Training a Labrador Retriever: Challenges and Fixes

AKC group	Sporting
Typical energy	High
Common training challenges	chewing and mouthing objects, jumping up to greet people, food and weight, high energy

What Labradors were bred to do

VCA describes the Labrador Retriever as an active sporting breed developed for retrieving game on land and in water, and the AKC’s breed standard describes a dog bred to be an efficient retriever of game with a temperament suited to many pursuits beyond hunting. The AKC names retrieving and swimming as the breed’s favorite activities, and warns not to mistake the Lab’s easygoing personality for low energy.

What that means for training: a Lab’s mouth and energy were the job. VCA notes that the retrieving instinct can show up as chewing, carrying or mouthing objects, so training works best when you give that instinct appropriate outlets and plenty of daily exercise.

A Labrador in training at a glance

Trait	What the sources say
Energy	5 out of 5 (AKC); “an exuberant, very energetic breed that needs lots of exercise every day” (AKC)
Mental stimulation needs	4 out of 5 (AKC)
Trainability	5 out of 5 (AKC); “usually quick learners” who “respond well to positive training” (VCA)
Openness to strangers	5 out of 5 (AKC)
Barking	3 out of 5 (AKC)
Motivators	Retrieving and swimming (AKC); treats, in moderation (AKC)
Health points that affect training	Prone to weight gain, which can worsen joint disease (VCA); hip and elbow dysplasia and exercise-induced collapse (VCA, AKC)

Typical challenges and a mini plan for each

1. Chewing and mouthing objects

VCA says a Lab’s strong retrieving instinct may show up as chewing, carrying or mouthing objects, and that some Labs swallow non-food items if not well supervised and trained.

1. Give your Lab appropriate things to carry and chew, and rotate them.
2. Supervise closely, and puppy-proof rooms where your dog spends time alone.
3. Teach “drop it” as a trade, so giving things up always pays.
4. Redirect mouthing on hands to a toy and pause play when teeth touch skin.

Full plans: our guide to stopping biting and the “drop it” steps in our basic commands guide.

2. Jumping up to greet people

The AKC rates Labs 5 out of 5 for openness to strangers and notes their physical strength, so polite greetings matter. Its jumping guide recommends removing the rewards for jumping and teaching an alternative:

1. Four on the floor: with your dog on leash, have someone approach and toss several treats on the floor before they arrive; fade the treats over time.
2. Sit for greetings: tether the leash, ask for a sit, and approach only while your dog stays sitting; if they stand, walk back and start again.
3. Manage arrivals: a gate at the entrance, a leash, or sending your dog to their mat when the doorbell rings.

Related plan: our basic commands guide for sit and go to mat.

3. Food and weight

VCA says Labs are prone to weight gain, which can worsen joint disease and reduce mobility, and the AKC warns that too many treats can cause obesity.

1. Use tiny treats, count them in the daily food, and use retrieves and play as rewards too.
2. Prevent counter-surfing: the AKC advises keeping food in airtight containers in cabinets or the fridge, and using gates or a crate during meal prep.
3. Teach your Lab to go to their place while food is out, and make sure the whole household follows the same rules.

4. High energy

The AKC calls the Lab an enthusiastic athlete that needs lots of exercise, such as swimming and marathon games of fetch, and VCA warns that without enough activity Labs may gain weight or develop destructive behaviors.

1. Plan daily exercise that includes retrieving or swimming.
2. Add brain work: scent games, food puzzles and short training sessions.
3. Build in calm time on a mat so your dog learns to rest after activity.

Full plan: our guide to mental stimulation. For pulling on walks, see our loose-leash walking guide.

A sample day

This is an example, not a prescription: adjust it to your dog’s age, health and your schedule, and keep training sessions short.

Time	Exercise	Brain work	Training	Rest
Morning	Walk plus fetch with rules	Breakfast in a food puzzle	5 minutes: “drop it” trades	Chew on a mat
Midday
Afternoon
Evening

Health and safety points that change training

• Weight and joints. VCA says Labs are prone to weight gain, which can worsen joint disease and reduce mobility, and lists hip and elbow dysplasia among the breed’s concerns.
• Exercise-induced collapse. The AKC notes that a condition called exercise-induced collapse can occur in some young adult Labs, and VCA lists it among the breed’s conditions. If your Lab seems unwell during or after intense exercise, stop and talk to your veterinarian.
• Swallowed objects. Because VCA notes some Labs ingest non-food items, keep socks, toys small enough to swallow and similar items out of reach.
• Growing puppies. For large, fast-growing puppies, VCA advises avoiding games that can harm growing bones and joints.

Puppies and adults

The AKC calls early socialization and puppy training classes vital for Labs, and suggests gently exposing puppies to a wide variety of people, places and situations between seven weeks and four months, and starting obedience training early. Our puppy training guide covers both. With adults, keep up daily exercise and retrieving games, and keep an eye on weight.

Guides that help most with this breed

• Biting & Mouthing
• Basic Obedience
• Leash Walking
• Mental Stimulation