Labrador retrievers have a natural desire to learn, so they are typically easier to train compared to many other dog breeds. However, as a pet owner, you still have to take your Labrador retriever training seriously and be consistent so you don’t confuse your dog. One of the most effective Labrador training methods is using a clicker. This is a simple device you can click when your dog does something good. Once you make the click, give your dog a treat immediately. After a few rounds of this, your Labrador will identify the click with a treat and will be more likely to follow your commands. Here’s a quick guide on how clicker training works.
Behavioral Training
The common behaviors pet owners like to teach their dogs are sitting, shaking, staying and even lying down. When using a clicker, make the click immediately when they do the action and give them a treat right away. Your dog will start understanding your command and the behaviors associated with it. As your Lab gets familiar with the clicker, you can begin distance training, where you can give a command when you are several feet away and your dog will know to wait for the click before coming to get the treat.
Clarity When Giving Rewards
Labrador training can be difficult when you have a Lab that’s excited all the time. The constant moving and jumping makes it tough to get their attention, especially when they know you have a treat in your hand. When you’re trying to figure out how to train a Labrador, you’ll realize even a split second makes a big difference. A persistent effort of making a click when your dog sits still will eventually register to them that stillness is a good behavior to earn a reward. Just be sure to use your clicker only when your Labrador is behaving how you want them to.
Shape New Behaviors
Shaping is a unique Labrador retriever training technique, which allows the dog to figure out what behavior is acceptable. For example, if you want your dog to lie down on the bed, you could make a click and give them a treat when they look at the bed. Then you could click and give them a treat when they take a couple steps toward the bed. Your Labrador will eventually figure out the bed is the real reason for getting a treat, and will go there more willingly.
Be Consistent With Your Clicks
The main thing to remember when going through Labrador training is to be consistent with your clicker. Labradors are very smart, but they also can be easily confused if you use the clicker for things other than rewarding good behavior. Consistency is key when you’re learning how to train a Labrador.
Every Labrador wants to please their owner. When you’re able to give them some guidance as to what they should and shouldn’t be doing, then they’ll be happier overall and will naturally try to do the right things. Clicker training has long been an effective training method for Labradors, so give it a try when you’re working with your Lab.
