Secrets of How to Housebreak a Black Lab

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.

Stockpile Patience

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”. 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” 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”, and the moment he relieves a drop, reprimand. Only then will he associate the reprimand with the act.