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Golden Retrievers have been the classic family dog for years and rank as one of the top five breeds in America. These smart, loyal, friendly dogs make great companions. Not only do they have a gentle and fun-loving nature that makes them ideal for families with kids, they are also capable and intelligent working dogs.
Golden Retrievers are not at all aggressive. They can be great with other pets if given a proper introduction, but their lack of aggression doesn’t make them great as guard dogs.
Dog Training Elite Central Kentucky has years of experience with both Golden Retriever training and Golden Retriever puppy training. Dog Training Elite Central Kentucky puppy training, obedience and therapy animal training programs are well-suited for Golden Retrievers.
Because of their eager-to-please nature and intelligence, Golden Retriever puppies are relatively easy to train. Dog Training Elite Central Kentucky will help owners develop a strong bond with their new Golden Retriever puppy and harness all the wonderful qualities of the breed.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Central Kentucky location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Training a Golden Retriever Puppy
Dog Training Elite Central Kentucky recommends starting dog training as early as possible. Puppies are capable of learning basic commands. Smart Golden Retriever puppies do great with early training.
Complete Golden Retriever puppy training typically takes a few months. Dog Training Elite Central Kentucky offers specialized in-home training. Working with a Golden Retriever puppy and the owner directly in the home prevents puppies from being distracted and allows dog trainers to create personalized training plans for individual puppies, as well as address any unique needs or issues. Once a puppy has completed in-home training, Dog Training Elite Central Kentucky offers puppy group classes for further training.
Beginning Golden Retriever training in the home also helps owners bond with their pup so when the dog trainer leaves, no progress is lost. It’s important for owners to stay consistent with puppy training and continue it long term.
Training can be great mental stimulation, so a great exercise for Golden Retrievers as they get older is progressing their training. Once your puppy has mastered sitting, for example, train them to maintain the position until released. Once your puppy is a bit older, explore other sports and activities.
Our Balanced Theory
We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.
Empowering Owners
We empower owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times.
Personalized
We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis.
Environment Specific
We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
Supportive
We support owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session").
Involved
We work with all members of the household.
Simplified & Customized
We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.
Continued Training
Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training.
Lifetime Investment
We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term.
Satisfaction Ratings
Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.
clas·si·cal con·di·tion·ing PSYCHOLOGY noun A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired; a response that is at first elicited by the second stimulus and is eventually elicited by the first stimulus alone.
Golden Retriever Specific Tips Exercise
Golden Retrievers are considered “sporting dogs” and require at least an hour of daily exercise. True to their name, Golden Retrievers love retrieving things! Golden Retrievers can even participate in obedience and agility events, and they’ll enjoy every minute of it.
A Golden Retriever puppy that doesn’t get enough exercise is likely to develop bad behaviors like digging or chewing. During the first two years of a Golden Retriever’s life, however, make sure to take it easy with exercise as their growth plates are still forming - don’t go for long, strenuous runs or hikes until the dog is fully grown and try to always opt for grass instead of concrete.
Golden Retriever Specific Tips Weight Management
Golden Retrievers can easily become overweight so owners will need to help manage their food intake. Measure out food twice a day instead of “free-feeding” and give treats in moderation.
Golden Retriever Specific Tips Make it a Family Affair
If you have adopted a Golden Retriever puppy to become part of a family, make sure all kids and adults are on the same page with training and all practice basic tricks with the family dog.
Dog Training Elite Central Kentucky has developed training programs for puppies and adult dogs alike based on positive reinforcement. German Shepherd training with our in-home option is entirely possible. Read on to learn more about the Dog Training Elite Central Kentucky training method.
Golden Retriever Specific Tips Be Consistent
Establish house rules for your dog, and then stick to them. If you choose not to let your dog on the couch, don’t ever let them on the couch for any reason. Golden Retriever training can help you establish routines and learn how to be consistent about enforcing them.
The Dog Training Elite
Difference
Dog Training Elite Central Kentucky uses modern training methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding between dog and dog owner. Dog Training Elite Central Kentucky never resorts to the use of punishment to help dogs unlearn bad behavior. The difference becomes clear when comparing a dog that is trained out of anxiety and intimidation vs a dog who truly desires to please from the inside out.
The Dog Training Elite Central Kentucky training theory is mostly based around classical conditioning, also known as the Pavlovian method or respondent conditioning. This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when an owner says "sit," their dog automatically sits without thinking about it.
Through a combination of commands and an electronic collar, dogs learn to follow commands at once. The electronic collar is not a shock collar; it is a gentle electronic pulse, similar to the tug of a leash, used to get the dog’s attention. Other dog trainers use harsh static collars or spray collars which have been shown to be less effective. Dog Training Elite Central Kentucky’s method of focusing on positive behavior reinforcement nurtures a dog's loving and naturally obedient nature.
Ready to turn your Golden Retriever puppy into a loyal and loving companion? Find a trainer near you today!
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We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!
When Joe and I started on this adventure of getting a puppy to train to be a mobility support dog for Joe due to his MS, I was a bit unsure of if we could make it happen. As Cole, an English Labrador, began growing into a LARGE puppy who didn’t know his strength I was concerned he would end up knocking Joe or others off their feet! With the wonderful guidance from Tom at Dog Training Elite, Cole (Joe and I) have learned to obey commands, listen to each other, act more appropriate around other people and dogs, and greet others without jumping on them. Joe, Cole, and I look forward to continuing our journey with Tom and appreciate all that he has done!— Lee Anne DePaola Ater
Posted August 17th 2024
I was recommended Dog Training Elite by my sister, and from the very beginning Tom has done a wonderful job helping my dog through reactivity and anxiety. We started with some pretty explosive reactivity, lunging, barking, etc. and in less than two months she is able to calmly participate in group class alongside other dogs. I cant recommend Dog Training Elite and Tom enough!— Lauren Brown
Posted July 13th 2024
We got our family's first dog, a Cavapoo puppy named Poppy. We decided we would benefit from some puppy training as much as the puppy, so we searched the internet and found Dog Training Elite in Louisville. Tom is amazing. He taught Poppy to come in her very first session. In the second session, she learned sit, down, and up. Also, we were struggling to find treats she would like so he showed up with a pocket full of them to help us determine the best treat to get the job done. Tom has an amazing temperament, with both animals and people. He is very helpful and answers any questions we have. I recommend not only training your puppy, but using Dog Training Elite to do it. If we decide to go beyond puppy training into further obedience, we will definitely go with Tom.— Khara Aud
Posted March 30th 2024
Tom has been great with my anxious rescue dog. He’s patient and kind; she responds well to his quiet nature. Definitely a good investment!— Danielle wilson
Posted March 28th 2024
We just finished our last training with Tom from Dog Training Elite. It was an excellent experience. Tom did an amazing job interacting with our dog Toby (11 months) and with my 11 year old son. He was calm, listened really well to our needs and concerns, and spent a full hour training with us each session. Our dog went from being hard to manage on walks, stubborn, and unmanageable in public to knowing how to heel, listening to us, staying in his place, and being able to play off leash with our son. We are still practicing but he’s come so far! I’d definitely recommend DTE…it’s worth the investment!— Amy Sees
Posted March 25th 2024
We have enjoyed the progress our dog has made in a short time. The training is in depth and doable. If you want results this is a great training service.— Nate Davison
Posted March 16th 2024
I have had dogs for 40 years and have never been able to train them as fast or as easily as my trainer. I spent a week trying to train lay down with no success and he did it in 30 seconds. I am only 5 sessions in but the progress is remarkable— Frederick Wright
Posted February 26th 2024
I’m a little late to this review but Tom did an amazing job with our puppy. We started training the week after we got our puppy and he immediately knew commands. Our dog turns two this month and goes a lot of places with us, especially soccer games and we get so many compliments on how well behaved he is. Even off leash with many people around and distractions, our dog listens and has a great recall. I was a little nervous about using an e collar but Tom made me feel comfortable with its proper use and we still use it to this day. I have recommended him to many people and will continue to do so. It’s also so convenient as a mother to three boys (one of which has autism) that he comes to our house for training. We are hoping to eventually have our dog trained as a service animal for our youngest. This training is absolutely worth the money. We also don’t have a fence and I feel 100% confident letting our dog outside by himself to go to the bathroom since we set up safe boundaries for him during our training.— Taylor DiPalma
Posted January 11th 2024
Most excellent assistance in training my new pup. Tom the Trainer is gentle, a wonderful coach and guide. My pup showed signs of being anxious around anything new. With this training she is easy to walk, shows more confidence and is better behaved. Tom's course is well worth the investment.— beemer rose
Posted November 12th 2023
Wemby really enjoyed his experience and the class was helpful. WEMBYS teacher was so patient with the teacher and got along well with him. Wemby is like a new dog. He learned so much and had fun. This is a great and trustworthy company. Always on time and goes above and beyond. I would recommend them over anyone else.— Derek Smith
Posted October 26th 2023
It was so difficult to walk our dog before meeting Tom at Dog Training Elite. Our dog would chase everything and had severe anxiety. It’s been a complete 180 and now I look forward to walks with my dog. I couldn’t recommend him enough. Thank you Tom.— Eric Joergens
Posted September 25th 2023
Tom is a great trainer, I have been working with him for couple months now.— Brandon Sebastian
Posted September 23rd 2023
Tom is amazing! We are working towards training our pup to be a medical service dog for our son. He has learned so much in just a few short weeks. Tom is very patient and calm. He’s extremely knowledgeable and has various ways to help our dog accomplish our goals! I would recommend Tom to anyone wanting to train their dog!— Katie Jones
Posted July 18th 2023
We have loved this training! From the very beginning we were encouraged by Tom and given excellent advice in training our dog. Our goal has been to train our dog to be a therapy dog and while we are not finished, we have seen amazing progress in her abilities and behavior. I highly recommend Tom for training!— Jenny Davison
Posted July 8th 2023
He s extremely patient and knowledgeable. Yes they use E collars but he takes the time to teach you how to use it properly without hurting your dog. I have never felt so welcomed by a dog trainer.— Rachel Stanger
Posted April 8th 2023
Tom has been a wealth of knowledge and incredibly patient with our Cane Corso puppy. We were about at our wits end until we found him, and so thankful we did!— Kristen Lonberger
Posted March 31st 2023
Tom was an amazing trainer to me and my wild Australian Shepard puppy 8 months old. Tom taught me how to be more patient and confident, which in turn helped my dog Baxter become confident as well. I’m looking forward to the group sessions. I can’t express my gratitude enough. Thank you again Tom!— Leslee Parrish
Posted February 11th 2023
Tom did a really good job with my dog in the individual sessions. Friendly and professional service. My dog learned more than I expected. Would recommend to any one looking to train their dog.— Andrew Case
Posted October 25th 2022
Can.t say enough good things about my trainer Tom. He is very professional and great with my dog. Very knowledgable about my breed and what we needed to do to get Willow so we know how to handle her in every situation. Having a pitbull mix rescue is not easy , but we feel very comfortable around other people and other dogs. If you need your dog trained you won't regret using Dog Elite of Central Ky. Thanks Tom— Gary White
Posted October 23rd 2022
We have had a wonderful experience with training our dog, Moose - he has done so incredibly well, and is ready for training as a service dog! We will be continuing our training with Dog Training Elite and can’t wait until Moose is a fully trained service dog!— Stephanie Taylor
Posted October 12th 2022