Labrador Retriever Training & Behavior Guide

Labradors are frequently described as easy to train, and in terms of motivation and willingness this is largely true. The challenge is impulse control: a Lab who wants to greet every person, eat every dropped item, and follow every interesting smell needs specific, consistent training for the moments when their instincts run faster than their manners. Jumping on guests is usually the first problem, then pulling on the leash, then counter-surfing. All of these share the same solution: reward the calm behavior you want, rather than waiting until the unwanted behavior appears.