When you are looking at how to train a Labrador, you’ll find plenty of different options available to you and plenty of resources. If you have a Labrador, you should be aware that one of the first things that you need to deal with is jumping. Taking a look at how to train a Labrador can help you stop the jumping habits and create a better-behaved pet overall.
When thinking about how to train a Labrador, the first thing to think about is the breed itself. Though Labradors are bred to be gun dogs, and they have a great reputation as service and working dogs, they are also excellent pets. They are among the most popular breeds in both the United States and the United Kingdom, and it is easy to see why.
Labradors are usually pretty easy to train because of their intelligence, loyalty, and obedience. They take command very well which makes them excellent dogs to use in shows once they’ve been properly trained.
First, think about why your Labrador is jumping. If the dog hasn’t seen you in while, say if you’ve gone to work, you’ll soon realize that jumping is simply because he is so happy to see you. More seriously, however, some jumping is a bid for dominance and can easily get out of hand.
The important thing to remember when learning how to train your Labrador not to jump is to be consistent. He has to know that it’s not okay to jump at any time. You can’t let him jump on you some times while not others. This will just confuse him.
Pick a specific command to use when your Labrador jumps on you and show your displeasure with the action. When he jumps give the command firmly and use body language to show how unhappy you are.
Then, when all four of his paws hit the ground again (watch out of the corner of your eye) praise him lavishly. Pet him, and play with him when he has gotten back down and you’ll soon see that he will respond to the command down in no time at all. When thinking about how to train a Labrador, remember that like any dog that they will respond better to rewards than to punishments.
Learning how to train a Labrador to keep his paws on the ground can be a fun and fairly simple process with a little effort, patience, and lots of love.