How to Potty Train My Lab
Labrador retrievers are one of the easiest dog breeds to potty train. While temperament ultimately depends on the individual dog, Labs in general are easygoing and eager-to-please. They were initially bred as hunting dogs--they had to be able to follow commands and perform reliably, so breeders focused on building those traits. The Labrador's tendency toward obedience makes potty-training a cinch. If you're patient and follow a few simple guidelines, you can teach your Lab to eliminate outside in no time at all.
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Instructions
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Learn when your Lab needs to go to the bathroom. This will usually be when she wakes up in the morning, after meals, after drinking water and before bed. Puppies may go more often. Create a potty-training schedule based on when your Lab typically eliminates.
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Pick a word or phrase to use as a command for going to the bathroom. Labradors are intelligent dogs who can easily learn such commands. Choose something that you won't mind saying in public--"potty" or "poo" might make sense as commands, but "go here" or "bathroom" are less embarrassing to say in social situations. Whatever command you choose, make sure it's something easy for you and your family to say and remember.
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Put a leash and a collar on your Lab to go outside at the appointed bathroom break time. By using a leash, you can control when and where your Labrador learns to eliminate.
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Select a specific outdoor spot for your Labrador to eliminate. Take your Lab outside to her designated potty spot when she shows signs that she needs to go. Each time she needs to eliminate, take her to the same spot.
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Say the bathroom command word or phrase when you reach the designated spot. By repeating the command whenever your dog eliminates, she will learn to associate it with going to the bathroom.
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Wait for 10 to 15 minutes at the potty spot. If your Labrador does not eliminate, take her inside. Place her in her crate. Labradors are den animals who will avoid soiling their dens. Take her outside again a half hour or so later. Repeat the "potty" command.
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Praise your Lab when she eliminates and give her a treat.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep your potty training schedule consistent.
Make your Labrador's crate comfortable so that she will avoid soiling it.
Keep your Labrador in his crate while you sleep or work, but be sure not to leave him in too long. Puppies, especially, cannot hold their bladders for long periods of time.
Watch for signs that your Lab needs to use the bathroom. These include whining, pacing, sniffing at the ground and turning in circles.
Avoid putting down newspapers or puppy pads. This will only train your Labrador to go inside rather than outside.
Don't yell at your dog or rub her nose in it if she eliminates indoors. This will teach her to fear you.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit labrador image by JEAN-MARC MEDINA from Fotolia.com
