Labrador Training Tips To Address Dominance Issues
If you think that you have a labrador puppy at home that is trying to make a crack at dominance, then you can be sure it is time for some labrador training.
It may sound unbelievable, but it is usually in the little things that the lure dominance wormed its way into your dog: allowing it to go ahead in leaving and entering the door, letting it pull you during walks, giving in to what it wants when it growls, etc. But from the point of view of Labrador training, what is to be done now?
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.
After settling the issue that your lack of firmness and consistency can affect the dog, the next thing needed is supprt for “Nothing in Life is Free” as a way to help the dog out of its dominant streak. The dog needs to learn in this scheme that if it wants or needs something, it will need to “pay” a price first, e.g. obeying a command. This means that if the dog wants to start eating, it needs to be sitting and calm. If it wants to go outside, it will need to be sitting by the door first. If it wants a toy to be thrown, it needs to be sitting down first.
Other things you can do include:
a) getting a crate. Put the dog inside whenever either of you need a break. But you need to maximize the importance of your crate by of course training the dog to appreciate the crate as a place of security and privacy.
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, set aside time and consistency in preparation for teaching a dog that you are alpha. Keep in mind that the Labrador training is indeed part and parcel of dog raising, and that the dog must not experienced a day without “Nothing in Life is Free.”
