[biniman]

I am currently in dog training school and my lab is very disruptive. Is this too young for a lab to be in this class. All the other dogs are his age or younger and they are very obedient. I have the only lab in class. He will listen when there are no distractions like at home or in a field by ourselves. Also I find it weird that he does not like to retrieve items out doors. Has any one else experienced these things? Is there something I can do or will he grow out of the bad behavior and this is just a puppy stage?

 

[amazongold]

Have you taken your Lab to obedience classes already?

 

[biniman]

I took him when he was 6 months old. Now we are in a good citizens class. In the class he will choke himself to try to get to the other dogs. My hope is one day I can walk him off leash but it seems a long time away.

 

[amazongold]

I would suggest another obedience class. Tell the trainer in advance what it is you want to work on (like 'leave it!' and 'heel') so they can give you the help you need most.

 

[BigBrownDog]

It also would be a good idea to thoroughly wear him out before class. He will behave better during class if he is not full of pent up energy.

 

[Canyon Labradors]

You may need to take a refresher obedience class.

 

[justine]

Yep, I agree. If you let him burn off a lot of his energy before class, that will help.

Also, if he's food motivated, wait to give him his dinner until after class (depending on the time of the class, of course). That way, he will be hungry and more willing to work for the food.

 

[Tanya]

has the trainer said anything or offered any help?
how much exercise is he getting daily (and what type)?

It may be lack of exercise, or just that he isn't in the mind frame for that at this time.

also, start taking your training out of the house, don't just practice inside. If he's doing really well inside then up the ante, increase distractions slowly.

 

[HersheyK's Dad]

Novice here says move the training outside like others have said. But up the value of the treats. I am assume you are rewarding with treats. Smelly stuff like hotdogs or Natural Balnce sausage rolls. If you don't have distractions outside, other dogs, children, rabbits, squirrels, blowing leaves, enlist some help.

And most importantly, remeber that you have to be consistent. If you don't want him pulling to other dogs in class, don't ever let him pull towards another dog. Another good place to train at is a Petco or Petmart. The aisles are generally wide enough and you will meet other dogs there. Some better than yours, some a lot worse. It takes time, consistency, and patience.

 

[GulfCoast]

Cheap, high-value treat: Cheez-Its. Labs go psycho nuts for a Cheez-it.

 

[justine]

Cheap, high-value treat: Cheez-Its. Labs go psycho nuts for a Cheez-it.

Or cut-up hot dogs. Very small pieces. The dog doesn't have to take time to chew it and they are stinky