Labrador retriever needs some yard or space for exercise. Rural areas or suburban homes that have a lot of space can be the perfect place for a Labrador retriever. They are easy to train and their nature is suited to families with children.

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A Grand Personality

Labrador retrievers originally came from Newfoundland, where they helped fisherman perform their work. Having been crossed with spaniels, other retrievers, and setters, the Lab was able to sharpen its true retrieving skills. However, Labs are most known for their ability to love their owners unconditionally.

This loving quality also makes Labradors a great breed of dog for children. Labs thrive in active households, where they can receive lots of attention. Children will also enjoy the Lab's trainability and easy nature. Labrador Retrievers are very patient with children, and there is no risk of them turning violent or nipping.

Training and Exercise for your Labrador

Labs are very energetic and are always in the mood to play, but their immense size and stature makes it a necessity for them to be provided with a way to harness their energy. Labradors can reach their adult weight of up to 36 kilograms by the time they are 6 or 7 old, and if they are not trained, they can be quite a handful.

Since Labs are eager to please and learn, it is effective to use gentle but firm discipline with them. They should begin being leash trained and taught to sit when they are only a few months old, and still relatively small. Labradors are quick and attentive learners, and you would be surprised by how quickly your new Labrador will catch on.

Training and exercise is also important to a Labrador's health. Labs are healthy eaters, and are prone to gain an excessive amount of weight if they do not have their diet regulated, and get a proper amount of exercise. Labrador Retrievers need to be walked daily, and playing games such as fetch is a good way to exercise your energetic Lab as well. Labradors that are not trained, and that do not get proper exercise become hyperactive, which can cause a multitude of behavioral problems. Labs need attention, exercise, and love in order to live a long healthy life, and to allow their loveable nature to shine through.

Labrador Health Concerns

Labrador Retrievers are very susceptible to developing hip dysplasia, and other joint related problems. When you purchase your Labrador, you should be given proof that these symptoms do not run in your Lab's family blood line. Labradors are also at high risk of developing certain eye problems like cataracts, retinal dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy. It is important to take your Labrador to the vet as soon as you notice the slightest hint of a problem. A labrador made history recently when he was the first canine in Britain to successfully undergo an heart surgery for an irregular heartbeat, click on the link to read that amazing story.

With vet bills rising almost every day, it is important to be prepared for anything that might go wrong with your Labrador. Just like people, animals do get sick and injured, and as one of your family they need to be provided for. Insurance for your Labrador Retriever is a small expense compared to large medical bills, and is well worth the money to know that your family's beloved pet it protected, regardless of what might happen.

The Labrador's loveable nature, willingness to please, and gentleness with children, make it the ideal family dog. Proper exercise, training and care, together with consistent vet visits, will enable your Labrador Retriever to remain a part of the family for years to come. To make sure that you are prepared for whatever may happen, it is important to look into pet insurance with good coverage, to help your Labrador live a happy and healthy life.