Labs are “people” dogs. Labs NEED to be around people, because they thrive on companionship, attention, and love. They need exercise, training, attention, and care—all of which require lots of time.
Are you home enough?
Consider your lifestyle and household schedule: Do you work long hours? Are you busy with community and child obligations? Do you travel often? If the family has many commitments to job, sports, school there is probably not enough time to include exercise, training, and care for a Lab. Be realistic about getting a dog for the family
Labs do not do well alone in a fenced garden or in a crate all day. Labs left alone will usually exhibit behaviour problems such as chewing, excessive barking, digging, and territory aggression. A lab isn’t designed to be left alone for a full working or school day.
A way around this might be to hire a dog walker but this extra daily expense should be factored into your initial considerations. Even better is having a responsible family member home part of the day.
Do you have the time and ability to exercise a Lab?
A well-exercised dog is a happy dog. Labs need a consistent daily exercise schedule of at least 30-45 minutes mornings and 30-45 minutes evenings or they may have trouble adjusting to the “family” dog role.
Dogs do not exercise themselves. You must interact with them, go for a walk, or play. This means seven days a week, rain or shine, 365 days a year.
Dogs left in a garden do not get sufficient exercise. A Lab should never be left alone outside if you are not at home.
Do you have the time to train a Lab?
Well-mannered dogs are made, not born. Training takes time, but yields enormous rewards: a dog welcome in many places, a good bond between person and dog, and more relaxed environment for people and pets.
Do you have the time to care for a Lab’s health and hygiene?
Labs are considered a “wash and wear” breed, but they do shed seasonally and will require weekly grooming.
Yellow Labs tend to shed more than the other colours. Labs also need to have their toenails cut regularly and their ears checked for infection and cleaned. These jobs are easy for the dog owner to do.
Labs, like all breeds, are prone to certain hereditary conditions. Labs can be prone to allergies (food, skin), joint problems, and hip problems. You should strongly consider pet insurance and developing a good relationship with your vet.
Is a clean house important to you?
Labs love to swim and enjoy the outdoors. They can carry fleas and ticks. They shed—a lot.
If you require a perfectly neat home do NOT get a lab. Labs are always willing to donate hair, muddy paw prints, and puddles of rain water to your decor.