Bringing a new dog into your family can be a delightful experience, but you need to know what you’re getting into when you choose one of these lovely pets. And with so many different breeds to choose from, where do you start?
Well, one exceptional and very popular breed is English Labradors. They’re friendly, smart, and make great family pets. But there are some important things to consider about them before you decide to get one to ensure that your experience with them always remains a positive one.
Temperament and Personality
English Labs are favored for their steady and easy going personalities, which seem just about perfect for family life. They are predominantly more laid back than hunting-bred American Labradors, who work in the field and are more driven than their English cousins. This affectionate breed is more likely to have “melt into your lap” moments than a muscular and powerful American Lab.
Yet even the calmest English Labrador needs human companionship. If your household has a busy schedule, it’s vital to arrange for someone to be present with your pet; otherwise, it may be a good idea to consider doggy daycare services.
Exercise Requirements
These Labs may be pretty calm when they’re just sitting around, but they’re energetic dogs that need to move – around one hour of walking, playing, or swimming every day. Without that release of energy, they may get creative in finding ways to amuse themselves, with often destructive results.
Training and Socialization
Training and socialization are critical to developing a well-adjusted, well-mannered dog. This is especially true with Labs, which are smart and enthusiastic about training. Labradors generally do well when using techniques that rely on positive reinforcement.
They’ll do what you want them to do when you give clear commands. After you give a command and the dog follows it, a good technique is to give a treat as a reward. This tells them that you are pleased and that they have done something correctly.
Grooming and Shedding
The double coat of the English Labrador is short, dense, and sheds year-round, falling out more heavily in the spring and autumn. The best way to manage shedding is to keep the dog regularly brushed. Bathing should be done when necessary, just like dog grooming in general.
Common Health Concerns
Like all breeds, English Labradors are susceptible to some genetic health problems, notably hip and elbow dysplasia, obesity, and eye conditions. The first two problems can be managed primarily through diet and exercise. A routine vet check every six months allows a pet parent to stay on top of potential eye problems.
Is an English Labrador Right for Your Family?
Before you bring home an English Lab, evaluate you and your family’s lifestyle. These dogs require a big time and emotional investment and it’s not always just fun and games. Figure out if you’re ready for that and if you’re in the right situation to take on such an awesome, rewarding responsibility that’ll change your home life for the better for a decade or more.