Basic Lab training

Question
Hi, i have recently adopted an 18 month labrador rescue dog. I have been trying to teach him basic commands such as, 'sit', 'lay down' and 'come here'. However none have been a real success. He will do it fine when i have a doggy treat ready for him, but when i try it without, he will just take no notice! Please could you give me any advice or tips. Thanks

Answer
Too many treats can interfere with good obedience training.  Obedience training is beyond the scope of an All Experts answer.  You need to find a good book or class that emphasizes being the leader rather than treats.  Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/  Here are some other good books:

The Cultural Clash by Jean Donaldson, 1996

Excel-crated Learning by Pamela Reid, 1996

Don't Shoot the Dog, by Karen Pryor, 1996

Surviving Your Dog's Adolescence, by Carol Lea Benjamin, 1993

Second Hand dog, by Carol Lea Benjamin, 1988

Dog Problems, by Carol Lea Benjamin, 1989

Super Puppy, by Peter J. Vollmer, 1988

HELP, Mt dog Has an Attitude, by Gwen Bohnenkamp, 1994

Owners' Guide Better Behavior in Dogs and Cats, by William Campbell, 1989

What All Good dogs Should Know, By Wendy Vollmer, 1991

Successful Dog Breeding, by Chris Walkowicz, DMV, 1994

How to Raise a Dog When Nobody is Home, Jerry Kilmer, 1991