Advanced Labrador Training: Recall, Barking, and Separation Anxiety

BY STAFF WRITER

Labradors are eager to please, but training them in recall, barking control, and separation anxiety requires patience and consistency. Below are detailed, step-by-step training plans to help your Lab master these behaviours.

Teaching Reliable Recall (Coming When Called)

Why Some Labs Ignore “Come”?

• They’ve learned that “Come” means the fun is over (e.g., leaving the dog park).
• They don’t associate “Come” with rewards.
• There are too many distractions (squirrels, smells, other dogs).

Goal: Teach your Lab that coming to you is the best thing ever!

Step-by-Step Recall Training Plan

Choose a Special Recall Word

• Instead of the usual “Come,” try “Here!” or “To me!” in a happy voice.
• Make sure it’s only used for recall, never punishment.

Start Indoors with No Distractions

• Sit on the floor, say “Here!” and show a treat.
• When your Lab comes, praise and reward immediately.
• Repeat in different rooms until they respond quickly.

Add Distance and Mild Distractions

• Move 5-10 feet away, call your Lab, and reward when they come.
• If they hesitate, clap, squat down, or run a few steps away to encourage movement.
• Never chase your dog – it becomes a game!

Use a Long Leash for Outdoor Practice

• Attach a 15-30 ft leash and practice in a yard or quiet park.
• Call them excitedly—if they ignore you, gently reel them in and reward.
• Increase difficulty by practicing around mild distractions (other people, toys).

Make Recall Rewarding

• Use high-value treats (chicken, cheese, hot dogs).
• Sometimes give extra rewards (playtime, a fun chase game) so they always expect something good.

Common Mistakes:

• Calling them only when playtime ends – mix it up!
• Repeating “Come” too much – say it once, then encourage with movement.
• Punishing them after they come – never scold a slow response.

Stopping Excessive Barking

Why Do Labradors Bark Too Much?

• Attention-seeking: They bark to get food, play, or petting.
• Boredom: Labs need mental and physical exercise.
• Alerting: They hear a noise and react.
• Anxiety: Separation distress can lead to barking.

Goal: Teach your Lab to bark less and stay calm.

Step-by-Step Barking Control Plan

Identify the Trigger & Remove the Reward

If barking at people outside: Close the curtains or move them to another room.

If barking for attention: Ignore them completely (no eye contact, talking, or touching). Reward silence.

Teach the “Quiet” Command

• Wait for a barking pause, then say “Quiet” in a calm voice.
• Immediately give a treat & praise for silence.
• Repeat until they associate “Quiet” = Reward.

Desensitize to Noises

• Play doorbell sounds or outside noises at low volume.
• Reward calm behaviour.
• Slowly increase volume over time to build tolerance.
• Give Them Something Else to Do
• If they bark at the doorbell, teach them to go to a specific place (like a mat or crate).
• If barking when alone, leave a food puzzle or interactive toy.

Common Mistakes:

• Yelling “No!” – this can sound like barking and make it worse.
• Accidentally rewarding barking (giving attention too soon).
• Not giving enough exercise – a tired Lab barks less!

Stopping Separation Anxiety (Preventing Destructive Behaviour & Whining)

Why Some Labradors Struggle with Being Alone?

• They are social dogs and form strong bonds.
• They haven’t learned to be comfortable alone.
• Owners accidentally reinforce clingy behaviour (giving too much attention before leaving).

Goal: Teach your Lab that being alone is safe and normal.

Step-by-Step Separation Anxiety Training Plan

Create a Calm Pre-Departure Routine

• Ignore your Lab 10-15 minutes before leaving (no dramatic goodbyes).
• Offer a stuffed Kong or puzzle toy right before you go to keep them busy.

Practice Short Departures (Desensitization)

• Start by leaving for 1-2 minutes and returning calmly.
• Gradually increase time away (5, 10, 15 minutes).
• If they stay calm, reward them with gentle praise.
• Teach “Stay” in a Separate Room
• Have your Lab lie down and stay while you step out for a few seconds.
• Return before they get anxious – reward calmness.
• Increase time gradually to simulate alone time.

Use Background Noise

• Leave soft music or white noise to create a relaxing environment.
• Try dog-friendly TV shows or audio recordings of your voice.

Reward Independence

• Give treats when they settle down alone, not when they’re following you everywhere.
• Use a designated resting spot (crate, dog bed) with rewards for staying there.

• Common Mistakes:
• Making a big deal when leaving or returning (stay calm).
• Letting them follow you everywhere – teach independence.
• Leaving them alone too long too soon – build up gradually.

Final Training Tips for Success

• Be Consistent: Use the same commands & techniques daily.
• Keep Sessions Short: 5-10 minutes is best for focus.
• Reward Calm Behaviour: Don’t wait for bad behaviour to give attention.
• Exercise First: A tired Labrador is easier to train and less anxious.