Black Lab Potty Training Tips

Your black labrador retriever will grow up to be one of your best friends, but first you must get over the frustration of potty training. Labrador retrievers are family dogs. They love to be where the people are. Bred to retrieve water fowl, they are also ideal companions for duck hunters. A friendly, easy-going temperament makes these dogs easy to train, and if you stick to some tried and true techniques, your black lab should be potty trained in no time.

  1. Crate Training

    • Buy a crate large enough for an adult lab (think 70 to 80 lbs.) to stand fully on all fours, turn around and lie down. Purchase a crate divider (or a crate that comes with one) to limit your smaller puppy's space so that it can't use a corner as a bathroom spot. Labrador retrievers avoid soiling where they sleep if they can, so the crate can save you from having to clean up messes when you come home. Hide treats inside and let your puppy get used to the crate before locking it inside. Start by placing the treats at the doorway, where your dog can reach them. Slowly move them further and further back into the crate and tuck them into your lab's bed or blanket. Never use the crate as a punishment, or you will ruin your lab's positive association with the crate.

    Use a Leash

    • Labrador retrievers are energetic and playful. When you begin housetraining, put your puppy on a leash and walk it to the same place in the yard each time you go outside. Say "Go potty." It will eventually learn to connect this phrase with the act itself. When your puppy goes potty, praise it and reward it with a treat. Being on the leash teaches your puppy that this is a business trip, not a play trip. Give your puppy a chance to potty every 2 to 3 hours, though it will be able to "hold it" for longer periods as it gets older.

    Treats, Praise and Play

    • Labs do not respond well to punishment or negative corrections. Scolding, punishing or confining your puppy for accidents slows the potty-training process. Your dog may develop fear of you or fear of going potty. What labs do respond to is affection and play. Always keep treats on hand and reward it for going potty outside. Don't rely on treats alone. Praise helps your lab feel even more proud of itself for pleasing you. It will be eager to do it again. Another reward you can use it to let your dog off the leash after it has completed its business. Play a quick game of fetch or let it explore the yard on its own for awhile.

    Corrections

    • All punishment does is confuse your dog. If you find a mess in your home, clean it up quietly. Don't yell at the dog or rub its nose in it. You can't correct your dog unless you catch it in the act. If you do see our black lab having an accident, interrupt it with a whistle or a clap. Rush it outside, encourage it to "potty" in the spot you've been taking it to, and praise it when it does. Use specific praise, such as "good potty" so that your lab knows what it has done correctly. Give it a treat and play a game of fetch. This method of correction shows your dog where to potty without causing any negative feelings between you.