Labrador Puppy Training

Labrador retriever puppies are extremely social and people-oriented. That makes them easy to train in general. However, some aspects of the Labrador personality affect their training. Whether you already have your new Labrador puppy or are looking and want to know what sets them apart in regard to training, you need to know some points of their personality.

  1. Socialization

    • Like any puppy, Labrador retrievers need large amounts of exposure to other people and dogs during their formative period. From 8 weeks to 3 months is the crucial time to get them accustomed to dealing with strangers and other dogs in a positive manner. Lack of socialization--even in a very outgoing, friendly breed--creates fear, aggression and apprehension in adult dogs. Lack of socialization makes going to events or activities with your dog hard and having friends come into your home difficult. If you wish to get another dog in the future, it might make that troublesome as well.

    Maturation

    • Labrador retrievers grow slowly both physically and mentally. It takes up to two years before mental maturity sets in. For those first few years, training is possible, but owners need to realize their dog is still a puppy even if he looks like an adult. Strenuous training like agility jumping, long-distance running, jogging or biking also need to be put off until the growth plates in their knees close to save them from severe injury and arthritis later in life.

    Separation Anxiety

    • Labrador retreivers are prone to problems when left alone.

      Because of their great love for their family, Labrador retrievers are very susceptible to separation anxiety. They get very upset when their owners leave them, even for a short time. Dogs that get separation anxiety (SA) attacks will tear up the house, dig, whine and cry. Even with proper training, your Labrador puppy can develop SA. Training can eliminate, or reduce the symptoms of SA. Introduce your young Labrador retriever puppy to a crate and limited, short-term separations early on and gradually lengthen the time away until they understand you are gone but will come back.

    Housebreaking

    • Labrador retriever puppies are very easy to housebreak as long as owners understand that any puppy under 6 months of age have limited abilities to hold their bladders. Puppy owners who are gone from home for long periods daily should enlist the help of puppy walkers, a doggie day care or indoor potty box training to give the puppy a fair chance.

    Obedience Training and Agility

    • Labrador retriever puppies excel at obedience, and it is a great idea to start them at a young age. Keep their limited concentration in mind and limit sessions to 5 to 10 minutes a couple times a day at most. Labrador retrievers make good agility companions for fun, and it gets them plenty of exercise. Most of the harder agility routines that include jumping should wait until the puppy's growth plates close up at 18 to 24 months of age. Labrador retrievers can compete well in agility, but they are a little heavy and slow for top-level competition.