Training Labradors is a joyous task – but it is a task. Labrador puppies, sparkling eyes so full of life, are bundles of inquisitive energy. Their mischievous dashes across a room or yard often end in a tumble, and then a silly antic as they shake off the tumble.
Training Labradors is made more difficult by their cuddly nature. They are eager to please, but they are also strong-willed.
Training Labradors Requires Commitment
Before you begin training Labradors, make up your mind that you will be committed to it, come what may. Imagine what it will be like to live with an extremely well-mannered companion. Imagine how nice it will be to take him into the field and have him obey you. Picture a gentle, well-behaved Lab that is comfortable with guests, and polite to them. After you have imagined, set your will to do a thorough job of training Labradors in your home.
Training Labradors Requires Patience
Labrador puppies are aggressive, active little beings. You will need a large supply of patience to get the puppy to work with you. Remember, when it does not cooperate, that it has nothing to do with your relationship. He is not trying to snub his nose at you. He is just being a Labrador puppy.
Make a point of giving your puppy short lessons, repeated often. Five minutes is long enough for one lesson. Repeat the same lesson 4 or 5 times during the day to help him remember. Short lessons will also keep your puppy from becoming bored.
Training Labradors Requires Treats
As with any puppy, training Labradors requires a large bag of soft, chewy treats that appeal to your puppy. Be prepared to give a treat after every success, no matter how small.
Training Labradors Requires Praise
“Praise-with-treat” is the key to training Labradors. After every small success, praise lavishly while giving your puppy the treat. Use a high, excited voice when praising your puppy.
Training Labradors Early
The first 6 months are the most important when training Labradors. The puppy that learns your expectations at an early age will be ready to build on that learning. The first command should be “Sit!”
Sit! Can Be Taught with These Steps.
- Take your puppy to a quiet place where there are few distractions.
- Get the puppy’s attention by sitting down near it.
- When the puppy approaches you, hold a small treat above its nose.
- Say “Sit!” Your voice should go down, not up, as you say this. Do not shout or sound angry, but be firm.
- As you say the command, move your hand so the treat is right over your puppy’s head, forcing him to sit to reach it.
- The moment his bottom hits the floor, praise-with-treat.
- Let the puppy stand up, and repeat the lesson.
Tip: End every lesson on a success.
I have a 2-1/2 year old chocolate lab (Alvadore the Labrador). While walking him one day on a leash with collar, he pulled me off my feet! After that experience, I went out and got a harness (I hate “choke chains”). He is very good on the leash now as the harness gives me control of his shoulders. It also doesn’t choke him at all. Great investment for the high energy lab.
We slowed down the pulling by bribing our dog with hot dogs. I held a few small bits in my left hand and as we were walking he would walk beside me on the left sniffing for the treats. when he was walking well and behaving I rewarded him with a bit if the wiener. Be careful not to overdue the food rewards or will wind up with a Flabradour.
I would stay away from the choke chains. They got there names for a reason and can also pull out your dogs fur. A “better” solution is a prong collar. As with any training aid or methodology, get help from a pro or experienced handler.
I found the best way to train my Black lab pup Josephine (7 mo) was to hold the lease to where she only has enough room to walk next to me but without choking her. after about 4 or 5 outings with her now even without a lease she will walk right next to me with no problems. it just takes repettion
No choke coller. Just walk with a treat.
My black lab is 8 months old and he’s big he gets up on counters, how do I get him to be down?
I think 3 months is still very early and time is still very mich on your sdie. Mine is 4 months old and does sit, stya, leash walks and fetches and even dives in the water to fetch and retrieve. Now “drop” we are working on that one still. house training is about 98 percent and she sleeps on my side of the bed in the floor nightly without a crate. she is in a crate during the day and rules the 5 acres all afternoon and evening. best Fathers Day present I ever had………………….. I got a beautiful chocolate lab with the prettiets green eyes. I built her a full seat cushion for my f250 last weekend and she loves having the entire seat on the way to the lake and other places. All I can say is spend time with them 2-4 times a day and take them everywhere you go and take them around smaller and larger dogs so they get the pecking order down.
I have a 3 month old lab and i want to train her, is’t it too late to start training?
I have a 3 months Black Lab-hes doing very good with the comaands like sit -stay–and things in the house-but on the LEASH-I am in tears-I had to gewt a choke colloar and feel bad but i have not any control-he tugs hard -all the time I dont knoe how to stop this-Thanks -Susan