Labrador Retriever Puppy Training

Labrador retreiver puppies are intelligent and a favourite with trainers since they are easy to train compared to other breeds of dogs.

These dogs make good house companions and are equally good in the field. Some people argue that the reason these dogs are easy to train is not because they are intelligent but rather because they are eager to please.

When training Labrador retriever puppies, it is important that you remember that these dogs respond better when praised for behaving accordingly. Negative reinforcement in these dogs will only cause anxiety. These dogs are very energetic and will need to be given lots of exercise to keep their energy levels in check.

It is important that you choose a good training method to effectively train a Labrador pup. These puppies have been shown to respond well to clicker training. This is where a clicker is used to indicate desired behaviour.

When the dog behaves correctly, a click sound is made and the dog rewarded with a treat. In time, the dog will learn to associate the click sound with good behaviour and anticipate the treat that follows.

Training labs at home should always begin with puppy potty training. House breaking these dogs will take less time if you are consistent and persistent in training. Some puppies will take advantage if you let them get away with soiling the house. If you find the pup eliminating in the house, then pick her up and take her to the designated potty area. Praise her when she is done then you can let her in the house again.

The pup needs to be taken out to eliminate frequently until she grows older and her bladder can hold it in for longer. Crate training is an important part of potty training; the pup will see the crate as her den and will be reluctant to soil the place. Needless to say, the puppy shouldn’t be left unsupervised in the house until she is completely house broken.

Obedience training is also important in Labrador pups. These dogs have a dominant complex and you need to take control during training. Otherwise, you will end up having a very stubborn dog. 

Research has also shown that dogs will respond faster when they understand what is required of them. You can use hand signals or a clicker during training. Always reward the pup for completing a task or following a command.

If the dog is to be used for work purposes, there is need for more advanced training. Due to the size of these dogs and their love to sniff almost anything they come across, proper leash training is necessary to keep your dog in check in the public.

You should perform leash training when the puppy is still new to the household by getting her a collar. Let the puppy get used to the feel of the collar and run around with it for a few days. You can then attach a lead to the collar, and let the puppy run around with the collar. Only when it is calm, will you take the lead and take a walk with the puppy. For more information on dog leash pulling training, check out the link below...

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