The Labrador Retriever Club of Manitoba

Training Characteristics of a Trained Dog…. A trained dog knows: The appropriate behaviors allowed with people ( no biting, no mouthing, no rough play, and no mounting); Where to relieve himself and how to ask to go outside; How to greet people properly without jumping on them; To wait for your permission to greet people, other dogs, and other pets; How to walk on a leash nicely so that walks are enjoyable; To leave food alone (on the counter or coffee table); Not to beg; To chew on his toys and not the kids toys or your personal things; To wait permission before going through doorways; Basic Puppy Classes The ideal time to start a group training class is as soon as your Lab puppy has had at least 2 sets of vaccinations. Many vets may recommend that you wait even longer ­ ask your vet. Most puppy classes recommend that puppies start any time between 10 and 12 weeks of age. These classes provide you with instruction on how to teach your puppy and include the basic commands such as sit, down, stay and come. During puppy classes, your dog will also spend time socializing with other people and other puppies. Consult with your breeder about suggestions for basic puppy school. Basic Obedience Training Class Most dog obedience instructors invite puppies to join the basic class after they graduate from a puppy class or after the puppy reaches four months of age. Dogs older than four months who have never attended a puppy class also begin with the basic class. In the basic class the traditional beginner commands are taught: sit, down, stay, come, and heel. In addition, most instructors spend time discussing problem behaviors, such as jumping on people, barking, digging, and chewing. Basic Commands Every Dog Should Know Sit: Your dog’s hips should move to the ground while his shoulders stay upright. Down: Your dog should lie down on the ground or floor and be still. Stay: Your dog should remain in position (sit or down) when you walk away from him. He should hold the stay until you give him permission to move. Come: Your dog should come to you on the first call, not matter the distractions. Walk nicely on leash: Your dog can walk ahead of you on the leash but should not pull the leash tight. Heel: Your dog should walk by your left side with his shoulder by your left leg.