How to Potty Train a Labrador Puppy

Professional trainers and breeders say Labrador retriever puppies are some of the easiest puppies to train. They are intelligent and learn commands very quickly, making them ideal for almost any pet lover. Potty training Lab puppies is not a difficult venture, but it does require time and patience.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Crate
• Treats

1. Familiarize your puppy with a crate. Crating your puppy during the night or while you are away will help avoid accidents. Place your pup's favorite blanket and toys in the crate end encourage her to spend time it in. Give her a treat when she is quiet in the kennel, gradually increasing the time she spends crated.

2. Feed your puppy on a set schedule. It is much easier to potty train your puppy if you know when he is eating and when his body will be processing his meals.

3. Designate a potty spot in your yard. If you take your puppy to the same area each time he has to urinate or defecate, then he will associate the potty spot with his bowel movements. Labs have a powerful sense of smell and can be easily distracted, so a small potty area will help keep your yard cleaner and give your pup a focus area while outside.

4. Take your puppy outside often. Your Lab puppy has a small bladder and needs to urinate frequently to avoid accidents. Encourage her to go to the potty spot upon waking up and after every meal--this is when your puppy will need to go the most..

5. Stand quietly while your puppy attempts to urinates. Labs are naturally attentive and are easily distracted, so any movement or wandering can prevent him from a potty break. If your puppy just wants to play or refuses to urinate or defecate, step away from her and ignore her. If she realizes it's not playtime, she should settle in and take care of business.

6. Praise your puppy every time he urinates in his designated spot outside. A favorite treat or short play session will let your puppy know that he is right to use the spot outside and he will continue to go in the right area and avoid accidents indoors.

Tips & Warnings

• Be consistent. It can be difficult to take your puppy out every hour or two, but the early trouble is well worth a housebroken dog.

• Never punish your puppy for having an accident. Puppies are growing and often have trouble making it outside in time.

Resources

• Labrador Retriever Standard
• House Training