The Basics of Labrador Puppy Care

Labrador retrievers are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the United States today, primarily because their friendly disposition makes them an excellent choice as a family pet. This dog was originally bred in Newfoundland, Canada, and was used by fisherman to jump into icy waters and pull up nets. These dogs turned up in England in the 1800’s, and this is where the retrieving instincts of the breed were sharpened. Today, in addition to being a popular family dog, the Labrador retriever is used as a service dog for the disabled and as a drug detector for law enforcement organizations. If you are considering this type of dog for your next family pet, there are a few basics that you need to know about Labrador puppy care.

The Temperament of the Labrador Retriever

This breed of dog is extremely social and energetic, so a big part of your Labrador puppy care will be to provide your dog with plenty of room for running and lots of playtime with you. A large fenced yard is the best place for this type of pup to play, and you will want to have a few toys on hand that you can use to play fetch with your pup. Another important part of Labrador puppy care is to take him on many walks, but never allow your dog out of his confined space without a leash. Because Labrador retrievers have so much energy, the more exercise you offer to your pup, the easier it will be to train him.

Labrador retrievers are intelligent animals, so training needs to begin as soon as your puppy comes home. An obedience class is a good idea as part of your Labrador puppy care as well, and should be done as early as possible for best results. House breaking your puppy is one of the first types of training that you will do, and will require plenty of consistency and patience on your part for the best results. For more specific information about house breaking as a part of your Labrador puppy care, you can contact your breeder, veterinarian or consult sites on the Internet.

Socializing your Labrador Retriever

Labs are social and friendly creatures by nature, so most do very well in families with children and even other pets. Keep in mind that while this dog may bark if a stranger approaches, it may not make a particularly effective guard dog. Because of their social nature, these dogs can become bored and destructive when left to their own devices too often. If you are considering a Labrador retriever as a family pet, it is important for you to be prepared to spend plenty of time with your new pet as a part of your Labrador puppy care. This will ensure that you and your pup will start out a relationship on the right foot – or paw, as the case may be.