Caring for Labradors
Care and Training of Labrador Retrievers
Although the Lab is the epitome of family dogs, he needs a household that is fairly active to satisfy his need for exercise and work. Daily walks, romps in a fenced yard, and games of fetch keep his mind and body in shape. Unless these needs are satisfied, the Lab may become a wanderer, a digger, or a chewer. First off, the new Lab puppy should be leash trained and taught to sit on command to prevent his jumping on people in his desire to say hello. The pup can also be taught early to shake paws and to fetch; his soft mouth and innate desire to retrieve can provide hours of play. Later on, the pup can learn to put his nose to use and find things that have been hidden for him.
A fast-growing Lab pup reaches almost adult weight within six months and can be a handful to train if left to his own devices ‘til then. He is exuberant, a trait that can get him into trouble with other dogs and with the neighbors who do not appreciate his antics. So early training is essential; if you wait too long, his rambunctious character will be difficult to manage. Puppy and basic obedience classes are recommended to teach manners. If Mary allows the dog on the sofa when Mom’s not around, the dog is going to be either confused or sneaky, so consistency between family members is necessary.
Discipline should be gentle – no screaming at the pup or smacking with a newspaper, as these reactions to misbehavior are counterproductive.
Feeding a Lab pup is more difficult than buying a premium food and letting him eat his fill. As a fast-growing breed subject to hip dysplasia, the Lab puppy should be fed a diet prepared for large-breed puppies or regular adult dog food of less than 25 percent protein to help avoid joint problems that can occur when dogs grow too fast. Offer him food two or three times a day and take away what he doesn’t eat in 15 minutes. Teach him to sit before putting the food bowl on the floor to avoid his jumping at the dish and spilling the food.
Some Labs are taller or heavier than the preferred standard size. Most Labs have a tendency to become obese, so their diets must be closely controlled. Owners who use treats to train must be careful to cut back on regular meals to avoid unhealthy weight gain. Older Labs enjoy the couch and the fire; if fed too much or not given enough exercise they will fatten up rather quickly.
Although the Lab is the epitome of family dogs, he needs a household that is fairly active to satisfy his need for exercise and work. Daily walks, romps in a fenced yard, and games of fetch keep his mind and body in shape. Unless these needs are satisfied, the Lab may become a wanderer, a digger, or a chewer. First off, the new Lab puppy should be leash trained and taught to sit on command to prevent his jumping on people in his desire to say hello. The pup can also be taught early to shake paws and to fetch; his soft mouth and innate desire to retrieve can provide hours of play. Later on, the pup can learn to put his nose to use and find things that have been hidden for him.
A fast-growing Lab pup reaches almost adult weight within six months and can be a handful to train if left to his own devices ‘til then. He is exuberant, a trait that can get him into trouble with other dogs and with the neighbors who do not appreciate his antics. So early training is essential; if you wait too long, his rambunctious character will be difficult to manage. Puppy and basic obedience classes are recommended to teach manners. If Mary allows the dog on the sofa when Mom’s not around, the dog is going to be either confused or sneaky, so consistency between family members is necessary.
Discipline should be gentle – no screaming at the pup or smacking with a newspaper, as these reactions to misbehavior are counterproductive.
Feeding a Lab pup is more difficult than buying a premium food and letting him eat his fill. As a fast-growing breed subject to hip dysplasia, the Lab puppy should be fed a diet prepared for large-breed puppies or regular adult dog food of less than 25 percent protein to help avoid joint problems that can occur when dogs grow too fast. Offer him food two or three times a day and take away what he doesn’t eat in 15 minutes. Teach him to sit before putting the food bowl on the floor to avoid his jumping at the dish and spilling the food.
Some Labs are taller or heavier than the preferred standard size. Most Labs have a tendency to become obese, so their diets must be closely controlled. Owners who use treats to train must be careful to cut back on regular meals to avoid unhealthy weight gain. Older Labs enjoy the couch and the fire; if fed too much or not given enough exercise they will fatten up rather quickly.
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