Our Observation Of The Labrador Retriever Over The Last Five Years
The Labrador retriever is the most non-aggressive dog breed. We cannot recall any Lab snarling at another dog or at a person. The Lab is also overwhelmingly the most popular dog breed. See our survey.
Most Labradors however have certain traits that a potential new lab owner should be aware of.
Most Labs will not stop eating if an unlimited amount of food is presented to them. Therefore free feeding is out of the question. They also seem to 'inhale' their food. No other dog breed can consistently eat two cups of kibble in less than 20 seconds.
Young Labrador retrievers (less than one and a half years old) tend to eat dog feces. We have one Lab who loves hot fresh droppings. He actually grabs it before it hits the ground as another dog is answering a call from nature. We have found that a citrus dog collar helps reduce this problem.
Young labs also tend to be extremely active. We have had clients who have wept because their lab was constantly 'hyper'. Young labs tend to give 100% effort in everything they do. If you want to let them go outside to go to the bathroom for example, they will go out at full speed probably bumping into you along the way.
Taking the Lab to a leash free park to interact with other dogs for a few hours a day between 5.15pm and 7pm or to doggy daycare may help. Contact city hall about official leash free dog parks. Please make sure that you check out the dog parks as some dog owners take their aggressive dogs there and your young Lab will probably not fight back if attacked.
You should also talk to a qualified dog trainer about consistent positive reinforcement. If the problem persists talk to your vet or animal behaviourist. We have had one Lab who was given Ritalin to control his hyperactivity. Note: Qualified animal behaviourists are veterinarians who have specialized in animal behaviour.
If you have an active lifestyle a young Lab maybe right for you. If your heart is set on obtaining a Labrador Retriever but you do not have time or money to pay someone for a few hours of vigorous exercise a day, consider getting a neutered or spayed Lab that is over one and a half years of age.
Note: A few Labrador Retrievers do not exhibit the traits mentioned above.