Perfect Upbringing for Labrador and Golden

Golden and Labrador Retrievers are two breeds that have seen their popularity increase exponentially in recent years, outperforming their better-known ‘colleagues’. The reason for this great success is not a fad, as has happened to many breeds, but simply the appreciation they have earned thanks to specific characteristics fundamental to the modern dog.

These two breeds possess an intrinsic gift called ‘docility‘, a characteristic that allows management, training, and coexistence without the need for particularly intense intervention. The Labrador and the Golden would hardly dream of questioning their owner’s role. Their optimism, unfailing sociability, and unconditional love for everything around them make them easy dogs because, in principle, they get along with everything and everyone.

Their possessiveness and protective instincts are little marked, avoiding surprises due to violent reactions towards anyone, and their eagerness to get to know anyone overcomes any mistrust that may be present. This extroverted nature and their great curiosity about everything around them also have a demanding side, as enthusiasm often turns into energy, which, given their physical strength, must be managed.

The ideal upbringing for Golden and Labrador Retrievers

Putting all these qualities, characteristics and weaknesses together, let’s see what the perfect education process is for these two breeds:

1. Socialisation

Socialisation (i.e. the dog’s relational experience) should tend to accustom him to everything that can raise his curiosity threshold and make it difficult for him to refrain from jumping on you, inviting you to play, explore, etc.

It is advisable, therefore, to do a little test of this element by taking a simple walk where you note down his reactions towards:

• People are walking.
• People running or exercising.
• Bikes.
• People are walking with dogs.
• Children playing.
• People with prams.
• Is there anything else you can think of or come across?

Once you have identified which stimuli are excessively tempting for your friend, you proceed with a slow ‘immersion’ in them so that the habit of seeing them makes them less and less stimulating.

For this type of training, you will need to bear in mind the following:

• Frequency. Stimulating experiences alternating with days of relaxation give the best results.
• The distance. Choosing the correct distance from the stimulus will help you manage the situation.
• Patience. You must be willing to help your dog repeatedly (we will see an exercise later) in case he loses control.

2. Control

Control of initiative is the inherent conception in the dog that you are the first point of reference, which can initiate or block an action. A simple exercise you can try is as follows:

• As soon as an encounter opportunity arises (people, dogs, etc.), stop about three metres from the distraction.
• If the dog pulls toward the stimulus, try not to move.
• Slowly, without moving and with the help of the lead, bring the dog next to you in a position where the tip of your feet is a few centimetres ahead of the dog’s toes.
• Every time the dog tries to move forward, bring it back to the position (which is called “heel”).
• If your pup stops trying or, better still, resignedly sits or lies down, reward him or allow him to achieve his goal.
• The exercise aims to make the dog realise that if he is calm and relaxed, he will get what he wants; otherwise, don’t move!

The third exercise to educate the Labrador and Golden

• Place the two cones 5/10 metres apart and visualise the imaginary line joining them.
• Start walking from the first cone to the second with the dog on the lead.
• Always try to stay on the line joining the two points and endeavour to keep your head and shoulders in the direction of travel.
• Do not look at or talk to the dog; look straight ahead as if your friend was not there.
• The Labrador tends to go forward and pull; let him overtake you, but as soon as the lead goes taut, turn back immediately.
• The turnabout must be done on the spot. Never leave the line.
• The concept of this exercise is that if he pulls you, the result will be that he will see you turn and go the other way.

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