Training Your Lab To Sit

Right now in America the most popular breed of dog is the Labrador Retriever. If you are thinking about getting a lab you may also have some question about training a lab.

You will be happy to know that labs are a breed that are very friendly, intelligent and good natured. The lab is considered among the fastest learning breed of dogs that responds well to positive reinforcements. So as far as training a lab you should really not have too many issues.

Labs are actual considered to be a great family dog and canine companion because of their loving temperament but because of their intelligence. They also are often trained as drug detection dogs, guide dogs for the blind and service dogs for the disabled.

You should start training a lab as soon as you get him since he will grow into a solid muscular dog with a short, hard, water-resistant double

coat that is usually solid black, yellow or chocolate. The lab has a fairly wide muzzle and a very powerful neck. A male lab can grow to 22-24 inches in height whereas a female will grow to 21-23 inches. A male labs’ ideal weight should be 60-75 pounds whereas a females’ ideal weight should be 55-70 pounds. As with anything though there can be exceptions to the norm and some male labs have been known to top the scales at 100 pounds.

Because of their strong necks it is important when training a lab to train him not to pull at a young age.

When training a lab it is also important that they are well socialized with people and other dogs at a young age. If they are not socialized they may be more reserved with strangers.

When you start training a lab one of the first thing that many lab owners teach is sit. The sit command is a very useful command to teach your lab. You should start training as soon as you get your lab puppy but even if your lab is older it is never too late. You can teach an old dog new tricks.

Anytime you are training a lab you need to make it a fun experience. Training a lab or any dog is not really that hard but it does take time, patience and repetition. Remember also that a well trained dog is a reflection on you the owner. A dog that is not trained can become a nuisance and soon the relationship between dog and owner will not be that good.

As you start training a lab to sit you will need something that your dog enjoys. Most people will use treats such as cheese or cut up hotdogs. Law enforcement often train with a toy. After the dog has successfully completed the task at hand he is given the toy as his reward.

Anyway here are a couple of tips you can use to help in training a lab to sit. If you see your dog sitting you can say sit and praise and reward the dog. This will get him used to the word.

You can also call your dog to you and let him sniff the treat and get excited over the treat. Move your hand over the dog’s head. This will force your dog to look at your hand with the treat and as you keep moving your hand back he will end up in a sit position all on his own.

As soon as his backend hits the ground praise and reward the dog. While training a lab make sure you repeat this exercise a few times a day. You could possible practice four or five times a day but only for about 5 to 10 minutes at a time. Make sure you always end on a good note.

When training a lab timing is everything. Make sure you praise and reward the second the dog performs so he will learn what you are asking of him.

If you happen to get a lab who is not really into treats you may try training a lab before meal time when he is hungry. He may be more food motivated when he is hungry.