Labrador Retriever Puppy Training - 12 Weeks

In this video, we demonstrate our basic strategy for helping puppies prepare for real life adventures!
First we cover our core obedience exercises then we go out back for some environmental socialization, exercise, and retrieving work.
The Labrador's temperament as a kind, pleasant, outgoing and tractable nature. Labradors' sense of smell allows them to home in on almost any scent and follow the path of its origin. They generally stay on the scent until they find it. Navies, military forces and police forces use them as detection dogs to track down smugglers, thieves, terrorists and black marketers. They are known to have a very soft feel to the mouth, as a result of being bred to retrieve game such as waterfowl. They are prone to chewing objects (though they can be trained to abandon this behaviour).
Labradors have a reputation as a very even-tempered breed and an excellent family dog. This includes a good reputation with children of all ages and other animals.Some lines, particularly those that have continued to be bred specifically for their skills at working in the field (rather than for their appearance), are particularly fast and athletic. Their fun-loving boisterousness and lack of fear may require training and firm handling at times to ensure it does not get out of hand-an uncontrolled adult can be quite problematic. Females may be slightly more independent than males. Labradors mature at around three years of age; before this time they can have a significant degree of puppy-like energy, often mislabelled as being hyperactive. Because of their enthusiasm, leash-training early on is suggested to prevent pulling when full-grown.Labradors often enjoy retrieving a ball endlessly (often obsessively) and other forms of activity (such as agility, frisbee, or flyball.)I hope you guys enjoy!
If you would like more information about my services, heres a link to my website: kentuckycanine....
If you would like to see some cool photos, here's a link to my instagram: / stonniedennis
#puppytraining #labradorretriever #retrievertraining #labpuppy #retriever#stonnie #dogtrainer #boardandtrain #labradorretriever #bernesemountaindog #germanshepherd #labpuppy #blacklab #yellowlab #chocolatelab #silverlab

[@StonnieDennis]

Are you a fan of my training style, but can’t travel to Kentucky to see me in person? No worries! I offer an awesome online dog training course, which includes access to an array of exclusive videos and content, personalized coaching, journaling, and in-depth mentoring and evaluation by yours truly! Just need some an advice or have a couple questions you need answered? I also offer professional consulting by the hour. Both of these great services can be found here: kentuckycanine.com/onlinecoaching. Thank you all for your remarkable support over the years! I cannot express enough how grateful I am for your appreciation and patronage of this channel, my training style, and my kennel. Always remember, it’s a great day for a puppy-sized adventure! ⁃Stonnie Dennis, Dog Trainer

[@pattidrier9593]

Stonnie I’ve heard you sing and now your poetry. Kindly. Let me encourage you to keep your day job. Do the poetry on the side, But keep training to pay the bills !

[@pattidrier9593]

Some questions. What type of rope and what length is your long line. I can make one. If I know more about what type of road and length. You use 2 different whistles. What kind is the softer or quieter one? Where can I find one? You wear a very nice vest type Article of clothing. With big treat bags. And room for dummies for fetching. What is it called and where can it be found? Have you considered Selling some of the training items that you use? What are you slipping over each dogs head. I think I can make that also if I knew more about it. Thank you.

[@loripratley6525]

I also would like to know more about your accessories for training. Is your vest a fishing vest?

[@malexander1954]

I live in Ecuador and there are thousands of dogs that roam the streets. A 9 week old black lab was found wandering the streets of Otavalo. An American picked her up and brought her to an animal rescue/hospital in Cotacachi where I live. I just adopted her today and eager to get her trained.

[@Peter-rg4ng]

11 weeks!!!! Wow - that is insane. Well done!

[@mrsir1872]

i love that mr no name ended up staying mr no name. awesome name for a dog.

[@johnspencer3994]

Same :) 6/2021 and "Mr. NoName" is a wonderful name

[@ShamanicSavant]

Best no BS dog training channel on YT. Thank you so much for posting your videos... you're a genuinely decent human being and a phenomenal dog trainer :)

[@kilgoretrout6136]

That was everything you need to know about raising a puppy. There's so much information within this video. Brilliant work , sir! Thanks for the video , Stonnie.

[@heathermcdaniel5488]

Kilgore Trout Stonnie is the best!

[@kilgoretrout6136]

@@heathermcdaniel5488 He's amazing. He really has helped me with my 1.7 yr old adoption. I train him and we go on adventures-- he's starting to like me more than he likes my girlfriend. Lol.

[@digitalcanvas73]

Your channel is the best one I have come across when it comes to training puppies. You explain everything in a layman’s terms unlike other trainers who use all fancy terms or techniques.

[@nav6711]

Aw puppy no name is so little he's such a good mentor dog now so glad I get to see the early days!

[@dougcampos5518]

New drinking game > take a shot every time stonnie says “very nice”

[@florianpeter7045]

Ended up in hospital. Thanks

[@C.Hawkshaw]

Great. Now I can't watch these videos any more without laughing every time he says it! 😁

[@rickklare4081]

@@C.Hawkshaw do a shot every time Stonnie says oh what a nice animal you may stay alive, LOL LOVE STONNIE

[@ShamanicSavant]

Better game... Punch yourself in the face every time you can't think of something original :)

[@jokulsnow9903]

I'm playing the game, I'm not impressed so far. Becasue id da be, well osay a little drunk, but nowesdg ahagrre, really he said it again? asdvt qweqekm dumahs, no he didn't, i didn't hear soo no count. ahat das im go seep, werbed. stuop game.

[@garretsabourin5842]

I love seeing mr. No name grow from a pup to mentor dog

[@Turtle42082]

My husband just surprised me with a Christmas puppy (not something we typically would do, but this past couple of years we had to put down both of our girls @ 13 & our cat @ 22!). Anyway, her name is Nelli (after his Benelli, it was kind of a joke that stuck). She’s 11 weeks old and I need to learn so much because we haven’t had a puppy in 15 yrs!! Thanks for all you do, Stonnie! Your channel has been very informative for me the last year or so.

[@RatdogDRB]

Look at those GOOD dogs ! Henry's a great teacher of dogdom. MNN will sleep good tonight.

[@dermotleeson1348]

Arrrrrr big and little stonnie. His good at training kids to, what a nice polite well mannered kid his got, great family stonnie god bless tea

[@peters6850]

I literally lol'd when he said "he's not even 12 weeks old, he's 12 weeks old next week"

[@fknight]

I appreciate the video! My dog never pays attention to the TV, but she was honed in on that puppy run around haha.

[@adam-the-dev]

Funny seeing you here

[@jensengeisert2583]

Your videos are making me more confident about getting a puppy! Our lab puppy will be with us in about a month and I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm so excited to start training it! You make it look so easy and enjoyable and as someone who has never had a dog before, you have given me confidence! Thank you for reminding me to always put myself in the dog's shoes!

[@aylingtoday]

Stonnie, another great video. We took our 12 week old fox red Labrador out for an adventure walk and discovered exactly what you mean about environmental socialisation. She seemed to be tender footed around some leaf debris until we realised there were stinging nettles sprouting between the leaves! No lasting harm done but she was unhappy for a few hours. We’re on the other side of the Atlantic but think that Scout, after the Harper Lee character, is a cool name for a smart creature.

[@MarciaJoan1939]

Onslow is a good name for your puppy

[@littleninjai222]

You are sooo good. There's a reason why other reputable trainers refernce you. Thabk you for another great video.

[@StonnieDennis]

Thank you for the kind words. I’m glad you enjoy our content!

[@peterharper9703]

My fur baby is going on 10 weeks old he’s a all Black Working GSD. It is amazing how fearless puppies can be.

[@wingspread7869]

We're picking up our Lab puppy in 3 weeks, so really appreciating your sharing knowledge. BTW, that item from the cedar tree is a cedar-apple rust disease gall. Go look at them in spring after a rainy period...orange tentacles.

[@bernadetteengland7129]

Accidentally came across your site,so glad I did. Very impressed with your style of training. I have a lovely 1 year old yellow field lab,Linda, she is

[@eugeneschulz110]

Love your boy's assistance! I have one like that as well. (Your dog instruction is great as well.) Your boy is "solid"! Enjoy HIM!

[@silviaancheta7227]

Thank you so much for sharing! I learned a lot of new information with you. Please keep it coming ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@danferrari9209]

Great dog teacher and people trainer!

[@jackshannonmusic7564]

Love that old barn!

[@travisriggs2102]

He looks like a "Remington" to me.......thanks for the excellent training instruction. My 5 month old blonde lab Levi has reaped MANY benefits!!!!! Keep On Truckin'

[@aabradley82]

It's always a good day when Stonnie uploads a video with Lab puppies!! We once had a pony with no name, we ended up naming him Emanon, which is no name spelled backwards. LOL However, for all your talk of adventuring, you could name him after a great American adventurer.

[@terrystarr2617]

So darn cute at that age. Aaaand in 2024 No Name shall be his name! He sure turned into a great dog. Love IS really a warm puppy!

[@_outdoorjunkie_1843]

Great video I just got a new lab these tips will be helpful in my training

[@theonlinedogtrainerreview5747]

Great work!!! Truly a fantastic explanation of what the e collar is and how the process is supposed to work. Thank you

[@julioc918]

what a beatiful black puppy!!

[@leanneatcheson553]

It’s so cute. The puppy just looks at you for the next command.

[@juliendottavio5979]

Thank you for making these videos! My family will be getting a black lab puppy in 11 days and I will definitely use these techniques.

[@patymar80]

Who else is watching in 2021 and sees that Mr NN's name became his full time name? 😆

[@Turtle42082]

Lol! On the cusp of 2023 & still Mr. No Name. Love it!

[@ingafalkenstein4221]

2024 😂

[@kelly3560]

2024 👋 .. not a fan of the name .. no name tho.

[@pcabelli]

Hey Stonnie, love your work, and that Labrador puppy is super cute. What struck me in the video was how normal it seemed for your son to be scooting around with a rifle on his back! You Americans are so nutty with your guns! I’m 50 and live in Melbourne Australia. Melbourne is a metropolis of about 6 million peeps and I’ve never even seen a firearm other than on a cop. Bizzare how we can be so similar but so different! Have a great day in the bluegrass! (Whatever that is). Off to train the dog with your wisdom now.

[@kilgoretrout6136]

Most Americans are too misinformed about guns to exercise their 2nd amendment.

[@dzodaj]

You are a great trainer, how you explain senses is so educational. I have a 10 week puppy just like a Nonamem, and it seams to me like it was born trained...for some times now he sits when I throw and goes for it only when I say go...when retrieves he leave toy by my foot and sits...he know to sit and stay until I call him...and I am not a trainer and do not use treats...I guess I am just lucky with Bitzer, I hope it will stay like that , maybe I try sling shot hunting one day :)

[@StonnieDennis]

Breeding is more important than training!

[@megancotterly9357]

Thank you for posting this. I love watching your trainings. We have an 11 week old puppy though and sometimes I'm not sure what is age appropriate for his age

[@joeshawcroft7121]

I love that hat :D. Very cool video.

[@stevehofmaster7489]

Great video,I always learn so much from you Stonnie.Your dog is just so well trained.I admire your work.

[@doi467]

DUKE is what i think he looks like.....great videos stonnie

[@georgpfeiffer2877]

Great training with mr no name👍❤️

[@neilcashman3770]

Totally inspiring work

[@Parzival-qg2vu]

Uncle Stoney - your love of life and more specifically your life with your dogs is beautiful. Cant wait to get our new lab puppy in 3 weeks and utilize your training. Also where can I get this hat

[@StonnieDennis]

Thank you! It’s from a small Inuit shop in Alaska, I think.

[@candiflint6487]

I absolutely love this channel. The channel is funny, informative and with a realistic perspective. I don't have a dog yet. I'm taking notes from the channel to get prepared. I'm looking for suggestions. I want one that looks intimidating, but won't really attack people, but bark to scare people off.

[@robertsalyers1351]

Great information thanks for the video brother

[@Ourdogrue]

Hahaha the intro was great Your awesome. Love your content

[@StonnieDennis]

Thank you!

I love the hat. Love it.

[@trippwhitener9498]

Excellent video, thanks.

[@IMDivinelyInspired]

Such a great video! and... The HAT!!! Haha!

[@campingalan]

Thank you again, Stonnie, to you and your family for putting together another great educational video. We just committed with a breader for a german shepherd pup that will be available in early May for pick up (due in early March). Your videos will provide an awesome guideline to move through the training process. I know you have several playlists for different types of dogs. However, they are all so consistent in the training methods and I have no doubt they will work well.

[@StonnieDennis]

Thank you for watching! If you ever need any help, I have an awesome online coaching and consultation service: kentuckycanine.com/onlinecoaching

[@campingalan]

Ok...….that sounds great. A general question about that: if you are generally always full with 30 dogs on that program, how do you get in the que? The litter should be born within 2 weeks; at which then, we'll know when we can go pick up the pup.

[@carolinepanico9661]

My 11 week old Norfolk Terrier is called Rocky, which is pretty cool (we think)! Just wanted to say thanks for the awesome videos they’re really helping. 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@Terrierized]

Great choice of dog ! And the Norwich Terrier 😊

[@bingothesmoothcollie7898]

Wow very nice job. Learned a new term: Small Challenge Course. But.... darn you now I must make one.

[@StonnieDennis]

I’ll send you my address for the monthly licensing fee...

[@joeld.vessierealtor-glacie7391]

Enjoy your methods. New English Springer following your methods with excellent success! Like your vids. Ol snoop will be a pheasant machine come up to Montana with a lab for some pheasant!

[@DrToddFisher]

Your mentor dog Henry is such a great idea for modeling desired behavior. Thanks for sharing this great content.

[@avocadocasualty]

Stonnie I love your videos!! You've inspired me greatly and I hope for the chance to get to meet you one day! The last time I couldn't think of a name for a critter I ended up naming her Nada. I don't think that would work too well for Mr. Noname though! Good lucking finding something that fits him!

[@jwalker7097]

this guy is fantastic

[@CamilleJCornish]

im getting a new puppy soon and im gonna be prepared ❤

[@LibertyFirst1789]

love your content

[@timstoltzfus8408]

How many animals are on your head?! 🤣 Love what you do, Stonnie! You're a riot and your advice is no nonsense common sense!

[@charlcilliers5098]

Great video

[@jacke3796]

Man now that’s a cool hat you got your self

[@erikahansen2684]

HI Stonnie, thanks so much for your videos. Do you have any tips for how to stop a 10 week old vizsla pup from thinking the training stick (and lead) is for chasing/biting/chewing? His retrieval has been amazing from the very beginning - like Noname's with a bit more excitement and mouthyness with the dummy.

[@nachiketn8032]

Bruh that intro was lit.. thanks stonnie

[@heathermcdaniel5488]

I thought I got a shepherd lab mix-DNA results say Pyr 50%; 12.5 lab; 12.5 American foxhound; 12.5 working so I’m learning all I can about this independent young man 🥰 He’s super mellow and about the size of No Name. We named our guy Duke! Maybe No Name could be BLUE as in Kentucky Blue Grass ❤️

[@casaimani1337]

Thanks for your videos! Mr Noname suggestion: Sparky. He sparks joy!

[@cameronvangreuning5779]

Stonnie, i absolutely love watching your videos. I was just wondering what's your way of dealing with puppy biting (10week old German shorthaired). He's very nippy even after hes tired out.

[@auldman]

Henry is a star.

[@scarter176]

You are a great trainer. Love your methods and techniques. How would I find a trainer in Texas that uses your methods?

[@randomsandra4039]

That was amazing! Thank you!

[@kathleentorheim2108]

We are getting a three month old puppy so we will be later in training people usually get them at 8 weeks I wish there was a video on training a older puppy

[@joshuakroger8563]

This is great! I just got a 12 week old Black Labrador. Thanks for the video, I am definitely going to be using these tips. My 5.5 yr. old son named our dog Panther. I was training them both this weekend. What do you use for treats/snacks/rewards?

[@kathleendado4230]

Thank you for this video! Nice kayak! Adorable dog 💛💛💛

[@joshuagonzalez7084]

Love your videos, what’s your feeding schedule for your 12bweeks old pup. What are you using for training treats

[@N0VA_30M3]

Love it, do you ever do scent training?

[@suzannsmith1967]

Hey Stonnie, LOVE all the help you give away in your vids. I'm hoping I can ask a question or two? I've got a 16 week old choc lab female. Her manners at home are great but as soon as we are outside she's a crazy girl and forgets everything we've done at home. Can you please point to either one of your current vids for me to watch on attention deficient and how I can desensitize her to distractions? Thank you sir.

[@suzannsmith1967]

PS: We live in the city, small yard, but lots of outside fun places to hike, swim, and would love to take her out to start acclimating her to the water.

[@IngerHotho]

Try to add in your distractions a little at a time......start slow and work your way up. Just my opinion.

[@duncanrose7985]

Stonnie this 12wk and the 16wk video are bloody awesome. Love your work..... How did you start the stick training with Mr NoName?

[@Pgd10020]

Who’s a good boy !! 🐶

[@adamw4469]

0:30 - the year is 2022 and his full time name IS Mr. No Name. And the people love it.

[@harmonicbalancebrucereeves1198]

Omg love the hat

[@Vernonu9]

Love labs

[@LoveMika34]

My 10 week old lab puppy isnt very motivated. Doesn't listen well. I've tried treats, toys, love. What do I do?

[@michaelfabregas3496]

Henry is awesome!!! You need to make a video of him :) Is he a show dog ?

[@DarcyCarmen]

Two name suggestions: 1. Poet. 2. Abraham (my personal favourite, as I myself have a black lab by that name).

[@grandpa_eric]

Stonnie, how about Tucker. Since y’all live in Kentucker and the name Henry is taken. I love Henry. What a great dog. Tucker, uh No Name has a super mentor in Henry. Both dogs are obviously so smart and eager to please.

[@FoxtrotOscar9]

Great

[@myrahouse2368]

Awww Mr No name as a pup

[@stellacwalker]

No Name is perfect 😊

[@donnobles5272]

What brand treat do you keep in your bag to reward your puppies with ?

[@petesponies115]

what is the clicker you have and why?

[@C.Pachovsky]

"My new puppy, Mister No Name. That's not his full-time name, that's just kind of a standing name, because I haven't figured out what I'm gonna call him yet." -- I guess you never did figure it out Stonnie :P

[@codyduplantis3]

What type of treats are you using or do you recommend? and when do you stop with the treats since I see henry does not get treats for working. Thanks for the great videos. I am self retriever training my chocolate lab and its going well for a 16 wk old puppy.

[@heidiniit404]

What kind of collar and lead does he have ?

[@406unltd3]

Stonnie, How about a leash training overview. How can we make sure we are teaching our puppies how to be on a leash properly? What the best way to make things easier on us and the puppies?

[@LeeShand]

Mr No Name, needs to be named, Mr No Name!

[@miafrost9885]

Name suggestions: How about Allen Tate or Tony Crunk to pay some tribute to Kentucky poets? Tate and Crunk for short. Or Commenter, so that you can tell Commenter to just be quiet or to settle down when you feel the urge. Love your videos! Thank you for posting they are inspiring.

[@jonathanmeyers6843]

Hey Stonnie, how cold is it where you are? And at when do you consider putting a coat of some sort on the dog? Asking from Colorado

[@kio1]

I have a 2 years old Labrador that when I got about 6 months ago, was quite energetic, but in the past 2-3 moths she became slower and slower. Especially on the return part of the fetch. Any advice how could increase her energy level again? She is from a show line, but she was the same even before she slowed down. Any advice, please?

[@ShamanicSavant]

Has she gained weight?

[@kio1]

@@ShamanicSavant Not really. She has days when she is in the mood and does pretty well, and days when she isn’t

[@kio1]

@@ShamanicSavant No. She is doing better now, but still far from what other dogs do and I guess this is just her way of being.

[@julie4625]

I LOVE HENRY!!!

[@mikerivers122]

Hey Stonnie.. i'm 6mts into your channel what do you use for bait? is it home made? great videos keep up the good work.

[@misscatto4694]

Thank you, Stonnie. Always so insightful and positive. Name idea: “Odin”