Training Tips for Labradors

Feeding

• Before you bring a Labrador retriever home, it is important to first find out exactly what kind of food it has been consuming. Even if you do not plan to feed it the exact same food, it can help to gradually change from what your dog was eating before to what you plan to feed it later, in order to prevent it from experiencing an upset stomach.

Introduction

• When you bring a Labrador retriever to your house for the first time, make sure you have designated a specific area for the dog. Provide it with a crate, several moderately sized toys and a blanket that can provide the comfort of its own body scent. At first, abstain from leaving the dog alone without supervision. This could lead to injury and clawing and chewing of household items, including furnishing and shoes. Also be sure to monitor your Labrador retriever outdoors, as it could either chew on harmful wires or get caught up in fences.

Crate Training

• Crate training is a common housebreaking technique that is used on Labrador retrievers. This method can be effective because dogs tend to feel uncomfortable soiling the exact space where they rest. Crate training essentially enforces brief confinement to assist with managing bladder control so the dog develops an understanding not to go whenever it pleases or has the urge. Place your Labrador retriever in a medium-sized crate for a brief time period (such as 20 minutes). When you take your dog out, bring it outdoors immediately for relief. If your Labrador retriever successfully goes, praise it enthusiastically with petting and words such as "Good boy!" or offer a treat. If the dog is unable to go, place it back into the crate again and try again in another half hour or so.

Obedience Commands

• In general, Labrador retrievers are very responsive to basic training commands. Some ideas for commands include "heel," "stay," "lie down," "sit" and "go now" (the latter command can refer to the dog relieving itself outdoors). When you train your dog, refrain from ever hitting it when it makes a mistake. To "punish" your Labrador retriever and correct bad behaviors, utilize commands, look it directly in the eye and speak in a voice that is both sharp and firm. Do not yell at the dog however; as that could startle and instill fear in it.

Treats

• Treats can provide a strong incentive for Labrador retrievers to quickly learn basic commands. When teaching your dog commands such as "sit" and "stay," place a treat directly in front of its nose. Slowly and gradually move the treat away from the dog until it completes the desired action, whether it is sitting or lying down. After the dog follows the command, enthusiastically praise him by petting his head and allowing him to eat the treat. Doggie biscuits are a common treat idea for Labrador retrievers.

Standard Housebreaking

• If you do not wish to opt for crate training your Labrador retriever, housebreak your dog instead by bringing him outdoors at least once an hour, or whenever you suspect that it needs to use the bathroom. Some examples include right after playtime, five minutes post-drinking or eating meals, before bedtime, first thing in the morning and when it feels particularly hyper or excited. Every time your dog goes, praise it very enthusiastically and let it know that it did a good thing.