Tips for training a Lab?

[UrbanPolish]

So Remi, the dog, is still really young, like 6 weeks, but I want begin as soon as possible training him so he won't be a problem later. He's not going to be a hunting dog or anything, I just want him to know that it's NOT ok to jump all over everyone and to listen to basic commands, such as sit, stop, etc.

We had a Chocolate Lab when I was about 7 who was really playful, but also a horse! And that's really not a good mix, you know? He was my stepsister's, who was about 16 or 17, and I don't think she really had the time or desire to work with him.

Basically, I don't want him to be bored now, and therefore a problem when he matures. So does anyone have any tips as to how I should go about this?

 

[Brindlebtch]

I'm getting ready to leave, but I just couldn't resist. I'm going to make myself late!

First off never keep a puppy in the backyard by itself, even if it is just during the day. Crate him inside and give him a chew bone when you are gone. You can toss treats in and say 'kennel up' or whatever. He will learn the command and learn that the crate is a safe place to be.

Puppies left outside will learn all sort of unfortunate behaviors, like barking, digging, chewing on the siding of the house or anything else available. Crating in the house has a real civilizing effect and makes the dog feel he is part of the pack and not an isolated outcast.

You can get him to sit for his dinner. Teach him a sit in the kindest way, and then every time he gets fed he must sit before you put the bowl down for him to eat. Look up how to train a sit on the internet, a book, or someone here will tell you.

He must sit at the door before you let him out. If you are going out the door also make sure you go out before him, as this is a dominance issue. Of course this can start later when he is older and is not a puppy desparate to get out the door and pee.

I would recommend crating him in your bedroom at night, if there are no other dominance problems. He may not sleep in anyone's bed for the first year, he should be crated at night. It may give you a few sleepless nights, but patience is a real virtue when training a puppy. The puppy gets to spend 6 more hours with you and absorb your scent. I know that sounds strange but I think it counts.

He may not mouth you, he may not demand anything by barking except to go outside.

When he is 6-8 months old make him down at your feet while you are sitting in the evening watching TV. Presumably you have trained him to down by this point. Make sure you do this on leash and make sure you pay attention to what the puppy is doing.
If he gets up you say down and put him back down. The first few sessions he will probably get up at least 50 times and you down him again in a very neutral way. Don't ask him but tell him very neutrally to down.

Patience and persistence are needed to train a lab puppy, as they can be (not always) pretty hard headed.

Start him on short walks and leash training right away. With my first dog I had to spend a lot of time coaxing her forward by getting ahead of her and calling her to me. But once she got it she loved walks. As he gets older the walks can get longer.

Teach him not to run out the front door, not to jump out of the car,
not to jump up on you and please teach him a ROCK SOLID recall, with a long line if you have to.

Play recall from person to person with 'come' or 'here' when he is little and treat him for it, or play with him when he comes. Whatever he likes you should do when he comes to you.

I gotta go, best of luck with your lab pup. I'm sure he will be wonderful.

And always remember to praise him when he sits and comes and for other good behavior.

 

[LuvinMyPeeps]

I'm a big believer in crating. Our lab is soooo sweet and I think it was because we were persistent with her when she was little. Routine is the key, and don't give in no matter what!! I know there are many who disagree with this, but when she pooped in the house (daytime I'd let her out when I was home and in the evenings when we could watch her) I'd rub her nose in it, etc., but really made a loving fuss when she was good, too - (have healthy treats on hand). Worked like a charm!

We have 10 acres and our lab was 3 years old when we moved to VA, where we are now. I trained her to go out poop in the run here - when I let her out (no leash), she does her thing, then comes right back in. (We don't have a fence here that would keep a dog in). We don't have to worry that we'll step on poop on the way to the chicken house - it's awesome

Our friends didn't crate their lab (nor were they persistent in training) and one day they had to leave him in the laundry room while they went out. That little bugger ate a 2 x 2 foot hole in the WALL! They found him in the kitchen when they got home and had to spend $$$$$$ in repairs.

You will be so glad you were persistent in training.

 

[ranchhand]

Quote:
Excellent advice, and be aware that he may well be mouthy. I taught my 4 year old black Lab the "NO BITE" command early on. Still had to put everything in the house above 5 feet for the first year. He was a serious chewer, to the point of gnawing the window sills when I wasn't looking.

Also, on the ludicrous side.... put away all guns where he can't find them! Bingo almost shot me one afternoon!

 

[barnyardmom]

I didnt read all of the post, but I did see the responce about crating. Once the pup learns the crate is his spot he will go there on his down time to rest, DO NOT let anyone tell you its cruel. Its like pitting a baby to bed, they will learn that its their room. If your outside around the birds take the dog with you, Be firm and let him know they are NOT toys. keep a chicken around when sitting in the yard and the dog will learn to love them.
good luck!
dk