Are Golden Retrievers Easy to Train? A Guide for New Owners -

Are Golden Retrievers easy to train? It’s one of the first questions people ask when they start thinking about adding a furry friend to their family. Known for their big smiles, wagging tails, and gentle hearts, Golden Retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds in the world. Their lovable nature makes them a top choice for families, but new owners still want to know just how easy they are to train.

The short answer is: yes, they generally are! But like anything in life, there’s more to the story. Let’s dig into why Golden Retrievers are considered trainable, what challenges you might face, and how to set yourself (and your pup) up for success.

Why Golden Retrievers Have a Reputation for Being Trainable

If you’ve asked yourself, “are Golden Retrievers easy to train?” you’ll be glad to know that these dogs were bred with cooperation in mind. Originally developed in Scotland during the 19th century, Goldens were created as hunting companions, specifically for retrieving game. That job required them to be:

Intelligent – able to learn commands quickly.
Eager to please – willing to listen to their handler.
Gentle-mouthed – retrieving birds without damaging them.

These qualities translate beautifully into modern life. Whether you want your Golden to master basic obedience, shine in agility courses, or simply walk nicely on a leash, their natural temperament gives you a great starting point.

So, Are Golden Retrievers Easy to Train Compared to Other Breeds?

When people compare breeds, Golden Retrievers consistently rank among the most trainable. They’re right up there with Poodles, German Shepherds, and Border Collies.

But what makes them a little different is their cheerful attitude. Goldens aren’t just smart — they genuinely enjoy working with you. This combination of brains and enthusiasm means you’ll likely see results faster than with some more independent or stubborn breeds.

That said, are Golden Retrievers easy to train in every situation? Not exactly. Like people, every dog has a unique personality. Some may be more distractible, more sensitive, or more strong-willed. The key is patience, consistency, and a good sense of humor.

Common Training Challenges with Golden Retrievers

Even though the answer to “are Golden Retrievers easy to train?” is often yes, it doesn’t mean training is effortless. Here are some common hurdles new owners might encounter:

High Energy Levels
Golden Retrievers are energetic. A bored Golden can be mischievous, chewing on shoes or digging up your yard. Training goes best when they’ve had a chance to burn off energy first.
Distraction by Excitement
Goldens love people — sometimes a little too much. If you’re asking, “are Golden Retrievers easy to train in public?” the challenge is keeping their focus when there are strangers to greet.
Slow Maturity
Golden Retrievers often stay puppy-like well into their third year. This youthful playfulness is adorable, but it can mean training takes longer than you expect.

Tips to Make Training Your Golden Retriever Easier

So, if you’re still asking, “are Golden Retrievers easy to train?” here are some practical steps to help you succeed:

Use Positive Reinforcement: Goldens respond brilliantly to treats, praise, and play. A happy “good boy!” can work wonders.
Start Early: Begin training as soon as you bring your pup home. Puppies soak up lessons like sponges.
Stay Consistent: Use the same commands and routines. Mixed messages only slow progress.
Keep Sessions Short and Fun: Five to ten minutes at a time is plenty, especially for young dogs.
Socialize: Introduce them to different people, places, and other dogs. A well-socialized Golden is easier to handle everywhere.

Real-Life Examples of Golden Retriever Training Success

Ask any Golden Retriever owner who has stuck with training, and you’ll hear countless success stories. Many Goldens go on to become therapy dogs, guide dogs, and search-and-rescue heroes. Their ability to learn complex tasks and remain calm under pressure is one of the strongest proofs that when people ask, “are Golden Retrievers easy to train?” the answer leans heavily toward yes.

Even if your Golden never has a “job,” the same traits that make them amazing working dogs also make them fantastic family pets. Teaching them to sit, stay, fetch, or even perform fun tricks like rolling over is usually a joyful process for both dog and owner.

Final Thoughts: Are Golden Retrievers Easy to Train?

So, after exploring their history, temperament, and training quirks, let’s circle back to the big question: are Golden Retrievers easy to train?

Yes — they are one of the easier breeds to train, especially for first-time dog owners. They’re smart, eager to please, and thrive on human interaction. Still, “easy” doesn’t mean effortless. You’ll need time, patience, and consistency to guide your Golden through puppyhood into a well-mannered adult.

The good news? Every training session is also a bonding moment. With a Golden Retriever by your side, you’re not just teaching commands — you’re building a lifelong friendship full of loyalty, laughter, and love.

So go ahead, grab that bag of treats, and get ready for the fun. You’ve got this — and your Golden is more than ready to learn.

Recommended Training Tools for Golden Retrievers

If you’re asking not only “are Golden Retrievers easy to train?” but also “what do I need to get started?”, the right training gear can make life so much easier.

A treat pouch like the PetSafe Treat Pouch Sport keeps your rewards within arm’s reach, so you can reinforce good behavior instantly. Pair it with a clicker trainer such as the Karen Pryor i-Click Clicker, which is simple, effective, and perfect for marking good behavior. For leash manners, a no-pull harness like the Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness can make walks enjoyable instead of a tug-of-war. And since Goldens are both clever and energetic, durable puzzle toys like the KONG Classic Dog Toy or Outward Hound Hide N’ Slide Puzzle keep their brains engaged between training sessions. With the right tools, training your Golden Retriever becomes not just easier — but a whole lot more fun for both of you.

Recommended Training Program

If you’d like professional guidance to make training even easier, I recommend checking out an online program created by Adrienne Farricelli, a CPDT-KA certified dog trainer with over 15 years of experience. Adrienne has helped countless owners eliminate unwanted behaviors and transform their dogs into well-mannered, obedient companions. Her step-by-step methods are simple, effective, and perfect for golden retrievers.

I have made a blog about this recommendation. Click here to read the information about it.
You can also go straight to the online ´´Brain Training For Dogs Page´´ and find all the information you need, by clicking here.

Ready for More? Check Out My Therapy Dog Guide

If you’ve ever wondered whether your Golden could go beyond being a family pet and actually make a difference in people’s lives, you’ll love my other post: Golden Retriever Therapy Dog: How to Get Started in 2025. It’s a step-by-step guide to turning your gentle Golden into a certified therapy dog — perfect if you want to combine training with a truly rewarding purpose.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.