There are few things cuter than a Golden Retriever puppy, but that adorable fur ball that you brought home from the breeder will quickly become a fifty-pound chewing machine if you are not ready and willing to whip that pup into shape. Not literally of course. This eager to please dog will respond best to plenty of praise and positive reinforcement when it comes to effective Golden Retriever obedience training. The best way to train this type of dog is to begin the first day you bring it home, by teaching and reinforcing the rules of the house immediately.

This means that you need to have an idea of what the rules of the house will be from day one. Do you want your adult Golden Retriever lolling about on your bed or taking up the majority of your couch? If the answer is no, then now is the time to teach that pup that the bed and couch are off limits. The good news is that these dogs are quite easy to please, so once he learns the house rules, he should be inclined to follow them - at least most of the time.

Most owners will begin Golden Retriever obedience training with housebreaking. This process will usually start the first day that you bring your puppy home from the breeder, and is usually most effective when a crate is incorporated into the training. When you are unable to keep a close eye on your puppy for short periods of time, you can let him stay in his crate. Once you take him out, bring him to the yard first thing so that he can go to the bathroom right away. After he goes, praise him and bring him inside.

Keep your puppy in his crate when you are not available to watch him closely. When he is out of his crate, keep an eye out for potty signals like sniffing the carpet. When you see him do this, take him to the same spot outdoors and wait until he does his business. When he is finished, praise him and bring him back indoors. It is also a good idea to take your puppy outside after meals and naps to prevent any possible accidents.

Housebreaking is just the first step of Golden Retriever obedience training. Once your puppy has mastered where to go potty, it is time to move on to other types training. The best way to do this is by enrolling you and your dog in a formal obedience training course.

You can find obedience training classes at many pet stores, community centers or through your veterinarian's office. Don't be surprised if your pup loves his schooling, since it is yet another way for him to get out and socialize!

If you have been through the formal training programs with other pups, you can train your Golden Retriever at home. It is very important that you work with him for at least a few minutes every day on the basic commands to ensure that your dog gets a good grasp of what is expected and how to behave.

Make sure that you and your dog work on the techniques for a few minutes every day so that the training principles will sink in and stick. That way, you can enjoy a dog that is well behaved and a delight to have in your home.