An image of a happy golden retriever - contact Dog Training Elite for your golden retriever training in Cleveland, OH.

Professional Training For

Golden Retrievers

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro

Request Free Assessment

Request Free Assessment

Our Golden Retriever Training Could Help:
Separation anxiety
Excessive barking
Overexcitement
Destructive chewing
Jumping on people
Pulling on the leash
Uncontrolled digging

Golden Retriever Training in Cleveland, OH

At Dog Training Elite, we have extensive experience in Golden Retriever training in Cleveland, OH, both as puppies and adults. This breed's eagerness to please and high intelligence make them relatively easy to train, whether the goal is basic obedience, therapy work, or specialized tasks. Our training programs are tailored to maximize the breed's natural abilities and ensure effective, lasting results.

By working with our team at Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro, owners can develop a strong bond with their Golden Retriever, guiding them through each stage of their development. We focus on harnessing your dog's inherent qualities, helping you raise a well-behaved, reliable, and loving companion.

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A well-trained golden retriever with their owner - our Cleveland golden retriever puppy training can help your pup be a loving family companion.

Why Golden Retrievers Make Ideal Family Dogs


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Golden Retrievers have long been a favorite choice for families, consistently ranking as one of the top five breeds in America. Their intelligence, loyalty, and friendly disposition make them exceptional companions, especially in households with children. These dogs are gentle, fun-loving, and excel in various roles due to their strong work ethic and adaptability.

Despite their many strengths, Golden Retrievers are not naturally aggressive, which means they may not be the best choice as guard dogs. However, their calm and sociable nature makes them a perfect fit for families looking for a loving and dependable companion.

Get Your Free Assessment

You and your canine companion really can have it all. See how easy it can be to become a member of the elite pup society by requesting a free consultation today!

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Barbara Barresi
    Sep. 22, 2025
    Kevin and Andrea at Dog Training Elite, plus their team, helped us reach our goal to have Tucker become a therapy dog!
  • Heather Cappy
    Sep. 17, 2025
    We LOVED everything! We have a lab that is going to be very big, and wanted to nip training in the butt! We could tell a difference in just two days! Everyone did an amazing job training our dog Bruno! Bruno was excited to go to training and would start waging his tail as soon as we pulled in, which showed the love and care they gave him while training! I highly recommend!!!!!
  • TJ
    Sep. 17, 2025
    I can’t say enough good things about my experience with Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland. From the very first session, the trainers brought a calm, confident energy that helped both me and my dog feel at ease. Their collective knowledge and professionalism really stood out, and their consistency across sessions made it easy to build momentum and trust the process. What impressed me most was how patient, understanding, and encouraging each trainer was—especially when my dog had those high-energy, impulsive moments. The basic obedience lessons were clear, effective, and adaptable to real-life situations. The whole experience felt structured but never rigid, and always supportive. If you’re serious about results and want trainers who truly care about both you and your dog, this is the team to work with. Easily the best dog training experience I’ve had in the Cleveland area.
  • Jill Petras
    Sep. 11, 2025
    Kevin was excellent with our dog. His directions for her and us were very clear. Our dog really learned a lot during these lessons. I would highly recommend his service.
  • Kay Rose
    Sep. 4, 2025
    DTE is fantastic! Our pup was resource guarding and bit my wife and I. We have grandchildren and this behavior was unacceptable. We were devastated as we thought we would have to rehome her. I began searching for resources and contacted DTE. Hailey came and did an in home evaluation. She was knowledgeable and honest. Despite the cost, it has been worth every penny! We now have a well trained dog that no longer resource guards. DTE is knowledgeable, patient and kind as they want what is best for your dog and you. All of the trainers that worked with our Holly were exceptional. Hailey was Holly’s primary trainer and we can’t thank her enough for saving us and our pup. No matter how many times we asked the same question or needed a review of a command she was 100% engaged and helpful. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland to anyone looking for friendly, effective dog training. Thank you for all of your dedication and hard work!!
  • Giovanna Ciaravino
    Aug. 30, 2025
    The team at Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland demonstrated remarkable kindness, patience, professionalism, and sense of humor, making the dog training experience both enjoyable and informative expertly guiding our dog through Basic obedience lessons. As a dog owner, it was comforting to have a patient and knowledgeable Dog behavior expert working with my aggressive dog towards achieving necessary skills to take him out in public. Josh was extremely knowledgeable in answering many of my questions and patient with my dog’s progression and my family members while learning how to train my dog. Truly if it wasn’t for Dog Training Elite my dog would be in a very tough spot. With this organization I felt confident in my dog and am very proud of the progress we have made! I highly recommend this dog training especially for aggressive dogs that are deemed intolerable.
  • Jack Johnston
    Aug. 29, 2025
    The Dog Trainer at Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and patient, fostering a supportive environment that helped my dog thrive during basic obedience lessons and in-home training. Her kind approach and expert guidance earned her a reputation as a reliable Dog behavior expert and top-notch Service Dog Trainer in the Cleveland area.
  • Laura Stephens
    Aug. 29, 2025
    Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland's trainers exude patience, kindnes, and expertise, all of which transformed my unsocialized, wild animal of a 13 wk old mini schnauzer that I couldn't even get a leash or collar on when we got him, into a "walking through the park" on a loose leash dream. The transformation is nothing short of a miracle. I highly recommend Elite. Everyone on their staff is absolutely amazing!
  • Margaret Sohnlein
    Aug. 21, 2025
    Our puppy Charlie had an amazing experience at Dog Training Elite! We can’t believe how much he learned in his two week training camp. Thank you to all of his wonderful trainers!!
  • Laycee Wojo
    Aug. 15, 2025
    Loved this experience and getting to learn more about my dog and train her the correct way, working with Dog training elite has brought me closer to my dog and understanding the correct methods on how to train them without hurting them. Thank you Dog training elite for a wonderful experience!
  • Cali Fleming
    Aug. 15, 2025
    Karly taught us that excited praise motivates our food driven pup better than any treats!
  • Fahmi Adam
    Aug. 15, 2025
    Kevin specializes in service dog training and helped us understand our golden retriever's amazing potential.
  • Ulfatul Hamidah
    Aug. 14, 2025
    (Translated by Google) The dog is so cute, I really want to keep a dog but I'm Muslim 😭😭 pretending to be cute 😘😘 (Original) Anjing nya lucu bgtt,saya pengen bgt memelihara anjing tapi saya islamm😭😭sok cuteee 😘😘
  • Dina Shasi
    Aug. 14, 2025
    Josh quickly changed separation anxiety using techniques that address root causes.
  • Hayes Browning
    Aug. 14, 2025
    Hayley taught us excited praise motivates better than any food treats 🦴
  • Reed Benson
    Aug. 13, 2025
    Hayley quickly changed jumping behavior, taught us effective prevention techniques completely.
  • Nabilla Naser
    Aug. 12, 2025
    Hayley taught us patience works, consistency is key to training success.
  • Siti Rohmah Nurhasanah
    Aug. 12, 2025
    Hayley and team are incredible, service dog training expertise is unmatched!
  • Lance Matthews
    Jan. 31, 2025
    The team at Dog Training Elite are very effective and knowledgeable. They go the extra mile to make certain you understand and possess the skills needed to maintain the trained tasks for your family member. The patience, encouragement, kindness, cleanliness, and effectiveness of Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland is truly exceptional, making it easy to follow along with all of their tasks & obedience lessons as well as their tailored instructions for my pet. My pet was additionally trained for specific tasks needed for my home care as well as care in public as a Working Service Dog; which is needed for myself. As a result, I've seen significant improvement in my dog's behavior under the guidance of a Master Dog Trainer whom specializes in Service Dog Training and is knowledgeable in In-home training methods. I would like to personally thank Josh Lopez and Team for their professionalism and genuine care/concern for the effectiveness and skills we’ve learned thru the process!!!!
  • Deborah M
    Aug. 5, 2025
    I was impressed with the patience, knowledge, consistency, and compassion exhibited by the dog trainers at Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland throughout my dog's basic obedience lessons, remarking on the expert guidance provided by their certified Dog trainer. Thanks to their helpful communication and tailored In-home dog training, I witnessed significant improvements in my dog's behavior, as well as her brother. He is a very nervous dog, but everytime Hayley came in to work with my girl, my other dog just started doing all the commands playing copy cat. He does not like people outside his family, but became good buddies with her. Elite Dog training is a trustworthy resource for dog owners seeking top-notch Service Dog Training.
A well-trained golden retriever posing for a picture.

Cleveland Golden Retriever Puppy Training

Training a Golden Retriever Puppy

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At Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro, we recommend starting dog training as early as possible. Puppies are capable of learning basic commands, and smart Golden Retriever puppies do great with early training.

Complete Cleveland Golden Retriever Puppy Training typically takes a few months. We offer 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, we offer 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 be 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.

Additional Breeds We Train

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro - German Shepherd Training in Cleveland. DTE

German Shepherd

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro - Labrador Dog Training in Cleveland, OH. DTE

Labrador

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro - Goldendoodle Training in Cleveland, OH. Dog Training Elite

Goldendoodle

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro - Beagle Dog Training in Cleveland, OH. DTE

Beagle

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro - Pitbull Training in Cleveland, OH. DTE

Pitbull

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro - Doberman Training in Cleveland, OH. DTE

Doberman

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro - Border Collie Training in Cleveland, OH. DTE

Border Collie

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro - French Bulldog Training in Cleveland, OH. DTE

French Bulldog

Golden Retriever Training Tips

Golden Retrievers are quick learners with a strong desire to work alongside their owners. Their intelligence and willingness to follow commands make them ideal for various types of training, from basic obedience to more advanced skills.

Here are some essential training tips for Golden Retrievers.

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 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.

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.

At Dog Training Elite, we have developed training programs for puppies and adult dogs alike based on proven techniques. German Shepherd training with our in-home option is entirely possible.

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.
A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro.
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Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Victory Begins With Elite Education

An happy, well manered golden retriever with training from Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro.

The Dog Training Elite Difference

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At Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro, we use modern training methods focused on balance and bonding between dog and dog owner. We never resort 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 training theory for every dog breed 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. Our method 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!