Is a Labrador Retriever the Right Breed for You and Your Family?

So, you have decided that you want to add a puppy to your family and after a number of discussions with your loved ones, you have all agreed on the breed: a Labrador Retriever. If you have prior experience sharing your life with this loyal breed, then you already know that its friendly and gentle nature makes dog an ideal family pet. You also know that while the breed is recognized for its intelligence and adaptability, it also requires consistent training, mental stimulation, and exercise. 

However, if you have never had the privilege of sharing your space with this loving breed, then here are some talking points that you and the members of your household should discuss prior to adopting a Labrador…

1. Exercise: Are you committed to providing daily exercise for your Labrador? While your Lab will be happy to lounge at your feet for most of the day, she will demand some play time outdoors. Whether it’s going for a long walk around the neighborhood or a jog in the woods, this daily activity is essential for both their physical and mental well-being. As the saying goes, “a tired dog is a good dog,” and so it also should be stated the opposite is true - without a regular exercise routine, you may find yourself with a hyperactive, uncontrollable dog. So, how much exercise do they need? In general, a healthy adult Labrador will need approximately an hour of exercise every day. Exercise is anything that is more than a gentle walk such as jogging, playing fetch, and our personal choice (also their preference,) swimming. The amount of time will vary greatly with puppies and seniors. 
2. Training: Basic obedience training is necessary for a happy life with a Lab, and starting when he is still a puppy will save you lots of work as time passes. While Labradors are known for their intelligence, it’s important to recognize that they generally learn quickly, even when they are not being taught. This means that they will also easily learn things that you don’t necessarily want them to know. For example, if your dog pulls on the leash and you follow, you are teaching him that it is worth it to pull. Leash behavior, coming when called, heel, sit, lie down, and stay are all basic commands that, when taught early, will help your Lab learn how to be a respectable member of your family. 
3. Commitment: If you are used to having your own personal space, then you may want to reconsider bringing a Labrador Retriever into your home. The Lab is not an introvert by nature, and to be perfectly clear, she will be your shadow. Furthermore, Labradors are social breed, so if left alone for too long, they can become anxious and even destructive. Therefore, if you have a full-time job that keeps you away from your dog for an extended length of time, you will want to consider other options to ensure your Labrador is getting the interaction and exercise she needs during the time you are gone.
4. Responsibility: Finally, having a dog, any breed of dog, requires a financial commitment that extends beyond the purchase price of your new puppy. First, you will want to ensure that you are providing your Lab with a balanced and nutritious diet. Additionally, there will be annual veterinary costs to ensure that you keep your pup vaccinated and protected from various infections and parasites. There are also the costs of various accessories including toys (so that they don’t chew on your nice new furniture,) treats, dog beds, food bowls, crates, leads, etc. The point is that bringing a new dog into your family will add to your overall yearly expenses. 

So, if, after discussing all of these points, you and your family still have decided that the Labrador Retriever is the right fit, then the next step will be to decide on how and where you will find the right dog to adopt. There are a number of choices out there, so it is important to do your research before making the final decision. Check in next week for tips on finding and choosing a purebred Labrador Retriever. 

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