The Labrador Retriever is an incredibly beautiful breed of dog. Their round bellies, their happy smiles and their tail wagging capture our hearts. However, these dogs need training, because they have a lot of energy, thanks to their tradition as working and hunting animals. Fortunately, educating them is not difficult, as they are friendly and obedient.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Understanding Labradors
Step 1. Note that there is no such thing as an "unruly" Labrador
The concept of "discipline" is a human characterization that has been applied incorrectly to animals: your dog cannot be "unruly" or "bad". Rather, he will only be able to follow natural instincts until you teach him new behaviors. Remember that he was not born knowing the rules of the world of men.
Step 2. Read up on this breed
Labradors are often intelligent, happy and full of energy. They need a lot of attention and opportunities to let off steam.
- Labradors were developed on the island of Newfoundland. They were often used by fishermen to retrieve fishing nets and fish. Even today they remain excellent "workers" and swimmers.
- The versatility of this breed allows it to be used in many "uses", including search and rescue, investigation, drug detection and accompanying services for the blind.
Step 3. Treat Labradors in the way that suits them
If you give your dog what he needs you will help him avoid the "wrong behaviors" he takes to make up for the shortcomings of your care.
For example, Labradors need to play and take long walks. If they don't have the chance, they can often get bored and have destructive attitudes. Keep them active by playing fetch and taking long hikes at least twice a day. By doing more physical activity your dog will stay healthy and be more tired; as a result, he will be less inclined to rummage through the pantry for food and dig holes in the garden. Swimming is also an excellent activity and playing fetch in the water is a pastime that can combine both needs of the animal
Part 2 of 3: Becoming a Good Trainer
Step 1. Be specific and direct
Don't scold the Labrador. Your commands should be simple and always the same: "No", "Leave" and "Wait" are some examples of suitable orders. "Stop doing it please" or "Hey, stop eating my shoe" are too complex expressions. Remember that dogs don't process language like humans.
Step 2. Be decisive and stay in control
Yelling at a dog is rarely an effective technique. This is especially true of Labradors, who are naturally excitable. Use a firm but nice and cheerful tone of voice when giving them orders; don't scream and don't lose your temper. They are very intuitive animals: they would sense your frustration and may react accordingly.
With firm and assertive orders you will communicate to the Labrador what you want him to do
Step 3. Be prompt and consistent in your reactions, as well as in your choice of verbal commands
Scolding a Labrador when it's been too long since an accident isn't helpful. If you have to scold your dog or correct his behavior, you must do it during the act or within seconds of his ending. These animals forget what happens a few seconds after the event, so it is essential to take them back immediately, to facilitate training.
Step 4. Train your family too
If you live with other people, your roommates also need directions. Explain to family members and guests what the dog can and cannot do. For example, if the Labrador cannot eat on the kitchen table, everyone will need to know this rule and enforce it. Otherwise, the animal may be confused and lose the progress made in training.
Part 3 of 3: Using Standard Training Techniques
Step 1. Never hit your dog
Hitting a Labrador when he misbehaves won't help him become more polite. It would only lead to him being afraid of you and making the training less effective.
Step 2. Reward the behaviors you want to encourage
It's easy to apply men's morals and motivations to Labradors. In reality, however, a dog is not a human and behaves instinctively. For example, when he eats the sleeve of your favorite shirt, he doesn't do it out of spite. In most cases, the shirt was simply within reach and was pleasant to chew.
Rewarding desired behaviors is more effective than punishing negative ones. Instead of getting angry and yelling at the dog chewing on your shirt, encourage him to bite his toy and reward him for doing so
Step 3. Train your dog with the clicker
This training method allows you to give him positive reinforcement exactly when you want. Labradors are easy to educate because food motivates them a lot and this makes the clicker a perfect tool for them.
This method uses a sound - a "click" - to indicate to the dog when it is doing something you like. The clicker is a small plastic box that you hold in the palm of your hand, with a metal tab that you can push to produce a sound. Each time the animal hears the noise, it will receive a reward. Eventually he will understand that clicks are always followed by food and this will be a very powerful incentive. Once you understand the association between sound and reward, you can use the click to identify the instant in which a desired action was performed, such as sitting down. Over time, he will learn that sitting on command will allow him to eat. To learn more, read How to Train a Dog with the Clicker
Step 4. Appeal the Labrador's appetite
Most dogs are always hungry. This particular breed is highly motivated by food. Reward welcome actions with treats and your pet will likely repeat them.
- For example, if your Labrador chews on the sofa, encourage him to bite on his toy, then reward him with food and pet him when he does. Over time, you will be able to stop using food and limit yourself to praise; eventually the dog will no longer eat the sofa.
- Rewards should be small, such as pieces of dried liver, kibble, or morsels. Cooked kidney is an inexpensive alternative to commercial feed, very easy to prepare and cut. Many dogs will also commit to their regular food.
- Use food rewards only in the early stages of training. Soon you will need to replace them with praise, otherwise the dog could become overweight or even obese.
- Some trainers recommend forcing attention-impaired animals to earn every kibble in their own bowl, rather than feeding them large meals. In this way, your dog would be very focused on you, on the food and would be able to better understand the message that he has to "learn to eat".
Step 5. Employ distraction techniques
For example, if your Labrador has gotten into the habit of throwing himself at passers-by and other dogs or barking at them, you should try to distract him. You will need to momentarily interrupt your dog's flow of thoughts by talking to him, giving him an order, or taking an action (such as stomping his foot).
Develop distraction techniques with food in low-noise environments and at home. Never forget to reward the dog with food and praise. When the animal is more disciplined in quiet places, increase the level of difficulty of the training by taking it for a walk in the neighborhood or in a park. Get to the most chaotic areas when your Labrador has learned to always respond correctly to "Leave" or "Look at Me" orders. Gradually add distractions to your dog's training and you will get him used to behaving properly in the presence of many people
Step 6. Consult a professional trainer
These experts are very familiar with dogs and can help you learn the basics of their craft.
- You may need to schedule some private lessons to learn the basics before signing up for a group course with your dog.
- Even if it is an additional expense, the help of a professional will be very useful in the long run, as it will allow you to communicate much better with your dog.
- You could even consult a veterinarian who specializes in animal behavior. These professionals have received specific education in training and correcting animal behavior. You can ask your veterinarian for information on such a specialist.
Step 7. Enjoy your Labrador
You have a wonderful dog, so treat them fairly, consistently and clearly. He will reward you with love and affection!
