- 1). Project a calm-assertive energy to your Labrador at all times. Let your dog know that you are in control, especially in situations where your Lab may become nervous or dominant. Take ownership of items or objects that excite your Lab or that it becomes possessive of. Cesar Millan suggests using confident body language and energy to let your dog know that you are in control.
- 2). Set boundaries for your Labrador. Don't allow it to do whatever it wants. You can choose the rules, but make sure your Lab has some to follow. An intelligent Labrador will happily take over a house if it is allowed to do so. Don't allow your dog on the furniture, in the kitchen or in the kids' bedrooms, if that is what you choose. Enforce the rules consistently every single day.
- 3). Correct behavior problems with a noise. After you interrupt your Lab's behavior, reward it for listening to you. Don't let your frustration, anxiety or stress show. Your energy should be calm so that your Lab knows that you are in charge of the situation.
- 4). Invest in basic obedience training for your Labrador. You can train at home or enroll in an obedience class. Provide treats to show your dog what behaviors you want and then reward it for obeying correctly. Teach your Labrador to sit, come, lie down and stay on command. Basic obedience gives you a way to control your Lab in all situations and establishes you as the leader. It can also help you enforce calm-submissive behavior. Ask your Lab to sit before going outdoors or being fed. Have it stay in a certain spot before greeting visitors.
- 5). Exercise with your Labrador. These dogs were bred to hunt and are very energetic. A bored Labrador can become destructive, anxious or even aggressive. Increased exercise is often all it takes to fix what you thought was dominant behavior in your Lab. Take at least two 20 to 30 minute walks with your Lab each day. Play fetch in the yard. Go jogging or swimming. Use up your Lab's extra energy to keep it out of trouble and make it more submissive to your lead.
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