It’s no surprise that shelters are constantly overcrowded. After all, people continue to shop rather than adopt. While you may not be able to change the decisions that others make, you can do your part to stop overcrowding and euthanasia in shelters by making the honorable decision to adopt.
Adopting is not something that should be taken lightly. You want to make sure that your new furry friend will be a good fit for your home and your family. Choosing the right breed is the first step in making the right choice. Labrador Retrievers make an excellent addition to nearly any family, but there are some things you need to know about them.
Know These Things Before Adopting A Labrador Retriever
1. Labrador Retrievers Need Time
2. Will You Have Space?
3. They Have An Appetite
4. Puppies Can Be Destructive
5. Labs Are Known For Longevity
6. Separation Anxiety Is Possible
7. Messes Will Occur
8. Their Energy May Lead To Accidents
9. Labrador Retrievers Are Easy To Train
10. Don’t Over Bathe
1. Labrador Retrievers Need Time
Labs make awesome friends, but they need a lot of time and attention. If you live an extremely busy life, you may want to consider adopting a different breed. Labs tend to enjoy homes that offer companionship and socialization. It’s important that you keep them engaged, entertained, and feeling loved.
2. Will You Have Space?
Space is another thing to take into consideration. Labrador Retrievers can range from medium to large size. They also have an abundance of energy. This shouldn’t be an issue for people with a large yard and plenty of room in the house. However, someone living in a small space such as an apartment should walk their little buddy at least twice per day.
3. They Have An Appetite
Being a larger breed, they tend to have quite an appetite. Adopting a Lab means making a financial commitment. You’ll soon find yourself spending a lot of money on your new BFF’s favorite chow, but I assure you it will be worth every penny!
4. Puppies Can Be Destructive
It’s hard to look at a puppy, no matter what breed it may be, and not immediately fall in love. Labrador Retriever puppies are incredibly adorable. One look into their eyes and you’ll quickly find yourself in an “aww” moment. However, puppies from this breed are known to chew shoes, plants, and just about everything else they can sink their teeth into. Training at early ages is extremely important when it comes to curving these behaviors.
5. Labs Are Known For Longevity
The average life span of a dog is about 10 years, but that’s not the case with Labs. Believe it or not, your furball will likely be around for about 15 years. Amazing genetics make this breed incredibly healthy and robust. Before signing any adoption papers, make sure you’re ready for a long-term friendship that will stretch for more than a decade.
6. Separation Anxiety Is Possible
As mentioned before, it’s extremely important to offer companionship to Labrador Retrievers. When this breed is left alone for long periods of time, separation anxiety becomes a real possibility. Every dog reacts to their anxiety differently, but the outcome is usually not a good one. Make sure you don’t leave your buddy unattended for long periods of time.
7. Messes Will Occur
The natural playfulness of a Lab can quickly lead to a mess. Most consider playtime to be all of the time. Many people love this about them, even when they’re constantly cleaning toys spread out across the house. Aside from toys, you’ll also find yourself cleaning up a lot of hair. Labs shed and they shed a lot, but this is a small price to pay to have such an awesome BFF.
8. Their Energy May Lead To Accidents
Labrador Retrievers love their families beyond belief. However, their large size combined with their incredible amount of energy can lead to accidental injuries with small children. The chances of this being due to aggression are nearly zero. Instead, this rare occurrence is usually caused by the innocent desire to play. Other than that, Labs are known for making a great addition to a family with or without children.
9. Labrador Retrievers Are Easy To Train
Labs are incredibly intelligent and their drive to please their humans is remarkably strong. This leads to them being extremely easy to train. Unlike some breeds, Labs are not known for becoming frustrated or impatient while trying something new, even if they don’t grasp it right away. Instead, they are happy to try again. With a little time and work, you can teach your furry friend to do just about anything, hence the reason they are commonly used as service dogs.
10. Don’t Over Bathe
Many people would be surprised to learn that Labrador Retrievers have two coats. This is what allows them to be such great swimmers, stay cool in the summer, and maintain body heat in the winter. Believe it or not, due to the oils naturally present in their undercoat, you can actually over bathe them. Washing too frequently can lead to dry skin, itchiness, and even flaking.
Overall, Labrador Retrievers offer way more benefits than inconveniences. As long as you’re willing to spend some time with the new addition to your family and make sure they feel safe and loved, they’ll do more than return the favor. One thing is for certain. They offer loyalty that creates a bond like no other.
Today could be the day you meet your new BFF and it could also be the day that you save a life. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and give a fur baby the home they deserve!
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems do Labradors have?
Labrador Retrievers have minimal issues. They are easy to train, extremely friendly, loyal, and are an overall incredible breed of dog. However, they do have a few health issues to watch out for such as canine hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and osteochondritis dissecans.
Are Labs good family dogs?
Labrador Retrievers make excellent family dogs. They are great around children and have loving personalities that help them fit in without a problem. They can become rambunctious at times, but this behavior can be corrected with a little bit of training.
Are labs easy to potty train?
Potty training a Labrador Retriever is actually quite simple and can be done in a fairly short amount of time. Simply take your lab to the same spot outside several times a day and wait for them to potty. Once they do, provide them with praise. Keep repeating this until your lab begins to give you cues that they need to go outside.
Can a Labrador live in a small house?
Labs have a high amount of energy and need exercise to stay healthy. However, that doesn’t mean that they can’t live in a small house, as long as you are willing and able to take them on walks during the day. Keeping them entertained with plenty of toys is also important in small spaces.
Are Labradors good for first time dog owners?
Labrador Retrievers are a great breed choice for novice dog owners. Their warm personality helps them get along with people easily, their intelligence makes training a breeze, and their desire to please their humans makes them wonderful and friendly dogs.
Can Labrador live in hot weather?
Labs can live in hot environments, but in certain conditions, hot weather can have a negative impact on their health. Anytime that the temperature reaches 90 °F or above, a lab should be brought indoors to protect them from becoming overheated.
Are Labradors aggressive?
Typically speaking, Labrador Retrievers are known for having friendly personalities, being incredibly patient, and showing kindness to their human. Aggression isn’t common in this breed. However, all dogs are different and some Labs may have behavior issues. The good news is that they are easy to train which means a rare case of aggression can be corrected.
Do labs like to cuddle?
Absolutely! Despite their size, Labs love to snuggle up and cuddle. They have a strong desire to seek out affection and attention. After adopting a Labrador Retriever, it won’t be long before you have the perfect cuddle buddy that will always be there when you need them.
Will labs attack intruders?
Labs are very protective and for this reason, attacking an intruder is a possibility. However, that doesn’t mean that they will attack welcomed company that they haven’t met before. Labs often do quite well when meeting new people and their intelligence allows them to determine who is welcome in your home and who is a dangerous intruder.
Are Labs jealous dogs?
Labrador Retrievers can become jealous at times. The good news is their jealously rarely leads to aggressive behaviors. Signs of a jealous lab are whining, nudging, forcing themselves between people, and performing tricks for attention. Lab jealously can be a minor inconvenience but it’s a behavior that can easily be curved with the right training.
