The medium-sized Curly-Coated Retriever is of very loyal, independent, intelligent temperament of the breed. It is one of the oldest retrievers that is also a very versatile gundog. Although a gundog, it can also do great as a family companion as long as the family can meet his activity level.

It is a very energetic dog that needs a lot of outdoor activities. So, if you are thinking of owning this breed, make sure you can fulfill all of its exercise needs. This breed does well in the hand of an experienced dog owner with great leadership.

When to Start Training Curly-Coated Retriever?

The right time to start training your Curly-Coated Retriever is as soon as you bring him home which is around 6-8 weeks. The early you start training your dog, the more obedient and smart it will become. Teaching the right methods at a right time will help the puppy to distingue between right and wrong while avoiding any kind of behavioral problem when he grows up.

Basic training like obedience and potty training should be started when they are 2-4 months. While the socialization of the puppy should be started as the puppy gets 4 months old which should go on till they reach adulthood. For advanced training, your puppy should get at least 6 months old. By this time it would master the basics and are ready for advanced training.

Curly Coated Retriever with its master
Curly Coated Retriever with its master.
Image Source: Biology Dictionary

Where to Start Training Curly-Coated Retriever?

Training place should be decided based on what your dog is learning and where it is comfortable. For basic obedience, you can train your Curly-Coated Retriever at the comfort of the home. They do not need to go out in a crowded place to learn the basics of obedience as it can be distracting for them in the beginning.

For housebreaking, you need to make a habit of taking your dog out in the yard, so they do not pee or poop inside the house. When the puppy gets old enough, he can hold his bladder much longer which makes housebreak training easier.

How to Define Task?

To define the task for your Curly-Coated Retriever, you need to make him understand what you want him to do. Choose a certain word for a certain task and teach your dog what it means and as he does the task following your word, quickly reward him with the treat. This way he will learn quickly and more effectively. For example, use the words like sit, come, stop to make him understand his task.

For more tricks like roll over, high five, use body gesture and demonstrate them how its done. By looking at you, your dog will learn how its done.

Training Process?

The Curly-Coated Retriever is one of the most hardworking and athletic retriever. Its independent mind can make training hard, however, it is intelligent and with right dominant leadership, it can be trained without much problem.

Curly Coated Retriever agility training
Curly Coated Retriever agility training.
Image Source: 101DogBreeds.com

Leadership: When the Curly-Coated Retriever is still a puppy, it is very important that you establish a strong leadership upon him. If you fail to introduce yourself as its master, your dog will become stubborn which can make training hard. Be the alpha of the pack but never be harsh towards your dog. Be firm, gentle, and consistant leader.

Socialization: Early socialization makes your dog get comfortable around different people and other pets. So, it one of the important parts of the training so your Curly-Coated Retriever does not get reserved or even aggressive around strangers and other dogs.

Agility: The Curly-Coated Retriever is a very active and athletic dog breed which needs to be given agility training as it will stimulate its mind and keeps its body fit. They love outdoor activities of any kind and with its people, so agility and other dogs sports are important while training them.

Visit Doglime for more dog breeds and their training methods.

Tags