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Male or Female lab?

Question

How do male and female labs differ when it comes to training or housebreaking?

I've heard the females are easier to train and are not as stubborn as males.

I first wanted to get a male lab but after hearing that information I am swaying towards a female.

I could use a little info from an actual lab owner.

Answer

Female labs are said to be easier to train and a female dog does not feel the need to mark her territory as males do.

I personally have not had an experience with housebreaking a male labrador.

I can speak about Tasha - we found her very easy to housebreak and very quick to learn everything. We really had no problems when it came to training her.

This is not to say that males will be difficult. I would love to hear other peoples opinions also, did anyone fine their male lab difficult to train?

Comments for
Male or Female lab?

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Mar 28, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Female Lab
by: Anonymous

I have a 9 year old Male and a 1 1/2 year old Female lab. To put it very simple, I will always choose female labs over male labs from now on. She already behaves better than my 9 year old male and with much less training. My male is much more protective and not near as timid as my female, but being timid has made her very easy to work with.
Jun 23, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Male or Female Lab--training
by: Libby's mom

I only have a sample of two, a male and female lab from the same breeder. Both male and female, smart and beautiful dogs--however, my girl was housebroken at 9 weeks barked at the door to go out--without one accident after 11 weeks. She was on the submissive side while still a 'puppy' until about 2 years old--just loved going out, playing tennis (retrieving) and was a star in obedience school.

My boy--while definitely will not potty in his crate he is a stubborn boy--I cannot turn my back on him or he will pee--even a small amount. I take him out at least 8 times a day at 15 weeks and he does his business--but, there seems to be 'marking' behavior already which seems amazing to me. Now he also barks when he needs to go out--but he is more alpha than my girl so sometimes we are not sure if the bark really means "go out" or "play with me" or "give me the treat."

He is very smart--will sit, paw, lay down (but thinks "stay" means roll over from the sit--down). Cute.

Over all, it seem my male lab is quite a bit more "independent" and requires more vigilance to prevent peeing or "nipping". I recall my girl's nipping completely ended at 6 mos when she got most of her adult teeth.

An interesting note, my boy was an "only child" --a litter of one, where my girl had 6 or 7 other litter mates--which I think account for the fact that my boy is MUCH LESS FOOD MOTIVATED if that is even possible with a Lab. I couldn't believe it either!

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