Labrador puppies are wonderful contradictions: butter-wouldn’t-melt-in-their-mouth softies one minute, enthusiastically burying the remnants of your slippers in the garden the next. They’re smart, eager to please, and full of energy. Sometimes a lot of energy. Starting training early provides the structure they need to grow into a calm, well-mannered companion.

This guide, written by our vets, covers early habits, socialisation, confidence, and impulse control.

Why early training is important 

Labrador puppies adore people, food, and fun. Usually in that order. Early training helps them:

• Learn what’s okay and what’s not (like sock-stealing and slipper-shredding)

• Build confidence with new people, sounds and situations

• Avoid future behaviour problems

• Channel their natural enthusiasm into good manners

Short, upbeat training sessions work best, 5-10 minutes, several times per day. Focus on consistency, gentle structure and positive reinforcement.

Puppy milestones by age

8–12 weeks (The sponge stage): Your Lab is absorbing everything. Focus on gentle socialisation, handling (ears, paws, mouth are especially useful for vet visits), starting toilet training, and introducing simple cues like sit or come. Manage calm introductions to visitors (Labradors tend to love everyone a little too much).

3–6 months (The enthusiastic explorer): This is the peak mouthy, curious and high-energy phase. Continue socialising, add short obedience sessions and reinforce clear boundaries. Reward calm behaviour and maintain consistent routines. Carefully supervise introductions to new environments. Labradors tend to gain confidence faster than judgment!

6–12 months (The teenage years): When your ‘adorable’ puppy develops selective hearing, tests boundaries and ‘forgets’ everything they've learned. Stay patient, reinforce good manners and positive habits. It pays off eventually.

Crate training

A crate should be your puppy’s safe space and an aid to house training. Most puppies settle into crate training within a few days.

Tips:

• Make it cosy with a favourite blanket and toys

• Start with short periods, and gradually increase the time

• Pheromone diffusers can help your puppy feel safe and secure

• Encourage voluntary crate use with treats and praise

• Never use the crate for punishment

Toilet training

Most Labrador puppies get the hang of this quickly with routine and consistency.

• Take them outside frequently: after meals, play, and naps

• Stay with them for reassurance

• Give immediate praise when they get it right

• Watch for signs, like sniffing, circling, the 'I need to go!' dance and rush them outside

Clean accidents thoroughly with an enzymatic product and never punish. It only delays learning.

Teaching basic commands

Keep sessions short, positive, and consistent. Reward them immediately so they know exactly what they did right. Start with sit, stay, and come. Never punish mistakes. Puppies may pause to think before they get it right. That’s normal. Decision-making is part of learning.

Labs thrive on training, especially when food rewards are involved!

Tip: Stick to vet-approved snacks and be careful with quantities. Labradors are prone to weight gain, and early in life, this stresses developing joints. Avoid toxic foods like chocolate or grapes.

Collar and lead training

Getting your puppy used to a collar, harness, and lead makes for family walks everyone can enjoy! Labradors often become strong pullers if this stage is rushed.

Step 1: Start indoors with a lightweight, comfortable collar. You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and neck. Some shaking or scratching is normal. Reward calm behaviour.

Step 2: Attach a lightweight lead and let them drag it around under supervision. Keep sessions short and reward them for following you.

Step 3: Teach ‘heel’ by rewarding your puppy for walking calmly by your side. Start indoors or in the garden, keep guidance gentle, and never tug the lead. Reward with gentle praise or a treat. If they pull, simply stop and wait for them to return. 

Managing nipping and biting

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and teething escalates this.

• Keep a toy nearby during play. When those tiny, sharp teeth latch onto your hand (because they definitely will!), immediately redirect them toward the toy. 

• Say a calm but firm “ouch” or stop play briefly if your puppy bites.

• Don’t use your hands or feet as toys, even in play, so your puppy doesn’t get mixed messages.

 Managing mouthing problems early prevents bigger issues with an unruly 30+kg Labrador!

Socialising with other pets and kids

Labradors usually adore company, but need guidance:

• Supervise introductions

• Keep early interactions calm and brief

• Teach children to be gentle and respectful of your puppy’s space

• Reward relaxed behaviour

Positive, calm early experiences help prevent over-excitability and rough play later on.

When to seek professional help

If you’re facing challenges such as persistent fear, aggression, separation anxiety, or destructive chewing despite training, speak to your vet or a qualified behaviourist. Early support prevents issues from escalating.

Labrador Puppy Q&A

Q: My puppy keeps jumping on people. How do I stop it?
A: Puppies jump to greet or get attention. To stop it, turn away and ignore them when they jump, rewarding attention only when all four paws are on the ground. You can also use treats, praise, or cuddles to reinforce calm greetings. 

Q: Can my puppy be around kids and other pets?
A: Yes! Introduce them slowly, supervise interactions, and reward calm behaviour. Teaching gentle handling to children is important.

Tips for success

• Be consistent: Puppies thrive on routine and clear rules. But don’t worry if a day goes off-plan. Puppies have unpredictable moments.

• Use positive reinforcement: Praise, treats, affection.

• Keep training short and fun: Multiple 5–10 minute sessions a day are more effective than one long session.

• Socialise early: Gradually introduce your puppy to people, pets, and new environments to build their confidence.

• Sleep is important: Overtired Labradors become unruly whirlwinds; easily distracted, overstimulated and harder to train.

• Redirect unwanted behaviour: Teach calm, controlled alternatives early on to prevent bad habits, especially in larger breeds.

• Professional help: If you’re struggling with anything, talk to a vet or behaviourist.

Labrador puppies grow very quickly, sometimes at the cost of your shoes, furniture and patience! But consistency, calm and a sense of humour help you achieve a loyal, polite and endlessly enthusiastic companion.

Join us next month as we explore common puppy health conditions, including what to look out for and how to keep your pup happy and healthy.