Training Labrador Retrievers
Training Labrador retrievers often takes positive reinforcement.

You have probably heard that Labrador retrievers are one of the easiest dog breeds to train. However, you need to know what you are doing to be successful. This includes understanding what the best methods for training Labrador retrievers are and which tricks and skills are the best to teach will help ensure your success. As you train your dog, you will need to know how to reward your pet so it continues to repeat the behavior you are teaching.

Build On Skills

The easiest way to go through the training of your Labrador retriever is to start with just the basic commands, such as sit and lay down. Once your dog has learned to do these skills well, you can start to build up to more complex skills. Even if your dog seems to be learning tricks quickly, take it slow so your dog doesn’t become overwhelmed. You want your dog to be obedient, but you don’t want to make your Labrador anxious. Going slowly ensures your dog has the time to learn the skill and perfect it before moving on to something else.

Food

Dogs love to eat. This means that treats and food is a great way to reward your dog when it does what you want it to do. While you don’t want your dog to overeat, giving a treat or two when you are working on training your dog won’t hurt. You won’t always give your dog a treat when he does what you want; you will only do this until your dog understands what you want from it. The treats are a great motivator for Labrador retrievers.

Facial Expressions

The facial expressions you use when you are training Labrador retrievers can have an impact on your success with training. While many dog owners know that your dog can tell how you are feeling by the tone of your voice, they do also pay attention to your facial expressions. Therefore, when you are training your dog and it does what you want, make sure you put a big smile on your face and tell your dog what a good job he is doing.

Training Labrador retrievers can be so much easier if you know how to use some of the most effective methods of training. Working slowly through the skills, starting with those that are the most basic will make sure that your dog learns each one well. Once your dog does begin working on new skills, it is important to reward it, both with treats and with positive facial expressions. These methods will show your dog that you are pleased with the behavior, which will encourage your Labrador to continue with the behavior.