Training of Aggressive Labrador Dogs

The most popular breed of dog in the United States is the Labrador retriever, according to the American Kennel Club's 2009 rankings. Labradors are large, strong dogs that possess a formidable set of teeth. Aggressive or overly playful Labradors can do damage. Labradors enjoy pleasing people, though, so they are highly trainable. The goal of training an aggressive Labrador is to get the dog to relax when any situation becomes stressful.

Things You'll Need

  • "For the Love of a Dog" or other dog behavior book
  • Veterinarian
  • Chest harness and leash
  • Small plastic clicker
  • Pocket or pouch full of bite-sized treats
  • Special toy
  • Dog bed
  • Muzzle (optional, but recommended)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the cause of the Labrador's aggression. For example, Labradors are prone to getting arthritis. If a young dog or a child jumps onto an arthritic Labrador, this will cause pain and the Labrador may snap to defend itself. Take the Labrador to a veterinarian to see if there is a medical reason for a violent outburst.

    • 2

      Recognize when Labradors give warning signals. Dog behavior books with photos of dog expressions, such as "For the Love of a Dog," should be studied. Unlike many other dog breeds, Labradors have facial expressions that closely resemble a person's, according to "For the Love of a Dog." Labradors with closed mouths and a fixed stare are stressed and are warning others to stay away. Leave the dog alone when it is giving these signals.

    • 3

      Introduce the Labrador to clicker training, which involves using sound and food to reinforce good behavior. Labradors are highly motivated by food. Always begin clicker training indoors where there aren̵7;t a lot of distractions. If the dog is highly distracted, put a chest harness and leash on the dog to keep its attention. Chest harnesses do not pull on the dog's throat, which may cause the dog to quickly become stressed.

    • 4

      Teach the dog to go into its bed on command using clicker training. Click and then give the Labrador a treat. Repeat until the Lab looks expectantly for a treat when you click. Gradually move the dog over to the bed and only click and treat when the dog is walking to the bed. Say "Go to bed," or another command as you do this, so the dog begins to learn the command. Keep a special chew toy by the door and give it to the dog only when it is in the bed. If the dog has problems jumping on or lunging at visitors, place the bed in a room with a door you can shut. The dog learns that it does not have to protect the house from intruders because you will do so.

    • 5

      Teach the Labrador to sit and look at you on command using clicker training. This is for dogs that become aggressive at the sight of other dogs. Click and treat first at home, then in the yard, and then out on a walk. Labradors can become easily distracted from other dogs or sources of aggression when good food is available.