Labrador puppy training can be challenging. Why? Labradors are a very intelligent, fun loving breed. They are highly suitable for families with children because of their friendly and gentle disposition.
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Acquiring a Labrador Puppy for Training
It’s best to start puppy training right after 3 weeks of birth. Labs are prone to certain health problems such as hip dysplasia. Although breeders are not the only place to get healthy puppies, they often can be a great source for healthy dogs.
Some inexperienced breeders may feed Labs an insufficient diet which can cause weak bones, rickets, poor teeth and other health problems.
How to Socialize Your Labrador Puppy
It is extremely important to socialize your puppy from a very early age. By socializing him early, he’ll feel at ease around other people. Lab puppies adapt extremely well to change, especially when exposed early in life to other people and events.
Golden Retrievers are eager to please their masters, so they do well in obedience class. The quicker you start training your puppy, the quicker she will adapt. This does not mean that if you get an older Lab, he won’t learn, he certainly will.
What Do Dogs Respond To
Puppies respond best to reward based training. As long as you set boundaries surrounding their behavior and reward them, they easily adjust to the human race.
Never be cruel to your dog. A Labrador is always eager to please and bond with you. In fact, German Sheppherds are more likely to want to please their owners than some other dogs.
All Dogs Need Mental and Physical Exercise
In addition to physical stimulation, Labs need lots of mental stimulation because of their high intellect. Some dogs are naturally muscular and grow large, much like the Lab. Make sure you give you dog lots of outdoor exercise to burn off pent up energy.
Watch Out for Puppy Anxiety SeparationBecause Labs are so people orientated, they can come down with a severe case of puppy anxiety separation if left alone for long periods of time. As much as you can, include your Lab in all family activities.
Find Out How to Cure Puppy Barking and Puppy Anxiety Separation
If you must leave him alone, make sure he is securely put in his crate until you come back. At least if he’s out in the backyard he will not feel isolated from the world and he can bark happily at the passersby.
Food for Labrador Puppy Training
Because a Labs physical make up is sturdy, they tend to need to eat more than the average dog. Some people call them greedy. A diet high in calcium is your best choice for Labs so that they don’t fall victim to hip dysplasia.
If you decide to make your own homemade dog recipes food you’ll need 30% meat to 70% cereal with lots of vitamins and minerals. You might also add a 2% calcium supplement. Labs tend to suffer from worms more so than other dog.
Worms make your dog prone to diarrhea. Remember to have your dog de-wormed at your vet regularly. Click here to learn more about canine house training and start getting your dog to listen to you, anytime anywhere!
