3 Common Labrador Retriever Behaviour Problems (And How To Fix Them)

Remember: Labradors are joyful, loyal dogs who want nothing more than to be part of your life. With clear guidance and structure, they become the devoted, well-behaved family members they were meant to be.

Where Do Labrador Retrievers Come From?

The Labrador Retriever's story begins in Newfoundland, Canada. Local fishermen used strong, swimming dogs known as St. John's Water Dogs. British nobles brought them to England in the 1800s.

Through selective breeding, they refined these dogs into the Labrador we know today. They focused on temperament, retrieving instinct, and endurance. The breed quickly became popular in sporting circles and earned a reputation as the most versatile of gundogs.

What were they bred to do?

Labrador Retrievers had important jobs:

• Retrieve fishing nets and lines from icy waters
• Fetch escaping fish before they got away
• Hunt upland game and waterfowl
• Work in chaotic, unpredictable environments
• Stay calm under pressure whilst being endlessly willing to work

They were built for teamwork with their handlers.

Key breeding traits:

Labradors have webbed feet for efficient swimming and a water-resistant double coat. Their powerful "otter tail" helps with balance and steering in water.

Their food motivation, attentiveness, and easy trainability make them both a joy and a handful in modern homes. They're emotionally sensitive dogs who thrive on positive guidance and inclusion in family life.

Why Do Labrador Retrievers Have These Behaviour Problems?

Your Labrador isn't trying to be naughty. These dogs were bred to work intensely in freezing water, retrieving anything edible for fishermen. That survival-based food drive is genetically hardwired.

They were also bred for explosive energy when sent to retrieve, then calm patience between retrieves. This on/off switch was never meant for sustained calm in home environments.

Understanding their working history helps you give them what they need to succeed in modern life.

Problem 1: Counter Surfing & Food Stealing

What's happening: Your Lab steals food off counters, tables, or anywhere they can reach. They seem obsessed with finding and eating anything edible.

Why it happens: Labs were bred to retrieve anything edible from water for fishermen, including fish that fell from nets. This survival-based food drive is more intense than most breeds. They evolved to opportunistically grab food whenever it appeared - waiting was never part of their job.

The fix: Management is critical and non-negotiable. Never leave food within reach.

Feed your Lab only after a calm sit-wait. Eat your own meals first (even just a cracker matters). This establishes you as the controller of all food resources.

When counter-surfing occurs, stay absolutely silent and calm. Lead them away using a short lead and place them in a separate room for 5-10 minutes without speaking. If they repeat immediately, double the time.

Every family member must follow these rules consistently or training fails completely. Don't leave scraps out anywhere.

Struggling with food stealing? Labs are incredibly food-motivated, which makes this tough. Join our free Skool community to learn management strategies that work for your specific home setup and get advice during weekly Q&As.

Problem 2: Overexcitement & Poor Impulse Control

What's happening: Your Lab jumps, bounces, can't settle down, and seems to have no "off switch." They go from zero to chaos in seconds.

Why it happens: Labs were bred for explosive energy when sent to retrieve from water, then calm patience in the boat between retrieves. This on/off switch was never meant for sustained calm in homes. Their working drive lacks a middle gear - they're either intensely ON or sleeping.

The fix: Exercise is important for Labs - they're a working breed and love to work hard. Make sure you're providing sufficient exercise, including swimming (which they love!).

When they get excited indoors, become a complete statue. No speaking, touching, or eye contact. Give them the chance to calm down, and if not, place them somewhere to settle.

Practice structured sessions that teach the on/off switch: 30 seconds of intense ball throwing followed by 2 minutes of enforced calm on their mat before the next throw. End the game completely if they break the calm.

Make a clear differentiation between calm time and go time. Everything valuable (food, toys, going outside, affection) must come after a moment of calm behaviour first - never reward excited energy.

Labs inherently want to please. If you're calm and clear about what's allowed, your Lab will quickly understand.

Finding it hard to create calm moments? Teaching impulse control takes practice and timing. Our Skool community has video demonstrations of structured play sessions and you can troubleshoot your specific challenges with experienced trainers.

Problem 3: Pulling on the Lead

What's happening: Your Lab drags you down the street, pulls towards everything interesting, and makes walks exhausting.

Why it happens: Labs were bred to pull heavy fishing nets and sleds in Newfoundland, then to power through water and rough terrain whilst retrieving. Pulling forward is literally in their job description and feels natural to them. They have no genetic understanding of why pulling would be wrong.

The fix: Master the walk from your doorway. Don't step outside until your Lab sits calmly whilst you attach the lead. If they pull toward the door, turn and walk back inside without a word, remove the lead, and wait 10 minutes before trying again.

Practice walking to your gate and back 20-30 times before attempting real walks. Stop completely when tension appears and immediately change direction once the leash goes slack.

Use a figure 8 pattern when they're pulling on the lead. Never allow them to drag you toward parks or sniff zones - if pulling occurs at the start, calmly remove the lead and walk back inside.

Don't be afraid to cancel the walk if they cannot be calm next to you. This is a very powerful message to Labs. Consider using a no-pull harness for additional control.

Walks still a nightmare? Lead training takes consistency and patience. Inside our Skool community, you'll find our complete "Calm Walking Blueprint" course with step-by-step progressions and can share your progress with other Lab owners.

Is a Labrador Retriever Right for a New Owner?

A Labrador Retriever might be perfect for you if you're looking for:

A friendly, trainable family dog - Labradors are famous for their gentle nature and eagerness to learn. They respond beautifully to positive training and are excellent with children of all ages.

An active companion for outdoor adventures - These dogs thrive with families who love swimming, hiking, and outdoor activities. They have the energy and enthusiasm to keep up with active lifestyles.

A versatile dog that can do it all - Whether you want a hiking buddy, a therapy dog, or a loyal family member, Labs excel in multiple roles. Their intelligence and trainability make them incredibly adaptable.

A food-motivated dog that's easy to train - If you enjoy training and teaching new skills, Labs are ideal. Their love of food makes training straightforward and rewarding for both of you.

A social dog that loves everyone - Labradors are friendly with strangers, children, and other pets. They're perfect for social households and families who entertain often.

If you're ready for daily exercise (1-2 hours), can manage heavy shedding, and will provide clear structure, a Labrador Retriever will fill your life with joy, loyalty, and unconditional love.

Get the Full Support System for Your Labrador Retriever

This guide gives you real solutions you can start using today. But raising a well-behaved Labrador Retriever is an ongoing journey, not a one-time fix.

That's why we created our free Skool community - to give you continuous support every step of the way.

Inside the community, you'll get:

• Weekly live Q&A sessions where you can ask about YOUR specific Labrador Retriever and get personalised advice from experienced trainers
• Full breed-specific courses covering everything from puppy raising to advanced behaviour modification
• A supportive community of other Labrador Retriever owners who understand exactly what you're going through
• Video demonstrations so you can see techniques in action, not just read about them
• Troubleshooting help when things don't go to plan (because they won't always!)
• Updated resources as we add new courses and training blueprints

Best part? It's completely free. No subscription. No catch. Just dog owners helping dog owners.

Join The Toe Beans Co community today and get the ongoing support you need to build the best relationship with your Labrador Retriever.