what do i do to train my hyper lab?

Answer 1

Use positive reinforcement. When your dog is calm and collected award her and as soon as she gets all hyped up again discontinue the reward. If she is hyper like destroying the house then you should think about kenneling her. Some people don't like to cage their animals however dogs are denning animals. Make her kennel a positive place by putting her favorite blanket in it and a toy and always provide water. Leave it open during the day and when you are home so that she can go in it whenever she wants. Get into a routine with it such as always giving her a favorite treat when you put her in there. Don't use it as punishment, believe me this will only make her worse. Try doing so activities with her that will allow her to be hyper but make sure she knows that you control the time and place, but again use positive reinforcement, don't hit or yell and get carried away, this demolishes her trust in you and never works in the long run. Positive reinforcement is the way to go.

Answer 2

The same way you train a non hyper lab, but with more patience. :-)
Remember 3 things:
Behavior that is rewarded occurs more often
The quicker a reward is delivered the quicker that behavior will occur.
When a behavior happens regularly and predictably, you can put in on cue (command)

Dog sits, reward happens while dog is moving into sit.
Dog wants to go outside, dog sits at door, door opens.
etc.

I recommend a wonderful book by a Behaviorist/Trainer, Dr. Patricia McConnell:
FAMILY FRIENDLY DOG TRAINING - A SIX WEEK PROGRAM FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG

I have been to several training sessions with her, Her training methods are sound. I don't recommend Cesar Millan, his training methods are all about force, which will teach your dog to use force to get what he wants.

Necropsy's of dogs trained with choke chains indicate more long term, permanent damage done to dog's neck.
Alpha rolls are not recommended by every trainer/behaviorist who has the real chops. Actually, Alpha rolling dogs was recanted by the Monk of New Skete that first popularized the act. It is a very bad thing to do, unless you want to be sure your dog never trusts you.

Answer 3

Labs, in general, are hyper till they are about 2-3 years old. Some even longer. First off, you need a ton of patience. Don't get upset with the dog so much, that is part of their breed. Next, get into a class that teaches positive reinforcement. I would also recommend Cesar's Book or watching his shows.

Answer 4

I have a black lab that is 7 months old that is a hyper but very smart dog. He can sit, sit nice, speak, fetch, lie down, stay, and much much more. All of these he does by hand commands. Labs yes a very hyper with very strong neck and a large appetite but very very smart they wont do anything if they think its stupid. Start with easy tricks and work your way up as for going pee outside..the only tip as for any dog is be consistent. Good luck hun!

Answer 5

labs were bred to hunt... you need to exercise the heck out of your lab,, you need to enroll in basic obedience class, your dog should be spayed/neutered and try to find a place where your dog can swim,,, labs need swimming... play fetch with the dog for at least an hour a day etc... hunting dogs that are NOT used in hunting need other outlets

Answer 6

Make sure you exercise him a LOT and find out what exhausts your dog the fastest to calm him down. When you are training him make sure to reward good behavior (with praise or occasionally treats) and gently scold bad behavior. Also obedience class will help, and develop signs and clear, short commands for what you want him to learn.

Answer 7

Read Cesar Millan's "Dog Whisperer"
Though I disagree with a few of his philosophies, his training methods are sound.
.

Answer 8

Here is the best place to ask that question.
http://retrievertraining.net/forums