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

Professional Training For

Golden Retrievers

Dog Training Elite of Southern CT

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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 Connecticut

At Dog Training Elite, we have extensive experience in Golden Retriever training in Connecticut, 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 of Southern CT, 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 Connecticut 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.

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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

  • Jennifer Moylan
    Jun. 8, 2025
    A positive experience from the first point of contact - responsive, courteous, professional. I rescued a NYC dog who had a lot of baggage, none of which is her fault, but I needed a very experienced trainer and my research found Jason and Dog Training Elite. Thankfully, they could come to me across the state. Pearl's training has been specific to her needs and our needs as owners. Jason teaches you how to set your dog up for success while adapting to your home and your lifestyle. It is not a one size fits all solution. In my case, Jason has taught me how to train Pearl, it is not just him working with Pearl - so I have become a more confident handler and a better leader for Pearl. We are BOTH happier thanks to our sessions. For Pearl, it is a marathon, not a sprint, and I'm grateful that I have Dog Training Elite on our side - I feel comfortable reaching out for guidance and advice outside of our sessions. I recommend them to anyone who wants to help their dog be the best they can be. Thank you, Jason & Team! Jennifer, Granby CT
  • Rachel Kanevsky
    Jun. 7, 2025
    When I adopted Milo, he had severe separation anxiety, leash issues, and would bite when upset. I couldn’t leave the house for over a month. Iliana was patient, kind, and professional. In just a few sessions, Milo is now great on walks, less reactive, and I can finally leave the house stress-free. I’m so grateful—highly recommend her!
  • Amanda Carder
    Jun. 6, 2025
    I would like to commend Jason for his exceptional assistance. When my dog Bo began exhibiting signs of reactivity towards other dogs, I reached out to Dog Training of Elite Southern CT. Jason provided me with valuable strategies and guidance to help Bo feel more at ease and reduce his reactivity. I am eager to begin my group class sessions!
  • T Mez
    Jun. 2, 2025
    Outstanding Dog Training Experience! Dog Training Elite of Southern CT has completely exceeded our expectations! From the very first consultation, his professionalism, knowledge, and passion for dog training were clear. Jason is not only highly skilled, but also incredibly kind, patient, and dedicated to helping both dogs and their owners succeed. Our dog showed remarkable progress within just a few sessions—behaviors we thought were unchangeable quickly improved thanks to their personalized approach. What makes them stand out is how much they focus on building a strong bond between you and your dog through trust, structure, and positive reinforcement. They were always on time, communicative, and went above and beyond to ensure we felt confident every step of the way. The in-home training option was a game-changer for us, and their follow-up support has been phenomenal. If you're looking for results-driven, compassionate, and professional dog trainers, look no further than Dog Training Elite of Southern CT. Highly, highly recommend!
  • Francesca DeMaio
    Jun. 1, 2025
    Illiana at Dog Training Elite has been an absolute pleasure to work with. She has come to my house in East Haven CT for several one-on-one trainings. Illiana is extremely knowledgable, and is always in an enthusiastic mood that really proves her passion for what she does. Before training with Illiana, I reached a point where I was unable to safely walk my overly excited STRONG and stubborn dog, Baker. Illiana provided the tools, directions, and patience to correct this behavior. I have also attended a group training with Jason, and could not recommend them both enough. Having the opportunity to train Baker with other dogs in a safe (and still personal) setting, taught myself and Baker skills I didn't even know he needed! I strongly recommend Dog Training Elite of Southern CT.
  • danny perez
    May. 15, 2025
    The staff at Dog Training Elite of Southern CT impressed me with their patience, kindness, understanding, experience, and authority, making them a standout in professional dog training, particularly in Puppy training classes, where attentive trainers helped us overcome challenges with gentle guidance.
  • Fatima Randolph
    May. 14, 2025
    The team at Dog Training Elite of Southern CT was supportive, with excellent communication and helpful in figuring out what kind of program I needed. Trainer Jason listened to my expectations and successfully guided me in achieving good obedience training with my 8 month old puppy. We had 5 private sessions, both at my house and outside, and now I’m looking forward to joining the group sessions. I’m very happy with the results that provided me with a new bonding experience with my puppy. Thank you Jason and Dog training Elite of Southern CT !
  • Christine Midola
    May. 9, 2025
    The professional team at Dog Training Elite of Southern CT provided exceptional care and instruction, offering patient and kind puppy training classes that truly made a significant impact on my pet's behavior and overall well-being. As an expert in their field, they expertly guided me through even the toughest dog obedience training techniques and helped me address my pup's anxiety issues, making them undoubtedly the best dog trainer for me.
  • Ivan Vega
    Apr. 18, 2025
    Dog Training Elite of Southern CT's professional dog trainer has a remarkable grasp on pet training and obedience, effortlessly addressing my concerns while helping my dog to grasp new behaviors during the puppy training classes. Their extensive knowledge and warm demeanor made me feel at ease, and I'm thrilled with the results of our anxiety training for dogs sessions.
  • curtis ferree
    Apr. 14, 2025
    We've had a great experience with Dog Training Elite of Southern CT. We have a rescue dog that has a lot of anxiety, and Jason provided us with guidance about how to give him more confidence. Jason was great about answering our questions, and provided a good mix of behavioral analysis and hands on training.
  • Mary DaSilva
    Apr. 12, 2025
    I have had only three private lessons, at my home and cannot express how Elite’s techniques has helped me train my rough collie. Jason and his team knowledge of the different breeds of dogs and the use of that knowledge to help me with techniques of owning a herding dog. They taught me techniques you can not learn on your own by getting to know my dogs living environment and my desire for Finnegan’s obedience training. All in my home within the distractions Finnegan deals with and I needed to understand to achieve obedience. I cannot praise their knowledge, care and thoughtfulness and it is proven in a short time. My fellow dog walkers, neighbors, expressed how much Finnegan has learned with this one on one in home training approach. I am thankful and highly recommend dog elite training. They even traveled to Woodbury CT for my one on one lessons. Thank You Jason, Loren and your team.
  • Arkadiy Stepanskiy
    Apr. 11, 2025
    We were almost at the point of looking for a new home for our dog..until we found Dog Training Elite services of Southern CT. In the past, we've worked with a number of well-regarded local dog specialists, sadly without much progress. After an in-home evaluation and a full session with the Dog Training Elite team, we quickly determined a plan for managing our dog's high anxiety and addressing his aggressive behavior. The trainers at Dog Training Elite of Southern CT helped us expand our training options, that yielded amazing results. They were prepared with many ideas to consider, to try and helped us 'see' and 'mark' our dog's positive behavior. We jointly figured out what works better, and made both a short and longer term plans to work on. We are looking forward to continuing group sessions and expanding our dog's social circles in Fairfield and beyond. This has truly become a life-changing process for our dog and us! Thank You!!
  • Gabriel Atkinson
    Mar. 28, 2025
    The staff at Dog Training Elite of Southern CT consistently demonstrated a supportive and knowledgeable approach to pet training and obedience, providing expert guidance throughout Marco’s behavior modification journey. Jason's patience and understanding allowed me to build a strong bond with my dog and confidently apply the techniques I learned during in-home dog training sessions in Norwalk, ultimately transforming our lives with anxiety-free walks with our calm and well-behaved Pup.
  • Bridget Cassidy
    Mar. 28, 2025
    We contacted Dog Training Elite just a few days after adopting our very sweet but very large one year old dog, Rusty, and are so glad we did. We’ve worked with both Jason and Illiana and can’t say enough good things about our experience with them. Rusty came to us with little to no structure in his world and some agent-of-chaos energy but we could tell he was ready to learn, and we were eager to start his training right away. Having Jason and Illiana in our home to help get us on the right track with training has made a world of difference for all of us and has helped us bond quickly with our lovable but energetic boy. Each session they’ve been able to directly address and help problem solve anything that’s come up as we’ve gotten to know Rusty’s personality and quirks a little more. Their instruction has been clear, simple, and easy for us to follow on our own. If anything isn’t working for Rusty or for us, they help us incorporate different techniques until we find what clicks. We have and will continue to recommend them to anyone looking for a dog trainer in southern Connecticut!
  • Cate Steczkowski
    Mar. 25, 2025
    I can’t recommend Dog Training Elite of Southern CT enough! From the moment they arrived at my home in Trumbull, CT, I felt confident that both Althea and I were in great hands . The trainer we have been working with is beyond patient and has given me great tips to set me up for success for taking the therapy certification test we are working towards passing. It is clear that she is passionate about working with dogs and their owners towards building a trusting & loving bond! I saw massive improvements after only two visits and always look forward to what we will work on next. The company has always made scheduling easy and made me feel supported the entire time! I can honestly say we will maintain an ongoing relationship with Dog Training Elite of Southern CT and continue to work towards new training goals in our future!
  • Bobby Franz
    Mar. 19, 2025
    The trainers at Dog Training Elite of Southern CT went above and beyond to ensure our dog received top-notch pet training and obedience. We have two golden retrievers that are wonderful dogs but lacked any structure. After a few sessions with Jason they are incredibly well behaved but just as fun loving as ever (and they seem genuinely happier). The training was very well thought out and we could practice during the week. We now feel comfortable bringing the dogs on walks in the mall and all around New Canaan. We could not be happier. thank you !!!
  • Zoe Odlum
    Mar. 14, 2025
    Jason came to my home in Guilford to help train my 10 month old puppy who had developed anxiety about going for walks. He gave me the tools to help her overcome her fears and we also worked on general obedience training, recall, and heel which have been amazing. I told him I was only interested in using a positive reinforcement approach and he encouraged it and helped me understand the benefits and scenarios of both methods, which was really helpful. Thank you Jason and Loren!
  • Noa Eisenberg
    Feb. 24, 2025
    Jason at Dog Training Elite of Southern CT was incredibly patient, friendly, knowledgeable, and calm, making it a joy to work with him and see our pup thrive during the service dog training classes. Jasons keen energy and professional approach helped get our once bossy Bernedoodle to tip top shape and a certified Psychatric Service Animal.
  • Nicole Dessin
    Feb. 22, 2025
    Jason at Dog Training Elite of Southern CT conducted pet training and obedience sessions with our dog River at our home in Middletown. He demonstrated exceptional patience, professionalism, experience, kindness, and clarity in his instruction. The professional and specialized in-home obedience and anxiety training was impressive, clearly tailored to our dog's unique needs.
  • Savta Cakes
    Feb. 21, 2025
    The staff at Dog Training Elite of Southern CT possesses a remarkable level of patience, kindness, empathy, experience, and praise that instilled a sense of confidence in our dog's behavior, making the pet training and obedience process a truly effective and satisfactory experience especially during puppy training classes.
A well-trained golden retriever posing for a picture.

Connecticut Golden Retriever Puppy Training

Training a Golden Retriever Puppy

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At Dog Training Elite of Southern CT, 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 Connecticut 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 of Southern CT - German Shepherd Training in Connecticut. DTE

German Shepherd

Dog Training Elite of Southern CT - Labrador Dog Training in Connecticut. DTE

Labrador

Dog Training Elite of Southern CT - Goldendoodle Training in Connecticut. Dog Training Elite

Goldendoodle

Dog Training Elite of Southern CT - Beagle Dog Training in Connecticut. DTE

Beagle

Dog Training Elite of Southern CT - Pitbull Training in Connecticut. DTE

Pitbull

Dog Training Elite of Southern CT - Doberman Training in Connecticut. DTE

Doberman

Dog Training Elite of Southern CT - Border Collie Training in Connecticut. DTE

Border Collie

Dog Training Elite of Southern CT - French Bulldog Training in Connecticut. 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 of Southern CT.
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An happy, well manered golden retriever with training from Dog Training Elite of Southern CT.

The Dog Training Elite Difference

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At Dog Training Elite of Southern CT, 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!