Why Labradors Make Great Pets for family and kids
Nothing is cuter than a playful, happy puppy…I should start with this. I grew up in a house full of lab retrievers, so I may be slightly biased toward the breed. However, here are several reasons why Labradors make for great pets, hands down!
This breed is highly biddable meaning they always aim to please. They are easy to train and respond quickly to clear instructions or commands. When left to themselves, they can get or cause a little trouble but do best with a little bit of structure. Their dispositions blend nicely into family life—the father, mother, kid, and dog type of family. One very interesting fact is about Labradors is that they are very fond of children and simply adore them! Moreover, If perfectly socialized during puppyhood, they easily adapt to any situation they are put in. They are quite gentle and very steady dogs
Labs do not require a lot of grooming, though they also shed quite a bit when their time comes, usually seasonally. A nail trim, a bi-weekly coat brushing, and an occasional bath are enough for your lab. Unlike other dog breeds, you will not have to visit a groomer time and again. These dogs make great adventure companions and do not tire easily on camping trips or any outdoor activity. They are happiest when exercised well, be it playing with your kids in the backyard or hiking up a mountain.
They are also happiest when they are at your side. When it gets to quiet time, lab dogs tend to forget their size and can sleep on top of your kid or even you. They also make great shop vacs and will surely help you with your kitchen floor should you drop scraps when cooking. However, you should be aware that some retrievers portray some undesirable behavior when it comes to handouts at the table. Never introduce this idea to your dog, otherwise, he’ll become a quite persistent beggar “More this time, again!”
Labs sometimes get interestingly silly! If you own one then you most likely know what I am talking about. That blast running around and the creepy low but-to-the-ground posture are simply ridiculous. They sprint like maniacs so you want to stay at close range to see that and still avoid getting hurt during that free-for-all! They take work time as seriously as playtime without differentiating the two. What happened that all Labradors get that a-die-hard-must-retrieve-things-all-the-time-gene? If you have a super-serious retriever then he will work past his point of exhaustion with as much enthusiasm as he started.
Bear in mind that most Labradors tend to be mouthy. They like chewing anything that comes their way, except your kid! They are avid chewers. You should therefore teach them what is ok to chew and what’s not. With clear instructions and guidelines, no lab will wreck your stuff even if it’s a wagging distance but can get a little sneaky so you keep your important things out of reach to be on the safe side. Most importantly, supervise them, especially your puppy that is on a round of exploratory chewing.
Their beauty goes on here. Even though these dogs are considered large and obviously strong, they are very fond of families. They are quick learners and easily shift gears to adapt to any situation they find themselves in. Sometimes your dog will rough-house and ten minutes later lie down and let your toddler tug on his ears, poke his nose and grab his tail. This breed always finds comfort and fun wherever it goes. They need exercise to stay happy and will follow commands and guidelines as you may wish. Always keep their bellies full and remember to give them water so that they don’t go for the dirty puddle water. With this and proper attention, they naturally make a healthy, happy, well-adjusted, disciplined, loyal, friendly, family companion!