Labrador pup adolescence

I have Dalmatians, they are very similar! Firstly, head collars are a great way to stay in control, brands like Dogmatic and 2posh2pull are good as they're designed so the straps don't ride into the dogs eyes.
Then- adolescence is real. You need to go back to training basics, classes are great, not puppy ones though as they're literally for pups under a few months old.
Frustrating as it is, you're starting over with them. Be firm but kind, if you see other dogs pull yours in with a treat, I used to get my youngest to sit when other dogs passed us, focusing on a treat.

It's natural behaviour you just need to find ways that work with your dog. Once out of it they're great, and Dalmatians mature late so you're actually lucky with a labrador!

I don't pretend to know anything about dogs, but I do find watching 'Dogs Behaving Badly ' programmes on the TV fascinating. I think it's channel 4 or 5.

And whilst I'm posting I'll just mention the programme called Dog House, which is a real heart warming programme

Training classes - that way you can train him with other dogs in the class who are willingly participating. I adopted a 6 yo rescue who was untrained and couldn't walk properly on the lead. They can be very strong, but they are intelligent and want to please so stick at the training and you'll get there in the end.

Training, training and more training will do more than all the 'non pull' harnesses and castration will ever do. There are no short cuts!

I could have written your post 18months ago . We have a 2yo fox red lab and he’s gone through several adolescence stages . The first at 7-8 months and again at about 20 months . So frustrating , you think you and he have got it sorted and then he goes backwards . Unfortunately it’s all about training and being consistent. My nutter had to back on the lead for a while . We had training and did our homework at home . I also used Philipa mattisons book basic recall .
At about 23 months his recall suddenly clicked and now he’s a joy to walk . He says hello to other dogs if I let him and comes back to me .
He’s my third lab and the most full on .
As for neutering, we did it at 18 months as recommended by our vet . And it made no difference to him.
Good luck , labs are lovely dogs but can be hard work especially if they’re a working dog, which ours is.

Golden Retrievers are similar, I think. Our two 'babies' are now 15 months old and the change over the last two months, after just two puppy training classes, is very noticeable - whereas at 10 months they were - well - a challenge! We had individual classes, just for our 'twins' and the ability of the trainer to communicate with the dogs I believe has in some way made it easier for them to understand us. It's not so much about training exercises, or anything of that sort. They somehow now realise that when they are called they are supposed to come! One of them always comes, the other takes a little longer, but it has been lovely. So good luck, things will improve and all will be worth it!

So many encouraging messages and great advice thanks.

We took him to an enclosed exercise area today and someone arrived with 4 huskies. He had a great time!
The lady was saying don’t just concentrate on using up his energy as his body will get tired and his brain still be wired. She also stressed how important it is to encourage him to learn to actually relax.

So much to think about!

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Your doggie will be a puppy until he's at least 18-months old - that's why the Police and RSB do not accept them for training until they are 18-24 months old.
Get ready for the 'teenage' years!!
Dog training lessons are an excellent idea but probably more for you!

I find that more often the problem with adult dogs lies with the owner not the dog!!

Also having had three wonderful family German Shepherd dogs, I would offer a few words of advice ....

(1). Never ever pat your chest to encourage your puppy to jump up.

(2). Totally ignore the dog when you come into the house.
Put your shopping down.
Take off your coat.
Change your shoes.
Ignoring. Ignoring. Ignoring.
Then, and only then, turn to your dog.
Put your hands together in front of you, palms upwards waist height, and then tell your doggie to sit.
He should learn to sit in front of you at this sign.
Then make a fuss of him, caressing his head and neck and telling him what a clever dog he is. Maybe a Bonio treat too.

(3). Always walk your dog on your left.
Then, should they slip their lead they will always come to that side when you call them. If near traffic turn the left of your body to the safe side.

A bit late for your dog but important for people with new little puppies especially, and essentially, if there are young children in the house or visiting - for a few weeks ALWAYS remove your dogs feeding bowl after their first few mouthfuls of food. Count 10 and do it again. Leave for a minute and repeat a few more times. E
Each meal. E
Each day.
That will stop them growling or snapping at any little mischievous child who comes near them when they're eating.
.

Exercising your dog’s brain by letting them stop and sniff is as important as physical exercise. I have tried to train mine that she cannot pull me forwards, but she can stop and sniff at will. She is nearly 2 and is getting good at it but it takes consistency and lots of rewards.

There are well made toys that give their brains a work out but are able to cope with the enthusiasm of Labradors. We used Kings, the ones where you can stuff a hollow with food or cheesy mash, peanut butter mash, or whatever, all the better if you freeze them. They keep them occupied and stimulated for quite a while. Adolescence undoes all this great puppy training. It's back to basics, calm, clear consistent instructions, not a load of words couching the one important one (eg 'stay'). Labs are usually joyful lumps of happiness who act without thinking until about three we've found, but are very trainable with, as you say, tasty treats. Ours really have never discerned between a tiny bit of something tasty and a big bit. The tiny one with praise does the job and means repetition is possible, which really is the key to success. Good luck! One of ours , who I bred, will be fifteen next month, a still sprightly dear, her sister a red fox (much more hyper but amazing to train) is four. Love them to bits ♥️

Kongs, not kings 😱

I presume you are not thinking of working your dog. As retrievers they love learning things. I've had labs all my life - have four at the moment. I use a slip lead and they never pull - train them early on. Most dogs (like teenage children) go through an adolescence when they think they know best. Finding a good training group locally will pay dividends. they are the best dogs and want to please more than anything, but they do need direction and calm handling.

He is with us for his puppyhood. It is our first time as puppy parents for an assistance dog charity. So if all goes well he will ‘work’ as a helping loving pet.

Had a male, not castrated and he grew to be a lovely biddable pet. You need to concentrate now, and a lot, on his behaviour. Several but short sessions a day concentrating on one task until you feel he has complied. Labs love food so a tasty treat when he does respond will keep him interested. Good luck, they are lovely dogs.

Sorry I am really late on this one. It is super important you let your dog sniff on walks. The physical exercise is 50% the other 50% is the mental stimulation from sniffing. Tires them out as much as the physical side.
Totally agree with training classes and we also have Play time classes at the same venue that I use. Take my dog twice a week. You may need to go back to basics to stop the pulling. It is a hard slog but learning loose lead walking is the key. If your dog gets ahead of you stop and bring him /her back to your side before continuing the walk. You may only make 100yards but don't give in! High value treats needed. Good Luck

I've had one labrador and experience of exercising one belonging to a friend .
They are beautiful loving dogs .
They take a great deal of exercise and tend to be greedy with food .
I'd definitely take him to training classes and organise a extra walk during the day if you are at work .
My labrador needed a great deal of exercise and distraction from food !