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7 Tips Before Your Labrador Retriever Comes Home

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labrador retriever puppy in the basket

Labrador retrievers are one of the most beloved dogs in the world – and for good reason!

There’s plenty of reasons people love them.

But I don’t want to spoil those reasons here.

After all, we’ve got an article to go through together first don’t we?

I wouldn’t want to ruin the surprises this early on.

So where did Labrador Retrievers originate from?

Some say they mysteriously fell to Earth one night when there just wasn’t enough happiness in the world.

Others say that they came to be when a benevolent wizard wanted to create the physical manifestation of feelings of joy.

And others, more accurately, say they were originally bred in Newfoundland as a family companion.

And to help fisherman. Is that a fun fact or what?

Now, just from that adorable story alone you likely already want a Labrador Retriever.

I know, I do too. However, before we get too into it, let’s talk about what you should expect.

I mean, if I was just telling you to go out and get a Labrador Retriever this would be a pretty short article, wouldn’t it?

I’ll answer you: yes, it would.

And so, let’s take a look at seven things you should know before you bring home a Labrador Retriever.

1.  Labradors Don’t Require Much Hair Care

Lab on fenceIf you’re an aspiring dog fur stylist, a labrador retriever won’t give you the greatest amount of practice.

And if you are, I didn’t know that actually existed. I just thought the image of a puppy salon was an adorable idea.

I’ll be right back, I’m going to look that up really quick.

In the meantime, let’s talk about Labrador Retriever grooming.

Because it’s of the short haired variety, you won’t need to do very much.

Just the occasional bath and a constant stream of treats should be all the pampering your four legged friend will need.

2.  Retrievers Are Very Upbeat

If you’re looking for something to take care of that’s pouty, moody, and doesn’t care what you think, a Labrador Retriever may not be right for you.

Maybe try raising teenagers instead. (Heyo!)Lab santa hat :)
You see, Labrador Retrievers are pretty well known for their perpetual good moods.

I mean, have you ever seen a picture of one that looked like it wasn’t bursting with enthusiasm?

If you do, please don’t send it to me. I only like to see pictures of dogs that are happy.

The point is, Labrador Retrievers are very happy dogs.

If you’re looking for a four legged friend that will brighten your day and the day of everybody you walk by, this is the dog for you.

If you’re looking for a dog to mope around with you while you listen to The Smiths and write depressing poetry, this might not be the dog for you.

Unless you just need to cheer up.

3.  Labrador Retrievers Love (And Need) Exercise

Are you the type of person that can walk up a flight of stairs without having to catch your breath?

Oh, well lucky you.

No need to brag about it or anything.

Lab puppy chewing on stickWell, you’re going to need to be able to get up the stairs, and down the stairs, and all around the neighborhood if you want to make your Labrador Retriever happy.

You see, every dog needs exercise.

From the most fit Great Dane to the laziest Bulldog, your pup needs to exercise.

And Labrador Retrievers are no exception.You see, they don’t only love exercise, they need it.

Remember? I mentioned that in the title.

I thought I made it pretty clear.

Beyond making them happy, you may be saving yourself some personal property damage as well.

You see, a Labrador Retriever will exercise one way or another.

And if that’s a choice between going for a walk and knocking over every lamp in the house, you’re better off just taking them for some walks.

But why exactly do these pups need so much exercise?

Well, it all starts in the past. (That’s right, it’s time for a history lesson!) There was a time when Labrador Retrievers specialized in hunting.

I don’t know the date because that would take some research, but let’s just say the early 90’s.

It was during the dog’s grunge phase.

So much of this energy comes from their hunting background.

I know, it seems like a bit of a surprise when you see how loving and cuddly they are.

But it’s true!

And, because of this background, they need plenty of stimulation to be happy.

And there’s nothing better than a happy dog.

Except maybe two happy dogs.

4.  Labs Shed A Decent Amount

Labs in fieldNow, before you cancel your trip to Labrador Retriever’s R Us and return to your perfectly vacuumed house and thank the couch deities that your house will be safe from pet fur, let’s talk about this for a second.

Keep in mind I said they shed a decent amount.

That’s why I said “a decent amount” in the name of this section.

You see, in the grand scale of shedding dogs, ranging from “bald” to “fur cannon”, Labrador Retrievers rank somewhere in the middle.

While they will definitely shed here and there, it doesn’t mean your house will become 30% fur as soon as your new puppy enters the door.

However, if using a broom, vacuum, or roomba is foreign to you, this may not be the best dog for you.

They will shed, and you will see it.

Unless you just coordinate your house and all its furniture to the color of your dog’s fur.

It’s up to you, really.

5.  They’ve Got A Ton Of Energy (Especially When They’re Young)

Cute lab puppyHave you ever babysat somebody else’s kid? Or raised kids of your own?

Or seen a kid with its parents at the store?

Well, there’s one thing you’ll definitely notice: they have energy. Lots and lots and lots of energy.

Kids will be constantly running around, jumping, and yelling.

Well, young Labrador Retrievers are pretty much the same way.

Just with barking instead of yelling.

You see, basically from the time they’re born until they’re two or three years old, your Labrador Retriever will not want to stay still.

Once they get going they can’t stop.

And won’t stop.

Sorry, I’ve been looking for a reason to make a Miley Cyrus reference in one of these articles.

So, if you’ve got the energy to keep up with a spunky force of energy, by all means raise one as a puppy.

However, if you’re planning on having a good amount of relaxation time in the next two to three years, you may want to consider adopting an older Labrador Retriever.

Much like rock stars from the 60’s, 70’s, and pretty much any era, they tend to slow down their crazy lifestyle as they get older.

6.  They’re Not Difficult To Train

And now let’s talk about everyone’s favorite part of caring for pets – getting them to not ruin the carpet.

Yes, every future dog owner dreams of someday trying to get a stubborn mammal to use the restroom outside instead of on the couch.

OK, obviously that’s not the best part of raising a pet.

Of course you don’t enjoy that. Nobody does.

But you’re in luck because (drumroll please…) Labrador Retrievers are not very difficult to train.

I know.

A dog that’s easy to train.

Let that sink in.

You see, Labrador Retrievers are people pleasers.

All they want is for their human to be as happy and fulfilled as they are.

And they know that behaving will make you happy.

Hmm, kind of makes all the dogs I’ve trained that weren’t Labradors seem a bit rude now that I think about it…

7.  They Get Along With Everyone

lab party of twoAs I said, Labrador Retrievers are people pleasers. Well, it’s not only people that they like to make

Well, it’s not only people that they like to make happy, but other dogs.

And toddlers.

And anything that moves.

And anything that doesn’t move.

First of all, they get along well with other dogs. Big and small, furry and extremely furry, Labrador Retrievers enjoy the company of other dogs.

Really, it more depends on the attitude of the dog it’s meeting.

Just because a Labrador Retriever wants to be everybody’s friend doesn’t mean all other dogs will feel the same.

But don’t tell your new dog that. It might make him or her sad.

And not only do they enjoy the company of other dogs, but they also get along with cats as well.

Yes, that’s right. Cartoons and the media lied to you.

Not all dogs hate cats.

Sorry for shattering your reality.

What Have We Learned about adopting a Labrodor Retriever?

black lab pouting
Clearly, Labrador Retrievers are great dogs.

They’re easy to groom, meaning you won’t have to spend half your time with a brush in your hand.

They’re constantly in great moods, meaning they’ll inevitably put you in a good mood.

If you want to keep them happy, healthy and not destroying everything in your house, you’ll want to make sure they get a good amount of exercise.

You can expect a decent amount of shedding, so don’t go selling that roomba just yet.

If you get one as a puppy, expect to put in a lot of time and energy keeping up with your new four-legged friend until it grows up a bit.

They’re also fairly easy to train, as they ultimately just want to make you happy.

And, finally, in perhaps the least surprising news ever, they love everybody.

And I’d say that sums up this furry friend pretty well.

Written by Flo

I am a writer and pet lover living in the Pacific Northwest. I own 2 cats, Bella and Junior, and they are adorable :) I have been an animal advocate and human companion for several dozen animals over the years. I have raised Cockatiels, cats, dogs, rabbits, chickens, and a tortoise. Writing is my second passion and writing for Funny Pet Stop is a fantastic match for me.