New Lab!!!

[rolyat150]

I just got a new chocolate lab puppy. He is about three months old and his name is Buster. Does anyone have any tips on obeidience training or just tips about keeping labs? I just wanted a good companion dog I could load up in the truck and go out in the woods without putting him on a leash (unlike our daucshund). thanks

[IceyBlueSibes]

Find a trainer in your area, and go to an obedience class. This will socialize the pup with people and other dogs, which is key to having a sound and stable dog. This can also help make a strong bond between you and your pup. Good luck!

[rolyat150]

How old do you start training them?

[KTS CAVIES]

I just wanted a good companion dog I could load up in the truck and go out in the woods without putting him on a leash (unlike our daucshund).

Please sign up for puppy classes now!
Keep in mind that labs are retrievers and most do have a prey instinct and will chase after things.
Make sure you get your pup his shots and get him neutered ASAP (most vets will neuter at 8 weeks)
You should have done research before buying, you should have actually adopted as there are thousands if not millions of purebred labs and lab mixes in shelters.

[IceyBlueSibes]

You can train them from the day you bring them home. It is never too soon to start. The sooner the better! :) They might not have a big attention span, but the classes will help, and you can practice at home. Just maybe 10-15 min at a time each day can help. Good luck.

[rolyat150]

Thanks, I have started training him, i'm not sure were to go to find obeidience classes, do you know where I should look? How do I teach him to come? because, when I am walking around the barn and we will walk out on the drive way and my sister will be playing with her golden retriever over in the yard and he will just start walking off toward the house despite my "Buster come", "buster come". There is nothing that will get him to turn back. What am I doing wrong? or has he just got a short attention span? Will he learn his name and how to come by himself just over time or is there something I need to do to teach him? I really love him and want him to be a good loyal dog. thanks

[IceyBlueSibes]

They have obedience classes at PetSmart, or you can contact your local SPCA and ask if they reccommend any. Be sure to keep your discipline positive. You should deal with the misbehavior calmly. Redirect your pup into a calm behavior and reward the pup for it.

You can try first by getting your dogs attention. Start first by holding a treat in your hand, and say the dogs name, or 'look' , 'watch'. Then give the dog a treat when it looks at you. Continue to do this over and over. You can then try holding the treat behind your back in both hands, and use your cue, and if the dog looks at you, or atleast pays attention, give them the treat.

To try sit, you can take a treat and hold in slightly above your pups head. Say 'sit' as soon as the dog is making the motion to go down and then treat. Repeat this. Be sure that you don't hold the treat too far above its head, or they may jump for the treat instead of sit. If the dog doesn't sit automatically, try putting the dogs rear end near a corner. Lure its nose up with a treat or toy, then slowly move the lure towards the back of the dogs head.

To teach down, start with your pup sitting. Slowly lower a treat to the ground, allowing your dog to nibble on teh way down. When it lies down, give it the threat and tell it good boy. Be sure to use your cue after the first couple times 'lay' or 'down'. It's easier to use 'one word' commands so the dog doesn't become confused. Because sometimes if you want the dog to get off of the couch, or off of someone, they may 'liedown' instead of 'getting down'. Get it? If your pup doesn't go all the way down, just reward for the lowest point. As the dog goes lower and lower keep rewarding.

Here is the 'come'. When your pup is comming toward you on its own, say 'come!' or 'Here!' (Or whichever command you prefer - name) Playfully back away several steps, then stop. Show them the treat as they are approaching, then give them the treat when the get to you. Then try it when your dog isn't already comming. Do this 10 times a day at random intervals until your puppy races to you whenever you call.

Stay is something that you could use, that may come in handy. Have your puppy sit or lie down while you feed 10 treats rapid fire. Repeat, having the puppy gradually wait longer between treats. Whn your pup will wait five seconds between treats without moving, introduce a voice cue and hand signal for stay. For the hand signal, use a 'traffic stop' gesture with your open palm facing the pup. Show the palm for one second, then take your hand away. As you signal, say 'stay'. Pause a moment then treat.
Gradually delay longer between the cue and reward. When the delay reaches 10 seconds, gradually add distance and distractions. When a stay is over, give your dog permission to move.

Hope I have helped a bit with that. He'll soon learn his name. It is all new to him, and has a short attention span. Try keeping your pup on a leash while your trying to train him, and getting him to learn his name. Your not doing anything wrong. He's a pup, he's going to ignore you sometimes. Sometimes they'll have 'blank' moments where they will have something down pat for a while, then the next day, they act like you never taught them anything.

As long as you love him, and give him good attention and TLC, he'll be a wonderful companion.


Good luck, if you have anymore questions, feel free to ask.

[rolyat150]

Thanks, that made me feel so much better. Where do you think is the best place to train him? I think in the basement of our house which is being sheetrocked right now is a good spot cause there is nothing down there. I mean when the sheetrockers arent there. would that be good? again thanks for the help.

[iluvthegirls]

Definantly Obedience classes. Also he will start responding to his name with repition. We trained ours right in the living room. Just you and him in the living room will work as well.

you probably know this but do not hit him when he is bad. He may take it as agression.

[Whoops]

I train my rott puppy all over my house and beware taking your lab into the basement right now. Sheetrocks have dust on them and one mishap and lab will eat it. I train Sarge in my bedroom, in my bathroom, kitchen, otherwise u will be teachin him in basement only.
It takes 5 mins here or there and do it everywhere. Buster sit good dog oh wonderful yeah buster. treat. Buster come oh good boy yeahhhhhhhhh wonderful smart dog Buster stay Okay good boy yeahhhhhh Do it everywhere.

[rolyat150]

They aren't sheetrocking in the basement yet, they are still up stairs so it would be ok. He doesn't live in the house, so I have to train him outside where there are more distractions. I will keep training him. thanks

[IceyBlueSibes]

I agree with Whoops. Train him everywhere you can. Start somewhere where there aren't too many distractions. Then as he gets the hang of it, add the distractions in. Such as with 'stay', throw toys at him, have him outside where there are different smells and sights. Even if your sister is willing, I believe you said she has a golden. Ask her if sometime down the road she would be willing to help... such as with her being a distraction with her and her dog. Good luck...

[Doglover322]

You can start training them as early as 3 weeks! Believe it or not! I saw this thing on Animal Planet and that's what it said! lol. For obedience classes. DON'T WAIST YOUR MONEY ON TRAINING LESSONS!!!! Just go to the following site...... www.canismajor.com/dog/yobed.html..... GOOD LUCK!

[IceyBlueSibes]

DON'T WAIST YOUR MONEY ON TRAINING LESSONS!!!!

Actually, the training classes help to socialize the dog with people and other dogs. They aren't a waste of money... but to each his own. I feel that its better for the dog, especially if someone is new to the breed.

[Shahoa]

Doglover322 the puppy is already over 3 weeks, and puppylessons are very good for a young puppy to socialize (very important) and for early training. it is certainly not a waste.