If you’ve recently welcomed a Labrador Retriever into your home, congratulations — you’ve chosen one of the most lovable, eager-to-please breeds out there! When it comes to training, Labradors have plenty of smarts and energy, making them a joy to teach when set up for success. This guide will walk you through how to train a Labrador Retriever using positive, effective techniques tailored for Kiwi pet parents. From toilet training to puppy-proofing and leash manners, we’ve got your bases (and paws) covered.
Why Labrador Retrievers Are Great To Train
Labrador Retrievers are known for being intelligent, food-motivated, and people-pleasing — all great traits when it comes to training. They're commonly used as therapy dogs, guide dogs, and in search and rescue work, all thanks to their quick learning and big hearts. But these very traits also mean that without proper training and mental stimulation, they can quickly become bored and mischievous (watch out for chewed shoes!). Starting early and keeping training positive is key.
Start With Socialisation And Basic Commands
Whether you're raising a Labrador puppy or adopting an older Lab, socialisation should be your first training step. Introduce them calmly to different people, pets, places, and sounds. This builds confidence and prevents fear-based behaviours down the track.
Next, establish basic commands such as:
- Sit – Tap into their natural love for treats using small, tasty rewards.
- Stay – Helping your Lab develop impulse control will pay off in every situation.
- Come – Essential for recall, especially during beach runs or park play!
Stick with short, upbeat training sessions of 5–10 minutes. Use positive reinforcement like treats, praise, or a quick toss of their favourite fetch toy to keep things fun.
Crate Training And Toilet Success
Crate training is a wonderful way to give your Labrador a safe space, support housetraining, and reduce anxiety. Choose a sturdy crate from our range of dog pens and crates and make it comfy with soft bedding. Never use the crate for punishment — it should always feel like their personal den.
For toilet training, consistency is everything. Take your pup out:
- First thing in the morning
- After meals or naps
- After playtime
- Right before bedtime
Reward them immediately after they do their business outside, and consider training pads for indoors while they're learning.
Loose Leash Walking And Outdoor Manners
Labradors love walks, but without proper guidance, they can turn into pull-happy powerhouses. Teaching your Lab to walk nicely on a lead starts at home. Use a front-clip harness designed for training, and reward them for staying by your side with their favourite training treats.
It's also a great idea to rotate their routes, provide sniff breaks, and incorporate walking games using a tug or rope toy to keep their focus on you.
Nutrition And Health Support For Successful Training
Fuel their learning with a balanced puppy diet or adult formula designed to support brain development, like those from Royal Canin, Black Hawk or Hill’s Science Diet.
Labradors can also benefit from brain-boosting and joint-supporting supplements to stay energised and focused during training sessions.
If your Labrador shows signs of hyperactivity or nervousness during training, you may want to explore calming essentials designed to take the edge off and help your pup concentrate.
Stick With It — Labs Love A Routine
Training a Labrador Retriever is a journey, not a race. Expect a few setbacks, cheer on the small wins, and remember: consistency + patience = a well-mannered and happy Lab. Set up a daily routine filled with mental stimulation, exercise, and quality time together. Your Labrador will thrive on the predictability, and you’ll thrive on their wagging tail and unstoppable enthusiasm for learning.
Final Thoughts
From sit to stay, from crate to leash, Labradors naturally make training feel rewarding for both of you. With their people-loving personalities and clever minds, they’re eager students — they just need a confident pet parent to guide them. At Petdirect, we believe in making every step of the journey joyful, informed, and tail-waggingly successful.
Explore our full range of puppy training essentials, training treats, and interactive toys — because We Get Pet, and we’re here to help Kiwis bring out the best in their furry mates.