Smoky Mtn Labradors: Raising and Training Exceptional Puppies
The Smoky Mtn Method: Building the Right Foundation
Level 1 is not optional for us; it’s essential. We use our decades of experience to guide puppies through:
Crate Training & Routine Setting: Puppies stay longer—typically until 16 weeks—to allow us room to shape behavior, build rest, and form consistency.
Socialization & Exposure: Safe, positive introductions to sounds, environments, and routines using affirming methods.
Behavior Training Before Training: Establishing calm foundations so your pup will learn obedience more naturally later.
Health & Growth Monitoring: Frequent veterinary exams, full vaccination series, and growth tracking to ensure puppies leave strong and healthy.
Because we handle the challenging early months, when the puppy comes home, you’re stepping into a more peaceful, confident experience rather than attempting to correct bad habits.
How Level 1 Supports Advanced Goals (Level 2 & Gundogs)
Level 1 isn’t the end, it’s the launchpad. Once a pup completes Level 1 with consistency, we encourage families to explore:
Level 2 Training – where obedience deepens, off-leash control improves, and integration into your life becomes seamless. Click here for a video of our Level 2 training on our Instagram!
Gundog Training – for those who want their Labrador to perform in the field, hunt, retrieve, and become the all-around companion you envision. Gundog Training has been a surprise for our kennel over the past couple of years! Don’t forget to check out our new page about it, or our full website!
Because your pup’s foundation is already strong, the transition into these advanced paths is fluid, efficient, and far more successful.
Why Nearly Every Family Chooses Level 1 (and You Should Too)
It’s simple: Level 1 reduces stress, fosters trust, and preempts problems. Families report fewer accidents, calmer transitions, better focus, and more joy in the early bonding period. We understand that life can get busy, and when adding a new family member, we want to take care of the heavy lifting for you! Our founder Gene Wolfenbarger, always likes to say, “We have got this down to a science,” and that is for your benefit!
At Smoky Mtn Labradors, we’ve built our reputation not just on beautiful bloodlines, but on behavioral excellence. Level 1 is how we deliver that promise—making sure your Labrador is not just bred to be great, but raised to be exceptional.
Call to Action
Ready to see how Level 1 can transform your Labrador’s life? Explore our [Gundog Training] and [Level 2 Training] pages to see how far your pup can go—starting from the best foundation.
