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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 Southeast Michigan has years of experience with both Golden Retriever training and Golden Retriever puppy training. Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan 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 Southeast Michigan 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 Southeast Michigan location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Training a Golden Retriever Puppy
Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan 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 Southeast Michigan 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 Southeast Michigan 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 Southeast Michigan 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 Southeast Michigan 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 Southeast Michigan uses modern training methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding between dog and dog owner. Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan 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 Southeast Michigan 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 Southeast Michigan’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!
Dog Training Elite of Southeast Michigan is the best of the best when it comes to training. They go above and beyond to make sure you are happy with the services they provide. They truly love the animals like their own and work with the families every step of the way. If I could give 6/5 stars I would. I would highly recommend.— Michelle Foley
Posted October 21st 2024
I cannot recommend Dog Training Elite enough. Hailey and Steve have been training my one-year-old Golden Retriever to be a therapy dog. Daisy has progressed so much in just a few sessions in the comfort of our home. She is so proud of herself and my whole family has benefitted from everything she’s learned.— Stephanie McGuire
Posted October 18th 2024
We have sent 2 service dogs through training with them and their service is fantastic! We've specifically requested Hailey (sp) both times and she is amazing! Kind, upbeat, energetic and empathetic. The company is flexible, understanding and extremely helpful and available! They train you just as well as your pets!— Kei Wolfe
Posted October 4th 2024
Couldn’t have asked for a more professional, yet fun and exciting experience for Murphy, my wife and I. This is our first golden retriever, and our experience with Dog Training Elite and Hailey (our trainer❤️) has been nothing short of perfect. Our Murphy has passed his public service access test (service animal) with the amazing training provided by Hailey and my wife. He is an absolutely perfect addition to our family, and we owe so much of that to Hailey and the team at Dog Training Elite.— Jameson Kyle Hagerty
Posted September 26th 2024
Hailey was very knowledgeable and professional and I would recommend her with confidence.— Mark Jaffray
Posted September 26th 2024
We contacted dog training elite prior to picking up our Murphy. They helped guide us with the initial pup search (we were seeking to get a PSD service dog). Once we got our Murph Hailey started with our training. She has been absolutely amazing to work with. She has done a fantastic job helping me to train him. He’s become the best well behaved (service dog) puppy we could’ve asked for, all thanks to the knowledge that Hailey has given me. I’m excited to see what she has in store for us next.— Ashley Hagerty
Posted September 24th 2024
Our trainer Hailey , is a pro. She wants success for our dog and us. She is clear and patient. At a group session, another trainer Ryann came over to assist us. Great people and company leadership. Our dog is really being trained to be a better companion. Thanks all at Elite Dog Training. Forrest & Ann— forrest hayford
Posted August 31st 2024
Dog Training Elite is great! Ryann helped us train our 2 year old, very hyper dog, and he’s completely different now!! Plus he has a new friend. I highly recommend having your dog trained with DTE!— Sarah Thomas
Posted August 30th 2024
My dog Winnie has been completing therapy dog training with Hailey at Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan for a few months now, and we absolutely love Hailey and the program! It has been so fun to see Winnie's confidence and skills evolve, and I can't wait to continue the rest of our training with this team! If you're looking for high quality dog training in the metro-Detroit area I can't recommend them enough!— Christina E Agostino
Posted August 28th 2024
Hailey at Southeast Michigan Dog Training Elite was awesome. Arlo, our 9 month old Australian Shepherd has been one of the best dogs we have ever had and with the training that Hailey did with us and Arlo, has just made having a dog amazing again. Our goal was to be able to take Arlo where ever we go and behave and just be one of the family. With the training program from Southeast Michigan Dog Training Elite and Hailey’s passion and patients, we have that dog. Would highly recommend Hailey and Southeast Michigan Dog Training Elite.— Kirk Hedding
Posted August 28th 2024
Hailey with Dog Training Elite was absolutely exceptional. She made herself available for our schedule, and was willing to help us train our dog in any scenario, with family members, and other dogs. It was great! Highly recommend!— Ryan Rosenberg
Posted August 20th 2024
We are so impressed with Austin, Hailey, and this company! The one on one personal training really helped to train our Tessa (and more importantly us humans). She continues to learn more tasks to be the best service dog! Thank you for being professional and still enjoying butt wiggles!— Jean Perczak
Posted August 12th 2024
My family & I adopted a 7-week-old, purebred, German Shepherd in Jan. As she got a bit older, we discovered that we were WAY over our heads when it came to her training. Of course, we went online searching for trainers & we finally found DOG TRAINING ELITE which was the BEST discovery EVER!!! Of course, we read the reviews & we found HAILEY...one of the BEST trainers that we could EVER ask for!!! Her reviews are A+, and we stand behind those reviews!!! She's KIND, PATIENT, UNDERSTANDING, SO INFORMATIVE & IS GREAT w/MAZIE, and w/us too!!! The things she teaches us is so EXTREMELY helpful when we're training on our own! Once we had our free consultation, we were SO impressed to learn about their AMAZING training programs that we signed up right away!!! HAILEY comes to our house once a week, and it truly is AMAZING the things she teaches our pup!!! If you are looking for a dog trainer, look no further!!! Call DOG TRAINING ELITE, request Hailey, and I promise you, you WON'T be sorry!!!— Tiffany Raubacher
Posted June 30th 2024
Just finished a 10-week training class with Hailey from DTE, and it was a great experience. Hailey was wonderful to work with; she was flexible and accommodating and did a fabulous job with our 4 year old mix Tater. She worked with us to customize the curriculum, increasing the time we spent on our areas of concern (behavior basics and leash walking) instead of covering some advanced topics we didn't need or want (e.g., going into public spaces). Sessions were fun and engaging; Hailey worked directly with Tater on each skill to get her started, but also taught me how to continue the process between and beyond class. We also had a few sessions with both Hailey and Austin, along with Austin's dog Sunny, to work on socialization. Tater had been quite a handful since we got her... constantly barking and agitated when outside, overly excited and hard to control with visitors, unable to walk on a leash, zero recognition of any commands, etc. We honestly thought that perhaps there was something wrong with her; that she was untrainable. Nope. She responded immediately to the training, and in fact seems quite smart (though stubborn). She now understands (and follows) necessary commands, walks very well on a leash (and even without a leash), remains quiet in the yard (even when bunnies are present, or the neighbor's dog is yapping), and behaves with visitors. We're looking forward to maintaining and even advancing her behavior at the weekly group sessions. If you are looking for a high quality training program for your dog and have the time and the means, I highly recommend Dog Training Elite and both Hailey and Austin as an excellent choice.— David Kulmaczewski
Posted June 29th 2024
Hailey has been fantastic with Moose! He has learned so much in just a few short weeks. My office is dog friendly but as a large 9 month old puppy he was loud and wanted constant attention and play. In just 4 sessions I was able to bring a well mannered dog into the office with me! He gets to play with his dog friends now at work and daycare and I get to take my smart pup for walks where he’s not pulling me along. And Moose loves to see Hailey each week. He gets so excited to see her. We taught him to swim yesterday! I cannot tell you how happy I am with Hailey and Dog Training Elite!— Tammy H
Posted June 14th 2024
Highly recommend. Hailey and Ryann were great with us and our dogs! The whole team was very responsive throughout the process, patient and thorough. Overall wonderful experience.— Elizabeth Curley
Posted May 28th 2024
A huge thank you to Hailey! She did a great job both with us and our Russell! We needed training as much as he did! The entire team at DTE Southeast Michigan is fantastic. When Hailey couldn’t make it Ryann came and was wonderful! Austin took time with us also to teach us how to get Russell ready for a group environment. We highly recommend DTE Southeast Michigan! #fantasticinvestment❤️— Teresa Leonard
Posted May 27th 2024
We could not be happier with the training we received from Dog Training Elite. Hailey did a great job working with us and we’ve seen a significant improvement in Cassius. I would highly recommend working with the team!— Joe Fornasiero
Posted May 20th 2024
Thank you Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan! Hailey and Holleigh did a great job connecting with our dogs and listening to our concerns. Austin is extremely knowledgeable and teaches how to work with your dog in different situations and environments.— Melanie McPeake
Posted May 8th 2024
So glad we chose Dog Training Elite! Hailey was awesome and shared so much knowledge on training us on how to train our pup. We loved how she came to our home to see what day to day expectations were. Athena is much more well behaved and has quickly learned her boundaries outside as well. Would highly recommend them...and actually we already have to a couple of people!— Teri Nagel
Posted May 7th 2024