How to Teach Your Labrador its Name

Teaching your Labrador its name is an important skill in dog training. Simply calling the name of a well-trained dog may be enough to get him to stop in his tracks, possibly protecting him from danger. Master this important skill with your Labrador and you'll ultimately make him a better pet. Read on to learn how to teach your Labrador its name.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Start the process of teaching your Labrador its name by using food as a reward. Use very small pieces of something the dog won't be able to resist, such as hot dogs or lunch meat. Once he knows his name, you won't need the treats as a motivator.

2. Wait for a moment when your Labrador is distracted and say his name. As soon as you say his name, give him a treat. He'll learn to associate hearing his name with getting a treat. You may also use a clicker for training and click as you give him a treat.

3. Continue to train the dog in this manner for a couple of short training sessions a day. Then test your dog by calling his name when he's otherwise occupied to see if he responds by looking at you, hoping for a treat. If he does, he's mastered his name, but if not just continue the training sessions until he gets it.

4. Expand the obedience of your dog to look at you when you say his name by continuing the training in a variety of situations. Start at home with few distractions, and expand outside to the yard, to the park or any other places you take your pet.