The Labrador Puppy – Tips for Training #1

Tips for training a Labrador puppy are plentiful. Labrador puppy training has been around for years, and many things have been learned about the breed. You may be training a black Labrador puppy. You may be training a yellow Labrador puppy. Or you may be training a chocolate Labrador puppy. Some people believe there is a difference in the training of each color, but there is not. Some people believe there is a difference in training between male and female, but there is not. A Labrador puppy is a Labrador puppy, and tips for training a Labrador puppy apply equally to every color and to both genders.

The tips for training a Labrador puppy that you read below and in following articles will not follow a set course. They are simply a random collection of tips. They are offered as a friend will offer tips – as they come to mind.

If you have tips for training a Labrador puppy that you would like to share, please let us know. We will be happy to consider any valid tips, and share such with other readers.

Here, then, is our first installment of Labrador puppy training tips.

• Always reward desired behavior. When your Labrador puppy comes, sits, stays, relieves itself where it should, etc., give it a reward.
• Treats are fine, but other rewards should be used, too – sometimes in place of a treat and sometimes with it. Words of praise accompany treats. Rub your Labrador puppy on its tummy or pat its head.
• Praise should be in a happy, excited tone. Lavish praise. Draw it out. Repeat it. “Good!” “Good dog!” or even “Yeah!” are great words of praise to use in Labrador puppy training.
• Never reward undesired behavior. Labrador puppy training involves reprimands as well as praises. The reprimand must be such that the puppy does not want to repeat the action.
• Never laugh at a Labrador puppy when it misbehaves. Even if you follow the laughter with reprimand, it has gotten the wrong message. It will want to please you – to make you laugh – and will connect the laughter to the behavior.
• Use reprimands only when you catch your Labrador puppy in the act of doing something wrong. It will not know why it is being scolded if you do not catch it in the act.
• Reprimands should always be short! They should be quick! They should be in an angry tone. “No!” “Bad dog!” are good reprimands.
• Use reprimands when they are needed, but try not to overdo it. An upbeat attitude in training a Labrador puppy is better.
• Never hit or spank your dog. Make sure your hand always loves when it comes in touch with your Labrador puppy. Do not hit with a newspaper. Do not spank with a leash or other object. Words are enough.
• Labrador puppy training requires patience. Whether you are walking the puppy, or keeping it away from the cats, use patience with your puppy and you will be rewarded.

More tips for training a Labrador puppy will be posted in an upcoming entry. Watch for them, but meanwhile, enjoy your Labrador puppy to the fullest!