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This is a generally healthy breed, but they do have a few tendencies to be alert for. The most serious is hip and elbow dysplasia. This is a malformation in the joint that can cause pain or disability in your pet and leads to an arthritic condition that can require surgery to correct. Labs are also known for cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) that can lead to blindness. Labs should have a yearly eye test and be registered free of eye disease by the Canine Eye Registry Foundation.

The best way to avoid getting a puppy that will develop these concern is to locate a reputable breeder. These breeders only breed healthy animals and have all of the pups x-rayed to check for a tendency to dysplasia concerns. When choosing a puppy, look for one that is playful, has clear eyes and appears generally healthy. If the sire or dame are present you should get a good look at their demeanor, coat and eyes.

Your puppy should be trained to the leash and to sit early on. This is an exuberant breed and teaching manners early will keep them from becoming a nuisance to people and other dogs. They can also learn to fetch early as this is a natural instinct for them. Discipline should always be gentle without yelling or striking your pup as they are eager to please and need only firm, gentle guidance. Lab puppies need activity such as walks or active play or they may become diggers, wanderers or chewers.

Puppies should be fed food formulated for large breed puppies or adult dogs with less than 25% protein. This helps to keep them from growing too fast which can make them more prone to dysplasia . Feed three times a day and put the food dish up after 10 minutes so that they don't overeat. Labs can tend to overweight, so proper nutrition and exercise is important to your pet's long term health.

The popularity of the breed does lead to some concerns. There are many amateur breeders and disreputable puppy mill operators that try to capitalize on the demand for Lab puppies. Use caution and check out any breeder you are considering. Anyone that breeds responsibly will be happy to provide you with references and veterinary records. Don't purchase from anyone who resists these basic precautions as they likely have something to hide.

There are a number of animal rescue organizations out there where you can adopt an adult animal if you don't want the hassle of housebreaking. One website you can check is http://www.akc.org/breeds/resc ue.cfm. Animals are rescued from bad breeders,

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