Our Training Philosophy
We use verbal markers(or clickers) with all our dogs and their litters.  The young dogs in our program are introduced to marker training before they leave our home.  Marker training simply means we verbally mark a moment in time, with a "yes",  when the dog has done something right.  This is also known as classical conditioning.  The verbal marker precedes the reward(food).  Reward based training motivates dogs!  A motivated dog trains better and looks forward to each and every training session.  It gives you a tool in communicating to your dog, building a strong human-canine relationship.  Our focus here at Radiant Goldens, with regard to training, is to provide a foundation in dog manners, dog safety and self control, by teaching our dogs to give their focus and attention to their people!  We want our families to have the tools to communicate with their dog so they focus on you and listen.  Keeping them from things like jumping on people, chewing on furniture/people, or running into the road.  We want you to enjoy your golden and we know the early weeks/months can be challenging.  

Birth to 4 weeks

  • From the moment our puppies are born we begin "touch work".  Our "touch work" is intentional and with purpose.
  • ​From day 3-16 we are implementing ENS
  • We clean the whelping box multiple times a day, teaching our puppies to want to be clean.
  • Weekly claw trimming begins at 2 weeks of age
  • At 2 weeks we start adding a variety of tactile items, adding something new daily.
  • A crate is added to their space between 3-4 weeks of age.  This gives them the opportunity to freely explore this new object.  The door is always open at this point.
  • At 3-4 weeks they begin receiving puppy food, soaked in water in a community bowl.

4-6 weeks

  • At 4 weeks of age we start the process of teaching basic manners.  
  • Crate conditioning
  • Eating dry kibble by 4 1/2 weeks of age and still nursing
  • A water bucket is hung in their space "free choice" during the day.
  • "free choice" means the water is available at all times for them to drink at will (only during the daytime and removed by 4:00pm)​
  • Playtime outside if weather permits

6-8 weeks

  • Crate conditioning becomes more involved on our part as their mama begins the process of weaning them.  She continues to be involved in teaching them how to be a dog but she doesn't allow them to nurse by means of constant movement.  Most litters are weaned by 6-7weeks of age.
  • Mama is teaching them to use a doggy door.
  • We continue to introduce them to new objects, textures, and sounds(depending on the season). (i.e.: lawn mowers(small and large), weed eaters, children riding on bikes, skate boards, roller skates.  Children running and playing, bouncing balls of all sizes and textures.  They meet adult dogs other than mama.  They spend time with grandma and grandpa who are in their 70's.  
  • Depending on weather and age of puppies we introduce them to a pan of water for playtime.​
What to expect of a 8 week old puppy from Radiant Goldens​
  • They do not sleep in crate through night.  You should plan to get up every 2-3 hours through night.  They are not familiar with sleeping in a closed crate.  Plan to set up a Puppy Play Den and begin the crate training process with puppy first day in your home.
  • Puppy should not roam freely in your home.  They must be limited with gates and a Puppy Play Den.  Puppy earns the privilege of more space as they learn what they can and cannot chew with success and where they go potty (outside).  Families must do this work!
  • They will be very close to having all bowel movements outside only.  In our experience our puppies can "hold it" until they get outside, by 9 weeks of age.  This is accomplished by means of a lot work and consistency!  This work must be done by the new family. ​
* Please Note:  We are not responsible for training/temperament once he puppy leaves our possession.  It is the responsibility of the new owner to maintain and build upon what the puppy/dog has learned here at Radiant Goldens.
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