Labrador training

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Hi all,

Thinking of getting a Labrador as they seem like they would fit in well with our family.

Can anyone recommend any books/websites etc about what training a Labrador puppy entails. Or even just personal experience.

I've read they're easy to train as they're keen to please but would like to read up on it before making the commitment.

Also if anyone has any recommendations on puppy classes near Heathrow that would be great.

Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy by Steve Mann is the best puppy training book about, really worth getting.

If you're on FB then the group Dog Training Advice and Support is absolutely excellent. It's run by professionals and there's tons of excellent, up to date advice about every aspect of dogs training, including lots dedicated specifically to puppy raising. There's also guides on how to find a good trainer or classes in your area, as well as a list of puppy classes run by trainers they personally recommend.

Thank you, that's really helpful.

I thoroughly recommend socialisation classes. Labs are lovely - I have 2 - but they are high energy, highly intelligent , and slow to mature, especially the males .
They are quick to learn and often food driven, but bear in mind they learn what you teach them and it’s easy to teach bad habits without realising.
The Labrador Handbook by Pippa Mattinson is good, and I liked Bonding with your dog by Victoria Schade.

I have a lab puppy. A working type. He is 18wks old now, we’ve had him since he was 8wks. He’s fantastic and learns very easily but I have put a LOT of work into him already. You get out what you put in.

Books-wise, Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy is good, as are the Pippa Mattinson books; Total Recall and Happy Puppy Handbook. The Labrador Site is a good online resource too.

They are wonderful dogs but hard work. Make sure you do the leg work in ensuring that your chosen breeder breeds for temperament as well as for health. Good temperament is vital should be bred in. It doesn’t mean you don’t have to make any effort but it makes your job much easier from a training point of view.

Before you get your dog research local puppy and pre-puppy classes. Socialise your dog appropriately and early so they don’t get the FEAR.

Honestly, it is a full time job and my puppy is very biddable indeed.

Be warned though, when I say “he is fantastic”, that is in context for his age and stage. He absolutely isn’t perfect and the first weeks with him were an unholy nightmare.

We have three labradors in our dog training class. There’s my huge boy, who loves everyone and will suddenly leap off all over the other dogs given half a chance. Been a dream to train though. There’s a lovely little girl who’s nearly a year old and is a complete bimbo, gorgeous but dim! And then there’s another lovely little girl who’s nervous and shy and works really well but needs lots of gentle handling. Honestly, they’re all different. Good luck.

Bonding with your dog by Victoria Schade

Thanks for the recommend. I've just ordered it

I honestly wish there was routinely more focus on building a bond as the foundation for training, rather than just going straight to the hardcare training bit.

A strong bond with your dog makes the world of difference when it comes to all aspects of training and behaviour.