Make sure you spend at least 20-30 minutes walking your lab. A quick walk down the street and back won’t do much to curb all the energy he has, and he will be grateful for the time outside exploring.
Keep your dog leashed while you ride. Just make sure the leash is loose enough to allow him enough space between himself and your bike. Watch for traffic and take breaks if your dog needs one! Practice caution when riding a bike with your dog.
If your dog is still a little clumsy in the water, you can buy a special lifejacket for him to wear while he learns to swim. Visit a pet specialty store and know your dog’s measurements to get him the right size.
Provide your lab with plenty of toys to chew on and play with. Strong, durable chew toys are great options. Redirect those chewing habits and behaviors to toys and keep your personal belongings safe from a gnawing pup.
Enroll your dog in a training class that you can attend with him. The instructor will help you learn the skills you need to train your dog properly, and help you along the way. Since they are easily excited and might have a higher tendency to jump up on people, make sure you train your lab to “sit” and “stay” early on.
If you are thinking about adding another dog to your family, labs tend to mesh well with breeds like collies, golden retrievers, beagles, and corgis, as these breeds are also energetic and sociable. Also, consider adding a dog of the opposite sex, as dogs of the same sex might have issues with dominance. [4] X Research source
Dogs can enjoy healthy fruits and vegetables in place of normal dog treats. Things like blueberries, bananas, watermelon, apples, carrots, sweet potatoes, and cucumbers are great options. Avoid fruits and veggies that are toxic or harmful, such as grapes, onions, and avocado. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Consider sticking to dry food with a little bit of warm water added to it before feeding your lab. This makes it more enjoyable and easier to digest. Also, try to avoid foods with animal by-products or meals in the ingredients list. Stick to foods with real meat as the first ingredient, rather than grains like corn. Chicken is a good choice for meat in dog food. [6] X Research source
Labs are also known to jump onto kitchen counters and eat anything they think might be food. If you don’t crate your lab when you leave home, make sure there isn’t anything for him to get into left out on table or countertops.
Keep your dog off of hot pavement. The pads of their feet are sensitive and can possibly be burned by these surfaces. If you wouldn’t walk barefoot on a given surface, think twice about asking your dog to do so.
If your dog has issues standing up after lying or sitting down, is visibly in pain when his hips are touched or moved, appears to be limping or has a change in his gait, or even shows hesitance to run, walk, or go up stairs, see your vet. These could be signs of issues with your lab’s hips.
Showing your lab that he is a part of your family can make him feel happy and secure. Any dog will be happier when he feels safe and at home, so keeping his home life joyful and inclusive will lead to a happy dog.
Labs love to please their owners. Games like fetch will give him a sense of accomplishment when he brings the ball back to you and you praise him for it. These small exchanges make for a happy dog.
To show you he wants you to keep petting or kissing him, he might come closer, or paw at your hand. If he wants you to leave him alone, he might pull away or get stiff. Respond to your dog’s signals and give him space if he needs it.
If your dog has successfully obeyed a command, has eaten, has done his business outside, or has just come in from some exercise, these are all good times to offer him some love and praise. This will reaffirm those good behaviors.
