With their warm hearts, endless enthusiasm, and famously friendly nature, Golden Retrievers have earned their place as one of the world’s most beloved family dogs. Known for their loyalty and gentle temperament, these perky pups aren’t just beautiful on the outside — they’re intelligent, eager to please, and highly trainable.
However, beneath that golden glow lies a playful, sometimes overly excitable spirit. From their puppy days filled with joyful zoomies to adult years of wanting to greet every person they meet, understanding their temperament is key to harnessing their natural abilities through positive, effective training.
In this guide, we’ll unpack top tips on how to train a Golden Retriever, covering everything from their natural trainability and common behavioural quirks to the role of real food in supporting focus and learning.
Read more: Golden Retriever breed insights: care, personality & expert tips
Golden Retriever temperament and trainability
Golden Retrievers are the ultimate people-pleasers. Bred originally as hunting companions, their clever minds and desire to work closely with humans make them one of the easiest breeds to train. Their sociable nature and emotional sensitivity mean they respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement — thriving on praise, affection, and the occasional high-value treat.
That said, their high energy and playful demeanor can sometimes lead to distractions, especially when they’re young. Jumping up to greet guests, pulling on the lead out of excitement, and a tendency to chew are common quirks you might encounter. But don’t be discouraged — with consistency, patience, and plenty of positive vibes, your gorgeous Golden will blossom into the well-mannered, happy companion they’re destined to be.
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Health considerations that can affect training
Golden Retrievers are generally robust and energetic, but they are prone to certain health issues that can affect their training and focus:
Hip dysplasia: This joint condition can be common in larger breeds and can make physical training exercises uncomfortable. Always monitor for signs of stiffness or reluctance to engage in active training.
Obesity: It’s no secret that Goldens love their food. But too much can lead to weight gain and reduced energy levels. Keep training treats healthy and watch portion sizes to maintain their focus and mobility.
Allergies and skin conditions: Itchy, irritated skin can be a distraction during training. If your dog seems restless or reactive, consult your vet to rule out allergies.
If your Golden seems unusually lethargic or unmotivated, check in with your vet to rule out any underlying issues before continuing training.
Read more: Understanding your Golden Retriever's health issues: how real food can help
How real food fuels your Golden Retriever’s focus
Just like us, dogs learn best when they’re feeling healthy, balanced, and energised. Diet plays a big role in your pup’s ability to focus, stay calm, and retain information.
Golden Retrievers benefit from:
Steady energy sources like butternut squash and purple sweet potato, have a low glycaemic load and help release energy slowly.
Essential fatty acids like DHA and EPA (omega-3s from fish, mussels, or fish oil), support brain health and development, memory, and learning.
Fresh, bioactive nutrients to support immunity, skin health, and overall wellbeing.
“A fresh food diet packed with brain-boosting nutrients supports your dog’s ability to learn and adapt. Omega-3s, especially DHA, are critical for memory and cognitive function.”
– Dr Alex England, Lyka Veterinarian, BVetMed MANZCVS (Small Animal Veterinary Practice)
Learn more about Dr Alexander England and his veterinary experience.
All Lyka meals are formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists to provide complete and balanced nutrition for learning, growth, and everyday health.
Read more: Fuelling your dog’s focus: how nutrition impacts your dog’s training
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Exercise first for improved focus
Golden Retrievers are high-energy dogs that thrive on daily physical activity. Exercising your Golden before a training session helps release excess energy, making it easier for them to focus and stay calm during learning.
Aim for:
Morning walks or light jogs before training.
Play sessions of fetch to satisfy their retrieving instincts.
Swimming, which is gentle on the joints and a favourite activity for many Goldens.
A well-exercised Golden is a calm, attentive student!
Training tips for Golden Retrievers
Training a Golden Retriever is a joyful and rewarding experience thanks to their eagerness to learn and please.
Keep sessions short, sweet, and full of positive vibes. Here’s what works best:
Positive reinforcement
This is the gold standard for training. Marking good behaviour with rewards like praise, affection, treats, or continued interaction, teaches your pup how to behave and supports a strong and positive relationship.
Double up on rewards to mark excellent responses from your Golden Retriever, like praise and a pat, or praise and a treat.
Find their favourite motivator
Discovering your pup’s hierarchy of high-value rewards is a great way to keep your Golden Retriever motivated. Is it a nibble of roast chicken, their favourite squeaky toy, or playtime with you?
Train at the right time
Sometimes dogs don’t have the energy or desire to learn, especially if they’re too tired, too full, or hot and bothered.
Mental enrichment through training can be tiring for dogs, so find the right time to train and stop if you notice your dog starting to lose focus or fatigue.
Stay consistent
Consistency is key to training. Not just in setting your expectations, but in using the same verbal and non-verbal cues.
Be playful and engaging
Dogs are sensitive souls that can pick up on your mood. Keep your sessions fun and your positive energy will be contagious.
Watch their body language
If your pup starts to show signs of stress or tiredness, give them a break. If they’ve reached saturation point, it can be counterproductive to persevere. You can always come back to the training at another point.
Training your Golden Retriever puppy
Golden Retriever puppies are bundles of curiosity — so don’t expect them to sit still for long! House training, learning not to chew everything in sight, and mastering basic obedience commands like “sit” and “stay” are key focuses during puppyhood.
What works?
A regular toilet routine.
Positive crate training for safe sleep and downtime.
Early, controlled socialisation with people, dogs, and new environments.
Goldens are sensitive to harsh corrections, so always use gentle, force-free methods that build trust and confidence.
Read more: Force-free puppy training: what the experts want you to know
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Training your adult Golden Retriever
Just because your Golden is out of puppyhood doesn’t mean the training stops. In fact, ongoing mental stimulation is essential to keep their mind sharp and behaviour balanced.
This might look like:
Reinforcing polite greetings at the door.
Teaching fun tricks and new games.
Adjusting to life changes, like moving house.
Training for mobility support, like using a ramp as they age.
Dogs have neuroplasticity, meaning their brains adapt and change making them lifelong learners. Keep training light and engaging and celebrate progress, no matter how small.
Read more: Training adult dogs: expert tips to boost learning, brain health & bonding
Real-life insight from Lyka pup parents
Training Golden Retrievers can be as much fun as it is challenging! For real insight into the world of parenting Goldens, hear from Erin about her experiences with Rufio.
"Training my Golden has been a breeze: he’s smart, eager to please and food-motivated. Lyka's real food keeps Rufio's energy balanced, making training fun for both of us."
— Erin and Rufio (he’s on Lyka)
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When to call in a trainer or behaviourist
Not sure if your Golden’s quirks are just their excitement, or something deeper?
A trainer is your go-to for obedience, manners, and routine behaviours. A qualified behaviourist, on the other hand, is best for issues like:
Reactivity
Anxiety or phobias
Aggression
Resource guarding
They work closely with your vet to address underlying causes and create a tailored plan. The earlier you seek support, the easier it is to create lasting change.
“If training your dog is very challenging, it may be worth considering a trainer or a behaviourist. A trainer can help you identify what may be triggering their behaviour and show you how to help your dog cope in those situations. The solution may be as simple as reframing what we expect from our dogs and our behaviours around them.”
- Laura V, qualified dog behaviourist
New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together
Training your Golden Retriever is a journey — one that requires consistency, creativity, and compassion. Whether you’re navigating house training with a stubborn puppy or teaching your senior dog new routines, every small win is a step toward a calmer, more connected life together.
And remember, a well-fed brain is a trainable brain. Supporting your Golden Retriever’s learning with fresh, real food meals helps unlock their full potential.
Lyka nourishes hundreds of Golden Retrievers across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years – they’re all thriving on Lyka.
