Also, it is surprising how many mistakes the novice owner makes training a dog and you need an experienced trainer to point these things out to you :-)

I've had dogs for 25 years and have been going to classes during all of that time, and I STILL learn new things all the time and sometimes make totally silly mistakes that needs pointing out to me. :D :D

I've only been going for seven years, so just coming out of the novice phase :D :D :D

Daisy

No, please don't misread my post, it wasn't intended to be heard in "that" tone of voice. 

"This is why you can't cook liver?"

No, I used to use liver as a high value reward and freeze it in between, but this did mean every few weeks having a major liver-cooking session in the kitchen.  It's pretty yuck stuff and stinks when cooking and I just couldn't do it regularly.  Plus mine will work just as hard for frankfurters, so why spend 1 hr in the kitchen cooking stinky liver when I can just put some frankfurters in the trolley at the supermarket?  But I've nothing against people who use liver for training and who want to cook it like this. 

Really, anything you give your dog, which your dog wants, can be a reward.  This even goes for things like: opening the door to let the dog outside.  Taking the lead off the dog and letting it free to run around when you start a walk.  Allowing your dog to go and greet another dog.  All these things are rewards, in the same way as frankfurters or cheese are. 

I even use my dogs' regular kibble as rewards and we train every meal time, so they earn even their meals and literally nothing is for free.  I appreciate that not every would want to do that or have the time to.  In which case, at least only give them the less tasty things for free, and save the tasty ones for when they have to work.

Yes, you should definitely go to a class, like others have said.  I still take all mine to classes.  For socialisation and for training with the distractions of other dogs around, nothing beats it.  You might want to look at this link and see if there is a class near you:  www.puppyschool.co.uk 

I have been training with Golden Retrievers since 1983.  I have gained quite a fair knowledge in that time however, every single one of mine does some obedience training at a training club.  The whole idea is that when a problem rears its ugly head you have someone of experience to help you rectify any mistakes being made.  Also, training is easy on a one to one basis in your garden when there are no real distractions.  The only time you know that you have cracked it is when you can get your dogs attention when you are at the local park etc.  You have already stated that this is your first dog, please be guided by what some of the experts are saying on this forum and take your puppy to classes before you have a problem.  It is easier to teach a dog right from the start than try to rectify the errors. All my dogs are trained up to the Gold KC Good Citizen and I still go for the socialising and fun of training.  You are never too good to learn.

> It is easier to teach a dog right from the start than try to rectify the errors.<

Spot on! :) You dont have to have major issues with your dog to attend training classes,prevention of problems is much easier than trying to cure them...