Are you Ready for a Labrador Retriever

Are you about to take a step into the world of dog ownership for the first time? Here are some important considerations you might want to think about before making that final decision on whether or not to bring a Labrador Retriever into your life.

The first week you and your dog spend together can be exhilarating, fun, enriching and a lot of fun but also overwhelming. Try to make the transition easier for both of you by doing a little advance planning before your new dog arrives.

So do your homework and prepare yourself before the puppy arrives. A great way to get “puppy-wise” and ready for the big day is to read Ian Dunbar’s free e-books. These are free PDF documents that you have permission to download, copy and share (available on http://www.dogstardaily.com/free-downloads).

Space

Labradors are large dogs. An adult male may weight as much as 40 kilograms. They are also fairly lively dogs, especially in the first couple of years, and need quite a bit of space in your home and in your garden.

They need to be able to go outside regularly for potty. Ideally you dedicate a part of the garden which your dog can use as a bathroom. You will need some kind of system for cleaning up after him hygienically. Puppies should not be allowed to ‘toilet’ where children play, as their faeces can pass on some horrible parasites.

Some young Labrador Retriever love digging and are quite capable of constructing a sizable crater in your flower beds if left unattended outdoors. A small plastic sandpit can be useful for this purpose.

Time Commitment

It is hard for new puppy owners to find the balance with work and their new puppys needs. A lot of people don’t realise that a small puppy cannot just stay alone and unattended at home all day.

An older dog can cope with being left for four hours in a row on a regular basis, but puppies need more interaction than this. Lonely dogs bark and wreck things.

If you have to work all day, can you afford doggie daycare or someone to check on your dog and let him empty and stretch his legs?

The biggest long term time commitment in owning a dog is in the form of training and exercise. All dogs need training in order that they can rub along in human society without being a complete nuisance. This means a regular daily commitment of ten to twenty minutes from you, in addition to your regular interaction with the dog.

Exercise is required on a regular basis, for some breeds of dog this means at least an hour a day of walking or jogging to keep your dog fit and healthy. Whilst your dog will not come to any harm if you miss a day occasionally, a daily routine is often the best way to ensure that you build this important habit.

Labrador Retriever – the right Breed?

If you are certain that the time is right for you to bring a dog into your family, it is also worth considering whether a Labrador Retriever is the right breed of dog for you and your family.

See the short videos further down that might get you an idea about the beautiful breed.

Free E-Books to become Puppy-Smart

So do your homework and prepare yourself before you commit to owning a dog. A great way to get puppy-wise and ready for the big day is to read Ian Dunbar’s free e-books. These are free PDF documents that you have permission to download, copy and share. Available on DOGSTARDAILY or below.

Watch Ian Dunbar on TED talking about dog friendly dog training (great watch).

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