10 Exciting Labrador Retriever Facts You Don’t Want To Miss!
We collected 10 awesome facts about Labrador retrievers that you might find interesting.
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Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is known for its fun, smart and friendly nature. They make fantastic family pets, and are great with kids and adults alike. The Labrador Retriever is America’s most popular canine breed
Origins:
The Labrador Retriever was initially bred as a working breed-namely as a helper to fisherman. It helped by fetching ropes, hauling nets and catching fish in the North Atlantic. The Labrador Retriever was originally bred in Newfoundland, off the coast of Canada.
Labradors Today:
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Although Labs are no longer solely used for hard labour, they are most likely to be family pets-pampered, loved and wonderful companions. They are still, however, used for work that many other breeds are unable to do. Because of their kind and gentle nature, they are often used as therapy dogs, giving joy to the elderly, the ill, and can be used to assist the handicapped due to their exceptional intelligence.They are even used as search and rescue dogs, as well as assisting in drug and explosive sniffers.Labs are also often used as search and rescue dogs, thanks to their keen nose, strong build and agility. A bit of a fun fact, however, is that the Labrador Retriever is not exactly the best watchdog! Rather than scaring intruders away, this friendly mutt is more likely to welcome intruders in!
Breed Stats:
- Breed type: Sporting Dogs.
- Average height:Height:Around 2ft tall.
- Weight: ranges from 50-80 pounds.
- Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
Lab Facts:
Because Labrador Retrievers were built for physical jobs, they need plenty of exercise. They may be seen as boisterous, taking out pent up energy out in unpleasant ways, including digging, chewing and barking. This can be misunderstood as hyperactivity. In fact, labs need at least 30 minutes of exercise a day-even as much as an hour, to keep them satisfied.
Labradors are known for their love for food. This is why owners need to ensure that they have a high risk of obesity. Make sure your lab gets plenty of exercise, and never overfeed with treats. Rather limit to measured regular meals . In fact, labs are so full of quirks that they will go as far as foraging through bins, dirty diapers, and other inedible foodstuffs.
Health Problems:
While Labs are overall healthy and strong dogs, like all dogs they do experience health problems. While your lab may not necessarily experience these problems, here are some problems to look out for.
- Hip Dysplasia. This condition is often inherited from parents. It is a condition whereby the thighbone doesn’t fit into the hip joint s it should. This can cause pain and lameness, and can often result in arthritis.
- Elbow Dysplasia.Also an inherited condition, although it is a common condition for larger breed dogs, the condition is caused by the three joints that make up the elbow growing at different rates. This can cause lameness and pain, but it can be corrected with surgery or medication can be used to manage pain,
- Osteochondrosis Dissecans This is an orthopedic condition, usually occurring in the elbows and shoulders, caused by incorrect growth of joint cartilage. This condition can cause pain and stiffness. Luckily it can be detected early, as 4 months. It can be treated with specialized diet plans.
Other Ailments:
- Cataracts
- Epilepsy
- Ear infections
Care:
As mentioned, this loving and social breed needs plenty of love, attention and exercise. Additionally, because of it’s predisposition to obesity, a carefully planned out, healthy diet is vital. When it comes to grooming, labs are pretty low maintenance. However, they do tend to shed a lot, so a vacuum cleaner and a quick brush daily is a good idea.
Labs only really need to be bathed about once every two months, unless of course they roll around in something unpleasant.
Brush your Labs teeth twice a week to avoid buildup of tartar and bacteria.
The Bottom Line
It is no wonder that the Labrador Retriever is America’s most loved breed. They are intelligent, energetic, hard workers and beautiful companions. Are you a Lab lover? Leave a comment and tell us all about it!
Why Is My Dog Constantly Whining?
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It is normal for dogs to whine at some point or another. Dogs often whine when they need to go out, and sometimes dogs whine when they are trying to tell their owners something. In some cases, however, dogs may begin to whine excessively, and it can be a difficult behavior to deal with.
The Details
- Dogs often use whining as a means of communication. Because your dog can’t use words to communicate, he may resort to whining to get your attention.
- He may need to go outside. If you do not let your dog out on a regular basis, he may end up coming to you and whining to let you know that he needs to be let outside.
- He could be trying to tell you something is wrong. Dogs do not often show it when they are sick (because predators would view it as a sign of weakness), so you may not even realize when your dog isn’t feeling well. If your dog is whining, it could be because something is medically wrong.
- Your dog may be bored. When dogs are bored, they are likely to exhibit a variety of behaviors, including excessive barking, chewing and whining.
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- Whining may be a reinforced behavior. If the goal of whining for your dog is to earn your attention, you may be unknowingly reinforcing that behavior by responding to it (even if you simply enter the room to tell the dog to stop).You haven’t been spending enough time with your dog. Dogs require regular human interaction and playtime in order to thrive. If your dog is feeling neglected, he may begin whining as a means of getting your attention.
- You can control the behavior. The quickest way to end your dog’s excessive whining is to stop rewarding or even acknowledging it. The only reason your dog whines for your attention is because it has worked in the past. If he no longer gets the desired response, he will stop doing it.
- Reward your dog for being quiet. When your dog is whining, approach the room and give your dog a “hush” command just before closing the door firmly (do not let the dog see you). When your dog stops whining, wait five seconds, then enter the room to praise and reward your dog for his good behavior.
- Give your dog plenty of exercise. Dogs that do not receive enough exercise are more likely to become bored and to develop problem behaviors.
- Make sure your dog has toys to play with. If you have to leave the house or cannot play with your dog at the moment, make sure he has toys that will keep him occupied.
The Bottom Line
Excessive whining is just like any behavior ¾ you can condition your dog not to do it. Rather than punishing your dog for whining, you should try to reward him for being quiet. If you are consistent in not reinforcing the negative behavior and in rewarding good behaviors, you can easily control your dog’s whining.
How Do I Keep My Puppy From Chewing Up My House?
Chewing is a natural and appropriate behaviour for dogs, and is a natural part of a puppies learning experience. Young dogs learn about new things and the world around them by smelling things and putting them in their mouths. When young dogs go through teething – chewing provides a great relief during the itching period. Although chewing is a natural behaviour for dogs there are a couple of things you can do to keep your dog from wreaking havoc on your closets, tearing apart clothes and gnawing on your shoes.
The Details
- Puppy-proof your home. Secure all doors and cabinets that a curious puppy might get into and find things to chew on. This is especially important in regard to cabinets holding dangerous materials, such as cleaning products.
- Give your dog plenty of chew toys and Replace objects he chews on with toys. If you are able to find a chew toy that your dog likes, he may be less likely to chew on inappropriate objects, such as shoes. When you find your dog chewing on something he shouldn’t, take the object away and immediately replace it with a toy. This will teach your dog what he is and isn’t allowed to chew.
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The Bottom Line
Give your dog plenty of exercise. Even small dogs require daily exercise to stretch their legs and to work off excess energy. If your dog doesn’t get enough exercise during the day, he is more likely to chew on things.
- Confine your dog while you are away and use bitter apple spray. By keeping your dog confined to a crate or to a particular room in the house during your absence, you can prevent him from gaining access to things he shouldn’t chew.For large items, such as furniture that you can’t keep out of reach, use a bitter apple spray to discourage your dog from chewing on it.
- Hire a dog walker. If you do not have time to walk your dog at least once a day, or if your job keeps you away for long periods of time, you might want to hire a dog walker. This will prevent your dog from getting bored and restless, which may make him more likely to chew.
While chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, that doesn’t mean you have to put up with your dog destroying your shoes and wrecking your furniture. Rather than trying to stop your dog’s chewing behavior altogether, try redirecting it to more appropriate outlets, such as chew toys.
Remember, the key to success in any form of dog training is to be calm and consistent. Do not be lenient on your dog, but do not punish him either, Simply reward him for good behavior, and he will learn quickly.
