Selection guide - Choose a Labrador Retriever if you want a friendly

Choose a Labrador Retriever if you want a friendly, loyal and affectionate companion. They're not good watchdogs but will bark if there's a reason.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Training - Give your Labrador puppy the chance to be a natural retriever

Give your Labrador puppy the chance to be a natural retriever by teaching him to "Fetch." Toss a tennis ball or small flying disk past your dog. Once the object is in his mouth, say "Come." Reward your puppy when he brings it to you.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Training - Leash train Labrador Retriever puppies early

Leash train Labrador Retriever puppies early. These dogs have a tendency to pull on the leash, which is a very hard habit to break. Continue teaching the "Sit" command while on the leash.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Training - Use the "Come" command often

Use the "Come" command often. Reward your dog when she comes to you with the word "Come" or a whistle. Again, be repetitive and give rewards for success.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Training - Teach "Sit" by holding a treat in your fist so that the dog can see it

Teach "Sit" by holding a treat in your fist so that the dog can see it. Move the treat over his head from front to back while saying "Sit." When he sits, reward him with the treat in your hand. When he can do this, make him sit before you put his food bowl on the ground.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Training - Teach basic commands

Teach basic commands like "Sit" and "Stay." Repetition and consistency are key to successful training. Use your dog's name and repeat commands. Positive reinforcement techniques work best for your dog to bond well with you. Words of praise, petting and an occasional food treat mean the world to your dog. Start with frequent rewards and then decrease frequency. "No" should be taught in a gentle tone.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Training - Spend at least an hour a day playing with, exercising and training your dog

Spend at least an hour a day playing with, exercising and training your dog. Labrador puppies are balls of energy that can get into trouble if left on their own too long. Early toilet training is best. Take him outside before he has an accident. Praise him for using the bathroom in the right location. He wants to please you, so yelling isn't necessary.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Training - Socialize your puppy

Socialize your puppy. Get it used to different people and places.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Owner guide - What is the reason that people give up their Labrador Retriever?

Note that Labrador Retrievers are enthusiastic puppies and are sometimes mistakenly thought to be hyperactive. The main reason people give up their labs is because they are too active. The second reason is that they got bigger than expected.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Avoid the "rare silver Labrador" or any other rare coloring

Avoid the "rare silver Labrador" or any other rare coloring. Silver Labrador retrievers are usually light-colored chocolate Labrador retrievers or a Labrador/weimaraner cross. Don't buy from a person who sells these supposedly rare colors, since a responsible breeder wouldn't get involved in such a scam.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Spend your time to play with your Labrador retriever

Make sure you or someone in your home is willing to spend 30 to 60 minutes a day playing with and exercising Labrador retriever.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Labrador retrievers love to swim

Labrador retrievers love to swim. Keep a towel handy!

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Keep your Labrador Retriever indoors or out

Keep your Labrador Retriever indoors or out. They are moderately active and will be happy in a yard or house.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Labrador retrievers tend to be somewhat stubborn

Remember that Labrador retrievers tend to be somewhat stubborn, which means that you must be consistent and patient while training them.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Trim labrador retriever's nails

Make sure to trim labrador retriever's nails regularly ' every month ' to prevent foot problems.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Bathe the labrador retriever only if it stinks

Bathe the labrador retriever only if it stinks. It doesn't require special grooming and can be washed at home.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Brush your labrador retriever once a week

Brush your labrador retriever once a week with a slicker brush to keep shedding under control.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Learn about the health problems

Learn about the health problems associated with this breed: hip and elbow dysplasia and some eye disorders.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Keep your labrador retriever weight down

Keep your labrador retriever weight down. Overweight dogs will have more health problems, including heart trouble and arthritis.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Labradors don't really reach adulthood until they are three years old

Understand Labradors don't really reach adulthood until they are three years old, unlike most breeds, which reach it around the age of two.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover