Labrador Retriever Training: Top Five Mistakes To Avoid

Dog training can be difficult especially to new owners but that is not the case with labrador retriever training. Successful training result is not unachievable for there are different training methods proven to help you train your beloved pet. However, you should also be aware of the training mistakes so that you'll be able to avoid them should they occur.

Physical punishment

Training can be frustrating at times particularly if your pet has stubborn temperament. But even if you're at your wits end, never ever hit or smack him should he fail to obey what you are asking him to perform. He will not understand that he's being punished for not knowing how to sit or come or for urinating in the family room while you're away. Instead of improve the situation, he might associate the hitting or smacking to training thereby making him afraid of it.

Lengthy training sessions

Although a labrador retriever is capable of intense focus especially if the interest is caught, we cannot deny the truth that dogs have short attention span. That's why most experts recommend that labrador retriever training sessions should last for 10 to 15 minutes only. Training activities should also be fun and challenging enough in order to motivate your pet.

Untimely correction

Correct your pet only if you catch him in the act of doing the mistake. Giving correction couple of hours or even 30 minutes after the deed is carried out will do you no good since your dog won't understand what the correction is for. The easiest method to correct your pet is to keep an eye on your dog and act right away when you see him about to do something improper. Through this, he will be able to associate the correction with the right deed.

Using different training phrases

Using different terms can be confusing to your pet. For instance, if you use "come" command during training, you ought to be consistent in using it. Using "come here" or "come boy" may mean an entirely different command to him.

Failing to recognize good behavior

Every good behavior must be recognized and rewarded to make it clear to your dog that you are happy with what he did. Doing so will not only make him happy but is also more likely to motivate him to repeat doing the behavior he is being rewarded for. Reward does not necessarily need to be delicious treats or new toys. A pat in the back, time to play and plenty of praises ought to be enough.