How to Train a New Lab Puppy

Getting a new Labrador Retriever is an exciting event. Labradors are always among the most popular breeds of dogs in America and there are many reasons for this popularity. Labrador Retrievers are strong, powerful dogs with a short, easy–maintenance coat. They are good with children and other animals and make a great, all-around family dog. One of their best features is their intelligence and trainability. According to Canismajor.com, gentle, consistent training should be started early to make your energetic Lab puppy a good canine citizen for his entire life.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog crate
  • 6-foot leash
  • Collar
  • Treats, if desired
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Instructions

  1. How to Train a New Lab Puppy

    • 1

      Begin housebreaking training at 2 to 3 months of age. Though your Lab puppy is still an infant at this stage, he will benefit from early training on where to go to the bathroom and when. Look for signing of sniffing or squatting, especially after your puppy eats or wakes from sleeping. Take him outside to a designated bathroom area, and use the same command word each time to let him know what you want him to do. He will not be ready to go to the bathroom on command for several months, but you will lay the groundwork for this understanding early. Crate training is the most efficient way to keep your puppy from soiling the house when you are not there to watch him and take him outside. Dogs reluctant to soil their dens, so use this instinct to help with housebreaking. Take him outdoors to relieve himself before putting him in the crate before you leave. Place blanket, toys and rawhide in the crate to make him comfortable in his “dog den.” Remove him from the crate as soon as you get home and take him to his bathroom area.

    • 2

      Teach general good manners from the very start. Teach your Lab puppy that he must obey the “no” command. Use this command liberally as you train him in everyday manners. He should know his name and come when called. He must be gentle when being handled by you or other people. He must not jump on people or bark excessively. He must wait for your command at doors, gates and at curbs. He must sit, stay and lie down on command. This will take time as your Lab puppy grows to understand exactly what it is you want him to do. Patience is key. Consistent, step-by-step training will have your puppy following instructions in no time.

    • 3

      Start leash-training immediately. It may take a while for a very young Lab puppy to catch on to walking beside you on leash. Take your time and do short periods of training at first. As Lab puppies grow, they can become very strong and pull at the leash. Labpups.com suggests using a longer, 6-foot, nylon leash to swing in a circle in your puppy’s line of sight, which will gently bop him on the nose if he pulls ahead of you too much while walking. Make sure this “line of sight” aid is used gently.

    • 4

      Add additional commands as your Lab puppy matures. Labs are very amenable to training and enjoy this routine contact with their masters. Always keep training periods consistent, correct gently and praise lavishly. Treats can be used for rewards, but praise should be the main reward.