How to Train a Chocolate Lab Puppy

Labrador Retrievers have an innate desire to please their caregivers and enjoy being active and learning new tricks. One of the most rewarding ways to bond with your new chocolate lab puppy is to work training and tricks into your daily routine together. In fact, Labrador retrievers require 30-60 minutes of exercise per day to deal with all the energy they have. Your lab puppy will benefit from the excitement and interesting activities associated with training, all easily performed with just a few items, little effort and lots of enjoyment.

Things You'll Need

  • Puppy treats
  • Leash

Instructions

    • 1

      Hold a treat in your hand, and motion your puppy to walk over to you. Labs love to eat, and using a treat will work well in motivating your puppy to learn. When he arrives at your feet, slowly lower your hand with the treat to the floor. As your puppy lays down, speak the command "down." When he is laying on the floor, give him the treat, praise him verbally (using his name) and pet/cuddle with him.

    • 2

      Place the leash on your puppy, and say the command "let's go," and then start walking (do not pull on the leash). The dog will pull on the leash; walk in the opposite direction until he begins to follow you. When he does, praise him and give him treats/attention while you gather up the slack on the leash. Continue to walk, and give the puppy treats/praise as he catches up with you and learns to walk by your side.

    • 3

      Hold a treat close to your puppy's nose, and move it toward the back of his head. The dog will naturally sit down to get in position to take the treat into its mouth. Speak the command "sit" in a calm voice. When the puppy sits, give him the treat and verbally praise him. Repeat the "sit" command until the puppy learns it.

    • 4

      Call your puppy to attention, and command him to sit. Speak the command "paw" (or whatever you are comfortable with), and hold out your hand. Reach out for your puppy's paw and grasp it near the elbow. Then, gently bend the paw into a handshake position. Praise the puppy, and give him a treat. Repeat the process with the "paw" command.