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The Labrador retriever is a great dog for families and has enough energy for every member of the family and then some. They need exercise in large quantities and it's not just a walk around the block. Labs are gentle, loving and fun dogs to be with but they do not like to be cooped up in the house. If this happens you might get your furniture chewed or damaged out of sheer boredom.

Temperament of Labradors:

Labradors can have some obedience issues unless they are trained properly and professionally. I have seen some that are totally disobedient and others that are very attentive to what their master desires. If proper training is not continued from puppy Dom to adult years they can develop hyperactive tendencies, and can be aggressive or dominant in their behavior. If you have taken the time to raise a Labrador it makes sense to take the time to train the dog properly and reinforce training throughout its adult years.

Exercise Your Labrador

The Labs I meet in the park with my dog like to run and fetch balls as if their life depended on catching that ball before any other dog.

They are Frisbee catchers, ball fetchers, stick stealer's, and definitely Rambo style in their play which can be a little rough for toddlers and older persons.

Most Labradors are friendly and excited when meeting new people but don't be surprised if they jump up at you as I have had it happen many times at the park. A quick distraction is to throw a ball or Frisbee immediately and it will stop the jumping up.

If you have an active life and do some running, swimming, walking, or hiking then you are picking the right dog. A Labrador will take to all of these activities and you could also do some agility training, teach it to track people, and other obedient type action.

Labs Home Alone:

This is not the type of dog you leave at home all day long as they suffer from separation anxiety more than other breeds. This can lead to them lashing out by chewing your furniture and barking more loudly and longer.

Maintaining Your Labrador:

If you pick a Labrador you must maintain the coat by brushing daily or else you will have dog fur everywhere in your house which could ultimately lead to an allergy. Brushing daily removes the loose fur, stimulates the skin's oil glands and removes dirt. The fur can also stick to furniture so cleaning regularly around the dog's sleeping quarters and your household carpeting.

Genetic Diseases of Labrador Dogs

The breed of the Labrador retriever is predisposed to Joint and bone issues, heart disease, eye issues and other immune system disorders such as cancer.

If you are getting a Labrador puppy do not let these characteristics deter you from picking this breed, just keep in mind you may lose a few pounds doing the exercise part, but again that is one of the great benefits of having a dog, a great figure.

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