How to Train Lab Puppies
Labrador retrievers have ranked as one of the most popular dogs for many years. They are loyal, intelligent and hard-working dogs, making them a fixture for hunters and show enthusiasts. Training lab puppies can be a challenge, although seeing your well-trained Labrador in action is a rewarding experience.
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Instructions
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Decide what type of collar and lead you will use to train your Lab puppy. A flat buckle collar with a standard 6-foot lead works best for basic training, as it is simple and sturdy. Lab puppies tend to have large, blocky heads, so select a collar big enough to accommodate her head size. Choke or pinch-style collars should never be left unattended on your dog, and should only be used by an experienced trainer.
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Place the collar and lead on your Lab puppy and allow her to drag it around with her. Many puppies fight early lead training, so give your pup a treat or two when she remains calm and does not struggle to get her collar off.
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Hold the end of the lead and walk with your puppy once she ignores the collar. Following your pup will let her get used to having someone in close proximity to her while she walks. Once she is comfortable being followed, ask her to come in your direction. Offer her a treat and call her while you walk in the opposite direction. When she comes willingly with you, treat and praise her to reinforce she is obeying properly.
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Start your formal training with sit, which is a simple starter command. Most Labs are food-oriented, so keep a few treats handy. Get the puppy's attention and give the sit command. Raise the treat backwards over his head, again giving the sit command. The pup should lower his hind end to the ground and sit in an effort to get the treat. Immediately give him the treat and praise him. Continue this food luring process until the puppy sits without having to move the food over his head. Always reward as soon as the pup performs the command properly and praise him to keep him happy and encouraged.
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Move onto more difficult commands once your puppy masters the sit. Lie down, come and stay are valuable skills that ever puppy should know, and all can be taught with a little food reward. Always give your puppy the command and encourage her to complete the command properly with the food lure.
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Work in frequent sessions multiple times per day for best results. Labs are highly intelligent and quick learners and benefit most from five to ten minute sessions three or four times per day. Mix up your training routine to avoid boredom, and always end on a positive note to keep your Lab puppy from becoming discouraged.
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Tips & Warnings
Test a number of treats to determine which ones your puppy likes best. His favorite goody should be reserved as a training aid so that he associates obedience with the reward. Chunks of chicken, cooked liver and cheese work well and can be prepared well in advance and pulled from the refrigerator for a quick training session.
Never use fear to force obedience. Labs can be very sensitive dogs, and too much harsh treatment can cause a shy, fearful dog.
Resources
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