Our Training

At Smoky Mtn. we offer two foundational levels of training that support the health and temperaments of our Labradors. We have Level One: Crate Training and Level Two Behavior Training.

Level One: Crate Training

Crate training is an optional add-on to your puppy purchase; however, we strongly recommend our Crate Training Program! Over 95% of our puppies stay with us through 16 weeks—this is what Smoky Mountain Labradors is known for. While families often worry about missing the puppy stage, this program ensures you receive the very best part of it.

    • Calm, secure rest and sleep rhythms.

    • Stress regulation and confidence building.

    • Digestive and immune system support.

    • Early independence.

    • The critical 8–12 week immunity gap.

    • Puppies are monitored throughout the day and evening, with on-site staff from 6:30am- 8:00pm each day, camera oversight, and daily evaluations of overall health and development.

    • By the end of training, they have received all required vaccinations at the 6,9,12 and 16 week marks, providing peace of mind as they join your home.

    • This extended period also allows us to evaluate temperament, behavior, and development to ensure the best family match.

    • Puppies begin to understand structure! They rest up to 13 hours per day and get in a healthy sleep rhythm.

    1. They have learned that the crate is a safe, positive space through food rewards when they go into the crate and praise at the end of each session.

    2. They have learned to keep their crate clean

    3. They have learned to settle quietly in the crate without excessive barking or attempts to escape

      Once all three goals are consistently met, the puppy graduates from the program.

  • We work closely with over seven respected veterinary clinics nationwide, including three in Knoxville, and rely heavily on their professional guidance. No puppy is placed without approval from a licensed veterinarian. Puppies in Level One crate training go home fully vaccinated, while the 10-week option goes home with two age-appropriate vaccinations.

  • Most prospective pet parents are not aware of what is known in the pet industry as the “immunity gap.” This is the short window— typically between 8 and 12 weeks—when a puppy’s protection from its mother’s antibodies fades, but its own immune system isn’t fully developed yet. During this time, puppies are far more vulnerable to viruses, bacteria, and environmental exposure that can make them seriously ill. Even one careless outing or unnecessary exposure in this phase can have lifelong health consequences.

  • No, they are not. Although they learn appropriate behavior within the crate, crate training and potty training are not the same. Puppies go home with structure, routine, and a solid foundation in place. We begin the process—it’s up to families to continue it. Consistency at home is essential for long-term success.

Stage One

Month 1: Immunity & Development Focus (8–12 weeks)

  • Puppies remain with their litter and are isolated from other litters and dogs

  • Emphasis on building a strong immune system

  • Buffet-style feeding to monitor growth and development

  • Continued deworming protocol

  • Ongoing stool evaluations to ensure healthy internal development

    Stage Two

    Month 2: Crate Training Intensive (12–16 weeks)

    • Slight food adjustment to support crate motivation
    • Puppies are introduced to the crate 4–5 times daily
    • Training sessions gradually increase to one hour each
    • Later sessions shift to fewer crate times with longer durations per session

Level Two: Behavior Training

Behavior training is an optional add-on to your puppy purchase; however, we strongly recommend this for families who want a well-mannered, attentive Labrador—at home and in public. Puppies go home at 10 or 16 weeks, depending on crate training enrollment, and then can return for behavior training between 8 and 12 months of age.

    • Marker recognition and basic obedience foundations.

    • Calm greetings and handling tolerance.

    • Leash introduction.

    • Environmental exposure.

    • Early impulse control.

    • We actively look for unwanted behaviors and begin correcting them early—before they become habits.

  • They will master the five basic commands— sit, down, stay, heel and come. They are taught to respond to their owners commands even when faced with distraction, both on and off leash.

  • Training is tested in both home and public settings to ensure your dog listens and behaves anywhere. Families who participate in this program see their Labs return focused, obedient, and ready to thrive as true “gentleman’s dogs.”

  • We have two head trainers located in Nashville and Alabama, one of which will work with your dog through an 8 week course!

  • Trust the process and be patient as it’s so worth the wait! Oh, and I can’t say enough about the crate training. This is a game changer!

    ~ Bret

  • 100% satisfaction, 0% buyer's remorse. Gene's pick, Smoky Mtn Josie Rose came to us at 4 months old and crate trained. We are experienced Lab owners, and have never met such a well behaved and polite puppy.

    ~ Kathy

  • We picked up Lyla 2 months ago at 16 weeks. We kept her with Gene for crate training and it was a wonderful decision.

    ~ Paul

  • We cannot say enough wonderful things about Gene and the Smoky Mountain Lab crew. Our 4 month old pup, Remington (Remi) is a dream. He arrived to us crate trained and has slept through the night since day 1. His temperament is absolutely phenomenal - calm but friendly - just as advertised by Gene.

    ~ Suzanne

  • If you're considering a lab, I wholeheartedly recommend Smoky Mountain Labradors. We also strongly recommend the training Smoky Mountain provides before getting your pup.

    ~ Isabella