How to Train an Older Labrador Retriever Puppy

We've all heard the saying, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." But that is a misconception. Labrador retrievers are, by nature, intelligent and eager to please. With a kind, patient approach and some essential training tools, your older lab puppy will grow up to be a well-behaved dog with great manners.

Things You'll Need

  • Clicker
  • Treats
  • 15-foot leash
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Instructions

    • 1

      Teach your puppy to sit. Hold a treat over his head and gently move it toward his rear end. He should follow it with his nose, and his back end should sink back to allow this. As soon as his butt touches the floor, click, say "good sit" and give him the treat. Repeat this until he understands the meaning of "sit" and can do it the first time he is asked.

    • 2

      Show your dog how to lay down. While the dog is sitting, hold the treat in front of the dog's nose and bring it down to the ground and slowly away from him. He should lay down in order to reach the treat. Click and praise him by saying "good down," and give him a treat.

    • 3

      Train your dog to watch you and make eye contact. Hold a treat alongside your face, at eye level. Move the treat until it is next to your eye--your puppy's eyes should follow the treat. Wait until his eyes make contact with yours, even for a second, and click. Follow immediately with a treat. Introduce the command "watch me" and praise him for responding by making eye contact.

    • 4

      Help your dog to learn the "stay" command. While the dog is sitting or laying, hold your open palm in front of his face, and say "stay." Take a couple of steps back from him and hold for a few seconds. Tell him "good stay" and praise him if he doesn't move. Start from the beginning if he moved, and shorten the amount of time he is required to stay. As he begins to understand what you want, lengthen the distance and duration of the stay until he can stay for a minute or more.

    • 5

      Work on recall. Go outdoors and attach a 15-foot leash to his collar. Walk a few feet away and call him, using his name; for example, "Fido, come!" Use an excited voice to make him want to come to you and make a fuss of petting him once he reaches you. Gradually increase the distance. Remove the leash only once you can trust him to come straight to you and not get distracted by his surroundings.