We all know how Labrador retrievers can grow to be large and unwieldy. Even with their size though, many American families still consider them ideal pets. What makes them perfect for families is the fact that they are usually playful even with kids. You should know though that even with great natures, Labradors still have to undergo proper Labrador retriever training.
Begin as Soon as Possible
Labradors are just like other dogs that grow more stubborn and difficult to control through the years. This means that it is important to begin Labrador retriever training while your dog is still a puppy. Just like babies, Labrador puppies are still very manageable and open to teaching. They haven't yet developed set behavior patterns. Most of us also know that early Labrador retriever training is necessary because adult Labs are already too big to physically control and manage.
Socialize
An important part of Labrador retriever training is socialization. Socializing your Labrador will teach it to be comfortable with and respectful of other humans and animals.
This part of Labrador retriever training will help your dog become comfortable with typical surroundings. Simple socialization begins by exposing your Lab to different things during walks and trips to the park. Remember though that you should pay attention to your Labrador during socialization so that you can ease its nervousness.
Use the Leash
Early Labrador retriever training should always involve leash training. An untrained adult Labrador may struggle against leashes. You can just imagine how potentially difficult that would be for you. Since Labradors grow big, a leash is your only way to control it outside if simple commands fail for some reason. While still young, get it used to the leash while you teach it the basic commands of sit, stay and come.
One important thing to remember about Labrador retriever training is that consistency is the key. You may therefore need to involve all the members of your household in training your dog. This will ensure that whatever you impose will be supported and imposed by other members of the family. Inconsistency could muddle up your training resulting in a confused dog.
Play Regularly
Labrador retrievers are naturally energetic so you would need to channel its energy to prevent it from engaging in undesirable behavior. The best way to do this is through play and exercise. Labrador retrievers are called such because they love to retrieve so games of fetch should be part of your Labrador retriever training. Other active forms of diversion such as regular walks and outdoor trips may also work well for your dog.
Practice Being Positive
Labrador retriever training should ideally involve only positive reinforcement. This is really just a fancy name which means that you shouldn't use force and punishment on your Lab. Instead of traditional punishment techniques, you should instead reward and praise your dog for good behavior.
Last time we covered a bit of everything in a way. We covered many reasons as to why the walk is important to a puppies training as well as to his overall development. We said what a walk does for him. It's important to know this because when go to on a walk with your puppy you need to know exactly what you are doing for him. This is important because when you raise and train a puppy you need to give him the tools to become a stable and happy dog when he grows up. You don't want him to be unstable with regards to his behavior and his attitude. This important time in his life plays such a crucial role that it should almost be enforced when you first get the puppy. Another part of raising a puppy that we discussed was the aspect of roles between you and your dog. Roles are important because they simply establish what role you play with regards to him and what role he should play when it comes to you.
As much as the walk is important, both you and your puppy knowing your roles with respect to each other are just as important. The reason for this the walk is vitally important. Knowing each other's roles is the first step to having a healthy and beneficial relationship. The walk only strengthens that but to have these kinds of effects between you and your puppy, you need to be consistent and you need to determined. The reason I say this is because there have been quite a few people who have started this with this same intent but as the time went by, their determination began to fade and they lost all their hard work.
When you go on the walk you need to go with the intent of teaching your puppy what you think he needs to know with regards to the rules you want to set down. The purpose of the walk is not only for your puppy to go to the bathroom but for you to strengthen the bond between you as well as introduce him to the outside world. Even though that may be you need to make sure you maintain the pace. When you walk you puppy always make sure he walks next to you and not in front of you. This instills the fact that you are the leader of this walk and not him. If he pulls you make sure you stop him and let him know that you don't want to be pulled. This is also where the consistence comes in. Every time he does something that you don't approve of you need to make sure you reprimand him every time he does it. This shows him that his actions are not good and you don't want him to keep doing this. This is just a basic walk though of what should happen during your walk but as you go along it will evolve based on your needs and his actions.
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Ben Shaw has sinced written about articles on various topics from Dogs, Relocating to and Dalmatian Dogs. Find practical tips on how to train your and your. Ben Shaw's top article generates over 1600 views. to your Favourites.
Sarah Mcdermott has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets, Family Concerns and Baby Shower. This author lives in Flemington, NJ with her husband and 5 month old daughter and is an expert contributing author for a luxury boutique o. Sarah Mcdermott's top article generates over 9900 views. to your Favourites.