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Training The Intelligent Labrador's Retriever
from: The Complete DogOwners of Labrador Retrievers are blessed with a breed that loves to learn. All training must enforce the idea that learning not only is fun but it will bring positive responses from the owner. Learning isn't a game, but it need not be unpleasant either.
Training your Labrador Retriever to be a mannerly adult is started at birth by its mother. Once the puppy arrives at the new owner's home, it's already been given some basic instructions on behavior -- so don't be fooled into thinking it's too young to behave. A puppy is, of course, too young to teach formal commands, but early lessons in manners and on who's in charge can begin at once.
The Labrador Retriever is highly intelligent and an excellent learner. It embodies many natural instincts and abilities that make this breed distinct among others of similar heritage. But at the core, a Labrador retriever is a dog -- originally a pack animal. From earliest times, pack animals have exhibited a pattern of behavior that affects the process of training:
A pack animal assumes it's the boss until proved otherwise (the leader-of-the-pack syndrome). At birth, the dam assumes the leadership position and keeps her young in line. As the puppies begin to assert their independence, she'll remind them of their place through low growls, a swat of the paw, or an occasional shake of the neck. Little else is necessary. She admonishes her young swiftly, fairly, consistently, and unemotionally, and they respect her position as leader. The wise owner follows the dam's example.
Consistency is critical. If the dog misbehave, respond accordingly and appropriately. Don't let his "cute little antics" go uncorrected as this will undermine your leadership. Respond firmly but fairly, letting him know what's expected and what won't be tolerated. Brute force isn't required and is counterproductive. When a dog is testing your authority, correct it in a manner a dog will understand -- a firm vocal reprimand, a stem look, a shake of the neck. Little more should be necessary to make your displeasure clear if you are carrying out the corrections authoritatively. Be sure never to whine, nag, plead, or preach at the dog, as these are clearly not the actions of a leader and the dog won't feel compelled to obey.
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