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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

Watercolour illustration of a Labrador Retriever puppy sitting beside a round food-puzzle feeder with a jar of treats above
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.

Precision before vocabulary

Marker training foundations

A marker is one short, consistent sound—a clicker click or a spoken “Yes!”—that means: “That exact behaviour; your reward is coming.”

Charge the marker in three steps

  1. Choose a quiet environment Remove toys, people and movement so the sound is the only new information.
  2. Marker, then food within one second ×15 Make the sound once, then deliver one piece of food within one second. The puppy does not need to perform a cue.
  3. Test the association Make the marker sound while the puppy is not already watching you. An immediate turn towards you means charging is complete.
Watercolour diagram showing the timing of a marker word and food reward
YES = marker word; TREAT WITHIN 2 SECONDS = reward promptly. This manual uses a stricter one-second training target.

Reward placement sets up the next action

Keep the position

Feed at the puppy’s mouth

To maintain a sit, bring the food directly to the mouth so the puppy does not need to stand or step forward.

Reset for another repetition

Toss the food away

To have the puppy get up and repeat, toss the food away, let the puppy collect it, then set up the behaviour again.

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