Labrador Training Tips To Address Dominance Issues

If you think you have a labrador puppy at home making attempts at being the most dominant, take action through appropriate labrador training.

What is sure here is that the lure of dominance was able to worm its way into your dog through little things and little incidents: giving immediately what it wants when it growls, letting the dog be the first in entering or leaving doors, allowing it pull you during walks, etc. But when everything about Labrador training is said and done, what is to be done?

Despite its rebellious instincts, the dog is not some ungrateful thing that is doing all this to bring you down. What actually is going on is that the dog, just like all dogs, was able to pick up the fact of someone’s fear and uncertainty in terms of the person’s interacting with the dog. In reaction, the dog is simply trying to assume control of things since you are not a source of confidence. But the toll on the dog comes in the form of its aggressive and high-strung behavior, something that signals a dominant behavior.

Then there needs to be consistent support for “Nothing In Life Is Free” as a way to help the dog out of its dominant streak. Having started with the main point that you are the dog’s master, do not just stop with it. Lead the dog to the fact that if the dog want or needs something, the dog will need to be in a certain behavior first or action. Thus this means you need to be in control of the dog walk (leading the dog, not vice versa), or to make the dog to sit, stay and be calm before feeding it. Other things that can be done include asking the dog to sit first by the door if it wants to go outside. It has to be down first before the toy is thrown. In short, everything had a price.

Other things you can do include:

a) purchasing a crate. Put the dog inside whenever you or the dog need a break. Of course, there is a huge difference when you are able to train the dog to feel comfortable and secure inside the crate.

b) training in obedience work with the dog. A good way to build the relationship you plan for the dog and yourself is to have “work” for it to do, 5 minutes a day several times through out the day. Start off with a long lead to get the puppy to run and play in the yard, after which obedience can start. Keeping the leash on the dog allows you to regain control of the dog.

In fact, basic obedience training may be a source of major solutions. Short fun positive training sessions will help strengthen the link between you and your dog. The best class for a puppy involves positive reinforcement techniques and also allows interaction, or playtime, off leash with other pups. Take the opportunity also to teach her new tricks while feeding by hand.

To end, persuading a dog that you are the alpha takes time and consistency, but it is part and parcel of keeping a dog. Moreover, it is Labrador training, through and through. Whether it is by the door, near the dog bowls, or about the dog’s favorite doggie treats, do not lay off a single day living and acting out “Nothing In Life is Free.”