Positive training · From eight weeks

Labrador Retriever Puppy Training Manual

From 8 Weeks

Labrador Retriever: food puzzles turn appetite into measured enrichment and impulse-control practice.

29 chapters · English / 中文

Labrador Retriever: food puzzles turn appetite into measured enrichment and impulse-control practice.

Breed profile

Training group: Gundogs and retrievers
Origin: The Labrador Retriever originated from Newfoundland fishing dogs and was developed for retrieving work.
Shoulder height: 55–62 cm
Weight: 25–36 kg
Coat: Short double coat
Coat care: Build calm, reward-based acceptance of brushing and of dryer or blower sound and airflow; do not force handling.
Drive keywords: Food · Retrieving · Social contact
Handling practice: Condition the short double coat to calm brushing and to dryer or blower sound and airflow, marking relaxed stillness and allowing breaks. · Build cooperative paw, nail and harness handling while the puppy is relaxed; stop before restraint creates a struggle.

General Australian reference range only; individual dogs vary.

Prepare the environment first

The 48 hours before arrival: environment & equipment

A good first week begins with a small, predictable environment—not with a house full of freedom.

Overhead arrangement of dog gear including a harness, lead, bowls, brush, puzzle feeder, bed, blanket and journal — Prepare safety, rest, feeding, grooming and enrichment gear before arrival, then fit every item to the individual dog.

Divide the home into three zones

Zone 01

Safe zone

Playpen, crate, fresh water and a washable bed. This is where the puppy rests, eats calmly and succeeds without constant correction.

Zone 02

Activity zone

Open only when an adult is actively supervising. Keep the area small enough to notice sniffing, circling and unwanted chasing before it escalates.

Zone 03

Restricted zone

Stairs, balconies, the backyard pond or pool, and the garage remain physically blocked—not merely “off limits” by verbal instruction.

Breed-specific safety sweep

Inspect the home at puppy-mouth height and remove small objects, clothing, packaging and loose pieces that could be picked up or swallowed. Secure food storage, kitchen waste and household rubbish behind closed doors, gates or firm lids. Use barriers to prevent unsupervised access to the kitchen, laundry and areas containing children's toys or dropped objects. Agree that nobody chases or pries the mouth open; prepare the veterinarian and emergency-veterinary contact route for any known or suspected ingestion.

Equipment list

Use the listed AUD reference ranges where provided. Breed-specific additions without a stable reference range are marked for a current local price check; sizes, brands and prices vary. See the shopping chapter in FluffyWA Puppy Handbook for Australian retailers.

Buy by function: essential, useful, and not yet
Priority	Item and requirement	Approx. AUD reference
Essential	Airline crate or wire crate sized for the adult dog, with a puppy divider, plus a playpen	$60–220 for the crate/playpen category
Essential	Flat collar and properly fitted Y-shaped harness	$35–90 for the base lead + fitted harness category; collar separate
Essential	Short lead, 1.2–1.8 m	Included in the $35–90 base lead + harness reference
Essential	Stainless-steel bowls	$12–35 for two bowls
Essential for food-access management	Secure, lidded storage for puppy food and household rubbish
Essential	Enzyme cleaner for toilet accidents	$15–35
Essential	Washable sleeping mat	$25–100
Essential	Soft teething toys	$20–70 for the chew + food-puzzle category
Useful for safe trade-and-return practice	Size-appropriate retrieve objects that remain intact and cannot be swallowed
Useful	Two food puzzles	$20–70 for the chew + food-puzzle category
Useful for double-coat handling	Short-coat brush and a controllable dryer or blower for gradual handling practice
Do not buy yet	Retractable lead: it does not teach a loose lead and can cause cord injuries	Not recommended
Do not buy or leave accessible	Small toys or objects that can be swallowed, and toys that break into loose pieces
Do not buy yet	Any collar designed to tighten around the neck	Not recommended
Do not buy yet	Hard bones or rawhide chews; puppy teeth and digestion can be at risk, so ask your veterinarian	Ask your veterinarian before choosing a chew

Approximate 2026 Perth retail ranges; actual prices vary by store.

Watercolour front view showing checks for fitting a Y-shaped dog harness — TWO FINGERS FLAT = a snug fit without pinching; Y ON CHEST = the Y sits over the breastbone; CLEAR OF ARMPITS = straps do not rub behind the front legs.

Write the one cue word every family member will use
Skill	Agreed family cue
Sit
Down
Come
Wait
Leave it
Drop / Give
Go to mat / Place
Settle

Training with FluffyWA

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