Working on house breaking your Golden Retriever?
Goldens are easier to train than more stubborn breeds, true.
However, you’ll still need patience and diligence to get the job done right.
Check out our tips for success!
Tips for Properly House Breaking Your Golden Retriever
Properly house breaking your Golden Retriever isn’t as challenging as potty training, say, a stubborn dachshund.
Still, as with all puppy training, there’s a bit of a learning curve for both you and your dog.
Let’s look at some of the best tips for success.
Consider crate training
While you don’t have to crate train, it does make potty training easier.
Your pup will very rarely use his crate as a bathroom, so this allows you to help set up a routine for him.
Side note, if he does potty in his crate, you’re not taking him out often enough.
Stick to a routine
Potty training your Golden Retriever requires strict adherence to a routine.
At the very least, take him outside after every meal.
If you’re using a crate, make sure you’re giving him plenty of potty breaks as well as a chance to exercise.
No dog should be stuck in a crate all day, every day.
Watch him like a hawk
That said, when he is out of his crate, watch him like a hawk.
The moment he looks like he’s about to do his business on your carpet, scoop him up and take him outside.
Once he starts to go on the floor, it can be really hard to break him of this habit.
Even if you clean the spot with special cleaner, the scent lingers enough for your Golden’s powerful nose to pick it up.
Each time he smells it, he’ll think, “Oh, this is the right spot!”
The best way to prevent this from happening is to watch him at all times and ensure that he only goes in the area you have for him.
Praise, praise, praise
The best way to train a dog to do anything is through positive reinforcement.
So, every single time he does his business outside, make sure you heap on the praise.
Goldens are major people pleasers. A simple “good boy!” is often as rewarding as a treat.
Consider adding a doggy door
Once you’ve shown your Golden where to go and helped him get the hang of it, consider adding a doggy door to your home.
This gives him the independence to just go out and go potty when he needs to, without waiting on you.
Of course, you’ll only want to do this if you have a fenced-in yard.
Housebreaking your Golden Retriever can take you some time, but obviously it’s well worth the effort.
No one wants to live in a home where they’re constantly worrying about stepping in pee, after all!
Remember, Goldens are extremely people-oriented dogs. He wants to please you. It’s your job to make that easier for him to do.
Wow so much to know! It’s so helpful to read these for our future dog!
Totally agree with the sticking to a routine is so important during potty training and yes, no dog should be stuck in a crate all day and every day. Thank you for sharing these tips.