Every dog breed is different. Each comes with its own inherent characteristics and traits that are the result of generations of breeding. Some breeds are playful and eager to please while other breeds can be stubborn or willful.
While every dog is going to be slightly different with their own unique personality, you can expect members of the same breed to share some general characteristics.
Thanks to their outgoing personalities and eagerness to please, English labrador retrievers make for ideal family dogs. Even better, their high intelligence makes them a highly trainable dog breed. They are loyal, eager to please, and motivated.
Easy to train doesn’t mean effortless, however. Fortunately, there are a few simple tips you can follow to make training easier and more enjoyable for yourself as well as your dog.
Socialize Your Dog as a Puppy
Properly socializing your lab will go a long way to making your training efforts a success. Make meeting new people and experiencing new situations an upbeat, positive experience so your dog is more confident, friendly, and accepting when meeting new people, other dogs, and new situations.
Experts recommend introducing your lab puppy to 100 people or more with different appearances. The most easiest way to achieve this is to enroll in a puppy training class. This class will give you the tools you need to properly train your dog while socializing them at the same time.
Understand What Your Dog is Telling You
Understanding dog language is a vital part of training. Since dogs can’t talk, you have to be in tune with their behavior and body language, some of which can be very subtle. Pay attention to the following behaviors from your labrador retriever:
- What they’re doing with their tail
- Whether their hackles are raised
- If their ears are up or back
- Where they’re looking
- If they are looking or yawning a lot
Each of these behaviors will tell you where your dog’s focusing its attention as well as its level of stress.
Set Your English Labrador Up for Success
The key to successful training is starting off the right way. That means starting slow with simple and easy commands and building from there. Train your dog at home or in a calm and quiet environment with no distractions. You want to make training a positive experience for your lab, so setting them up for early success will create a positive association in their mind.
Be Clear and Concise in Your Commands
Avoid using unnecessary words in your commands and speak clearly so your dog always knows what you’re saying. So, for example, just say “sit” to have your dog sit instead of “sit down”. Short and concise commands are easier for dogs to understand. It’s also easier for you to use single-word commands consistently. The human’s consistency is perhaps the most important factor in the training’s outcome.
Use Frequent Short Training Sessions
Dogs don’t have long attention spans and can quickly lose their concentration during long marathon training sessions. In fact, many puppy’s attention spans won’t last much longer than 15 minutes until they start to get bored.
You may feel like you’re getting a lot done in a longer session, but it’s actually the opposite. Plan out several short training sessions that last between 10 and 15 minutes. These short bursts of training will be much more effective and the mental stimulation help tire your English labrador retriever more than comparable physical activity.
Labrador retrievers are recognized as among the smartest and most trainable breeds available. You will quickly discover this for yourself once you begin your puppy’s training plan. By following the tips above you’ll help make that training easier and more effective so you can enjoy life with your happy and healthy furry family member.
