Have you always longed for a little lab pup? Most of us have, and yes, it is a blessing to have the cutest little thing running around, but have you thought about puppy training? Having a Labrador Puppy is a major responsibility, Labs are very energetic when they are young, and they can easily turn your house upside down. An untrained puppy is a handful for the owners, so to make things easier for you and your puppy, training is vital.
A well-trained puppy is considerably easier to deal with and to keep under control, this is very important for your puppy’s safety and your peace of mind. Another reason why the training is necessary is that it provides mental stimulation for your puppy. Also, teaching your puppy to be obedient and disciplined will pay off highly when your Labrador grows into an adult dog. Here are the most important Labrador puppy training essentials that you will need to get the best out of your puppy:
Labrador Puppy obedience training fundamentals:
When to start?
Before you begin your Labrador training sessions, make sure to come up with a plan that suits you and most importantly your puppy. For this, you will need some equipment. Get the basic supplies including a collar or a harness, training treats, and water. Play for some time with your pup and get to know the little fellow. Begin the training process a week after you bring your pup home.
The basic tips:
- First of all, choose a suitable name for your pup.
- Set up a private den
- Decide on your own house rules
- Reward him for his good behavior
- Discourage him from biting and nipping off things
- End each session on a good and positive note
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The basic commands for puppy obedience training:
Teach him to come
This is an essential command for every Labrador pup. This is could save their lives in dangerous situations. It is inevitable, even with strict diligence, that your dog will someday run through the front door, and this is why the ‘come’ command is of utmost importance for you and your pup.
Teach him to sit
This is one of the easiest commands to teach and is usually the first command that most pups are introduced to. Learning this command will also aid your pup in responding more to his training. Make sure you consider methods that are humane and encourage positivity. Use treats and rewards to trigger appropriate senses in your puppy.
Teach him to stay
Of course, you will want to teach your pup how to stay alone by making him ‘sit’. This command comes in handy when you do not want your puppy to follow you around everywhere. Because if you have had dogs before, we all know how loving dogs are and how they love to follow us around everywhere.
Teach him to lay down
This is another incredibly practical command for you and your pup. This is great for all dogs, especially those who are a little larger. When your little friend learns to be comfortable in a down position, you can easily take him to a park or a sidewalk café. You must know that a dog that is relaxed and calm tends to look friendlier and is a non-threat to others. This will also allow you the freedom to enjoy something you like to do in peace, for example, reading a book or catching up with friends.
How to train your puppy to walk on a leash
For this one, you will have to spend some extra time with your pup. First of all, introduce him to the collar or the harness that you will be using. Give him a treat after every session so your pup can associate a leash with food and fun.
Second of all, teach him a cue. Introduce him with a set word or a mouth click, so he knows when the food or his treat is coming. After a few repetitions, you will notice how your puppy will come to you himself/herself.
Lastly, make sure you practice it inside and then gradually take him outside. This will be challenging, but it will be intriguing for the pup. Be patient and keep the first few walks short. In the beginning, you will feel like your pup is about to lunge or jump, so this is when you will need to make your cue sound. Offer him a treat, so he knows the reward ‘self-control’ has in store for your pup.
Teach him not to touch
A pup is one curious little creature and will find anything and everything intriguing. You will have to teach them to let go of the treasures they discover when you say ‘leave it‘ or ‘do not touch it’. This command is especially useful when you are in the house, and your new pup finds anything that is not meant for his canine enjoyment.
Teach him how to heel
This command is taught by holding the leash you are using in your right hand and pulling it on your left side while you are both out on a walk. You should be holding the treat in your left hand and give the ‘heel’ command in a positive tone of voice so your pup can relax and enjoy his treat afterward.
Teach him how to leave a room or space
This can be taught by letting your pup hold his favorite toy in his mouth. Then grabbing and keeping the toy beside your body, the dog will try to grab it again however if you keep pulling it will lead him out of the room, following you and this will effectively teach him to listen to the ‘leave’ command. This command is needed when a dog grabs something in his mouth, that is unwanted and when you want your pup to leave a room or go out. Make sure always to be gentle and polite when teaching and remember to give him a treat after.
Teach him how to stand
This command can be taught by asking your dog to sit and hold a treat close to its nose. The dog will follow the treat as you go lower and higher and then give him the treat once he stands. Give the command ‘stand’ so your dog knows what he has to do once you say it again. This exercise needs to be repeated several times and each time make sure to offer him a treat until your dog properly learns it. This is also essential for when the vet wants to examine your pup and requires that he be standing while being examined.
So, now that you know how to effectively train your new Labrador pup with these essential training commands make sure you do it with extreme love and care because younger fellows tend to follow patterns in your voice and get used to them. Do not forget to use their favorite treats and always show kindness and love. This training should bring you two closer and allow you to understand each other. Happy training!
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