Guide to getting a Labrador Retriever puppy

Living Situation

The perfect living situation for a Labrador Retriever is whenthey spend time with their family, get an ample amount of exercise, and consistent challenges so that they do not get bored and destructive.  Labs fit in well in both single and family homes. Labs do best in a house with a fenced-in yard. SinceLabs are large sporting dogs, they do better when they have the space they need to roam. An ideal home would give them space both inside and outside. Labs are curious creatures, so whatever home they live in should be lab-proofed. Don’t leave food wrappers; try to keep garbage closed and locked away. Even though a house is better than an apartment for Labrador Retrievers, Labs can do well in an apartment if they get enough exercise and attention. For more information on the perfect living situation for Labrador Retrievers, check out this article here.

Feeding

A balanced diet is a crucial part of keeping your Labrador Retriever healthy. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to provide your Lab with the nutrients they need. There are a few different types of food for Labs, but the most common is dry kibble. There are plenty of well-balanced kibble recipes on the market. It’s essential to check the nutrition labels to ensure the formulais high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates. Labs are notorious overeaters as they have a gene that makes it difficult for them to feel satiated. A Lab should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Also, it’s essential to pay attention to how diet and feeding change with age. A puppy will need to eat more often than an adult but in smaller portions. Check out this in-depth guide on best feeding practices for Labrador Retrievers for more information.

Exercise

One of the reasons why Labrador Retrievers are among the most popular breeds used as working dogs is because they excel insportsmanship and intelligence. With that said, even if your Lab is not a working dog, they still need plenty of exercise to stay healthy. Labs are pretty easy to exercise as they will be happy doing almost anything. They’ll enjoy hiking, biking, jogging, running, or any activity that lets them go outside with you. Labrador Retrievers adore swimming. They were bred as waterdogs, and a lot of their traits represent that. Labs have an otter-like tail, webbed feet, and a water-resistant double coat to help them excel in the water. If you’d like to know more about what Labs want to do for fun, check out this list of activities for some ideas of what to do with your pet.

Shedding

Labrador Retrievers have a fantastic double coat that makes them practically waterproof and weather-resistant. However, a double coat comes with a decent amount of shedding. Keep in mind that almost all dogs either shed or require regular grooming. Labs are no different. To keep the shedding manageable, they will need a brushing a couple of times a week. They also blow their coat twice a year as the seasons change. During this transition, it will be imperative to brush your Lab with a DeShedding tool to remove the dead coat. Check out this article to learn more about shedding in Labrador Retrievers.  

We hope you explore the articles linked for a more in-depth guide to getting a Labrador Retriever puppy. Labs are loving, intelligent companions that are great for a whole range of different lifestyles. If you’d like to know more about why the Lab is one of America’s most beloved breeds, check out these fun facts!

We hope you enjoyed this short guide to getting a Labrador Retriever puppy. Are you ready to be matched with your perfect pup? Check out the Barkd app (Apple, Android) to help your searching process.