How to Train a Naughty Labrador: 14 Steps (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-19 22:11

The Labrador retrieve is a very cute dog. His big belly, his happy smile, and his wagging tail have won our hearts. However, these dogs need exercise. Labrador is very powerful, especially since this breed was bred to work, hunt, and run around all day. Fortunately, labradors are friendly and easy to train.

Step

Part 1 of 3: Understanding the Labrador

Step 1. Know that no Labrador is 'bad'

The concept of 'naughty' is a human characterization that is incorrectly assigned to an animal. Your Labrador isn't exactly "naughty" or "stubborn." Instead, he just does what a Labrador should do, in Labrador ways of acting, until you teach him new behaviors. Know that he was not born in a state of understanding the rules of life in the human world.

Step 2. Learn information about the breed

Labrador is generally smart, cheerful, and energetic. It needs adequate attention and energy expenditure channels.

Labrador originated and developed in Newfoundland. Labrador is often used by fishermen to help pull nets and escaping fish. To this day, the Labrador remains a "working" dog and a good swimmer.
The labrador's versatility has made it used in a variety of "occupations", including being a member of the search and rescue team, the K9 group, to detect drugs, as well as as a service dog for the blind and others.

Step 3. Treat the Labrador in a manner appropriate to its breed

Giving him what he needs will prevent him from "behaving badly," which is really Labrador's way of dealing with lack of care.

For example, the Labrador has to play and go for walks. Otherwise, he will be bored and destructive. Keep your labrador active by playing catch and taking him for walks, at least twice a day. Increased physical activity helps the labrador to stay healthy as well as tire him out. A tired Labrador is less likely to steal food and dig gardens. Swimming is also a great sport for him. You can play catch and throw in the water to drain the Labrador's energy

Part 2 of 3: Becoming a Good Coach

Step 1. Be sure and direct

Don't talk to Labrador. Your commands should be simple and consistent, for example "No", "Release", "Wait". "Oh, stop, geez, for God's sake" or "Oi, stop chewing on my shoes" won't work because commands like these are too complicated. Remember, dogs don't process language in the same way humans do.

Step 2. Stay firm and in control

Generally, you can't yell at a dog. This is especially true of the Labrador, due to its cheerful nature. Use a firm voice when giving orders to your dog; don't scream or lose control. Dogs are very intuitive and can sense frustration and react otherwise.

Firm and direct commands will get the message across about what you want from the Labrador

Step 3. Set a time for delivering responses and commands

Punishing a Labrador long after an incident has occurred is ineffective. You must address the dog's behavior problem within a few seconds of the incident. Your dog will quickly forget something after a few seconds, so you'll need to address the behavior head-on so that he understands the training process.

Step 4. Train family members too

If you live with more than one person, they also need to be trained. Explain to family and visitors what your dog can and can't do. For example, if you don't allow other people to feed the Labrador at the table, share this rule with your family members. If they or guests don't know it, they may give the dog food, which will confuse the dog and mess up your training process.

Part 3 of 3: Using Standard Practice Techniques

Step 1. Never hit a dog

Beating a Labrador when he's misbehaving won't help him get better trained. He will even be afraid of you, so that the practice process will be disrupted.

Step 2. Reward the behavior you want

Sometimes humans simply apply moral standards and motivation to dogs. However, the truth is, dogs are not humans. He will act according to the nature of his race. For example, if your Labrador chews on your best work shirt, it's not because he's doing it to piss you off. Often, this is because the shirt is somewhere easy to reach and looks good to chew on.

Rewarding good behavior is more effective than punishing bad behavior. Instead of getting angry and upset with your Labrador for chewing on your shirt, encourage him to chew on his own toy by complimenting him

Step 3. Try the clicker exercise

This exercise conveys the message of positive action directly. Labradors are easy to train because their main motivation is food, so clicker training is an ideal way for them.

This exercise uses sound – that is, a click – to tell the dog that he has done something right. The clicker itself is a small plastic case held in the palm of your hand, with a metal component that you press to produce the sound. This method works by teaching the dog that every time he hears a click, he will get a treat. Eventually, the dog will learn that the sound is always accompanied by food – this is a very powerful incentive for the Labrador. Once your dog understands these connections, you can use clicks to mark times when your dog behaves properly, such as sitting down. Over time, he will learn that sitting earns him a reward. Learn how to clicker train your dog

Step 4. Take advantage of the state of the stomach

Most dogs are always hungry. Labrador, in particular, is very food oriented and motivated. Reward good behavior with treats and you're likely to find the Labrador repeating the behavior.

For example, if your Labrador chews on the couch, encourage him to pick up his toys and give him a treat and praise him for doing so. Snacks can be reduced to mere compliments gradually. As time passes, the Labrador will learn not to chew on the couch.
Your snack should be a light snack, such as Mini Zukes, Charlie Bears, Bil Jac or freeze-dried liver. Ripe kidneys are an inexpensive alternative that are easy to prepare and cut. Many dogs will also take up training just to get some regular bones.
Giving snacks as a reward for good behavior should only be done in the early days of training. Eventually, you will have to replace the treats with compliments, or the dog will become overweight/obese.
Some trainers recommend giving small treats to dogs with attention problems, instead of giving them a heavy meal right away. This way, your dog learns to focus on you and his plate, making it easier for you to convey the message that he must "learn to learn."

Step 5. Execute other diversion techniques

For example, if your Labrador enjoys running and bumping into people or barking at people and other dogs, try to distract him. Interrupt your Labrador's thoughts by talking or telling him to do something (for example, by stomping your feet on the floor).

Be prepared to anticipate and practice distraction techniques using snacks and a distraction-free environment at home. Make sure you give compliments and treats afterward. As you get used to the quiet environment, increase the difficulty by taking a walk around the neighborhood or near the dog park to practice your Labrador. Gradually move to more crowded areas as he gets used to responding consistently to commands like “let go” or “watch”. Go slow, adding distractions one at a time so you have confidence in your Labrador's ability to behave in a crowd

Step 6. Consult a professional trainer

Professional trainers, such as those from the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) – if you live in the US – have in-depth knowledge of dogs and can help you learn basic training skills.

You may need to start a few private lessons to learn the basics of training before you can bring your Labrador to a group study session.
Even if it costs you extra, professional help will come in handy in the long run, as it helps you and your passionate dog to communicate effectively.
You might even consider consulting a veterinary behaviorist. These people are veterinarians who have undergone additional training and specialize in animal behavior. If you live in the US, your veterinarian can refer you to one of the behavioral specialists from the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB).