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Labrador Retriever breed profile

Training and intelligence
Labrador Retrievers want to please, are fast learners, and very motivated by food. Labradors have an intelligence, which they may find more motivation to apply if there is an advantage to themselves in the task.

Temperament
Labrador Retrievers are in the main affectionate and enthusiastic. As puppies and young dogs they have an exuberance which can get them into trouble if left unchecked. As adults, they are usually friendly, energetic companions, who live to be with their people, and adore the whole family.

Attitude towards strange dogs and people
Everyone is a potential friend to a Labrador Retriever, and they greet as such. Aggression is rarely a problem, although individuals may give warning barks in the house to alert of danger.

Grooming and shedding
Grooming is minimal with the short coated Labrador Retriever. This breed sheds heavily, although wiping over with a damp cloth, and bathing helps. Invest in a good vacuum!

Exercise
Labrador Retrievers thrive on exercise, having lots of energy, and being very playful. They relish free running and retrieving games.

Need for company
They long to be with their people, but Labrador Retrievers can take short periods of being left if brought up to it. Not suitable for kennel living.

General
It is for good reason that the Labrador Retriever is the most popular breed in the world. Despite their enthusiasm or perhaps because of it and even though they shed heavily, they are loving family members with lots of patience.
Puppies should not be over-exercised until the skeleton has fully developed, and ensure parent dogs have been hip, shoulder and eye tested don’t set yourself up for heartbreak. These are large, heavy set, exuberant dogs, but will love you 100%, and are worth putting the effort in for.

Sharing

273 - dog parkour and dog news discussion

Dog trainer Emma Hendy explains how Dog Parkour can help your bond with your dog, and give you both a new mindset. Julie gives her opinion on some dog news stories which caught her attention.

189 - The Dog Healers and War Dogs Remembered

In this episode you can hear Mark Winik talk about his debut novel, The Dog Healers, and listen to Julia Robertson explain why she founded the charity War Dogs remembered. Plus there's the DogCast Radio News, and what Mischief the German Spitz puppy has been up to.

188 - Service Dogs UK and Roxie the Doxie Finds Her Forever Home

In this episode you can hear about Service Dogs UK, a fantastic charity which trains assistance dogs to support veterans of any service - military personnel, police, firefighters, paramedics and the coastguard - who develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder due to their job. Also, listen to Dr Jody A Dean, a clinical psychologist talk about how her book, Roxie the Doxie finds her Forever Home, is helping children understand and talk about adoption and other family issues. Plus the DogCast Radio News and some thoughts on the alpha dog myth.

187 - Muffins Halo and Chorley Fun Dog Show

In this episode you can hear about Muffin's Halo for Blind Dogs, and what motivates people to enter their dog in a fun dog show. In the DogCast Radio News, listen to stories about the latest dog related research. Plus there's a new member of the DogCast Radio team!

186 - Maxwell Muir on wolves

In this episode you can hear trainer, behaviourist, writer, broadcaster and wolf expert Maxwell Muir talk about what wolves mean to him personally, their plight in a modern world, and his hopes for their future. Plus we have the DogCast Radio News.