How to Train Your Labrador Retriever Puppy
Labrador retrievers are typically exuberant, intelligent and social dogs---three good reasons why it is extremely important to train your lab puppy as soon as possible. Because they have so much energy, labs need to be taught when it is allowed to display that excitement, or you will have a dog who is out of control. With a strong amount of persistence, and an even larger amount of patience, you can turn your Labrador retriever puppy into a dog who is well-mannered and behaved.
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Instructions
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Walk your lab puppy on a leash at least once a day. Walking with your dog is a bonding experience for the dog and owner, and also lets your puppy release some of its energy.
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Hold a treat above your lab puppy's head until it drops on its bottom to teach the "sit" command. As you hold the treat over its head, say "sit," then give it the treat as its rear reaches the floor.
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Keep your lab puppy in a crate when you are not able to watch it. Doing so will not only aid in potty-training, but will keep your lab puppy safe.
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Take your lab puppy outside immediately after taking it out of the crate. Use the same door every time and visit the same spot. Reward the puppy with a treat once it eliminates and spend some time playing with the pup. Take your puppy outside at the same times each day, such as before and after it eats, sleeps and plays. Establishing this routine will aid in potty-training.
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Socialize your lab puppy with other dogs and humans, suggests Dog Obedience Training Review. The more you allow your pup to experience different situations and company, the more it will become accustomed to them and the better it will adapt.
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Tips & Warnings
Training sessions are most effective when a dog is calm and attentive, not excited and hyper. Along with providing exercise, walking is a good time to establish your alpha role over the dog by keeping your puppy next to you while walking. Do not let your pup walk ahead of you, as it will think it is leading the way. Start with small walks and increase the length as the puppy gets older.
Avoid interactions with other dogs until your lab puppy has received all of its shots, which typically occurs around 16 weeks of age. Not doing so could potentially cause your puppy to become severely sick.
References
- Photo Credit black labrador puppy chewing image by Scott Slattery from Fotolia.com
