If you own a labrador retriever, you know how fun it can be.You probably do your best to keep your dog happy as a pet owner.There are always new ways to make him happier.
Step 1: Walk your lab frequently.
In the first few years of their lives, labs are very active.A few long walks will become part of your daily routine because they will have a lot of energy to spare.This will help your dog and keep him happy.Make sure you walk your lab for at least 30 minutes.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.
Step 2: He should be taken when you go biking.
If your dog is a little older and better coordinated, you can let him run alongside your bike while you ride.He will get to spend some quality time with you in the process, and this will be a great form of exercise for him.Keep your dog on a leash.Make sure the leash is loose enough for him to have enough space between himself and your bike.Take breaks if your dog needs them.When riding a bike with a dog, be careful.
Step 3: Go swimming with your lab.
Labs love water.They're going to be attracted to everything from tiny puddles to backyard swimming pools.Take your dog for a swim if the weather permits.If your dog is clumsy in the water, you can buy a lifejacket for him to wear while he learns to swim.Get your dog the right size by visiting a pet specialty store.
Step 4: Your lab needs to be busy.
When left to their own devices, labs can become destructive.If you don't keep them busy, your furniture or belongings will suffer the consequences, because they love playing and exploring.Provide your lab with lots of toys to play with.Excellent chew toys are available.Keep your personal belongings safe from dogs by redirecting chewing habits to toys.
Step 5: You should train your lab early on.
labs are easy to trainThey are eager to learn and to please their owners, so you will likely find that they pick up new skills and tricks fairly quickly as you train them.Enroll your dog in a class with you.Along the way, the instructor will help you learn the skills you need to train your dog.Since they are easily excited and can jump up on people, make sure you train your lab to stay.
Step 6: Socialize your lab.
A local dog park is a great place to check out with your lab.Make sure your dog is treated for fleas and ticks to keep them out of the park.If you want to add another dog to your family, labs are a good choice as they mesh well with other breeds like collies, golden retrievers and beagles.Adding a dog of the opposite sex might cause issues with dominance.
Step 7: Feed your lab properly.
Obesity can cause problems with the hips, joints, and spine in labs.Feed your dog according to your vet's instructions.Try not to give your dog too many treats.Dogs can enjoy fruits and vegetables instead of treats.Fruits and vegetables like bananas, apples, carrots, sweet potatoes, and cucumbers are great.Avoid fruits and veggies that are toxic.Warm water should be added to dry food before feeding it to your lab.This makes it easier to digest.Try not to eat food with animal by-products or meals in the ingredients list.Instead of grains like corn, stick to foods with real meat.Chicken is a good choice for meat.
Step 8: Your lab might try to eat objects in his reach.
When it comes to eating things that aren't supposed to be eaten, labs can be a bit mischievous.Sometimes they have to have non-food items removed.Keep small objects out of reach.Labs are known to jump onto the kitchen counter and eat whatever they want.If you don't crate your lab while you're away, make sure there's nothing left for him to get into.
Step 9: Minor injuries can be caused by vigorous activity.
Injuries, broken toes, curled toenails, small cuts, and even minor burns on the pads of their feet can all happen while playing outside or going for a run.Make sure to keep an eye on your dog for any signs of injury or distress and to see your vet if there are any injuries.Keep your dog off the pavement.The pads of their feet are sensitive and can be burned.If you don't want your dog to walk barefoot on a surface, think twice about asking him to.
Step 10: You should monitor your lab for signs of hip dysplasia.
Hip dysplasia is common in larger breeds of dogs, and labs are prone to developing it if they are overweight.It can cause problems in the hip over time.If your dog has issues standing up after lying or sitting down, is limping after being touched or moved, or even shows hesitance to run, walk or go up stairs, see your vet.There could be issues with your lab's hips.
Step 11: Your lab should be a member of the family.
Make sure your lab feels part of the pack because they are very social dogs.Don't keep your lab out of the house.Labs are great around kids.It's a good idea to show your lab that he is a part of your family.Keeping his home life joyful and inclusive will lead to a happy dog.
Step 12: Play with a dog.
Giving your time and attention to your dog is one of the best ways to bond with him.It is a great way to play with him.It shows him love and affection, but it also stimulates him.Labs like to please their owners.fetch will give him a sense of accomplishment when he brings the ball back to you.The small exchanges make the dog happy.
Step 13: You can watch your lab reactions to your gestures.
Many dogs don't like being hugged or kissed, as they misinterpret the gestures the same way humans doA hug could make them feel trapped.When giving your dog affection, watch his body language.Cease that behavior if he tenses up or shies away.He might paw at your hand to show you that he wants you to keep petting him.If he wants you to leave him alone, he might pull away.Give your dog space if he needs it.
Step 14: When your dog has done something good, give them praise.
When you show love and affection to a dog, keep in mind that he will associate it as a reward for any behavior he has just done.If you show him affection when he has done something right, he will be more likely to do something wrong.These are good times to give your dog some love and praise if he has obeyed a command, eaten, or just come in from an exercise.Good behaviors will be reinforced by this.