Tips on Training Your Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is the 7th smartest dog breed (according to one list) as well as one of the easiest dogs to train. Because the breed is intelligent, training your Labrador Retriever should go quicker compared to other breeds. Because the Retriever loves to please, they have a motive to obey clear commands the best they can.
History of the Labrador Retriever
Labradors should be called the Newfoundland Retriever for that is where they were bred. Actually the first of this breed was a cross between a Newfoundland and a small water dog. It was called the St. John’s Water Dog. The breed was first called Labradors by the Duke of Malmesbury in the early 19th century. Finally in 1878, after the Water Dog was mixed with other Retriever breeds, we have the Labrador of today. Labradors were officially recognized in 1903 by the UK Kennel Club and then in 1917 by the American Kennel Club. Today they are one of the most popular breed of dog.
Qualities of the Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers (or simply Labs) will not suit every need for a dog but they have many wonderful qualities. We have already mentioned a few. Labs are also playful, alert, and loveable. Labs are good dogs with children and famous for their hunting skills. The breed is also used for rescue dogs, police dogs, and even seeing-eye dogs. Labradors aren’t good watch dogs but they will defend their master. They are large dogs so may frighten small children without proper training first. They also shed.
Labradors are often chosen as show dogs in fairs or dog shows because they are so easy to train. There are advantages of training older dogs but, in general, it is better to start training when he is 6 to 8 weeks old. This way you can train without first having to undo wrong habits.
You will want to train your dog to respond to words alone. Therefore, train your Retriever for a specific action always using the same words and the same tone of voice. At first, you may want to accompany this with an action to demonstrate what you mean. For example, say you want to train your dog to sit. As you say, “Sit,” push your Retriever’s rear end down. When they do it, reinforce the word as you praise and pat them. Soon, they will respond to just the word. But be consistent - same word and same tone. If you keep this up, in no time your Labrador Retriever will sit with your word and no gesture.
Training Tips for the Labrador Retriever
Use positive reinforcement. Since your Labrador wants to please you, praise them for correct conduct and add patting, hugging, and perhaps a food treat. Negative discouragement or correction may be needed at times but first be sure they understood what you meant. If you feel your dog refused to do what they know, then a tug on the leash, or a scowl, or sad words are enough. Use a newspaper pat sparingly, only when positive encouragement isn’t working.
Keep your training sessions short and concentrated. An intense fifteen minute training time once or twice a day works much better than an extended time or a few sporadic commands. Also, focus on one, or at the most two commands during a training time. Later you can review these as you add others. Repetition (same words and tone) is the key to making the connection in your Labrador’s brain.
The final point: be sure your dog is fed properly. Avoid over feeding or underfeeding, or junk food feeding. Remember, food is the fuel for their brain and body. If you follow these points consistently, you may be surprised how quickly training your Labrador Retriever will go. Soon they’ll have a whole list of impressive tricks they can do for you and your friends. You will be a proud owner, and the training may just keep them safe and save a life.