You just purchased a beautiful black or yellow Labrador. Probably one of the most famous, popular and widespread breeds in the world. They have been a familiar sight for decades by the sides of heads of state. Labs make an excellent choice for a family pet with their inherent good nature and willingness to please. However, Lab puppy training can be very time consuming and frustrating if not done properly.

Labrador puppy training can be easy because Labradors are a breed that want to please. They are very willing and eager to be trained and are a much happier dog if this is so. However, if this is your first Lab puppy it would be wise to spend some money on a training course designed to tell you exactly how to make your Lab puppy training effective.

Your Labrador puppy will grow into a adult dog that will weigh between 70 and 90 pounds. You should be aware that many people are not comfortable with dogs let alone one the size of a Labrador. For them to see a large dog bearing down on them can be a frightening experience. If you don’t so your Lab puppy training properly you can count on seeing this for yourself many times. Labradors are friendly and inquisitive and will rush up to just about anyone. This friendly nature is why we love them for a family dog

Your Lab puppy training must at bare minimum enable your Labrador to do the following:

1) Know his or her name and come at all times the instant they are called. Reward them with attention, treats or play when they do. Ignore their advances to you when their response is tardy.

2) Your Labrador puppy training must include walking nicely on the lead without pulling or jumping up at passers by. Do not use a choker collar during your Lab puppy training as this inflicts pain. You want your Lab to obey because he wants to, not because he is afraid of you. Use a regular collar and leash and start early. The sooner you begin training Labradors on a leash the easier it will be. Start out with a simple command, heel. Have them walk at your side and every time they try to stray give a gentle tug on the leash and give the command, heel. Your Lab puppy will catch on quickly.

3) Go down on your word and stay. This takes work and patience but is very satisfying when it happens and can get you out of a lot of trouble if you need to control your dog from a distance. Once they have learned the words down and stay, choose a peaceful environment they are used to which holds no distractions for them and practice the down and stay from a distance which you can increase gradually. Never push your puppy too far when Labrador puppy training – if he or she is starting to lose their confidence go back to the previous step and start from there more slowly.

Remember all Labrador puppy training must be short at first, A puppy’s concentration span is only a few minutes. Rewards and kindness always work better than fear. Simple activities such as sitting and knowing their name and retrieving are best to start with. A well-trained Labrador is a happy one.

Perhaps the most important Lab puppy training to be done is House Training. There are two common ways to do this, paper and crate. I prefer the crate for Labrador puppy training. Your puppy will not want to soil it’s own bed and will naturally begin to learn to control his bladder.

Whenever you release your Lab from the crate take him to the same area right away so that he can do his business and learns that this is where he should do his it. Repeat whenever you view them sniffing around for a spot and with time your Labrador puppy training will be complete. Just remember it takes about six months for you lab to have full control of its bladder.

As I mentioned earlier if this is your first Lab or you were never able to get your last one to act quite the way you wanted it to you would be wise to purchase a guide to show you how to best perform your Labrador puppy training. The money spent is well worth the price. Most of these guides found on the internet are less than $40. This is less than the cost of one pair of shoes.

By: Mathew Reinholt

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