The Chocolate Labs are an active, friendly member of the Labrador breed. The Chocolate Lab is extremely loving and affectionate as well, making the breed very popular with the parents of young children. However, training a Chocolate Lab can be a tricky proposition, and great care must be shown in order to assure that the dog receives consistent, positive training once he his arrives in his new home.
Living with Chocolate Labs
A member of the Labrador Retriever family, the Chocolate Lab has a strong pedigree in the temperament and skills associated with being an excellent hunting companion. The breed therefore requires substantial amounts of exercise and enjoys nothing more than fetching balls when thrown. This is an advantage during the training program, although owners should be sure to begin right away when their new pup arrives from the breeder.
The first night will most likely be a traumatic one for the pup, as he is certainly not used to sleeping alone. Be sure to set up a partially enclosed sanctuary for the pup that will keep him nice and warm. A good crate or sturdy box will do. It is important that your pup is able to spend time inside the crate without crying or yelping for attention. This will be difficult at first, because the puppy will demand the physical attention to which it had grown accustomed in the liter. Speak to the pup in a calming voice and assure him that you are nearby, but do not reward the yelping by removing the puppy from the crate.
Throughout your experience with your Chocolate Lab, be sure to establish a consistent system of positive and negative rewards in response to his behavior. Chocolate Labs are notoriously energetic, so it is important to spend time teaching your dog how to behave when on a leash. Take the Lab for frequent walks, pulling back firmly on the leash when the dog bounds off in a particular direction. Remember, positive enforcement of behavior is far more effective, and far more fun, for you and the dog. Bring a pocketful of treats, and reward the dog for walking calmly at your side.
