Do you know that America’s most popular dog breed is the Labrador Retriever? This friendly and popular breed is famous for its good temperament and easy-going nature. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Labrador Retriever, from their personality traits to their grooming needs.
So, if you’re looking for a new best friend, here are some things you should know about Labs.
Fast Facts about Labrador Retrievers
As anyone who’s ever been around one will tell you, Labrador Retrievers are among the friendliest dog breeds. But how much do you know about them?
· America’s #1 best friend: According to the American Kennel Club, the canine is the most registered family pet for thirty consecutive years.
· Temperament: They are gentle, playful, and loving, which makes them great family pets.
· Breed description: Labs have a muscular build, long and Otter-like tail, and a weather-resistant coat.
· Height and build: A medium-built male dog weighing 65 – 80 lbs. reaches 22 inches at the shoulder. Meanwhile, females can range from 55 to 70 lbs. in weight, with an average size of about 21 inches on their shoulders.
· Lifespan: Labrador retrievers have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years.
Labs are a splendid choice for families, but ensure you’re ready for the commitment before bringing one home.
Bringing your Labrador Retriever home for the first time
Are you about to bring your new Labrador Retriever home for the first time? Whether you’re getting a puppy or adopting an old, adorable Lab, this can be exciting and nerve-wracking.
In this section, we will give you some tips on making the transition go as smoothly as possible for you and your furry friend.
Talk to your family.
It’s important to talk to your family about some ground rules. Every home is different, so discuss whether the dog can sleep in your bedroom, what kinds of food the dog can eat, and how much exercise the dog will need.
Stock what your dog needs!
Whether it’s coming from a breeder, shelter, or rescue group, stock up on supplies before your new furry friend arrives. Here are some essentials you’ll need:
· Food, water, and food dishes
· Crate or bedding
· Collar and leash
· Toys and chews
· Cleaning supplies
· Bath supplies (brush, shampoo, toothbrush…)
· ID tags
Puppy-proof your home
“Puppy-proof” your home and secure all access points for medicines and chemicals. This protects them from chewing poisonous items or sharp objects in their mouth.
Plan your trip home.
It’s essential to find a helper when picking up your dog. Young puppies that have never been on a car ride before may get nervous. Even adult dogs can get scared! So, keep them company during the trip home by sitting next to it and soothing their fur while someone else drives.
Introduce them to your house
Introduce them gradually by placing the animal in its new bed and waiting until they’ve rooted themselves before closing off any more access points like food, toys, etc.
Train your Lab
House-training will be the first, which means getting their peeing or pooping under control at home so it doesn’t mess up furniture. Socialization is also important when getting your new puppy comfortable around other people and pets.
Get your dog’s license
Your dog needs a license to keep them safe and sound in most places. Find out how you can get your pup licensed from local animal care because if they ever got loose, it would be easy for people or other animals to find themselves as prey!
Schedule your new dog with a vet.
Schedule your first appointment with the veterinarian as soon as possible! Puppies need plenty of vaccinations and check-ups to stay healthy. Older or senior dogs need frequent care and medications.
Consider pet insurance.
The average pet insurance can be as low as $50, depending on what you want to cover for your dog’s health. The average cost for routine veterinary checkups and wellness visits can be anywhere from $50-250. Vaccines are affordable, though you may have to pay more if your pet has specific conditions.
Tips for training a Labrador Retriever
With Labrador Retrievers, there’s no such thing as too much training. These dogs are renowned for being loyal and obedient, but they require much work to stay that way. In section, we’ll go over the basics of how to train your Lab.
Socialize your new dog.
Introducing your puppy to as many new people and places as possible will help socialize him early on. Keep each meeting upbeat!
Use positive reinforcement
Teach your Lab new tricks and reward him when he does something right. Just don’t give him too much, though! According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, obesity is the number one health problem for most dogs, with a staggering 55.8% in the U.S.
Sign up your Lab for outdoor activities.
For a happy and well-behaved Lab, the best thing you can do is get involved with their interests. Consider training your dog as a therapy animal so they have something meaningful in life!
Reinforce good habits
You can also reinforce your Lab’s training by practicing basic obedience commands. The repetition of these tasks provides mental stimulation and may help to solidify good habits in the long term!
Train how they’ll respond when you’re not around the house
When you’re not at home, provide your pets some exciting toys that will keep them from getting bored – AND prevent destructive behaviors like chewing furniture, etc. You may set up automatic feeding if you’re gone for hours long so they won’t get hungry!
Common problems in Labradors
Labradors are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and for a good reason – they’re friendly and make great pets. However, Labradors are also prone to several health problems that can be expensive.
· Cancer. According to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, cancer in Labs is the common cause of death.
· Seizures. Masses in the brain, electrolytes, or metabolic disturbances can cause seizures.
· Hip dysplasia. Symptoms include limping or pain when walking or going up and down the stairs.
· Elbow dysplasia. This is a common condition in which the elbow joint becomes inflamed due to abnormal growth factors.
· Arthritis. It’s often seen with older and senior dogs as they age and strain their joints due to their size.
If you’re a Labrador owner, you know how important it is to care for your pet correctly. This means purchasing health kits and visiting the vet regularly to ensure your Lab is healthy and happy.
Grooming and caring for your Labrador
You love your Lab, but do you know how to care for them? The first step is grooming. Get on the floor and give him a good brush or use conditioner waxing to ensure their fur stays soft and sleek!
Get your grooming essentials. Prep your grooming and care essentials like canine scissors, nail clips, shampoo, brush, towel, toothpaste, and toothbrush.
Brush your dog’s teeth. Brush your dog’s teeth once a day with a pet toothbrush.
Brush the coat. Always brush your dog’s coat before a bath. This removes any tangles and debris.
Rid the shedding. Labs shed a lot twice a year, and it’s best to brush them daily when this happens. You can also bathe them with warm water to remove dead hairs.
Take them for a bath. Bath with Labs happens once a month. But, if your pup is often wandering the outdoors, it’s best to bathe them once every three to five weeks.
Clip their nails. Labs have nail trimmings every three to four weeks.
Skincare. Get rid of fleas and ticks underneath their coats. Remember to comb daily and use flea powder.
Eyes and ears. You can clean their ears and eyes gently with a clean cloth. However, it’s best to call a vet if you notice any out-of-the-ordinary buildup in these parts.
Taking care of your new best friend from day one is essential. Trim their nails, brush lightly, and check their ears for an infection that could cause problems in the future.
Takeaway
Congratulations on your new Labrador Retriever! We hope our post has helped prepare you for caring for your new furry friend. Always be patient and consistent when training your Lab, and groom them regularly. Have fun with your pup – they will bring plenty of joy.
Read also: How To Take Care Of Your Dog
