Best Training Tips For Labradors
Labradors are smart, eager to please, and full of energy—but don’t think that means training them is easy. If you don’t set clear rules from the start, they’ll take advantage of you. And trust me, an 80-pound Lab that doesn’t listen is a disaster waiting to happen.
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 let bad habits slide when their dog is a puppy. Then, six months later, they’re frustrated, overwhelmed, and calling trainers to fix problems they could’ve prevented.
Labs are fast learners, but they’re also stubborn and excitable. They need firm, consistent training from day one—otherwise, you’ll be dealing with jumping, leash pulling, counter-surfing, and ignoring commands.
Here’s how to train your Labrador the right way.
1. Start Training the Day You Bring Them Home
Labradors are sponges for learning, but they’ll also pick up bad habits just as fast as good ones. Don’t wait until they’re older—start on day one.
👉 What to do:
- Set a schedule – Meals, potty breaks, training, and exercise should all happen at consistent times.
- Use their food for training – Labradors love to eat. Use this to your advantage.
- Reward immediately – Labs need instant feedback to understand what you want.
💡 Pro tip: If you let them jump on people now, they’ll be knocking guests over in six months.
2. Teach the Basics First—No Skipping Steps
Labs are naturally obedient, but if you don’t teach the basics first, they’ll struggle with advanced commands later.
👉 Must-know commands:
- Sit – The foundation of everything.
- Stay – Essential for impulse control.
- Come – Can save their life.
- Leave it – Stops them from eating garbage (or worse).
- Down – Helps them settle when they’re overly excited.
💡 Pro tip: Keep sessions short (5-10 minutes)—Labs have energy, but they also get distracted easily.
3. Control Their Energy, or It Will Control You
Labradors have a ton of energy. If you don’t give them an outlet, they’ll create their own—usually by chewing, jumping, or running wild.
👉 How to manage their energy:
- Structured walks – Not just sniffing—heel work and leash training.
- Interactive play – Tug-of-war, fetch, and agility drills engage their brain.
- Puzzle toys – Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise.
💡 Pro tip: A bored Lab will chew anything in sight. Give them something productive to do.
4. Stop Biting and Nipping Early
All puppies bite, but a Lab’s strong jaws make it a real problem if you don’t correct it early.
👉 How to stop it:
- Redirect to a chew toy – Never let them think hands are toys.
- Yelp or say “ouch” – Mimic how puppies learn bite control from their littermates.
- Stop play immediately – If they keep biting, the fun ends—Labs hate that.
💡 Pro tip: Rough play encourages biting. If you don’t want them mouthing you as an adult, stop it now.
5. Potty Train with a Routine—No Excuses
Labs pick up potty training quickly, but only if you stay consistent.
👉 How to do it right:
- Take them outside every 2-3 hours—especially after meals and naps.
- Praise immediately after they go outside—no delays.
- Never punish accidents—clean it up and move on.
💡 Pro tip: Labs thrive on routine—stick to a schedule, and they’ll catch on fast.
6. Socialize Early to Prevent Future Issues
Labradors are friendly, but they still need 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 controlled settings) to prevent fear or aggression.
- Take them on car rides, to parks, and pet-friendly stores—make new experiences fun.
💡 Pro tip: A poorly socialized Lab can become anxious, overexcited, or even reactive. Start now.
7. Train “Come” Like Their Life Depends on It
Labradors love to explore, and if you don’t teach a rock-solid recall, they’ll ignore you the second they see something interesting.
👉 How to train recall:
- Start in a quiet area—no distractions.
- Use high-value treats—something better than kibble.
- Call them excitedly and reward big when they come.
- Never punish them for coming back—even if they took their time.
💡 Pro tip: If they ignore you, you moved too fast. Go back to basics.
8. Crate Train for a Well-Behaved Dog
A properly crate-trained Lab sees their crate as a safe space, not a punishment. It prevents house training issues, separation anxiety, and destructive chewing.
👉 How to do it:
- Make it comfortable – Use a soft bed and a favorite toy.
- Feed them inside – Creates positive associations.
- Never use it as punishment – The crate should be a happy place.
💡 Pro tip: Labs love to chew, so always give them a safe chew toy in their crate.
9. Stay Consistent—Labs Will Test You
Labradors are smart, but they also push boundaries. 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 pull on the leash today, they’ll be dragging you down the street tomorrow.
Final Thoughts: Train Your Lab Now, or Regret It Later
Labrador puppies are a joy, but without training, they turn into hyper, destructive, and uncontrollable dogs.
✅ 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—expose them to the world.
✅ Stay consistent—no mixed signals.
Follow these training tips, and you’ll have a loyal, well-behaved Lab that’s a pleasure to live with. Ignore them, and you’ll have a big, unruly mess.
The choice is yours.
