Are you trying to find out how to train a labrador retriever? You've come to the right place! Labrador Retrievers are perfect family dogs.
Although originally bred for hunting, they are good natured and don't mind being bossed around.
Therefore, they are well-suited for obedience training.
These are very loyal dogs and arguably, the smartest breed among canines.
Labs are medium-sized dogs that are certainly strong enough to create chaos if untrained.
They are extremely playful and oftentimes, too playful for your own comfort.
It is imperative to train your Labrador Retriever to have a pleasant relationship with the canine companion.
Here are key tips to consider in training your Lab.
1.
Start young.
A Labrador Retriever pup if not trained early will develop bad habits.
The older the dog gets the more difficult it will be to alter the behavior.
You should start training the dog on its 8th week after birth.
Immediately eradicate behaviors you wont like your dogs to have later in life.
A highly excitable pup that jumps at you is cute but an 18 lb pup can grow up to 80 lbs rather quickly.
A full grown 80 lb Labrador Retriever habitually jumping at you is not.
2.
Socialize early Labradors should learn to cope and connect with other people and dogs.
This breed is very social; they like to feel that they are not alone.
Socializing them early is essential to its well-being.
3.
Be the Top Dog!!! One should understand that dogs by nature, follows a hierarchal system.
The Alpha male gets the first, and the best.
Everyone else is just subordinates.
The Labrador Retriever is no different.
It is extremely important for you to take the lead and be the alpha personality.
If youre able to establish this stance with your Lab, he will acknowledge it just fine.
The dog will know its place and it will be its pleasure to be your subordinate.
In effect, it will be easier for you to train the canine.
4.
Labs love to stay active As a Lab owner, you must recognize the fact that your pet is a hyperactive, over-enthusiastic dog.
It is best for Labradors to play and stay active.
Do yourself a favor, get off the couch; jog with your dog or play with your animal friend at the park.
It is good for the Labs psychological health and maybe for you too.
Labrador retrievers love to swim.
In fact, they are natural swimmers.
Take them swimming as much as possible.
5.
Concentrate on calm behaviors Since Labrador Retrievers are very excitable dogs, owners must concentrate in teaching it calm behaviors.
The best method to train Labs would be utilizing positive reinforcement techniques.
This can be a tricky method because owners might give a wrong impression to their dogs by giving too many treats so stick with mostly verbal enforcement.