How to Do Labrador Retriever Training

Labrador training is accomplished through persistence and proper discipline. You can potty train your dog and teach vocal commands in less than one month, but complete training is an ongoing process.
Labrador puppy training is much easier than training a grown adult dog. Training should begin right away. Waiting too long to begin dog training could result in delayed learning. With consistent training, your dog will receive the attention it needs to live a happy life.

Instructions

    • 1

      Take your Labrador outside on a leash once per hour to house-break them. Your lab puppy will need to do its business frequently. Take the dog out shortly after drinking water, after eating, and early in the morning when you wake up. Also take the dog out right before you go to bed.

      Training a lab puppy requires patience in the beginning. Late-night urination and crying in the middle of the night is common. It's similar to caring for a newborn baby. House training your Labrador retriever is the most important part of lab training. Your dog must understand at an early age that it's unacceptable to do its business in the house.

    • 2

      Speak to your Lab using vocal commands. Stay consistent with the commands you give and the way in which you give them. Be stern, but don't shout. Never hit your dog, or act aggressive. If your Lab disobeys, sternly say "No!" then redirect it to how you want it to accomplish the task. Heap on lots of praise once the task is accomplished.

    • 3

      Train your Labrador retriever not to jump by walking them frequently on a leash at an early age. Training Labs for leash walking outside is fairly easy. Labrador retrievers should also wear a collar in the house. Walk the dog on a loose leash inside your home as well as outside. Command your Labrador to "Stop" when it pulls on the leash. Do not pull back. Proper leash walking helps prevent the jumping behaviour in adult life.

    • 4

      Ensure your Labrador retriever stays active and gets plenty of exercise every day. Labs are high energy dogs. A lab needs to run around every day and use their puppy energy, otherwise you may run into behavior problems indoors, such as chewing and other destructive behaviour.

      A Lab is less likely to learn and listen to your commands if it doesn't get exercise, love and attention every day. Labrador puppy training will go much easier with constant play at the end of the day after training sessions. Labrador retrievers love to play with other dogs, and they're also excellent hunting dogs after proper training.

    • 5

      Break up the training. Dogs have limited attention spans. Train for a few minutes, then play with your dog for a few minutes. This will reinforce the positives aspects of the training.