10 Advanced Commands Every Golden Retriever Should Know (And How to Teach Them)
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Once your Golden Retriever has mastered basic obedience commands, you might wonder what comes next. Advanced training provides mental stimulation, strengthens your bond, and gives your Golden opportunities to use their impressive intelligence. These ten advanced commands range from practical to impressive, but all serve to create a well-rounded, mentally engaged dog.
1. Place/Go to Your Bed
This command sends your Golden to a specific location (their bed, a mat, or a designated spot) and stay there until released. It is incredibly useful when you need your dog out of the way—during meals, when guests arrive, or when you are working.
2. Wait/Stay at Doors
Teaching your Golden to wait at doorways prevents bolting, improves safety, and reinforces impulse control. This command means "do not cross this threshold until I give permission."
3. Drop It/Give
While "leave it" prevents your Golden from picking something up, "drop it" asks them to release something already in their mouth. This is essential for a breed that loves carrying things.
4. Touch/Target
Target training teaches your Golden to touch their nose to your hand (or another object) on command. This simple behavior becomes the foundation for complex tricks and helps redirect attention in distracting situations.
5. Back Up
Teaching your Golden to walk backward on command improves body awareness, provides mental stimulation, and is useful in tight spaces or when you need them to move away from something.
6. Settle/Relax
This command asks your Golden to lie down and remain calm for an extended period. Unlike "down" which is a position, "settle" is a state of mind—your dog should be relaxed, not just lying down waiting to be released.
7. Find It/Search
Tap into your Golden's natural retrieving instincts by teaching them to search for hidden objects. This provides excellent mental stimulation and can be practiced indoors on rainy days.
8. Take It/Hold
Teaching your Golden to hold objects in their mouth on command is both practical and impressive. It is the foundation for service dog tasks like carrying groceries or retrieving specific items.
9. Spin/Twirl
This fun trick teaches your Golden to spin in a circle on command. While not particularly practical, it provides mental stimulation, improves coordination, and is a crowd-pleaser.
10. Play Dead/Bang
Teaching your Golden to dramatically collapse and lie still when you point your finger and say "bang" is one of the most impressive tricks you can teach. It combines multiple skills: down, settle, and impulse control.
The Benefits of Advanced Training
Advanced training is not just about showing off (though that is fun too). It provides crucial mental stimulation that tires your Golden as effectively as physical exercise. A mentally exhausted Golden is a well-behaved Golden.
These advanced commands transform your Golden from a well-trained pet into a true partner who can handle complex tasks and situations with confidence.
Recommended Training Products
Make training easier and more effective with these proven training tools:
Zuke's Mini Naturals Training Dog Treats - Low-calorie, soft training treats perfect for positive reinforcement. Small size means you can reward frequently without overfeeding, and the soft texture is easy for dogs to chew quickly during training sessions.
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PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar - Recommended by trainers and veterinarians for gentle, effective leash training. Helps stop pulling without choking, making walks more enjoyable for both you and your Golden.
Training Essentials
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Zuke's Mini Naturals Training Dog Treats
Low-calorie, soft training treats perfect for positive reinforcement.
PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar
Recommended by trainers and veterinarians for gentle, effective leash training.
About Sarah Mitchell
Certified Canine Nutritionist, Animal Science Degree
Sarah Mitchell is a certified canine nutritionist and lifelong Golden Retriever enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in dog care and training. She holds a degree in Animal Science and has dedicated her career to helping Golden Retriever owners provide the best possible care for their beloved companions. Sarah lives in Colorado with her three Goldens: Max, Luna, and Cooper.
