How to Toilet Train a Labrador Puppy

According to the American Kennel Club's dog registration statistics, the Labrador retriever has consistently ranked as the most registered breed in the country. The Labrador retriever's intelligence and gentle nature has made it popular with hunters and pet owners alike. Proper training, such as toilet training, is important to turn a rambunctious Lab puppy into an acceptable member of your family.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Bedding
  • Dog toys
  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep the puppy's crate in the room in your home you use most often. Young puppies need to be observed carefully to prevent accidents, so keeping the puppy close allows you to take it out frequently. Pad the crate with the puppy's bedding and toys to stave off boredom. Chewing is a common problem with Labrador puppies, and sturdy toys such as rope toys give the puppy something besides bedding to chew on.

    • 2

      Place the puppy on a strict feeding schedule. The urge to go potty is strongest after the puppy eats and when it wakes up, so a structured feeding schedule makes potty breaks easier to predict. Labrador puppies have hearty appetites and will readily adapt to a consistent schedule with no issues.

    • 3

      Choose a small space outdoors to be used only as a toilet area. Set the puppy on the ground and say "potty" or other similar word to indicate that the dog should relieve itself. Watch the puppy quietly, but do not pat or pick it up until it goes to the bathroom. Pat the puppy and give it a treat to show it that going potty when it hears the command is the appropriate action.

    • 4

      Take the puppy outside every two hours to prevent accidents. Labrador puppies may be larger than other breeds, but they have small bladders and can hold it only for a short time. Every time the puppy wakes up from a nap or finishes a meal, take it outside to the potty area.

    • 5

      If the puppy has an accident, clean it up immediately, and take the puppy out to the potty spot. Don't spank the puppy or rub its nose in the mess; this will only make the puppy fear you. Labradors are very smart dogs, and as long as you are consistent in their training, they will learn to go potty outside with a minimal number of accidents.