Golden Retrievers are renowned for their intelligence, friendly disposition, and unwavering loyalty, making them one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. According to the American Kennel Club, they consistently rank among the top breeds. While their affectionate nature is a primary draw, their remarkable intelligence also means they thrive on mental stimulation. Teaching your Golden Retriever a variety of tricks is an excellent way to engage their minds, strengthen your bond, and make them the talk of the neighborhood.
The Importance of Foundational Training
Before diving into advanced tricks, it’s crucial to establish basic obedience. If you’re new to dog training, it’s highly recommended to start with fundamental commands. Consider enrolling your dog in an obedience or puppy training class. These classes provide a structured environment where both you and your dog can learn the essentials of communication and responsiveness. Mastering basic commands such as “sit,” “down,” “stay,” “fetch,” and “shake a paw” not only ensures a well-behaved companion but also lays the groundwork for more complex behaviors. Many advanced tricks are simply elaborations of these foundational skills.
Tools and Techniques for Success
Clicker Training: Clickers can be highly effective tools in dog training. The distinct sound of the clicker serves as a marker, signaling the exact moment the dog performs the desired behavior, followed by a reward. If you choose to use a clicker, be consistent and pair the click with positive reinforcement.
Treats: Be prepared to use a generous amount of treats. High-value treats, something your Golden finds particularly enticing, are essential for motivation. Offer small treats for successful completion of each stage of a trick and a larger reward for mastering the full sequence. It’s important to only reward correct execution to reinforce the desired actions.
Top Tricks to Teach Your Golden Retriever
Here are 18 fun and unusual tricks that will showcase your Golden’s intelligence and charm:
1. High Five
This trick is a natural progression from “shake a paw” and is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Have your dog sit.
- Hold a treat where they can see it.
- Say “high five” and tap the paw you want them to use.
- As they lift their paw to bat at the treat, make contact with your free hand, simulating a high five.
- Immediately praise and reward.
With repetition, your dog will learn to lift their paw on command.
2. Salute
A respectful trick that builds on the “give a paw” command.
- Ask your dog to sit and then give a paw.
- Gently guide their paw towards their nose and say “salute,” followed by a treat and praise.
- Repeat until mastered.
An alternative involves using a sticky note on their nose, encouraging them to use a paw to remove it.
3. Army Crawl
This trick is great exercise and visually impressive.
- Have your dog lie down.
- Hold a treat close to their nose and slowly move backward, dragging the treat along the floor.
- Encourage your dog to inch forward to follow the treat, saying “crawl” as they move.
- Reward them after they’ve moved a short distance.
Gradually increase the distance with each repetition. Note: This trick may not be suitable for dogs with hip issues.
4. Skateboard
A more advanced trick requiring patience and a confident dog.
- Introduce your dog to a skateboard with the wheels stabilized. Reward any interaction.
- Encourage them to place paws on the board, gradually working up to all four paws.
- Once comfortable, gently move the board a short distance, rewarding them.
The ultimate goal is for your dog to ride the skateboard, potentially propelling themselves. This trick requires many sessions and not all dogs may be suited for it. Ensure the skateboard has a non-slip surface.
5. Play Piano
A noisy but entertaining trick for musically inclined owners.
- Encourage your dog to approach the piano and reward any interest.
- Guide them to the keyboard, rewarding them for any paw contact.
- Reward each key press initially, then gradually phase out treats as they become more adept.
Consider using a toy piano or an inexpensive keyboard to avoid damage to an acoustic piano.
6. Play Soccer
A fun, interactive trick perfect for the park.
- Introduce your dog to a ball large enough that they cannot easily pick it up.
- Reward any nuzzle or contact with the ball.
- Continue rewarding each movement, encouraging them to push the ball.
This trick may take several sessions. You can incorporate “keep away” or fetching elements once they understand the basics.
7. Say Your Prayers
This requires mastering “sit” and “give a paw” first.
- Ask your dog to sit, then give a paw.
- Kneel and place their paw over your arm, as if resting on a pew.
- With a treat, encourage them to bow their head, saying “pray.”
Gradually increase the duration they hold the pose before rewarding.
8. Clean Up Your Toys
A practical trick that teaches your dog to tidy up.
- Designate a toy box or container.
- Teach your dog the names of their toys and the “drop it” command.
- Ask them to retrieve a specific toy, bring it to the container, and “drop it” inside. Reward them when the toy lands in the box.
This process needs to be repeated for each toy.
9. Sneeze
A quirky trick that relies on capturing a natural behavior.
- When your dog sneezes, immediately offer praise and a treat.
- Introduce a command word like “sneeze.”
With consistency, you may be able to elicit a sneeze on command. Alternatively, you can try tickling their nose gently.
10. Bounce a Ball
This trick enhances your dog’s ball-handling skills.
- Encourage your dog to interact with a ball. Reward any contact.
- Gently place the ball on their nose and reward them for keeping it there.
- Progress to lightly bouncing the ball off their nose, rewarding any attempt to hit it back.
Start with a lightweight ball, like a beach ball, to avoid startling your dog.
11. Get Me a Drink
This advanced trick combines “take it,” “bring it,” and “drop it.”
- Use a plastic bottle. Have your dog “take it,” then “bring it,” and finally “drop it” near you.
- Reward each step. Gradually increase the distance.
- Once mastered, introduce the command “bring me a drink.”
Ensure the dog is comfortable with the bottle’s firmness.
12. Limp
An endearing trick that involves controlled movement.
- Identify your dog’s dominant paw.
- Gently lift the paw off the ground while on leash, giving the command “limp.” Reward them for taking a few steps.
- Gradually reduce your support, encouraging them to hold the paw up independently.
Note: This trick is not suitable for older dogs or those with joint problems.
13. Sing
This trick encourages vocalization.
- If your dog howls or makes vocal sounds, immediately pair it with the command “sing” and offer a reward.
- You can try to elicit the behavior by howling yourself or playing music.
Once the trigger is identified, you can work on getting the behavior on command.
14. Wave Goodbye
A variation of “shake paw” with a polite gesture.
- Ask for a paw, then raise your hand higher than usual, encouraging your dog to reach.
- Reward successful reaches, gradually increasing the height.
- Introduce the command “wave” as they reach upwards.
Over time, you can phase out the “shake” command.
15. Put the Laundry Away
A practical trick that taps into your Retriever’s retrieving instincts.
- Similar to “Clean Up Your Toys,” teach your dog to retrieve specific clothing items and “drop it” into a laundry basket.
- Differentiate between toys and laundry items.
- Gradually move the basket to its usual location.
This trick may be challenging for dogs that are habitual chewers.
16. Shame, Shame!
This trick is visually amusing and builds on paw-targeting.
- Similar to the “Salute” trick, place a sticky note on your dog’s nose and reward them when they lift a paw to remove it.
- Introduce the command “shame on you.”
Ensure the command word is distinct from any reprimands you use.
17. Pull a Cart
A more involved trick that requires specialized equipment.
- You’ll need a cart and a comfortable harness for your dog. Introduce the harness first, then attach a light cart.
- Gradually encourage your dog to pull the cart, rewarding their efforts.
Commercially available harnesses and carts can simplify this process. This trick is best started with a puppy. Respect your dog’s physical limitations.
18. Treat Flip and Catch
A “circus trick” that tests your dog’s impulse control.
- Have your dog sit and “stay.”
- Place a treat on their nose and give a command like “hold it.”
- Release them with “ok!” and reward them if they catch the treat as it flips.
If the treat drops, use the “leave it” command and try again. This reinforces that only a successful catch is rewarded.
Conclusion
Teaching your Golden Retriever a variety of tricks is a rewarding experience that strengthens your bond and keeps their intelligent minds engaged. When selecting tricks, always consider your dog’s physical capabilities and comfort level. Avoid any behaviors that could cause discomfort or harm. By choosing appropriate tricks and employing positive reinforcement, you can help your Golden Retriever stand out and be a well-behaved, well-entertained companion.
