[mels]

Hi im new to Labs an are getting a puppy very soon. I am wondering are they easy to train?? just the basics like sitting coming to you when called not jumping etc?
Whats the best age to start training a lab pup?
In your opinion would you say the Lab is the best breed for a family temperament wise?
Im getting a pure bred from a proper breeder, would it be a better pet because its a pure bred an not got another breed in it or does that make no difference?
Thanks
Mel

 

[Tarimoor_Art]

Hi Mel,

Lots of questions!!! I have only owned Labradors and part Labradors, so am not really qualified to answer whether many breeds are as easily trainable, but do know from owning the dogs I have, that they've all been different characters and have had different levels of training. I suppose because of the job they were bred to do, Labs are more easily trained than something like a sight hound, which has been bred to chase things 8O or some of the terrier types.

Getting a pedigree should mean that the breeder has given thought to temperament, but won't mean that the dog is more easy to train. Quite a few assistance dogs come from rescue now, and are heinz 57 mixes, which just goes to show that a completely random mix can produce something with enough intelligence and drive to do a 'job'.

Labs are known for their temperament, but again, this varies from each dog. Out of the two half sisters I have, one is incredibly outgoing and very, very friendly, and the other is probably what you might equate to being shy in a human, it takes her a while to warm to people, but they are both incredibly soft natured.

Training starts from when you get them home, and the one to focus on is the recall, there are loads of posts about how to go about basic training if you have a look through the puppy section. I took mine to training classes for the socialisation as well, some people do, and some don't. The one thing I've found, is that the more I have learnt, the more I know what a terrible handler I am :lol: :lol: :lol: With a pup you only need to do short bits of training each day, but in a way, you are constantly training or guiding them to learn how to fit in to the home, so you have to be as consistent as you can so the message gets across clearly to them.

Good luck with your pup, I hope you're going to subscribe and post some pics

 

[kaladancer]

whether any dog is trainable - is very much individual dog related - rather than breed related (although Labs certainly tend to be easier to train than some other breeds)

my advice is to go to a GOOD training club - with positive methods - from an early age - so that you and your dog can learn together.

good luck!

 

[Zensmum]

Hi Mels ,

I bought a Dogs Monthy magazine recently ( September Issue ) and it had a free dog training dvd included . I have had a look at this dvd and I would recommend it for someone starting out with there first dog perhaps . It goes through some of the basics and seems to be easy to follow , they work with a cholcolate lab which was nice to see .

I would also find out about training groups in your area so that when you have your pup you are already set to go.

With regards to your choice of pedigree or not that is a personal one some people like to have cross breeds and can be just as happy with them the only thing is that with a well breed pedigree hopefully you will have some idea as to how the dog will turn out when it grows up and hopefully it should have been bred from parents that are of good temprament and therfore it will take after them .

Good luck with you pup and I hope that this info helps.

 

[Zensmum]

oops , did not realise that you are in Australia , Do not know if you will get that mag there :lol: .

 

[Margaret]

I have had a springer spaniel and cocker spaniels.I can honestly say the lab is the best one of the lot.I may have been very lucky,she is good with children,other dogs ,humans and everyone who comes into her life.She is also keen to do as she is told.Her only problem is if someone is carrying food she will jump up at them.Good luck with your new pup.