Important Labrador Training Basics

Maybe you have recently purchased a new Labrador dog for your family. Possibly, you have had a Labrador for a few years already. Either way, the enjoyment you get from owning a Labrador will be greatly increased if you take the time to train him or her. You should be happy to know that Labrador's of virtually all dogs, hold the smarts and drive required for a dog to be rather easily trained.

Yes, Labradors usually have a great demeanor that helps for much easier training. However, if you happen to have purchased a Labrador puppy, you'll find that it will likely not have been trained yet. That job will be yours. However, it happens to be a very enjoyable and rewarding one at that.

In order to reach some level of success with your new Labrador, it will be helpful to know some basics behind successful Labrador training. These basics will help you on your path towards effective training for the benefit of you, your family and your new Labrador.

Immediately, no need to set some limitations and rules which define where your dog can go within and outside the house along with what he or she is allowed to do. For example, you might want him to only go to the bathroom in one area of your yard. Also, you might have a better place for him to sleep during the night which falls within your and your families interests. A consistent place for him to sleep every night will help him feel more secure. Many times, a small cage for puppies will be best.

Re: the use of the cage. Many people pooh-poohed the idea of using a cage for their dog. Essentially, they humanize the dog by thinking this way. Little do they know that allowing the dog to use a cage, especially when there in the poppy stages, can not only be beneficial for the family but also the puppy. At first, the puppy may whine after being placed inside. This will end soon when using the right method.

Especially for young dogs, nipping and/or chewing on things there not supposed to have will be commonplace. That's where one of your jobs comes in. You'll need to immediately correct your dog so that he knows not to chew on a particular item. You simply need to firmly say “no” and remove the item from his mouth. Using the word know will also be necessary for any case of nipping.

Probably, besides your dog's name, “no” will be the first word your dog learns. In fact, he might learn that before his name. Don't think this is a negative thing because it's not. Your dog needs to know his limits and rules around and inside your house. Having limitations and rules will help make him become and stay a welcomed member of your household.

Most labradors will tend to be more quiet than loud compared to other dogs. However, in some cases, they might reach a point where their barking could be obnoxious. Sometimes barking will serve a purpose like warning others in the household of potential harm. If ever he does reach to a point of obnoxious barking, simply tell him “no”. If he stops, immediately reward him. If he continues, do your best to redirect his focus so that he stops barking. When he is totally quiet and calm, give him affection and praise. Soon he'll understand or associate affection and praise with being quiet or stopping the obnoxious barking.

One of the ways both you and your dog can get more enjoyment will be by challenging him in some way whether it be mental or physical. Dogs definitely have brains which have a tremendous ability to solve problems albeit simple. However, one of the ways they enjoy life better will be through challenges. Frequently training your dog will offer this challenge... whether it be as a puppy or as an adult. They always have the potential to learn.

All puppies, no matter what breed, have a shorter attention span for learning. Whenever training your dog, only work on one thing at a time. Also, it will be better to use many short training sessions as opposed to one longer one. This will help retention and accommodate the dog's short attention span.

Another way to encourage his attention on you will be through enjoyment. Make learning enjoyable. One of the main ways this can be done will be through your patience. If he sees your anger, impatience and/or irritation during training, you will learn training sessions are bad. As a result, his ability to learn will be impaired simply because of your impatient demeanor.

Getting down these basics will be important for your dog's future learning and experience with you. Training should be a time of not only learning but also bonding with your pet Labrador. After reaching a certain comfort level with the basics, challenge your dog with advanced training. Various training methods and programs exist both locally and otherwise. However, it really comes down to the work and effort you engage in with your dog which will lead to success. Having patience, spending time with your dog, working with this smart intelligent Lab breed, and using the right methods will give you a better chance at success as your dog's master and allow him to grow and learn as a member of your family.