An image of a happy golden retriever - contact Dog Training Elite for your golden retriever training in Minneapolis / St. Paul, MN.

Professional Training For

Golden Retrievers

Dog Training Elite Twin Cities

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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 Minneapolis / St. Paul, MN

At Dog Training Elite, we have extensive experience in Golden Retriever training in Minneapolis / St. Paul, MN, 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 Twin Cities, 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 Minneapolis / St. Paul 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!

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FAQs

One of our trainers will visit your home to meet you and your dog and discuss any issues you're facing. We will then demonstrate one of our model dogs so you can see what you can expect after hiring our trainers. From there, we will discuss the various packages we offer and which we feel best suit your (and your dog's) needs.
We provide full obedience training that covers all basic commands, both on and off-leash. Our in-home visits target specific issues like counter-surfing, digging, and more. Unlike some trainers, we work with all breeds, including those often considered challenging.
Yes. You (and anyone in your family who wants to be involved) are integral to your dog getting trained. We need you to practice 5-6 days a week, about 15-20 minutes a day for optimal results.
Once a week. We come to you (with the silver, gold and platinum packages) once a week to start your dog off, then you come to park sessions which are held once a week in Minneapolis / St. Paul.
We train dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. Whether your dog is a tiny Chihuahua or a large Mastiff, we have the experience and expertise to work with them.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Jessica Ann
    Sep. 16, 2024
    Dog Training Elite Twin Cities has provided an outstanding experience for both Luna and me. Luna has developed essential skills like patience, self-control, and responsiveness, while also mastering her service task, thanks to the guidance of George and Courtney. The trainers’ flexibility, clear directions, and compassionate handling made the program invaluable, and I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking quality service dog training.
  • Jessica Epple
    Sep. 16, 2024
    Dog Training Elite Twin Cities has provided an outstanding experience for both Luna and me. Luna has developed essential skills like patience, self-control, and responsiveness, while also mastering her service task, thanks to the guidance of George and Courtney. The trainers’ flexibility, clear directions, and compassionate handling made the program invaluable, and I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking quality service dog training.
  • Robin Guerrero
    Aug. 20, 2024
    George is truly a dog whisperer. We were overwhelmed with a golden retriever puppy and failed out of a puppy obedience class before contacting George and Dog Training Elite. George gave me the confidence and knowledge to train our Daisy to became the dog we enjoy today. Life happens at home and George helped Daisy to stop counter surfing and invading our kitchen cooking area. Each meeting built upon prior skills and addresses issues you and your dog are experiencing. George was incredibly supportive as my dog had several health issues that we were dealing with and seeking medical attention. I just don’t think that I would be as close to my dog without my trainer George. Even when we fall behind on training the ground work is within my dog to get back at it.
  • Matt Corcorcan
    Aug. 19, 2024
    We had a great experience with George in training our new German Shepherd puppy. He did a great job teaching her basic commands but more importantly educating my wife and I on how to continue the training and handle her reactivity.
  • Melanie Hefner
    Aug. 16, 2024
    We enlisted the help of Dog Training Elite Twin Cities for training our Rottweiler pup, Wally. I couldn't be more pleased with our experience. During the in-home sessions, George involved my whole family (myself, my husband, and my 2 young sons) in the training activities, resulting in Wally following commands from all of us. George also took the time to work with Wally on our specific concerns beyond obedience (e.g. crate soiling, aggression). We take Wally everywhere (kids soccer games, baseball games, parks, etc.) and regularly receive compliments re: his behavior. George is 100% to credit for this. I very highly recommend Dog Training Elite.
  • kristina d'elia
    Jun. 25, 2024
    So incredibly thankful we found Dog Training Elite. It had been years since we had to go through the new dog phase and when we got our 3 year old rescue home this spring we were unprepared for the training she needed. George has transformed our dog. She is still a wonderful and energetic dog but with boundaries. She knows what is expected of her and the house doesn’t feel like chaos anymore. So grateful and I would not hesitate to use them again for any future dogs or recommend DTE to everyone with a dog.
  • Taylor Doeden
    May. 26, 2024
    We had a fantastic experience with George from Dog Training Elite! Our Scottish Terrier, Paul, showed remarkable improvement in his behavior across the board. George's training not only helped Paul build confidence in new environments but also significantly reduced his anxiety around new people. We couldn't be happier with the results and highly recommend George to anyone looking for a skilled and compassionate dog trainer. Thank you, George, for transforming Paul's behavior and making our lives so much better!
  • Mary Munson
    Mar. 10, 2024
    When we first brought our dog home, he was 1 1/2 year old, 60 lb dog with no training. He wanted to be loved and play all the time but his form of play was a little much to handle, jumping and mouthing us and our guests. After we trained with George, he was a completely different dog. He knows when to play and listens to commands even though he is busting with love and still wants everyone's attention. We would highly recommend working with George at Dog Training Elite, Twin Cities. He is patient and loving and quickly became our dog's best friend!
  • Jennifer Loupe
    Feb. 15, 2024
    I highly recommend Dog Training Elite. Previously I had enrolled in a different training program where my dog had to drop out due to her anxiety and reactivity. I also put her through a dog training month long boot camp. Neither of these had the success which I am experiencing now with Dog Training Elite. For the first time I am able to walk her without being afraid that her reactivity and pulling will be unmanageable. George is great and also answered promptly with suggestions when I texted with training questions. I am so glad I finally found something that is working.
  • Kate Lundsten
    Jan. 17, 2024
    My dog is a different dog since George came to my house. Louie loves to be trained and he is now a wonderful puppy. I would highly recommend George!
  • Katrina Cannady
    Dec. 13, 2023
    George is an amazing trainer! He is always on time, very kind & understanding, dogs worship him, & will have you seeing results with your dog almost instantly. I got my dog for my PTSD & George helped turn my 3-month-old puppy into one of the most amazing companions in the matter of 6 months. His training programs are very much worth your time, effort, & money.
  • Sue Schinke
    Oct. 27, 2023
    We worked with George and were very satisfied with this training experience. We have a 3 year old Rough Collie and were experiencing issues with leash reactivity and "Stranger Danger" in our home. Our Finley thought it was his job to control people he didn't know in our house. (These herding breeds can have a tendency to nip and herd). We can now manage this situation and have a more safe atmosphere for others. The e-collar training is fabulous if you have a dog that has impulses or a situation where "positive only training" isn't getting the results you want. Great for off-leash commands. You will not regret the decision to go forward with this training.
  • Lisa Nelson
    Jul. 30, 2023
    Take advantage of the free in-home assessment to see for yourself, but I highly recommend George for anyone looking for a dog trainer. I have an anxious American Bully that other trainers were not willing or able to work with, but George was able to build a great relationship with her and train both of us. He's very responsive, engaged, and specific with training feedback and epxectations, which I found was very helpful - also supportive for any/all questions that I've had. Going through training with George has significantly improved our quality of life - went from having a reactive dog that would bark anytime others entered the home to now having the skills in place to allow others to visit without it being a big event. Thanks George!
  • Leah Tillman
    May. 23, 2023
    My dog Nigel was very anxious, guarded, and reactive before we did training with George. Each session, George coached Nigel, but he also coached me on how to be a more assertive owner! I feel like I was given the tools I need to make sure Nigel is safe out in public. I was shocked at how quickly the reactive behavior subsided once Nigel felt more confident, and now he is a much happier dog. I’m more confident with him too. George is very knowledgeable and was able to answer any question I had, and he really listened to and abided by my training goals. I’m excited to continue with the Saturday park sessions!
  • Jay Zachau
    Apr. 26, 2023
    I thought I was hiring someone to come to my house and train my dog but really I was trained how to effectively train my dog. George was an excellent teacher and was super great with Oreo. Very flexible when I needed a reschedule and also with the lesson plan by helping with things outside of the list of commands in the contract. Would recommend to family and friends for sure. Looking forward to the group classes this summer.
  • Tamara Uhde
    Feb. 14, 2023
    Rosie was a reactive dog, we lived our life afraid of her becoming aggressive to those entering our home. George taught us week by week on basic commands that built upon each other. He was reliable and professional. Rosie is a different dog. The cost of individual in home training was worth every cent. Our Rosie is more confident of herself and comes by command, something we never thought could happen. We are so thankful!
  • Zac M
    Feb. 3, 2023
    George has done a fantastic job with our pit bull Cleo, not only is he skilled but he is also personable. Highly recommend him to anyone seeking elite dog training.
  • Madlyn McMullen
    Feb. 3, 2023
    George deserves this 5 star review! Such an all-around dog trainer and person! Helped not only train our four legged best friend but also us as owners. cleo is a pitbull who was extremely stubborn and jumped on anyone who came through the door. Cleo used to take ten minutes before calming down. Now Cleo sits and waits until she is given the okay to welcome guests. She is also reactive towards other dogs but if the help of conditioning Cleo with the collar and commands, she is a lot less reactive. He even volunteered his own dog to help equipped us with the tools to introduce our dog to others. He answered any and all questions that he had plus more. Would highly recommend!
  • Sara Veit Kaufman
    Dec. 21, 2022
    George was a wonderful trainer! We were out of options for our anxious, aggressive golden doodle. After working with George, we were able to take our dog to family holiday gatherings with no incident. George patiently answered all of our questions and equipped us to be better dog owners. We would highly recommend!
  • Lucas Duppler
    Dec. 5, 2022
    George was great and easy to work with. We have a rather aggressive shepherd mix with other dogs and we worked through some techniques that help us approaching dogs on our nightly walks. He was patient & offered a lot of tools to help us better handle those situations with confidence.
A well-trained golden retriever posing for a picture.

Minneapolis / St. Paul Golden Retriever Puppy Training

Training a Golden Retriever Puppy

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At Dog Training Elite Twin Cities, 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 Minneapolis / St. Paul 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

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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 positive reinforcement. 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 Twin Cities.
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An happy, well manered golden retriever with training from Dog Training Elite Twin Cities.

The Dog Training Elite Difference

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At Dog Training Elite Twin Cities, we use modern training methods focused on positive reinforcement 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 of focusing on positive behavior reinforcement 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!