: The “Stop” command teaches your dog to halt immediately, regardless of what they’re doing. This can be crucial for safety in certain situations.
How to Teach: Start with your dog on a leash, walking or running beside you. Abruptly say “Stop” and plant your feet, holding the leash to prevent your dog from moving forward. When your dog stops, praise and reward them. Gradually increase the level of distraction and practice off-leash in a secure area.
17. Agility and Advanced Training Commands like “Jump” and “Weave”
Jump
Description: The “Jump” command teaches your dog to leap over obstacles, such as agility jumps or low barriers.
How to Teach: Set up a low obstacle, like a broomstick or agility jump. Lead your dog towards the obstacle and say “Jump” as you encourage them to leap over it. Praise and reward them for successfully jumping. Gradually increase the height and complexity of obstacles as they become more proficient.
Weave
Description: The “Weave” command instructs your dog to navigate through a series of vertical poles or objects, such as agility weave poles.
How to Teach: Set up a row of poles or objects spaced a few feet apart. Lead your dog through the poles, using a treat to guide their head and encourage them to weave. Say “Weave” as they navigate the poles. Praise and reward them for successfully weaving through the poles. Gradually increase the number of poles and decrease the spacing as they improve.
18. “Watch Me” or “Focus” Command for Maintaining Attention During Training
Watch Me or Focus
Description: The “Watch Me” or “Focus” command teaches your dog to make eye contact with you and maintain their attention on you, which is useful during training sessions.
How to Teach: Hold a treat near your face and say “Watch Me” or “Focus.” When your dog makes eye contact, praise and reward them with the treat. Gradually increase the duration of eye contact before rewarding.
19. “Go Potty” Command for House Training
Go Potty
Description: The “Go Potty” command teaches your dog to eliminate on command, making house training and outdoor bathroom breaks more efficient.
How to Teach: Take your dog to their designated elimination area and say “Go Potty” while they sniff and explore. When they eliminate, praise and reward them. Be consistent and patient; it may take some time for your dog to associate the command with the action.
20. Custom Commands
Description: Custom commands are tailored to your Golden Retriever’s unique skills, personality, or interests, allowing you to create a personalized training experience.
How to Teach: Observe your dog’s natural behaviors, such as digging, spinning, or even specific facial expressions. Choose a word or phrase to associate with the behavior, and when your dog performs the action, say the command and reward them. With repetition and consistency, your dog will begin to associate the command with the behavior.
Remember that training should always be a positive and enjoyable experience for both you and your Golden Retriever. Use rewards-based training methods, maintain patience, and celebrate your dog’s progress. By teaching these 20 essential commands, you’ll not only enhance your Golden Retriever’s skills and obedience but also strengthen the bond between you and your furry companion.
