So, you’re bringing home your first Labrador!
You couldn’t have picked a better breed of dog, and you know what: we’re not alone in thinking that!
Labradors are one of the most popular breeds of dog in both the UK and the US! People all over the world have fallen in love with these bouncy, loveable, affectionate pups. To show your furry friend your compassion, you can give it products that are designed for pet care.
However, you’ll probably know that every breed of dog has its own quirks and needs. They all have their own likes and requirements when it comes to taking care of them. One of the most important things you need to do is find a veterinarian that can provide health services for your new pet.
Everything You Need To Know About Your First Labrador
Here are a few things to look out for and a few things to remember about your new best friend.
Firstly, Labradors Have A Lot Of Energy
A word you might see thrown around a lot when it comes to describing a Labrador’s personality is “hyperactive.”
That’s not really fair on the dog.
What is true is that Labradors have tremendous reserves of energy!
It’s important that you have plenty of time set aside for exercise with your dog.
Adult Labradors should be getting about two hours of exercise a day. Get your trainers out and get ready for lots of runs through the park with your new companion!
However, it should be noted that you shouldn’t just be looking at walkies for exercise, because…
Labradors Love To Learn
Labradors are famously quick learners and their lovely temperament makes them eager to please.
However, just because they love a delicious treat reward, doesn’t mean that you can just cut an activity short with a biscuit and expect them to be done for the day.
It’s really important to keep your dog’s mind active as well as their body.
If you don’t, they will start to act out due to boredom and potentially start shredding things!
Labradors love activity. As gun dogs they love to fetch, so make sure you bring a ball with you and keep things interesting for the doggo.
When Bringing Your First Labrador Home, Remember They Love To Eat!
As much as Labradors love tearing around the park and chasing after fascinating new friends at full speed, they put on weight terribly easily.
They are an obesity-prone breed of dog.
They have a tendency to suffer from hip dysplasia and arthritis, both of which have the potential to be worsened by obesity.
It’s your responsibility as their owner to not only make sure you’re giving them plenty of exercise. Also that you’re giving them a healthy diet and not too many treats.
A lot of dog food tends to be stuffed with gluten-based fillers and all sorts of ingredients, which is why a lot of owners are making the switch to natural pet foods.
They’re Very Friendly
Be ready for a first Labrador.
Labradors are a breed of dog that loves being around people. They can get very excited when they’re around other pups.
To put it simply, they’re very sociable and they have a very sweet temperament which makes them both a great fit for a family dog and the perfect fit for someone who is looking for a companion as much as a pet.
However, it is worth noting that some Labradors can be quite anxious. It’s important to make sure that you socialise with them as early as possible.
This ensures they’re as happy as can be when palling around with other dogs.
Also, those energy levels can be a little daunting for children who aren’t used to dogs.
According to some private dog trainers, it’s important to make sure that your pet is trained before you let them get too carried away.
They Have A Strong Will
As you may have gathered by this point, a Labrador isn’t the kind of dog that’s just going to sit quietly in a corner.
All that energy, all that intelligence and all that good humour mean that they want to be a part of whatever is happening, and they will have an opinion about how it’s happening!
Again, it all comes down to training and it’s important to make sure that you have a firm relationship set from early on to ensure that your dynamic is a happy and healthy one.
Their initiative and confidence are one of the reasons why they’re such good care dogs, as is their incredible loyalty.
Getting Your First Labrador? Also Know That They Love To Swim
If you live near water, then you’d better be ready for your dog to take a dip!
Labradors were bred in Newfoundland and they are naturally very strong swimmers who are perfectly happy splashing around in cold water.
Be sure to keep a careful eye on them when you are near water but remember to let them enjoy it and hey, it certainly makes giving them a bath a lot easier!
Last Updated on June 26, 2023 by Lucy Clarke
