Best Training Tips For Labrador Puppies
Labrador puppies are smart, playful, and eager to please—but don’t let that fool you. If you don’t train them early, you’ll end up with a hyperactive, stubborn dog that pulls on the leash, jumps on guests, and ignores commands.
As a veterinarian with ten years of experience and someone who runs a sanctuary for stray dogs and cats, I’ve seen too many Labrador owners wait too long to train their puppy. They assume Labs naturally grow into well-behaved dogs—they don’t. If you don’t set the rules now, you’ll be dealing with bad habits for years.
Labs are fast learners but also easily distracted. Training has to be consistent, engaging, and firm—but fair. Here’s how to do it right.
1. Start Training the Day You Bring Them Home
Don’t wait. A Labrador puppy starts learning from day one, whether you’re teaching them good habits—or accidentally reinforcing bad ones.
👉 What to do:
- Set a schedule – Regular mealtimes, potty breaks, and training sessions.
- Use their food as a training tool – Make them work for meals by doing simple commands.
- Reward good behavior immediately – Labs thrive on positive reinforcement.
💡 Pro tip: If you let them jump on people now, they’ll keep doing it when they’re 80 pounds.
2. Master the Basics First
Labs are enthusiastic learners, but don’t overwhelm them with too much too soon. Focus on the essentials first.
👉 Must-know commands:
- Sit – The foundation of all training.
- Stay – Helps control their excitable energy.
- Come – Crucial for safety.
- Leave it – Stops them from grabbing food, socks, or anything dangerous.
- Down – Helps with impulse control.
💡 Pro tip: Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes)—Labs get distracted easily, especially as puppies.
3. Control Their Energy, or It Will Control You
Labrador puppies have a ton of energy. If you don’t burn it off the right way, expect destructive behavior like chewing, jumping, and nonstop barking.
👉 How to manage their energy:
- Morning and evening structured walks – Not just sniffing around—heel work and leash training.
- Interactive play – Tug-of-war, fetch, and agility work keep their brain engaged.
- Puzzle toys – Mental exercise is just as important as physical activity.
💡 Pro tip: A bored Labrador will find something to chew—probably your furniture.
4. Stop Biting and Nipping Now
All puppies bite and nip—but Labs have strong jaws, and if you don’t stop it now, it’ll become a problem.
👉 How to fix it:
- Redirect to a chew toy – The second they bite you, replace your hand with a toy.
- Make a high-pitched “ouch” sound – This mimics how puppies learn bite inhibition from their littermates.
- Stop playing immediately – If they keep biting, end playtime—Labs hate being ignored.
💡 Pro tip: Never play rough with your hands—Labs need to learn that hands are not toys.
5. Make Potty Training a Priority
Labradors learn fast, but potty training still requires consistency and patience.
👉 How to do it right:
- Take them out every 2-3 hours—especially after meals and naps.
- Praise them immediately after they go outside—don’t wait until they come back in.
- Never punish accidents—clean it up and move on.
💡 Pro tip: Labs love routines—stick to a schedule, and they’ll catch on quickly.
6. Socialize Early and Often
Labrador puppies are friendly by nature, but they still need proper socialization to grow into well-adjusted dogs.
👉 How to socialize them:
- Expose them to different people, sounds, and environments before 16 weeks.
- Introduce them to other dogs (in a controlled setting) to prevent fear or aggression issues.
- Take them on car rides, to parks, and to pet-friendly stores—make new experiences fun.
💡 Pro tip: A poorly socialized Lab can become anxious, hyper, or even aggressive. Start early.
7. Train the Recall Command Like Their Life Depends on It—Because It Might
Labradors love to run, explore, and chase. If you don’t train a solid recall (“come”), you’re risking a dangerous situation down the line.
👉 How to teach recall:
- Start in a quiet area with no distractions.
- Use high-value treats—something better than their usual kibble.
- Call them excitedly and reward them heavily when they come.
- Never punish them for coming back—even if they took their time.
💡 Pro tip: If they ignore you, you’ve moved too fast—go back to basics.
8. Crate Train to Prevent Future Problems
A properly crate-trained Labrador sees their crate as a safe space, not a punishment. It helps with house training, separation anxiety, and destructive behavior.
👉 How to do it:
- Make it comfortable—use a soft bed and a favorite toy.
- Feed them inside the crate to create positive associations.
- Never use it for punishment.
💡 Pro tip: Labs like to chew, so always give them a safe chew toy in their crate.
9. Stay Consistent—Labs Will Push Boundaries
Labradors are smart, but they also test the rules. If you let them jump, pull, or ignore commands once, they’ll keep doing it.
👉 How to stay consistent:
- Everyone in the house follows the same rules—no mixed signals.
- Correct bad behavior every time—don’t let them get away with it “just this once.”
- Reward the good, ignore the bad, and redirect when needed.
💡 Pro tip: If you let them jump on guests today, don’t be surprised when they knock someone over tomorrow.
Final Thoughts: Train Your Lab Now, or Struggle Later
Labrador puppies are a joy to raise—but only if you train them properly. Without structure, they become hyper, destructive, and impossible to control.
✅ Start training on day one—don’t wait.
✅ Use positive reinforcement—Labs love to please.
✅ Control their energy—mental and physical exercise is key.
✅ Socialize early to prevent fear and bad habits.
✅ Stay consistent—don’t send mixed messages.
Follow these training tips, and you’ll have a well-behaved, loyal Lab that’s a pleasure to live with. Ignore them, and you’ll have a handful of chaos.
The choice is yours.
