Brain training

[JERILYN ANDERS]

I must say this training program has helped me tremendously in many aspects. Granted there are games that my Pyr doesn’t have the attention span, but I’m able to get him to concentrate on me during stressful times. We had a vet appt today that ended successfully. The last appt he was neutered and had a terrible attitude, wanting to grab everybody. Today, he was confident, never growled or barked. We used a soft rubber muzzle for safety. He accepts it well. 

[Adrienne Farricelli]

Hi Jerilyn,

Glad to hear you have been able to accomplish so much! Kudos to you, don't forget to pat yourself on the back for your determination and patience. 

[MARGARET SEYMOUR]

I have purchased this on line course today (June 6th 2022) and am hopeful that it will help my 11 month old labrador puppy to settle.  He jumps up, pulls on his lead and ignores me most of the time. He is a loving boy although a little skittish sometimes.  I am a pensioner and hope we can come to some joining of the ways so I can enjoy him and he me.  

 

[JMFS]

Hi Margaret, and welcome!

He sounds like a typical labrador, hehe.  They're known for their bottomless bellies, high energy, and propensity for chewing.  Buuuut, they're not America's #1 most popular dog for no reason.  They're also affectionate, social, and intelligent.  They're a hunting breed (retriever being in the name was earned by their zeal and skill) so games of fetch, once he starts relinquishing the thrown item, will be a game you can play with him to tire out his retrieval instinct, as well as provide exercise.  He will be in heaven if you have a place he can swim.

I grew up with a lab, and we weren't friends when I was little - she was too rough with me and tore my dress (I didn't forgive her back then, but I do now).  When she reached about 4 she was the Best Dog Ever.  It does take them a wee longer to get out of that dopey stage than some breeds, but with consistency he'll come around.  If our Esther can do it, so can yours!

To help move things along, because I Know how it is to be around that chaotic energy, I'll ask some questions Adrienne will likely appreciate answers to.

Is he neutered?
How long as he been with you?
What does he know, so far?  Sit?  Down?  Mat?  Stay?  Those types of things.
Any potty training concerns?
Has he been socialized with other dogs?
Do you have specific areas you'd like to work on?  E.g., jumping, leash pulling, mouthiness (you mentioned two of those, but the more she knows, the more she'll be able to tailor a response to your needs).
How much exercise, and what kind, does he get each day?
Where does he sleep at night, and is he crate trained?

With those out of the way (she may have more - I'm just parroting questions I've seen asked), there are some basic starter courses on the site.  Here are some links from a post where someone asked, "Where do I start?!"  We've all been there!  Some of these have information specific to the original poster, but they're good for all of us when we're beginning.  "Obedience" below is underlined because I included the entire Obedience 101 course link there for you so you can find specific lessons.  I hope it helps!  If not, feel free to make a post, or reply to this one, with specific areas and where you're stuck.

Main article on potty training:

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/archive/7-secret-potty-training-strategies/

Obedience guides are found in the link below. Since your dog is likely a young puppy you will need to factor in short attention spans, so make those training sessions brief and fun (you can start with just 2-3 minute sessions spread in 4-5 sessions throughout the day and see how it goes.) You want to end the sessions with your puppy still having fun so to inculcate eagerness to being trained. 

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/brain-training/obedience-101/

Importance of socialization:

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/archive/socializing-your-puppy/

Smacking sound:

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/the-airplane-game/the-smacking-sound/

Handling exercises:

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/archive/exercises-to-teach-puppies-to-tolerate-touch/

Bite inhibition and bite inhibition games:

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/archive/biting-mouthing-nipping/

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/archive/bite-inhibition-games/

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/archive/train-dog-take-treats-gently/

Prevention of resource guarding:

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/archive/the-importance-of-preventing-resource-guarding-in-puppies/

Brain games are great to keep your pup busy and mentally stimulated:

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/brain-training/

As your puppy develops, exercises to prevent separation anxiety:

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/archive/exercises-to-prevent-separation-anxiety-in-puppies/

With a large breed dog as a mastiff, tackling jumping early is important:

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/behavior-training/jumping/

[Adrienne Farricelli]

Hi there!

Welcome to the forums!

Jennifer has provided you with several helpful links (thank you Jennifer for posting those and several handy "intake questions!")

I will be adding a few extra links that you may find helpful based on the info provided:

A case study on jumping:

. Session 1: Assessing the Jumping Behavior & Desensitization

. Session 2: Teaching Maggie Calmer Greetings

Pulling on lead:

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/archive/pulling-on-the-leash/

Troubleshooting why dogs ignore:

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/archive/ignoring-commands/

Ignoring is a typical sign of the adolescent stage. Perhaps, your Labrador will look at you with a blank stare when you ask him to perform a well-trained behavior, or worse, he just blows you off, ignoring you as if your cues were just background noise like the birds chirping on the trees. 

Moments of regression are rather normal during this stage. Just make sure to keep training your Labrador in areas with little distractions and then gradually increase distractions. Praise and reward every little sign of cooperation.

Avoid scolding your pup or getting frustrated, this will only put a dent in your training causing him to dread being trained, when instead, he should look forward to it.

Here is more about the adolescent stage, in Labradors it typically lasts until the dog is 2 years old to 2 and 1/2:

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/archive/survive-dogs-adolescent-stage/

Skittish behaviors are sometimes sign of a fear period. Right in the midst of the adolescent stage, there is also a second fear period (the first one took place between 8 and 11 weeks), generally taking place between the age of 6 to 14 months.

This is a time when your Labrador may suddenly begin to be suspicious of things. For instance, he may bark at the mailman or a man wearing a hat. He may become startled upon seeing a flag moving with the wind or a large tree in the dark. 

During this time, any frightening experience will make an even bigger impression on your dog. You should continue to socialize and train your dog during this period, however, you should be extra cautious to never put your Lab into overwhelming situations. 

The best way to deal with these frightening moments is to treat them with patience. Do not force your dog to face his fear, or scold him if he acts out in an inappropriate manner. 

More about fear stages:

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/archive/fear-periods-8-10-weeks-6-14-months/

Here are exercises to increase confidence:

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/archive/exercises-build-confidence-insecure-dogs/

All in all, the adolescent period is moment of challenges, but it's also true that it's a transitory stage. You'll eventually see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

When you feel defeated, simply think about your Labrador as a human teenager. He just needs your gentle guidance and consistency in his life. Be patient.

Keep holding refresher training sessions. Keep on working on better impulse control. Here are some great exercises: https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/archive/impulse-control-frustration-tolerance/

And don't forget about keeping that brain busy! Provide brain games, food puzzles, safe chew toys, start clicker training, enroll him in a canine sport and take him on sniffing adventures. 

However, don't forget to teach him how to chill too. Training your Labrador to lie on a mat can turn helpful; 

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/video-archive/train-dog-go-to-mat/

The more you keep that big Labrador brain busy in positive ways, the greater the chances you'll help your developing pup grow into a wonderful adult companion.

Happy training!