My dad thinks it’s a good idea to hire a trainer for our 13-week-old golden retriever, but I believe I can do it myself. Should I stick to my plan or listen to him and hire a trainer?
It’s generally a good idea to hire a trainer. Puppies that go to puppy classes usually do better than those that don’t.
I’d recommend checking out this guide when looking for one: [this guide].
I would suggest getting a trainer. A trainer can help YOU get the basics down, and you can build on that later. There are a lot of mistakes you might miss that are more about how you train than the dog itself. 
We got a trainer for our golden, and it was definitely worth it. I did the basics like potty training, crate training, and recall with treats, but once we hit a plateau, the trainer helped us move forward. Now, at 8 months, he listens really well.
Personally, I don’t think it’s necessary. I have a background in behavioral therapy, so I feel confident handling it. I still watch Zak George’s YouTube videos for tips.
It’s better to start with a pro for a good foundation. But honestly, for a puppy, a class would probably be enough instead of one-on-one sessions. It’s usually cheaper, too.
We had a trainer for Puppyboy. He’s a Great Pyrenees, and I wanted to make sure he was well trained.
Best decision! The trainer didn’t just train him, she trained me too, and I learned a lot.
We’re in PetSmart’s puppy beginner class right now. It’s really taught me a lot, and we’re halfway through. It helps me stay accountable, especially as a new puppy owner. I’d definitely recommend getting into some kind of class or working with a trainer.
If you’re young and inexperienced, and it’s not just your dog, it’s a good idea to listen to your dad. Lots of people can figure it out themselves, but in this case, getting a trainer is probably the best move. Open your mind to it and learn enough to do it yourself with your next dog.
If your dad is offering to pay, why not take the opportunity? Just make sure to hire a certified trainer who uses positive reinforcement methods (avoid anyone using shock/vibrating collars or choke chains). If it’s free for you, go for it! Worst case, the trainer teaches you a few tricks and tips.
Caveat - I hired a trainer, but I didn’t learn much that I didn’t already know from YouTube videos and this forum. I stuck to force-free, positive reinforcement methods, but not all trainers use that approach. If you do your research, it may not be necessary to hire one.
The group puppy classes I did were really helpful for my pup’s socialization, and I plan to do them with every puppy I get. My dog is calm and non-reactive with other dogs now, and I think the group classes helped a lot with that. One-on-one sessions weren’t as helpful for us unless you have a specific issue.
I watched a ton of videos and did some trainer sessions. I think working with a trainer a few times really helped me understand dog behavior better. The trainer also pointed out potential future behavioral problems that I might have missed, which was really helpful.
I did it all myself, but if someone was offering to pay for training, I would have gladly taken them up on it. As others said, you can learn a lot online, but there are some areas I still want a trainer’s help with (like walking without pulling). If you can get the extra help, take it!