Fun training exercises for Labrador puppies

Alright, listen up. Ten years I’ve been a vet, running a sanctuary – seen my share of those goofy Labs. They’re all wiggles and slobbery kisses, but those puppy brains need some structure, or you’ll have a furry tornado in your living room. Let’s talk fun and effective indoor training for these guys.

First thing’s first, keep it positive and keep it short. Lab puppies got the attention span of a goldfish sometimes. Five-minute bursts of training are way more effective than trying to drill them for half an hour. Use high-value treats – the good stuff they really go nuts for.

Now, master the basics indoors. Sit, stay, come – nail these down in a calm environment before you even think about taking them out to all the distractions. Make it a fun game, lots of praise and those tasty rewards.

Leash training starts inside, pronto. Get them used to wearing a collar or harness and a leash. Just walking around the house, rewarding them for not pulling. This sets the stage for good leash manners outside, trust me, your arms will thank you later.

Don’t underestimate the power of “leave it.” This can save them from gobbling up all sorts of trouble. Put a treat on the floor, cover it with your hand, and say “leave it.” When they stop trying to get it, reward them. Practice this all the time.

Retrieval games indoors are great for Labs, but keep it controlled. Soft toys only, we ain’t breaking lamps here. A short throw, and when they bring it back, make a big deal out of it. This taps into their natural instincts.

Puzzle toys are your secret weapon. These smart pups need mental stimulation. Get the kind where they have to work to get the treats out. It keeps them busy and tires out that brain.

And listen, consistency is non-negotiable. Everyone in the house needs to use the same commands and reward the same behaviors. Labs are smart; they’ll figure out who the pushovers are.

Finally, end every session on a good note. Even if it’s just one perfect “sit,” finish with praise and a treat. You want them to associate training with positive experiences.

Look, Lab puppies are bundles of energy and love, but they need direction. Make training fun, keep it consistent, and you’ll have a well-behaved companion who’s a joy to be around. Ignore it, and you’ll have a slobbery, untrained mess on your hands. Now go on, get training.