The Labrador Retriever was bred to be both a friendly companion and a useful working dog breed. Historically, they earned their keep as fishermen’s helpers: hauling nets, fetching ropes, and retrieving fish from the chilly North Atlantic.
Today’s Lab is as good-natured and hardworking as their ancestors, and they’re also America’s most popular breed. Modern Labs work as retrievers for hunters, assistance dogs, show competitors, and search and rescue dogs, among other canine jobs.
Labrador Temperament & Personality
Labradors are playful and intelligent, with a warm, friendly temperament that makes them ideal for first-time owners.
Labradors are easy-going, rewarding pets with high energy levels, meaning they love extra attention and exercise.
They make excellent companions, as well as assistance dogs due to their sensitive and affectionate nature.
Labradors do well with both sole owners or as a part of a family, and get on well with children and other pets.
They are energetic, mostly placid, and cope well with the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Labrador Training & Exercise
Smart and highly energetic, Labradors need the right amount of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and well, with at least two hours of exercise daily.
Training tips
Intelligent and eager to please, Labs relish the chance to learn and are quick to pick up commands.
This affable breed responds best to positive reinforcement methods and will respond to your tone of voice. Since life is a game for these big, affable dogs, they respond well to upbeat training methods using your voice and positive reinforcement.
Labradors are highly social by nature and letting your pet run free with other dogs in a safe environment will give them a great workout, as well as mental stimulation. However good recall training is a must to keep them safe.
Exercise
Make sure your pet doesn’t overdo it when exercising, as Labradors can often get carried away – especially during their puppy years when their joints and bones are still growing.
Labradors love the water and as natural born swimmers this is a great form of exercise for older dogs or dogs with joint issues.
Keeping them happy
Labradors thrive in company and adore extra attention and playing games with their owners. If you’re going to be away from your pet for a few hours, make sure to leave them stimulating dog toys and arrange for someone to check in with them.
Many Labradors are happiest when they have something to gnaw on, so dog-safe chew toys are a great investment.
Game ideas
Harking back to their retriever breeding, Labradors love a game of fetch and will happily keep fetching for as long as you throw!
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