There is an important adage that we need to "catch kids being good." Well, the same goes for our Golden kids out there. And, all the things we think of as kids needing to learn, are needed for our pups. Smart, well-adjusted and happy kids or pups grow up in homes where they're respected, trusted, appreciated, loved, rewarded, and viewed as an important part of the family. So, get gaiting on your way to having a smart, well-adjusted, happy Golden by practicing these ABC's! And, to learn more about positive training techniques just click here.

	Aim to be the best parent you can be, investigating the latest trends and developments in the doggie world.
	Bring your Golden to as many places as you can, so that he or she can gain skill in exhibiting good manners.
	Call your Golden to you by his or her name. The ability for this skill to be a developed one may be a lifesaver in a future dangerous situation.
	Directly address your Golden's needs. But, do so in a pleasant way, with body language that equally says, 'alright, you need me, here I come.'
	Expect your Golden to respond well to positive reinforcers yet poorly to punishers as they merely breed resentment and sometimes hostility.
	Follow your Golden's lead. He or she will tell you whether a certain situation is a stressful or pleasant one.
	Gently reprimand when it is warranted. Goldens are very sensitive and can have their feelings hurt very easily.
	Heap a lot of loving onto your Golden. He or she lives to love you and surely deserves this response in kind.
	Impart a true commitment to your Golden's care and wellbeing by having good communication with your team of doctors. Write down your questions and don't be afraid to ask for explanations.
	Join in your Golden's zest and spirit for living, and learn to appreciate all that each day actually has to offer. That is what he or she does.
	Keep a running record from day one on: treatments utilized, medications & your dog's response, progress on combating treatment side effects, supplements that are added, and changes in habits and behaviors.
	Learn from your Golden. He or she is wise in many ways, truly teaching all the best that life has to offer.
	Magnify what your Golden shows skill or interest in, so that he or she can feel successful and gain confidence.
	Never show your upset when your Golden innocently messes up and makes a mistake. We all make mistakes, hence the reason for erasers on pencils.
	Organize your Golden's day so that they know what to expect and what you desire from him or her.
	Prepare your Golden for the social world we live in by involving him or her in early socialization training.
	Quietly address wrongs. Lowering your voice actually gets your Golden to be more focused on what you are trying to communicate.
	Realize that the relationship you have with your Golden is one of unconditional love and acceptance, something that humans are unable to have with one another.
	Smile, smile, and smile some more. Your body language speaks volumes to your Golden.
	Telecast when you feel happiness toward your Golden rather than taking his or her good behavior for granted.
	Understand that while your Golden seems to have human qualities, he or she is a canine and needs to be allowed to display what are merely innate behaviors.
	Venture out into your world in an assertive and positive way. In that way, you are more effectively modeling such an attitude for your Golden.
	Wait for your Golden to catch on or learn something new. Self-discovery can work wonders.
	'Xcept your Golden for his or her strengths and weaknesses. We can't all have show dogs or obedience champions or exemplary therapy dogs.
	Yell quietly at yourself when your Golden goofs up. He or she only wants to do good and to please you, so recognize and reward good efforts only.
	Zero in on providing a truly GOLDEN living and learning environment.