The delight of bringing home your Black Lab can make you forget training until his first accident. Then, you desperately want to know how to housebreak a Black Lab – or how to house break a Black Lab.
Use either spelling, but begin as soon as you bring a puppy home.
You will use two basic secrets as you housebreak a Black Lab puppy.
1. Puppy Rolling
The first is puppy rolling. To housebreak a Black Lab, let him know that he cannot overpower you.
How: While playing, roll him on his side. Hold him there for a few seconds, and then let go. Do not be rough. Simply roll, hold, and let go. If he struggles, hold firmly. You must win. Do this several times each day.
Reasoning: A puppy on his side is in a submissive position. When you place him in that position, and hold, you show that you are his pack’s dominant member. You will care for him, but you will lead.
2. Puppy Touching
The second is puppy touching. To housebreak a Black Lab, let him know you are kind, but firm.
How: Handle your Black Lab frequently with a firm touch. Have every family member handle him. Rub his ears. Play with his paws. Poke him in the tummy – always kindly.
Reasoning: When a Black Lab associates good feelings with your touch, he will be eager to please.
If you are going to housebreak a Black Lab, you need great patience. Your puppy cannot “hold it” until he is three months old. If you bring him home at two months, he cannot be responsible for when he “goes”ย. You must take that responsibility. You will need patience.
Right Places
Make “right places” before you begin to housebreak a Black Lab. Choose a small area in your house that has no carpet. Confine your Black Lab there, and never scold if he relieves himself there. Let him know this is a right place. You may want a right place outdoors also.
Right Times
Make “right times” when you will take your puppy outdoors. You will need at least 6 times daily. The way to housebreak a Black Lab is to plan around these times.
- First thing each morning
- Immediately after his meals
- Anytime he turns in circles
- Last thing each night
Reprimands and Praises
Successful efforts to housebreak a Black Lab puppy will require reprimands and praises – but no hitting.
When he “goes” in the right place, praise in a light voice: “Yes! That’s the right place! Yes!”
When he “goes” in the wrong place, reprimand in a firm voice: “No! That’s the wrong place! No!”
FINAL SECRET: Your puppy will “make the connection”ย ONLY if you catch him in the act. Efforts to housebreak a Black Lab gain nothing by yelling when you discover the spot 5 minutes later. Watch when he is not in a “right place”ย, and the moment he relieves a drop, reprimand. Only then will he associate the reprimand with the act.
I am getting a 7-month black lab! I understand everything you’ve said, but I wonder at what point will the lab stop going in the “right place” inside and go outside?
Also, should we put him out during the night at all? Thanks!
Thank you. That’s a great help. I really have a lot to learn about my Lab.
No its fine they are still very young so much to learn
Do puppies mark their territory? Do they usually do it in the house if so?? My 6 week old lab pee’s a lot in the house, but only a few times has it been actually peeing. The other times it’s just a little tinkle. Do dogs get UTI’s?? Could their be something wrong with him?? Thank you!!
I had much better luck training our puppy when I started to “roll” him. that one tip is invaluable.. thanks for sharing it!
need help two year old male black lab trying to housebreak. good dog very hyper
If your puppy is chewing on you or any object – simply say “NO! loud and firm – clap your hands if you have to get his attention then simply give him his chew toy and when he chews on it say “Good Boy/Girl, and his name. It takes a lot of patience but it works.
I’m not an expert dog trainer but I have picked up a LOT of hints through watching the program IT’S ME OR THE DOG on Animal Planet network. I would highly recommend watching it as she give many hints for such behavior. Good luck and let us know how it goes.
how do i get my 6 month old baby girl lab to stop knawing on me she dont do it to anyone else she thinks im her chew toy any advice?
thank you so much it was incredibly helpful.