Training a Labrador? Start with the basics: start training
Training Labrador Start training

Train Your Labrador Well From Day One

Labradors are eager to please and exceptionally trainable, according to Hill's Pet Nutrition, but they are also mouthy and food-driven. Start early, keep sessions short, and reward the behavior you want.

Read the Guides Puppy

The Labrador at a glance

From the AKC breed page and the national breed club, as they state it.

OriginNewfoundland (called St. John's dogs). Hill's says the origin story began there. Wikipedia says the modern breed was developed in the United Kingdom from St. John's water dogs. source
Bred forRetrieving objects from the water, hauling nets and assisting in water rescues for fishermen source
HeightMales 22.5 to 24.5 inches at the withers; females 21.5 to 23.5 inches (breed standard wording as reproduced by Dummies.com, not from the AKC site) source
WeightMales 65 to 80 pounds; females 55 to 70 pounds (breed standard wording as reproduced by Dummies.com) source
Life expectancy10 to 12 years (Hill's). Wikipedia cites a UK study average of 13.1 years and a 2024 Italian study estimate of 11 years. source
Energy4 - High Energy (Hill's scale; not the AKC rating) source
Trainability5 - Exceptionally Trainable (Hill's scale; not the AKC rating) source
Barking3 - Moderately Vocal (Hill's scale). They bark more when bored. source
With childrenGood with children and other pets when socialized and supervised source
With other dogsTypically good with other dogs and cats if raised with them; socialization and supervised introductions recommended source
Shedding4 - High Shedding (Hill's scale). They shed the undercoat twice a year and more heavily during those periods. source
TemperamentLoyal, outgoing and eager to please (Hill's). The parent club describes a versatile, good-natured breed that makes a great family dog. source

Labrador Training Guides

Practical, reward-based guides for the first weeks and beyond, from socialization and chewing to exercise and healthy weight.

Puppy

From the first night home to adolescence: a Labrador puppy's training.

    Training basics

    Potty, crate and leash training, written for Labradors.

      Behavior

      The Labrador problems owners ask about most, and the instincts behind them.

        Exercise and jobs

        How much a Labrador needs to do, and the sports and work the breed was made for.

          What Labradors do

          Sports and work the breed is known for. source

          Hunting companionsservice dogsdetection dogs and family pets. Penn Vet Working Dog Center also seeks Labrador puppies for detection dog training. The club offers Working Certificates and a Conformation Certificate Program.

          Labrador health screening

          Tests the breed's club and OFA recommend for breeding dogs. Ask a breeder for results.

          Recommended screensHip dysplasia (OFA evaluation) | Elbow dysplasia (OFA evaluation) | Eye examination by a boarded ACVO ophthalmologist, registered with OFA | Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) DNA test | D Locus (dilute) DNA test (listed by the club) | Optional: Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM) DNA test | Optional: prcd-PRA DNA test |… source
          Health issues the club notesHip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA), Cataracts, Exercise-induced collapse (EIC), Centronuclear myopathy (CNM), Cranial cruciate ligament disease (Hill's), Ear infections (Hill's), Obesity (Hill's) source
          National breed clubname: The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc.; url: https://thelabradorclub.com source

          Labrador Training Questions Answered

          Are Labradors easy to train?

          Hill's Pet Nutrition rates the Labrador Retriever 5 out of 5 for trainability and describes the breed as loyal, outgoing and eager to please. That is a head start, not a promise. Individual dogs vary, so keep sessions short and reward what you like.

          When should I start training my Labrador puppy?

          Hill's Pet Nutrition advises starting early with basic obedience and socialization, using short, frequent sessions and small treats. Small treats keep a food-loving puppy interested without adding too many calories. For specific timing, such as vaccination and puppy class schedules, ask your veterinarian.

          How do I handle a mouthy, chewing Labrador?

          Hill's Pet Nutrition lists mouthiness and chewing among the breed's known challenges, along with digging when bored. Redirect to a chew toy and reward the swap. Pairing training with daily activity helps with boredom behaviors. Ask a trainer who uses reward-based methods if it persists.

          How much exercise does a Labrador need?

          Hill's Pet Nutrition suggests roughly an hour to an hour and a half of activity daily, mixing walks, retrieving and mental games. It rates the breed's energy 4 out of 5. Ask your veterinarian what suits your dog's age and health, especially for growing puppies.

          How do I train a food-loving Lab without overfeeding?

          Hill's Pet Nutrition names weight gain from a love of food as a known challenge, and notes excess weight adds wear on joints. Use small treats for rewards, and ask your veterinarian about a large breed puppy formula and growth rate.

          General training information. Every dog is an individual; for health or behavior concerns, see your veterinarian.