Labrador Puppy Training - Creating A Lifelong Friendship

When should I begin the training?

This is probably the question I get asked the most. I usually being my labrador puppy training when they are approximately 6-8 weeks old. Any sooner and you may find it difficult for your puppy to concentrate, and any later your puppy may develop some bad habits that will be harder to break.

How long should the training sessions be?

Training sessions, especially for puppies, should be no longer than 15 minutes. Make sure to keep it interesting, offer treats when they do something right, and keep them wanting to do more. Any longer and your puppy may start to get bored, and want to run around. If this is the case, pack up and try again later. You want labrador puppy training sessions to be fun for your friend, not a chore.

My puppy isnt remember any commands, what am I doing wrong?

There will be times when your puppy will just seem to not understand anything you do. It may be something you are doing wrong, or it may not. You have to remember puppies are like babies, some learn faster than others. However, make sure you are following these tips:

1. Make sure to mantain a consistent tone of voice in your commands.
2. Make sure to reward your puppy with treats EVERY time he does something right.
3. Never raise your voice to your puppy, he/she will no longer want to learn.
4. If you do get frustrated, pack up and try again later.

Still have questions?

For more Q and A's and labrador puppy training tips, visit Sit, Stay, Fetch - Dog Training Guide

So how do I properly punish a puppy?

A proper way of punishment for a puppy does not have to consist of physical abuse. Instead, a firm no can be sufficient. Sure it may take awhile for your puppy to learn, but in the long run it will be worth it. All physical punishment does, it scare your puppy, who will then lose interest in wanting to learn. While walking you dog, a firm no and a slight tug on the leash will let him/her know you are in charge.

Positive Reinforcement versus Negative Reinforcement

First of all, positive reinforcement is required for you labrador puppy training. Dog is mans best friend, and treats are a dogs best friend, ESPECIALLY puppies. Everytime your puppy does something right, award it with a treat. Your puppy will want more of those treats, which will lead to more correct actions. Eventually your puppy will be doing those correct actions for your affection, and treats will no longer be needed.

Negative reinforcement on the other hand, is something I try my best to NEVER use. I do not have cages or kennels in my house, and personally refuse to use them. If a puppy is not listening, I will stop the labrador puppy training, and begin another time. The puppy will soon learn, training sessions can be fun, and will want to do it.

For more proper punishment techniques, read Sit, Stay, Fetch - Dog Training Guide

So many people come to me, because they have lost patience for their puppy. Even the owners dont want to train their puppy. Imagine if your teacher did not even want to teach you, would you still have interest in learning?

This is by far the biggest mistake dog owners make, and my biggest customer base. Trainers who no longer have interest in training their puppy. The biggest reason dog owners start getting frustrated is because they dont see results. They dont see results because they are not properly trained themselves.

Think of it like this, The dog owner has no training, so he doesnt see results very quickly from the labrador puppy training; because he sees no results, he begins to get frustrated; because he gets frustrated the puppy starts to lose interest; now the owner doesnt even want to try training his puppy.

Dont let this happen to you, just remember that the training should be fun for you and your dog, so get the proper education, and see results faster. MAKE IT FUN!

For proper training the way I got it, go to Sit, Stay, Fetch - Dog Training Guide