Beyond ‘sit’ and ‘stay’: teaching your Golden Retriever advanced tricks
Introduction
Golden Retrievers are very friendly and smart dogs. They love learning new things. Teaching them advanced tricks can be fun and help strengthen your bond with them. In this post, we will learn some cool tricks that you can teach your Golden Retriever, going beyond the basic ‘sit’ and ‘stay’ commands.
Trick 1: Shake Hands
One cool trick you can teach your Golden Retriever is to shake hands. Stand in front of your dog with a treat in your hand. Say ‘Shake’ and gently hold their paw. Repeat this a few times, giving your dog a treat each time. Soon, they will learn to offer their paw when you give the command.
Trick 2: Roll Over
Another cool trick is teaching your Golden Retriever to roll over. First, ask them to lie down. Hold a treat near their nose and move it in a circle towards their shoulder. They will follow the treat and naturally roll onto their side. Give them a treat and praise them. Keep practicing until your dog can roll over on command.
Trick 3: Spin Around
Teaching your Golden Retriever to spin around is a fun trick. Stand in front of your dog with a treat. Move the treat in a circular motion, and your dog will follow it. When they complete a full circle, say ‘Spin’ and reward them with the treat. With practice, your Golden Retriever will be able to spin around on command.
Trick 4: Play Dead
Playing dead is a funny trick. Start by asking your dog to lie down. Hold a treat in front of their nose and slowly move it towards the ground. As they lower their head, gently move their front legs to one side, so they lie completely on their side. Give them a treat and lots of praise. Over time, your dog will learn to play dead on command.
Trick 5: Take a Bow
Teaching your Golden Retriever to take a bow is elegant. Ask them to stand straight. Hold a treat near their nose and move it downwards, between their front legs. Their front legs will extend, and their rear end will lift slightly. When they are in the bow position, say ‘Take a bow’ and reward them. With practice, your Golden Retriever will get really good at this trick.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to teach these advanced tricks to my Golden Retriever?
A: It can take a few weeks of practice for your Golden Retriever to learn these tricks. Some dogs may learn faster than others, so be patient and consistent in your training.
Q: What age is ideal to start training my Golden Retriever in advanced tricks?
A: It’s best to start training your Golden Retriever when they are around six months old. They have usually mastered basic commands by then and can focus better during training.
Q: Should I use treats as rewards for teaching advanced tricks?
A: Yes, treats are a great way to reward your Golden Retriever during training. Choose small treats that they love and give them as rewards for good behavior. This will motivate your dog to learn.
Q: Can older Golden Retrievers learn advanced tricks?
A: Yes, older Golden Retrievers can learn advanced tricks too. They may take a bit longer to learn compared to younger dogs, but with patience and practice, they can do it. Adjust the training sessions to their abilities and gradually increase the difficulty.
Q: What if my Golden Retriever is not interested in learning tricks?
A: If your Golden Retriever doesn’t seem interested in training, try to make it more exciting for them. Use positive reinforcement, reward even small progress, and incorporate playtime during training. High-value treats can also help make it more enjoyable for them.
Q: Can I train my Golden Retriever in advanced tricks without professional help?
A: Many pet owners successfully teach their Golden Retrievers advanced tricks without professional help. However, if you need guidance or are having difficulties, you can consider enrolling in a training class or consulting a professional dog trainer. They can give you personalized advice and techniques to help you and your dog succeed.
Conclusion
Teaching your Golden Retriever advanced tricks is fun and rewarding. It stimulates your dog’s mind and strengthens your bond. Be patient, consistent, and show your furry friend lots of love, treats, and praise. With time and practice, your Golden Retriever will become a star performer, impressing everyone with their tricks. Enjoy the training process!
