With the press coverage of President Bill Clinton’s chocolate Lab, Buddy, and now the popularity of the book and movie, “Marley and Me,” many people have been enticed into adopting one of these wonderful dogs. But bringing a Lab into your home is not something to be done lightly. These oversized goofballs are very active, highly intelligent, and require a great deal of exercise and attention.
If ignored, they will pout and frequently express their displeasure by destroying your possessions; one woman returned home from work to find her yellow Lab had eaten one of the cushions from her sofa, leaving nothing behind but the zipper. Many people find they cannot handle this, and there is nothing sadder than the ads for “used” Labs whose owners were not prepared for the responsibility.
Intelligent and Stubborn
Before getting a Lab, be absolutely certain you have enough time to devote to proper training, exercise and attention. While their high intelligence level makes these dogs fun to interact with, it can also be a challenge to keep them out of trouble. They are surprisingly tenacious and resourceful when they want something.
One Wisconsin veterinarian estimated that he sees five times as many Labs as any other animal combined. “The other day a woman came in with her Lab, which was vomiting every few minutes. While she was out picking up her kids from school, the dog had managed to get up onto a high counter and lapped up meat juice that had been mixed with dish soap before being poured down the disposal. She couldn’t believe he had climbed up that high. Never underestimate the abilities of a bored Lab!”
Good Toys for Labrador Retrievers
A good selection of toys, then, is critical to keeping a Lab happy and entertained and off of your counters. It is important, however, to use caution when selecting toys. They have strong jaws and can quickly destroy toys that are made for smaller breeds. Some of the best toys for Labs are the Kong brand toys. These tough, hard rubber balls, bones, and cones hold up well to abuse and allow owners to relax and watch their pet happily chewing away without fear of the dog choking. They can be used plain or filled with treats, and the website features recipes and tips for stuffing the hollow Kongs in ways that will keep your dog occupied for hours.
Another good toy for Labs is a simple stuffed goose, duck, or other bird. Their retriever instincts respond well to this toy and they seem to derive a great deal of pleasure from chasing and fetching. Long, thick ropes and braids can also give the dog some much needed exercise; however, you need to be careful that you don’t allow the dog to use it as a young puppy as this can sometimes result in the dog becoming overly aggressive.
Teaching Your Lab Discipline
Solid discipline is a requirement if you want your Lab to have acceptable company manners, but don’t expect them to make it easy for you. Labs have very high pain thresholds and very sensitive personalities. Whacking them with a rolled up newspaper frequently has no effect, yet the smallest scold can make their ears melt and their tails droop. They truly look sorry, and yet, as soon as you are out of sight, they are right back into whatever caught their attention in the first place. They will generally respond well to consistent, firm correction and to positive reinforcement, however. Consistency is the key.
Remember, however, that Labs remain puppy-like until about three years old and even the most attentive Lab owner can sometimes question their dog's sanity. At these times, a good sense of humor is required. If you don't think you can keep your cool through a succession of chewed shoes, stolen food, and broken knick-knacks, a Lab is probably not the dog for you.
Exercise is Critical
A tired Lab is a happy Lab! A Lab puppy needs lots of exercise and room to run, and this need will increase as it grows. If you are an outdoor person, include your dog in runs (build the puppy up slowly), bike rides, or hikes. Labs love to run and play fetch which can be a double-edged sword. Many a ball game has been interrupted by a bored Lab who decides it has had enough of watching the humans have all the fun. Since the breed was bred for the water they also love to swim.
If you are willing to invest the time, energy, and love required, adopting a Lab can be the best decision you’ve ever made!
Sources:
Dummies.com, "Are You the Right Type for a Labrador Retriever?", accessed August 11, 2009
The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc., accessed August 11, 2009,
 |
 |
