Labrador Retriever training is, on paper, one of the easiest training experiences you can have. Labs are eager to please, food-motivated to a fault, and ranked #7 in canine intelligence. The catch: they're also one of the most excitable, mouthy, food-stealing breeds in existence. The training challenge isn't teaching commands — it's channeling all that enthusiasm into manners that work in the real world.
Step-by-step program designed for breed-specific challenges. Used by 50,000+ dog owners.
See the Training ProgramLabs learn commands quickly, work for food, and rarely show aggression. The challenge is impulse control. A Lab will steal food from countertops, drag you down the street to greet strangers, and inhale anything edible (or vaguely edible) on the floor. Training a Lab successfully means prioritizing impulse-control commands (Leave it, Wait, Place) just as heavily as obedience commands.
Lab puppies are extreme mouthers — bred to retrieve, they want everything in their mouth. From day one, redirect to appropriate chew toys whenever teeth touch skin. Use a high-pitched "ow!" and immediately offer a toy. Never punish with hand contact (slap, push) — this teaches the puppy that hands are play targets. Most Lab mouthing peaks at 4–6 months and resolves with consistent redirection.
Positive reinforcement with food rewards — Labs are arguably the most food-motivated breed in existence. Use kibble for low-distraction training, real meat for high-distraction work. Keep sessions short and high-energy; Labs tune out boring repetition. Add play and praise as commands become reliable. Field-line Labs may also be highly toy-motivated — discover which reward works best for your individual dog.
Breed-specific training program with day-by-day instructions, video demos, and lifetime access.
See the ProgramBasic commands: 1–3 weeks of daily 15-minute sessions. A reliable, well-mannered adult: 12–18 months (the breed matures slowly). Advanced retriever or service work: 18–24 months minimum.
Yes — Labs are one of the top recommendations for first-time owners. They're forgiving of training mistakes, food-motivated, and rarely show aggression. The main warning: they're much more energetic than people expect, especially under age 3.
Universal consistency from every household member. Turn your back when the dog jumps; reward four-paws-on-floor immediately. The mistake most Lab owners make is allowing jumping "sometimes" — that puts the behavior on a variable schedule that's nearly impossible to extinguish.
8 weeks. Begin with name recognition, sit, crate training, and bite inhibition. Add Leave it and Drop it by week 10 — you'll need them for the things your Lab puppy will inevitably try to swallow.
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