How to Train a Labrador Retriever: Calm Manners and Mouthiness

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Labradors are popular for good reason: friendly, eager and adaptable. They also have a reputation for bouncing, chewing and eating anything.

Make use of food motivation

Labs usually love food, which makes rewards simple. Use part of their daily ration for training, and use treats wisely. See how to use treats in dog training. Watch calories, since many Labs gain weight easily.

Teach impulse control early

Exuberant Labs need self-control. Practice wait for food, doors and toys. See how to train a dog with impulse control and how to teach wait at doors.

Stop jumping

Labs greet with their whole bodies. Teach sit to greet and reward four paws on the floor. See how to train a dog not to jump on people.

Manage mouthiness

Retrievers love to carry things. Provide appropriate toys, and teach drop it and leave it. See how to teach drop it and how to teach leave it. Offer chews. See how to stop a dog chewing furniture.

Provide retrieving and exercise

Labs thrive with retrieving, swimming and long walks. See how to teach a dog to fetch and how to teach a dog to swim. Avoid overdoing repetitive fetch for young dogs.

Calm manners

Teach a mat, and reward quiet behavior. See how to teach a dog to settle.

Manage scavenging

Labs eat everything. See how to train a dog to stop eating things off the ground. Use secure bins and keep dangerous items out of reach.

Weight and joints

Labs are prone to obesity and joint problems. Keep your dog lean, and avoid over-exercising puppies. Ask your vet about weight targets and joint care.

Adolescence

Adolescent Labs can be exuberant and forgetful. Keep training consistent, and provide exercise. Many mature into calm, steady companions.

Common mistakes

• Overfeeding. Count treats.
• Allowing jumping. Teach manners.
• Not providing outlets. Provide play.
• Forgetting training. Keep practicing.

Training through adolescence

Labs often become wild between six months and two years, forgetting basics and testing limits. Keep your sessions short, your rewards high and your rules consistent. Provide extra exercise, and review the basics. Reward calm behavior, and manage the environment so mistakes are not rehearsed.

Many Labs mellow in their third year, but practice during adolescence builds the foundation for a calm adult. Keep a sense of humor, and enjoy their goofy side.

Feeding and weight

Labs are famously food-obsessed, so measure meals and count training treats. Use slow feeders or puzzle toys to make meals last longer. Keep food out of reach, and secure bins. Ask your vet about ideal weight, and weigh your dog regularly. A lean Lab lives longer and moves more comfortably.

Using retrieving as a reward

Many Labs adore retrieving. Use a toy as a reward for calm behavior, such as a sit before throwing. Teach a clear start and stop cue, and ask for a drop before each throw. This builds impulse control and keeps the game safe.

Teaching calm in the house

Labs can be wild indoors. Give your dog a bed, a chew and a mat, and reward lying down. Exercise before quiet time, and avoid rough play inside. Consistent rules about the sofa, the kitchen and visitors prevent confusion.

The takeaway

Use food motivation, teach impulse control and provide outlets. A trained Lab is a joyful companion.