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Have you recently purchased a Labrador retriever? Maybe you don't know it, but you now own one of the best breeds of dogs available today. In fact, maybe I should go so far as to say that you own the best breed. Anyway, you definitely have one fantastic dog that should give you a future full of enjoyment.
Labradors continually amaze their owners with what they can do. On average, they are very easy to train especially when you understand their character a little more. Being bred for gathering and hunting, they have been developed into a fine animal with tremendous smarts and ability. It basically means that you'll have a much easier time in training him.
Even though they have a tremendous capability for learning, it's always best to start out with some good Labrador training techniques. Starting with some basics will help you on your way towards a more fulfilling life for you and your dog. The more your dog knows and learns, the more he will become a fine member of the family that fits like the last fitted piece of a completed puzzle.
First, use patience when ever dealing with your Labrador. I'm not only talking about those times of formal training sessions with your dog but anytime and anywhere. Any dog will respond better to a master who exudes a calm commanding dominant demeanor. Probably the most important factor providing this result will be a continuous use of patience. Your dog will do almost anything to get your favor, simply use patience and what you desire from your dog will have a better chance of coming to fruition.
Second, start out using a leash and collar as soon as possible. There will be no better time than the present to getting your Labrador comfortable with his collar and leash. The longer you put off implementing the use of a leash, the harder it will likely be in getting your dog comfortable with it later. Using a leash not only makes it easier to train your dog but also is a basic requirement in your ability to effectively control your dog especially in public.
Third, always work towards the goal of positively reinforcing your dogs learning and training. Dogs will always respond better to positive reinforcement than negative reinforcement. In fact, you'll find it much more tiresome and difficult if you start being negative with your dog. I have yet to find another pet and/or animal that wants to please their master as much as dogs do. That especially goes for Labrador's. Therefore, it makes even more sense to only use positive reinforcement.
Fourth, basic commands are most important not only because they're generally easy to teach but also important for your ability to control your dog. Those commands include sit, stay, and come. Your pleasure will increase greatly after he learns these three commands in the beginning. You'll likely see his willingness and interest to obey after seeing how well he learns these three commands. After learning these, reinforce his training by using these commands every time you get the chance. That includes taking him outside, walking across the street, etc.
Fifth, put in place limitations and rules for your Labrador. Your dog needs to know the rules and limitations required for becoming an enjoyable accepted member of the household. He needs to know where he can relieve himself, sleep, eat, sit, etc. Eventually he should know exactly where his limits are. If you have made a rule that your dog only chews on his toys and not your shoes, he needs to know this through your continual communication. To be fair to him, your rules should be clear in his understanding as soon as possible.
Finally, everyone in the household needs to fully understand these rules and limitations by which your Labrador needs to live by. They also need to understand how to communicate those learned commands to the dog. If one person uses one command for a desired dog action while another uses a different word command, your dog will obviously get confused. Adding a word to a basic command like "sit" will also get your dog confused. If the dog hears "sit down" rather than his already learned command "sit", it will only make it more cumbersome for him as a dog to function effectively within your household.
Humans have a much easier ability to learn unlike dogs. You'll need to continually strive to use the most easiest ways of learning when it comes to your pet Labrador or any other dog. Just by his nature, he will respond to you more than half way. You and others in your household need to respond in-kind by using these good Labrador training techniques to help him function better as a member of your family.
