Following these three simple steps are certain to make your new member of the family an obedient and lovable companion!
Step 1: Understand the Breed & their Needs
Educate yourself. There is no better way to prepare for your Lab puppy than to understand what is involved in caring for him and what to expect.
One of the most popular breeds in the world, Labs are known and loved for their gentle nature, intelligence and loving personalities. However, they can be boisterous if untrained or trained improperly. Labs generally mature around age three, but before this time they are often highly energetic and playful. This is frequently mistaken for hyperactivity and can lead to stress between puppy and owner. Understanding that they will settle down is important for keeping a peaceful relationship between you and your Lab. Being large and energetic dogs its important to have a place with lots of room for them to exercise or make time to take them out for regular walks.
Step 2: Start Early!
It’s never too early to start training your Lab puppy and conditioning him to your lifestyle. Most people take several weeks to start training their puppy after bringing him home for the first time. Though he is cute and innocent during this time he is still a fast learner and can pick up bad habits quickly!
Though Labs are known to be great with children and friendly with strangers it’s important to expose them to everything early on. Take them to public places like the park to introduce them to other people, children and other animals. Just by seeing or interacting, they will become comfortable with these things as part of their environment.
Step 3: Gentle Reinforcement
Your training techniques are a very personal choice and entirely up to you so it’s important to keep an open mind. Oppressive techniques or treat-dependent training are not always the best way to go and may end up leading to puppy obesity. Labs are known to respond very well to praise and positive attention. They are incredibly trainable dogs who thrive on human interaction and affection, so making this a part of your training technique can have immense results and a very positive outcome for both you and your Lab.
For a more comprehensive guide to training your Lab please Click Here!
