Training Lab Puppies- Great Tips for Owners

If case you happen to be a Labrador pup owner you will agree that at times

Labrador puppies can be a real nuisance if they choose to. Hence training

lab puppies is something you as the owner must consider at a very early

stage itself. Training can be of immense use for lab owners to cope with not

so acceptable behavior of the lab.

Lab puppy obedience training will ensure that a lab puppy does not grow

up to be a terror your neighbors or small children are scared of. It will

ensure that you dog does not jump on strangers or engage in destructive

behavior of any sort.

How soon to start training lab puppies?

It is advisable to begin the training when your puppy is young- 8 weeks old

or as soon as you bring him home whichever is later. Once you bring your

pup home before you start training let him get accustomed to its

surroundings.

What training lab puppies involves?

Labrador training will take a lot of time. The trainer and owner both must be

dedicated, patient and be willing to put up with a lot of hard work during the

training period. Since the IQ of an average Lab puppy similar to that of a 2

year old child- you can expect it to behave like a child. This means that the

puppy will get tired easily and its attention span will be a short one.

Therefore make sure that the training sessions are short, repetitive and

most importantly regular.

Here are some tips to bear in mind while training your lab pup

Praise good behavior

Praise works wonders with both humans as well as pets. Make sure that

you praise your Labrador, when he does something right during Labrador

retriever training course. Praise could be a simple pat, a special treat, or

just about anything you normally use to convey affection to your pet.

Keep your commands consistent

While training you must be consistent with the verbal commands you use.

For instance, if you want your lab to sit, do not shout different instructions

each day- keep it the same day after day- it could be anything- like “Spunky

sit" or “Spunky Sit down". What is important is that you must stick to the

same instruction during the entire training period and thereafter too.

No Punishment

Never punish a puppy for something that is beyond his control. This will

only add to his grief and confusion. Just like disciplining a child you need to

be sensitive with a dog and other pets. Punishing or beating a dog is not

something you should do while training a dog or otherwise.

Punishing a dog particularly when it is for something which is beyond his

control will lead to aggression. For example in the initial stages while potty

training your lab puppy, there may be times when it poops or pees at

places it is not supposed to say inside the house. Rather than punishing

your Lab for doing so, praise and appreciate him on the days he goes out

to relieve himself.

Convey by praising you lab that this behavior is something that has your

approval and is therefore acceptable. The positive feedback and attention

that you give the puppy will make him want to please you. It will reinforce

the fact that his good behavior is something that pleases his owner.

Recognize pack leaders

While training lab puppies he needs to be taught that the owner and other

family members are the pack leaders. Being a pet your lab must always

follow their commands. If you happen to be working, not always there at

home for your pet, ensure that the person who acts as your Lab’s caregiver

is recognized as a pack leader by your pet.

Establishing the owner as the pack leader takes calm-assertive energy.

The Lab realizes that he has to follow the commands of his leader come

what may. Simply put this will introduce the pet to the concept of authority.

In the long run this is very important to discipline the dog.

Stick to a routine

Finally remember to establish a routine with your pet. As far as possible,

stick to the routine. Ensure that your pet’s feeding, walking, playing and

training times are at the same time every day. Establishing a routine will

make training lab puppies easy. This is because your pet will know what to

expect and what will be expected of him at different times during the day.

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