What Have We Learned about adopting a Labrodor Retriever?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
Labrador retrievers are one of the most beloved dogs in the world – and for good reason!<\/p>\n
There\u2019s plenty of reasons people love them.<\/p>\n
But I don\u2019t want to spoil those reasons here.<\/p>\n
After all, we\u2019ve got an article to go through together first don\u2019t we?<\/p>\n
I wouldn\u2019t want to ruin the surprises this early on.<\/p>\n
So where did Labrador Retrievers originate from?<\/p>\n
Some say they mysteriously fell to Earth one night when there just wasn\u2019t enough happiness in the world.<\/p>\n
Others say that they came to be when a benevolent wizard wanted to create the physical manifestation of feelings of joy.<\/p>\n
And others, more accurately, say they were originally bred in Newfoundland as a family companion.<\/p>\n
And to help fisherman. Is that a fun fact or what?<\/p>\n
Now, just from that adorable story alone you likely already want a Labrador Retriever.<\/p>\n
I know, I do too. However, before we get too into it, let\u2019s talk about what you should expect.<\/p>\n
I mean, if I was just telling you to go out and get a Labrador Retriever this would be a pretty short article, wouldn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n
I\u2019ll answer you: yes, it would.<\/p>\n
And so, let\u2019s take a look at seven things you should know before you bring home a Labrador Retriever<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/span>1. Labradors Don\u2019t Require Much Hair Care<\/span><\/h3>\nIf you\u2019re an aspiring dog fur stylist, a labrador retriever won\u2019t give you the greatest amount of practice.<\/p>\n
And if you are, I didn\u2019t know that actually existed. I just thought the image of a puppy salon was an adorable idea.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ll be right back, I\u2019m going to look that up really quick.<\/p>\n
In the meantime, let\u2019s talk about Labrador Retriever grooming.<\/p>\n
Because it\u2019s of the short haired variety, you won\u2019t need to do very much.<\/p>\n
Just the occasional bath and a constant stream of treats should be all the pampering your four legged friend will need.<\/p>\n
<\/span>2. Retrievers Are Very Upbeat<\/span><\/h3>\nIf you\u2019re looking for something to take care of that\u2019s pouty, moody, and doesn\u2019t care what you think, a Labrador Retriever may not be right for you.<\/p>\n
Maybe try raising teenagers instead. (Heyo!)
\nYou see, Labrador Retrievers are pretty well known for their perpetual good moods.<\/p>\n
I mean, have you ever seen a picture of one that looked like it wasn\u2019t bursting with enthusiasm?<\/p>\n
If you do, please don\u2019t send it to me. I only like to see pictures of dogs that are happy.<\/p>\n
The point is, Labrador Retrievers are very happy dogs.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n
Unless you just need to cheer up.<\/p>\n
<\/span>3. Labrador Retrievers Love (And Need) Exercise<\/span><\/h3>\nAre you the type of person that can walk up a flight of stairs without having to catch your breath?<\/p>\n
Oh, well lucky you.<\/p>\n
No need to brag about it or anything.<\/p>\n
Well, you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n
You see, every dog needs exercise.<\/p>\n
From the most fit Great Dane to the laziest Bulldog, your pup needs to exercise.<\/p>\n
And Labrador Retrievers are no exception.You see, they don\u2019t only love exercise, they need it.<\/p>\n
Remember? I mentioned that in the title.<\/p>\n
I thought I made it pretty clear.<\/p>\n
Beyond making them happy, you may be saving yourself some personal property damage as well.<\/p>\n
You see, a Labrador Retriever will exercise one way or another.<\/p>\n
And if that\u2019s a choice between going for a walk and knocking over every lamp in the house, you\u2019re better off just taking them for some walks.<\/p>\n
But why exactly do these pups need so much exercise?<\/p>\n
Well, it all starts in the past. (That\u2019s right, it\u2019s time for a history lesson!) There was a time when Labrador Retrievers specialized in hunting.<\/p>\n
I don\u2019t know the date because that would take some research, but let\u2019s just say the early 90\u2019s.<\/p>\n
It was during the dog\u2019s grunge phase.<\/p>\n
So much of this energy comes from their hunting background.<\/p>\n
I know, it seems like a bit of a surprise when you see how loving and cuddly they are.<\/p>\n
But it’s true!<\/p>\n
And, because of this background, they need plenty of stimulation to be happy.<\/p>\n
And there\u2019s nothing better than a happy dog.<\/p>\n
Except maybe two happy dogs.<\/p>\n
<\/span>4. Labs Shed A Decent Amount<\/span><\/h3>\nNow, before you cancel your trip to Labrador Retriever\u2019s R Us and return to your perfectly vacuumed house and thank the couch deities that your house will be safe from pet fur, let\u2019s talk about this for a second.<\/p>\n
Keep in mind I said they shed a decent amount.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s why I said \u201ca decent amount\u201d in the name of this section.<\/p>\n
You see, in the grand scale of shedding dogs, ranging from \u201cbald\u201d to \u201cfur cannon\u201d, Labrador Retrievers rank somewhere in the middle.<\/p>\n
While they will definitely shed here and there, it doesn\u2019t mean your house will become 30% fur as soon as your new puppy enters the door.<\/p>\n
However, if using a broom, vacuum, or roomba is foreign to you, this may not be the best dog for you.<\/p>\n
They will shed, and you will see it.<\/p>\n
Unless you just coordinate your house and all its furniture to the color of your dog\u2019s fur.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s up to you, really.<\/p>\n
<\/span>5. They\u2019ve Got A Ton Of Energy (Especially When They\u2019re Young)<\/span><\/h3>\nHave you ever babysat somebody else\u2019s kid? Or raised kids of your own?<\/p>\n
Or seen a kid with its parents at the store?<\/p>\n
Well, there\u2019s one thing you\u2019ll definitely notice: they have energy. Lots and lots and lots of energy.<\/p>\n
Kids will be constantly running around, jumping, and yelling.<\/p>\n
Well, young Labrador Retrievers are pretty much the same way.<\/p>\n
Just with barking instead of yelling.<\/p>\n
You see, basically from the time they\u2019re born until they\u2019re two or three years old, your Labrador Retriever will not want to stay still.<\/p>\n
Once they get going they can\u2019t stop.<\/p>\n
And won\u2019t stop.<\/p>\n
Sorry, I\u2019ve been looking for a reason to make a Miley Cyrus reference in one of these articles.<\/p>\n
So, if you\u2019ve got the energy to keep up with a spunky force of energy, by all means raise one as a puppy.<\/p>\n
However, if you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n
Much like rock stars from the 60\u2019s, 70\u2019s, and pretty much any era, they tend to slow down their crazy lifestyle as they get older.<\/p>\n
<\/span>6. They’re Not Difficult To Train<\/span><\/h3>\nAnd now let\u2019s talk about everyone\u2019s favorite part of caring for pets – getting them to not ruin the carpet.<\/p>\n
Yes, every future dog owner dreams of someday trying to get a stubborn mammal to use the restroom outside instead of on the couch.<\/p>\n
OK, obviously that\u2019s not the best part of raising a pet.<\/p>\n
Of course you don\u2019t enjoy that. Nobody does.<\/p>\n
But you\u2019re in luck because (drumroll please\u2026) Labrador Retrievers are not very difficult to train.<\/p>\n
I know.<\/p>\n
A dog that\u2019s easy to train.<\/p>\n
Let that sink in.<\/p>\n
You see, Labrador Retrievers are people pleasers.<\/p>\n
All they want is for their human to be as happy and fulfilled as they are.<\/p>\n
And they know that behaving will make you happy.<\/p>\n
Hmm, kind of makes all the dogs I\u2019ve trained that weren\u2019t Labradors seem a bit rude now that I think about it…<\/p>\n