Train My Pets

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If you are looking for the perfect pet for your family, a Labrador retriever just might fit the bill. There are many reasons why this breed has constantly topped lists of the most popular family dog, including their friendliness, playfulness and loyalty to their families. However, Labs that come home from the breeder as cute bundles of fur will quickly grow into dogs that can weigh more than sixty pounds.

If you don’t begin Labrador obedience training early on that big, boisterous pet may be running the show in your household before you know it! This is why it is so important to teach your Lab to respect you and the other members of your household from the first day that he sets his paw into your home. A dog that understands who is in charge will be much more likely to obey the rules of the house and follow your commands. There are a number of methods that you can use to begin Labrador obedience training from day one with your pet, and many will help to instill respect and a willingness to follow your lead.
Labrador obedience training needs to incorporate respect, but it doesn’t do so using harsh, punitive methods – unless you want a dog that is afraid of you and prone to snapping and biting others. Labs respond best to training that is encouraging and positive, and loaded with rewards instead of punishment. Your Lab will enjoy positive training sessions because it allows him to spend quality time with you as he exercises his mind and body to follow your commands and please you. You can begin with basic commands like sit and stay and gradually move onto more complex instructions as you and your dog develop a positive relationship and he learns to follow your instructions.

Consistency is another important key in effective Labrador obedience training. For example, if you want to make it a rule that your dog does not jump on the furniture, you need to be consistent with that rule and never let him up on the couch. Not once. Not ever. Intelligent dogs like Labs will quickly recognize when they can push you and the rules to the limit and will do so whenever possible.
When you begin Labrador obedience training, sessions should be kept to just a few minutes and should be peppered with praise and rewards throughout. Get rid of any potential distractions during these early training sessions, but be prepared to add a level of distraction once he has mastered a command, to ensure that he will obey you in any situation. Training distractions can include bouncing a ball while you instruct him, squeaking a toy or tossing biscuits around him. Begin with basic commands like sit, stay and fetch. Give your dog the command, and then be ready to praise him as soon as he complies. Repeat the command a few times with rewards or praise every time he obeys. Release your pup from his training session after a few simple repetitions, and spend some time playing with him afterward. Once your dog has mastered these initial commands, you can move on to instructions like lie and come. With time, your Lab will know how to obey you wherever the two of you are, and he will become a wonderful companion for the entire family.

Labrador training is not particularly difficult, but it does take plenty of time and effort on the part of the owner, beginning with learning the best techniques for training Labs. Dog training books%rmation on training your Labrador retriever.

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