How to House Train Lab Puppies

Nothing is cuter than a new Labrador Retriever puppy. Now that you've brought one home, house training is going to be essential. Fortunately, Labs are very intelligent dogs who are easily trained and eager to learn. House training doesn't have to be as daunting as it may seem. By following some basic steps--and with some patience and perseverance--your new pup should be house trained in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Dog crate

Instructions

1. Remember that your new lab puppy is young, nervous and has to adjust to new pack members as well as a new home. Let it survey the new environment so it will begin to feel more comfortable. Accidents can happen. The pup is young, in new surroundings and doesn't have a fully developed bladder yet. Never hit your puppy if it has an accident. Also, don't smear their face in it. Fear should never be used as a training tool. Respect is the key to success.

2. Buy a crate for the dog that is big enough for it to turn around and lay down in comfortably. The dog will feel more comfortable knowing it has its own space. Also, most dogs will not go to the bathroom in the place they sleep. The crate won't only be the pup's safe spot, but will be a useful house training tool too.

3. Place the pup in the crate for periodic 30-minute intervals. Labs can be whiners, so be prepared for some crying. Don't worry, the puppy will be OK. As soon as you take the puppy out of the crate, take it outside to go to the bathroom. Don't keep the puppy in the crate all day, but by placing it in there several times a day and then taking it outside, it'll associate outside with going to the bathroom. The crate will also help cut down on accidents in your home.

4. Take the puppy outside as soon as it wakes up in the morning, after playing, eating or drinking. This will train the pup to go outside to use the bathroom and will cut down on accidents. It's young and can't hold its bladder for long periods of time. In fact, you should try to take the puppy outside every half hour.

5. Praise your puppy when it uses the bathroom outside. Labs love praise and they love to make their owners happy. The more praise it receives, the more it will associate its outside bathroom skills as a positive thing. Within a few weeks, your new puppy should be completely house trained--other than an occasional accident.

Tips & Warnings

• You can purchase puppy pads to catch the occasional accident, though many trainers don't recommend their use, believing it prolongs the process.