According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in America. Labrador dogs are known as gentle dogs that are easy to train and suitable as pets. This breed of dog has black, brown, or yellow fur. The Labrador is a powerful breed of dog and is designed to work, hunt and run every day. Because it is very easy to train, Labrador dogs are commonly used as guide dogs, participate in search and rescue missions, and become drug sniffer dogs for the police. Dogs of this breed can also make good family members!
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Method 1 of 3: Following Standard Training Techniques
Step 1. Start training your Labrador Retriever early on
Dogs of this breed can grow quite large and are very hyperactive. Give love and praise when the dog behaves well. Building a bond with your dog early on can help with the training process later.
- For puppies aged 8 to 12 weeks, make sure the training sessions are short and enjoyable. For example, when you bring a new puppy home, take the puppy to a designated area in your yard to relieve himself. Give praise when the dog defecate in that place. At first it might just be a coincidence, but there's nothing wrong with saying "Time to go to the bathroom" when the dog is crouching. Don't forget to praise your dog after he's finished urinating. This can help your dog learn to associate his behavior with your compliment, and get him to do it again.
- You can also start training by giving a simple command like “Sit down”. For puppies, observe when he is about to sit down, then say “Sit” when his hind paws touch the ground. Once the dog is seated, give him plenty of praise. At first the dog may feel confused, but later he will realize the connection between these words and the behavior he has done.
Step 2. Never hit the dog
Hitting a dog when it behaves badly is not a good way of training. Instead of learning from the punishment, the dog becomes afraid of you. This is certainly not the desired result, and the dog training process will be hampered.
Step 3. Reward your dog for behaving the way you want him to
Rewarding a dog for good behavior is a more effective and constructive method of training than punishing him for bad behavior. Give the dog a command and then reward him as soon as he obeys the command. This can reinforce the dog's thinking about the correlation between good behavior and rewards. Start with a simple command like “Sit,” and keep repeating it until your dog gets the hang of it.
Once your dog routinely obeys commands, make your reward less predictable. Usually, dogs will become clumsy and lazy when your rewards are too easy to come by. By delaying the occasional reward, your dog will think that maybe what he is doing is wrong, and will try harder to satisfy your desire to eventually be rewarded. Give your dog a reward after the fourth or fifth command so he can stay focused on getting the reward and not discourage him
Step 4. Try the clicker training method
This type of training will make the dog associate the clicker clicking sound as a signal that he will be rewarded. The clicker can pinpoint the moment when the dog obeys your command. This can reinforce the dog's thinking about the correlation between behavior and reward. Labrador dogs are easy to train because they are highly motivated by food. Thus, the clicker training method is ideal for this breed.
Learn how to train a dog with a clicker. Later, the dog will understand that the clicker is a sign that he will be rewarded. This is a powerful boost for the Labrador Retriever. Once your dog has learned this relationship, you can use the clicker sound as soon as it behaves properly, such as when instructed to sit down. Over time, the dog will understand that sitting on command will pay off
Step 5. Give your Labrador a treat
Labrador Retrievers are highly motivated by food. Make a treat that he likes as a reward for good behavior to get the dog to repeat it. The snacks given should be small, such as Mini Zukes, Charlie Bears, Bil Jac. Offal is an inexpensive and easy-to-prepare alternative to dog treats. Many dogs also regard their daily food as a form of reward.
- Giving treats in return should only be done in the early stages of training. Snacks should be replaced with praise as a form of reward as soon as possible. Otherwise, the dog will be overweight or even obese. Alternatively, you can weigh and set aside a daily portion of your dog's food to treat as a snack. This can help prevent dogs from becoming obese.
- Some dog trainers advise against giving your dog too much food at one time. Let the dog learn to put effort into getting food from you. That way, the dog will focus on you and also the food that will be given. This will make it easier for the dog to learn that he should try to get what he wants.
Step 6. Make rewards unpredictable
Once your dog routinely obeys commands, make your reward less predictable. Usually, dogs will become clumsy and lazy when your rewards are too easy to come by. By delaying the occasional reward, your dog will think that maybe what he is doing is wrong, and will try harder to satisfy your desire to eventually be rewarded. Give your dog a reward after the fourth or fifth command so he can stay focused on getting the reward without letting him down.
Step 7. Expand your dog's training methods
Test the Labrador Retriever in a variety of different situations and provide distractions that distract him. Once your dog understands simple commands like “Sit” and “Sit down” in a quiet, distraction-free place, add distractions to train your dog to stay focused on your commands. Add a voice, another dog trainer, or even another animal. When your dog is distracted or has trouble focusing, alert the dog to the distraction by talking to him, giving him commands, or even using gestures (such as stepping on a foot).
- Begin this training in a place of minimal distraction and at home. Always give the dog praise and rewards afterward. Once you're confident in your dog's ability to stay focused, increase the difficulty of the training by walking your dog around your home or visiting a city park to improve your dog's ability to stay focused. Take your dog to a more crowded area once he is able to consistently respond to your commands.
- Gradually increase the difficulty of the training so you have more confidence in your dog's ability to handle crowds. This is the key to training your dog to behave properly when in a crowd.
Step 8. Enroll your dog in an accredited compliance program
Some animal shelters, pet stores, and other organizations offer low-cost dog training programs. Before registering a dog, first visit one of these places to make sure the training method is carried out according to your wishes. Consider enlisting the help of a professional dog trainer. Professional dog trainers have extensive knowledge of dogs and can teach you some basic techniques for training and handling dogs. In conclusion, even if it costs you extra, asking for professional help will be very beneficial in the long run because it can help your communication process with your dog.
An important part of this training is helping dogs to be nice around other dogs, so try enrolling your dog in puppy class. Many veterinary clinics hold puppy classes. All registered dogs must be vaccinated and healthy to attend the class. The benefit of this class is that it increases the dog's confidence in interacting with other dogs
Method 2 of 3: Becoming a Good Coach
Step 1. Prepare yourself
Research suitable training methods beforehand. Learn about dog training methods online, in the library, or at your local organization. You can also ask your vet for input. Remember, the more knowledgeable you are about dogs, the better you will respond to different situations.
Make sure you have equipment ready that can help make the dog training process more effective. Buy a clicker if you intend to do clicker training. Don't forget to buy a leash and leash suitable for training your dog. Leather leash is excellent for training dogs. Always make sure the equipment you use is in good condition and is not prone to breakage or damage
Step 2. Do reward-based training
This is an ideal method for Labrador Retrievers. This method involves rewarding your dog for good behavior, and ignoring bad behavior. Thus, punishment is not part of this training method. This method uses what motivates the Labrador as a medium for training it, for example rewarding it in the form of treats and affection.
The purpose of this training method is for the Labrador to try hard to repeat a good behavior that results in a treat or a compliment. Because your bad behavior is ignored by you, the dog will think the bad behavior is pointless and just a waste of energy, so he will not repeat it again
Step 3. Choose the ideal time and place to practice
Training works best when done twice a day in several short (10 - 15 minutes) sessions. Do the training when the dog is not tired or too excited. For example, when you come home from a long day outside, it's a good idea to let the dog run in the yard for 5 minutes, or take the dog for a walk, before starting the training session.
Try practicing in a less distracting area so your dog can focus more on you. The best time to train a dog is before it eats. This will make the dog very excited as he trains to get rewarded from you
Step 4. Do it with precision and firmness
Your commands should be simple, short, clear, and consistent. “No”, “Drop”, “Wait”, “Stop” are strong, simple, and firm commands. Don't nag your dog, he's not human and can't process language in the same way humans do. Sayings like “Stop doing that, my God” or “Hey, stop chewing on the table” won't be understood by your dog because they're too complicated.
Experts believe that dogs consider the first part of a word to be the most important. Thus, long commands such as “Sit down for a treat” will confuse the dog. Just say “Sit” instead
Step 5. You need to be assertive and in control
In general, yelling at a dog is not an effective method. The Labrador Retriever is a naturally passionate dog breed. Use a pleasant yet optimistic voice when giving your dog commands. Don't scream, get angry, or lose control because your dog can sense your frustration and then respond with anger. Tone of voice is also important, especially since dogs cannot process language in the same way as humans. Therefore, the way you speak is more important than what you say.
Be positive yet firm when commanding your Labrador
Step 6. Consider using hand gestures
Try using hand gestures when giving verbal commands. For example, raise your hand when you say “Sit”. Experts believe that dogs can look for clues to understand what their owner wants them to do, including command words, tone of voice, and body language.
Step 7. Respond and command your dog in a timely manner
It's not effective to reprimand a Labrador too long after the incident. If you must reprimand or correct your dog, do so as quickly as possible. The dog will forget the incident after a few seconds, so it is important to reprimand your dog immediately so as not to interfere with the training process.
Step 8. Be consistent
Be consistent when giving your dog commands. This is to help the dog understand your will. Don't forget to give commands when you're out of the house so your dog understands that the "Sit" and "Shut up" commands don't just apply at home. Commanding your dog in public can help your dog understand that your commands apply everywhere.
Consistency is key to building good habits, and can turn your dog into a well-trained and well-behaved pet
Step 9. Get the whole family involved
If you have a family, get your family involved in training your dog. Explain to your family and guests what dogs should not do. For example, if you forbid anyone to feed dogs at the dinner table, tell them this rule. If your family members or guests don't know about this rule, they may feed the dog at the dinner table. This of course will confuse the dog and interfere with the training you have given.
Make sure your family uses the same command. Using different words for the same command will confuse the dog and hinder the training process
Method 3 of 3: Understanding Dog Breeds
Step 1. Remember, dogs are not trained from birth
Keep in mind that after birth, dogs do not immediately know the rules for living with humans. When a dog behaves badly, it doesn't mean the dog was born naughty. This is because dogs just do what dogs usually do until you teach them a new behavior.
Step 2. Learn the characteristics of the Labrador Retriever dog breed
Dogs of this breed are generally intelligent, cheerful, and energetic. They need sufficient attention and a medium to channel their energy. The Labrador Retriever originates from Newfoundland, Canada, and is often used by fishermen to help retrieve fishing nets and loose fish. Until now, this breed of dog is still a "worker" and a good swimmer. This also makes them very easy to train.
Because of their versatility, the Labrador Retriever is used in various fields, such as search and rescue, policing, as drug tracking, and as therapy dogs
Step 3. Treat your Labrador Retriever in a manner appropriate to the breed
To train these dogs, you must understand what they want and need. For example, it's important to know that Labrador Retrievers are very food-oriented and will do anything for a treat. He also loves the attention and pleasure of his owner. So you must incorporate this trait into the training process. This is the key to successful training.
- Remember, the Labrador Retriever is a very energetic dog breed. Labrador dogs that do not have the opportunity to channel their energy will be difficult to train. Be sure to walk the dog while incorporating training sessions.
- Keep in mind that giving your dog what he needs can prevent bad behavior. For example, Labrador Retrievers need to be played and walked. Otherwise, the dog will get bored and become destructive. Increasing your dog's physical activity can help maintain his health and channel his energy. Take your dog for a game of throw and catch and walk twice a day to keep him active.
Tips
Enjoy time with your Labrador. They are very good dogs. You have to be honest, consistent, and clear. In return, they will reward you with love and affection
Warning
- Don't punish your Labrador Retriever for doing something wrong. This will only confuse him because the dog cannot correlate punishment with bad behavior. He will only be afraid of you for being punished for no apparent reason.
- Avoid using electroshock collars on dogs. Electroshock collars are controversial tools and should only be used by professional dog trainers for specific training purposes, eg hunting, work, etc. The contact points on the collar can cause serious injury to the dog. What's more, if used incorrectly, it can make dogs confused and aggressive. Electroshock collars should only be used as a last resort and with the help of a professional dog trainer. Do not train your dog without the help of a professional dog trainer when using this method.
