Obedience Tips for Labrador Retriever Puppies

Labrador retrievers are large, study, strongly muscled dogs with a smooth coat and good disposition. A wonderful family dog, the Labrador retriever is hard-wired to obey, and dog owners can take advantage of this ability and eagerness to learn by starting a consistent program of obedience training when the dogs are puppies. Proper training will keep your dog in control at all times and make him an excellent pet and valued family member.

  1. How To Start Training

    • The best time to begin training Labrador puppies is around the age of 12 to 16 weeks of age, according to Labpups.com, but you can begin training at any age. Hopefully, you have formed a strong bond with your puppy by feeding him, walking him, comforting him and generally being the person who takes care of him. Begin training with simple "come," "sit," "stay" and "heel" commands. You will need a 30-foot leach, a shorter 6-foot leash, a training collar and treats for rewards. Always start with a good attitude to ensure that your dog knows that training is fun--a time with you that he will enjoy. Start by using the 30-foot leash to gradually encourage the dog to come when called, always offering a treat and praise for good performance. Use your Lab puppy's natural ability to focus intently on your physical presence and voice. You can also use the long leash to teach "sit-stay" commands, in which you gradually lengthen the distance between you and the dog and reward successful actions. The shorter leash teaches good walking techniques and walking at heel.

    Keep Training Consistent

    • Train about three times per week for at least an hour, more frequently if possible. Always review previously learned commands to reinforce training. Lab puppies, in particular, learn quickly from repeated training sessions. Keep the training friendly and positive. If the dog forgets his training or becomes careless, start the command practice from the beginning.

    Discipline Gently and Firmly

    • Sometimes, dogs are just not in the mood to do their training, or there may be distractions that keep them from performing at their best. Dogs never benefit from yelling or harsh behavior, however, so keep him focused with liberal use of treats, gentle correction and firm insistence on doing the task correctly.

    Praise and Reward

    • You will notice from the very start that your Lab very much wants to understand what you want him to do and will do his best to please you. These are very intelligent, quick-to-learn dogs. Use this ability to the utmost by praising good performance and giving a favorite treat when the job is done well. Do not allow your Lab puppy to become distracted. Stay in his line of sight. You cannot praise him too much nor too lavishly.

    Add Commands One by One

    • Teach commands one by one, making sure your puppy understands the words or hand signals for each of the tasks. If your Lab begins to anticipate the command before you give it, change the order of the commands.