27 Causes Not To Get A Labrador Retriever

This put up might comprise affiliate hyperlinks. We might earn cash or merchandise from the businesses talked about on this put up.

Labrador retrievers are nice household canine. There are a lot of causes that they’ve been the most well-liked breed for many years.

However they aren’t for everybody and there are causes to not get a Labrador Retriever.

As a coach, I like labs however don’t advocate them to all of my shoppers.

On this article, I’ll clarify explanation why some folks shouldn’t get a labrador retriever.

Do you know that the Labrador Retriever is now #2 on the AKC prime breeds listing! CRAZY!

Record of Causes Not To Get a Labrador Retriever

Labs are nice canine for individuals who need a household canine with loads of vitality. However a few of their traits aren’t for everybody. 

Some causes to not get a lab embody the next:

1. They Shed 

So much. In fact many canine shed, however labs shed your-round. Common grooming helps, however you’ll nonetheless have to vacuum and clear up canine hair. 

So in order for you an immaculate home, a lab shouldn’t be the only option–until you like vacuuming, cleansing fur off furnishings (in spite of everything, it’s referred to as FUR-niture), and eradicating hair from garments.

For those who get a Lab you’ll get used to seeing the fur tumbleweeds rolling down your hallways.

2. Labs Aren’t Clear Canine

Partly as a result of they shed rather a lot, they aren’t the cleanest canine. Additionally they prefer to roll or wallow in smelly issues exterior, reminiscent of deer feces. 

And their oily coat that repels water can get on partitions once they rub in opposition to them. They typically have a “doggy scent.”

3. They Require a Lot of Train

Labs are bred to work as looking canine. In order that they have vitality to spare and want loads of train. And if their wants aren’t met, they will grow to be bored and damaging.

4. They Require a Lot of Consideration

Labs like to be with the household. And in the event that they’re not included in household actions, they will grow to be bored and pressured. 

This may result in them turning into damaging and affected by separation nervousness.

5. Labs Mature Slowly

In contrast to some breeds, labs might seem to be an grownup at a 12 months outdated. However they aren’t. Bodily, they will be the peak they’ll be as an grownup at that age. 

However mentally, they’re nonetheless puppy-like and behave as a pet. So they could nonetheless chew on and get into issues just like the trash and your new footwear.

They don’t totally mentally mature till they’re about two to 4 years outdated.

6. Labs are Too Standard

You may surprise: How can a canine be too standard? 

Being the most well-liked breed for many years has some downsides. Labs are extraordinarily overbred by yard breeders and pet mills. 

Canine who originate from these sources usually tend to have genetic and temperament issues than those that are well-bred. 

It’s necessary to discover a breeder who does the right genetic testing and who correctly raises the puppies. Or get one from a good rescue or shelter.

Additionally, in order for you a canine who’s totally different and stands out, a lab isn’t the only option. In lots of lessons that I train, there’s not less than one lab or lab combine.

7. Labs Are Very Pleasant

For those who’re searching for a canine who simply desires to be centered on your loved ones, a lab might not be a superb match. 

A correctly bred and socialized labrador retriever hasn’t met a stranger. 

He’s often the greeting committee while you’re with others. And he also needs to get together with canine.

So if you happen to’re searching for a canine to guard you and your property, a lab isn’t a sensible choice.

8. It’s Onerous To Say “No” to a Lab

As a result of they’re so candy and lovable, it’s typically tough to show down a lab who desires extreme consideration. 

So in case your lab desires to continually be petted or play ball–and is insistent and gained’t hand over by nudging or barking at you–chances are you’ll give in to his extreme wants.

9. Labs Are Susceptible to Genetic Well being Issues

Partly as a result of they’re so standard and overbred by some sources, Labs are liable to many genetic issues reminiscent of:

• hip and elbow dysplasia
• coronary heart problems
• hereditary myopathy (muscle weak spot)
• osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)
• eye circumstances together with progressive retinal atrophy
• exercised-induced collapse
• bloat

10. Labs Are Genetically Predisposed to Weight problems

Labs like to eat. And they’re genetically predisposed to realize weight in the event that they’re overfed and/or under-exercised.

11. Labs Aren’t Nice Lap Canine

Though your lab in all probability desires to be near you and even climb onto your lap whilst you’re on the sofa watching TV, he’s too massive.

12. They Like To Chew

As a retriever who slowly matures, a lab likes to hold issues in his mouth. He gained’t discriminate between your new footwear and his tug toy. And he likes chewing on these things.

13. Labs Have a Tendency To Leap

Being as pleasant and slow-maturing as they’re, labs need to greet folks face-to-face. And so they leap on folks of their exuberant greetings.

14. A Lab Could Be Tough To Include

Due to their tendency to chase small animals like rabbits and squirrels, a lab could also be tough to comprise.

Colby’s canine Elsa is at all times searching for opossums on the wall or squirrels within the tree. As soon as she spots one there’s now stopping her.

15. Labs Are Needy

In contrast to extra unbiased breeds, labs must be with folks. So they are going to need to be with you wherever you might be and should get in the best way. 

They require loads of consideration and can typically be beneath foot. A lab might lay in the midst of the kitchen ground whilst you’re making an attempt to cook dinner. Simply make certain to not journey over him.

16. They Are Susceptible to Separation Nervousness

Labs must be with folks to blossom into their greatest selves. If left alone too typically or for too lengthy, they’re liable to creating separation nervousness.

17. Labs Are Giant Canine

In fact you understand this if you happen to’re eager about getting a lab. However think about that they’ll require loads of room in your own home, yard, and automotive earlier than committing to a lab.

Listed below are the usual peak and weight for Labrador Retrievers in response to the AKC.

18. A Lab Is Tough To Journey With

When you will have a lab, you could think about how he’ll journey with you. A small automotive gained’t do. 

If he travels usually, as a way to be secure he ought to journey in a crate or seat belt harness–or, as a minimum, behind a barrier.

PRO TIP: Information canine are taught from a younger age to experience on the passenger aspect floorboards.

19. They Are Costly To Feed

Labs are giant, energetic canine who eat greater than smaller, much less energetic canine do. In order that they’re fairly costly to feed. 

And the quantity of treats and chews that they ingest will even be dearer.

20. A Lab’s Wants Are Costly

They require bigger, dearer objects than a smaller canine would. 

A lab requires a big crate, canine mattress, giant, sturdy toys and chews, preventative medicines reminiscent of heartworm meds, vaccinations, and neutering. 

These things are sometimes dearer than they’re for smaller canine.

21. A Lab Is Himself Costly

In fact you can purchase from a conscientious breeder who performs the right checks on the breeding inventory. A canine from such a breeder might be costly.

22. Pet Insurance coverage Is Costly for Labs

Due to the genetic issues {that a} lab is liable to have, insuring a lab is dearer than it’s for a lot of different breeds.

23. Labs Can Be Damaging of Your Yard

Along with giant urine spots that may destroy your grass, your lab is more likely to be very damaging to your yard. 

He’ll in all probability like to dig, particularly in your treasured flower beds. So in order for you a lab, don’t count on to have a pristine backyard. However there are measures which you can take to dog-proof your yard.

Yep, that’s Elsa mendacity down within the gap she dug. Seems to be like she was making an attempt to get beneath the brick wall 🙂

24. Labs Don’t Do Properly If Confined Inside Too Typically

They want sufficient train and, though they are often nice if their psychological and bodily wants are met, they nonetheless require a while exterior enjoying and taking walks.

25. Coaching Is a Necessity

As a canine coach, I consider that every one canine ought to at a minimal have primary coaching. 

But when a small canine like a chihuahua isn’t skilled, he’s not more likely to knock somebody over if he jumps on them. And he can’t attain too many issues to be damaging. 

But when a lab isn’t skilled, he can barrel via life and knock folks over as in the event that they had been bowling pins. 

And he can simply chew up family possessions, counter and desk surf, and be a one-dog wrecking crew in your yard.

So you need to enroll in a well-run obedience class, which will be costly.

26. Socialization Is Should

In fact all canine must be correctly socialized. But when a lab isn’t, he might grow to be out-of-control in new conditions that he faces in on a regular basis life. 

This may present itself in boisterous conduct and even in protecting, aggressive conduct of the members of the family that he’s bonded with.

27. Labs love the water

Yep, they’re water canine. It’s best to beware that the majority labs naturally love the water. Now we have a swimming pool and our black Lab is within the pool a number of occasions a day within the summertime. She’s even gone in just a few occasions within the useless of winter!

Moist canine are pungent, messy, soiled, you identify it. When a moist canine comes operating into the home it may be disastrous. Watch out for the moist Lab!

Causes To Get a Lab

Now that I’ve listed the down-side of labs, let’s talk about the various causes that labs make nice household pets.

1. Labs Are Pleasant Household Canine

In order for you a canine who you may take all over the place, a lab could be a good match so long as you meet his wants. 

Labs have by no means met a stranger and are outgoing, nice, peaceable canine. 

They get together with and are affectionate with adults and youngsters and different canines. 

If you wish to take part in remedy work, labs are a number of the greatest, delicate canine to consolation folks.

2. Labs Can Be Nice Service Canine

For those who want a service canine, a well-trained, socialized, well-bred lab can match the invoice. 

There’s a cause that you just see so many labs with service canine vests performing wanted help to folks with disabilities.

3. Labs Are Quick Learners

They’re very trainable. Additionally they home prepare simply.

So in order for you a buddy who wows your mates when he performs his obedience instructions and tips, a lab could be a nice alternative. 

They like to be taught and are very compliant and bonded with their homeowners.

4. They Have Nice Temperaments

A well-bred and socialized lab ought to have a fantastic temperament. He must be nonaggressive and calm when his train wants are met. 

5. Labs Are Playful

For those who’re searching for a canine who’s at all times up for enjoyable, a lab could be a fantastic alternative.

6. They Are Adaptable and Straightforward Going

Labs will adapt to you so long as their wants are met. They’ll reside with giant households and even with only a solo proprietor so long as they obtain sufficient socialization, coaching, and psychological and bodily train.

7. Labs Make Nice Train Buddies

In order for you a mountain climbing, jogging, or strolling associate, a lab could be a nice alternative. 

Simply make it possible for your vet approves that he’s sufficiently old and bodily match to take part in these actions.

8. Labs Make Nice Exercise Canine

There’s a cause that you just see so many labs displaying in actions reminiscent of aggressive obedience or rally, amongst different sports activities. 

Educated correctly, labs excel at such sports activities and infrequently obtain prime scores. 

Due to their intelligence, steady temperaments, and willingness to work, they make nice companions in such ventures. 

Additionally they excel at conformation, dock diving, agility, area trials, and looking.

9. Labs Are Good-looking Canine

Along with their above attributes, labs are handsome canine. Whether or not you select a black, chocolate, or yellow lab, he’s more likely to be admired by different folks.

What To Do If You Get a Labrador Retriever

For those who determine {that a} lab’s the canine for you, congratulations! Labs could make nice canine for the precise particular person or household. 

Get him from a conscientious breeder or a fantastic rescue or shelter. Simply you’ll want to meet his wants, together with offering:

• Bodily train. Retrieving, mountain climbing, lengthy walks, and swimming may also help preserve your lab match and assist stop behavioral points resulting from boredom or extra vitality.
• Psychological stimulation. This may be by coaching obedience instructions and tips and enrichment toys to assist broaden your pup’s thoughts.
• Coaching. Labs love coaching. So train him all the fundamentals and past. You need to have the ability to take him locations with out him leaping throughout everybody.
• Socialization. Properly-bred labs are pure social butterflies. However you continue to have to correctly socialize a labrador in order that he reaches his potential to be a fantastic household canine.
• Consideration. Along with actions you interact in collectively, your lab wants you to offer him consideration. Spend some down time with him. Pet him. Inform him what a fantastic canine he’s.
• Grooming and cleansing up after him. Common grooming will assist stop your private home from having balls of bur floating round. And vacuum and mop any hair and muddy footprints.
• Feeding high-quality meals, treats, and chews. And just remember to present an applicable caloric consumption to him for his age and exercise degree in order that he doesn’t grow to be overweight.
• Exploring insurance coverage. For those who get insurance coverage and your canine has a well being situation, it might prevent some huge cash down the street.
• Final, however not least: Having fun with him! Labs are enjoyable and make life pleasurable for the precise particular person.

FAQs

I’m considering of getting a lab however I don’t have loads of time to spend with him. I work lengthy hours and go away at 8 A.M. and don’t get dwelling till 7:00 P.M. Would a lab be a superb match? 

Most likely not. For those who can have a trusted pal or skilled spend a while with him in the course of the day, it would work if you happen to get a lab who’s now not a pet.

He would wish to bond with these folks. And he would must be skilled, exercised, and socialized in the course of the day in addition to after you arrive dwelling at evening.

I’m searching for a canine mountain climbing buddy. Would a lab be a superb match? 

Sure–so long as he’s outdated and wholesome sufficient for such an exercise. Labs excel when bonding with their folks. And so they require bodily and psychological train.

So, so long as you meet his different wants for socialization, psychological enrichment, and coaching, you will be very pleased with a lab.

However take into account the downsides reminiscent of shedding hair, an inclination to chew and be damaging inside and out of doors of your backyard, the excessive expense of the lab and his requirements, and his genetic predisposition to numerous well being maladies.

I would like a service canine to assist me with my incapacity. He wants to select up objects and retrieve them for me, open doorways, and activate and off gentle switches. A service canine group recommends a lab that they’ve. Would this breed be a superb match? 

Sure. If correctly skilled and socialized, labs could make nice service canine.

Closing Ideas

There are a lot of explanation why some folks shouldn’t have labs as companions.

For those who’re considering of getting a lab, you could weigh these issues in opposition to the various nice traits that labs have.

Are you considering of getting a lab? In that case, why?

If in case you have one, what made you determine to get a lab? Please inform us about it within the feedback part beneath.

Save To Pinterest

Prime Picks For Our Canine

1. BEST PUPPY TOY
   We Like: Calmeroos Pet Toy w/ Heartbeat and Warmth Packs – Excellent for brand new puppies. Helps ease nervousness of their new dwelling.
2. BEST DOG CHEW
   We Like: Bones & Chews Bully Sticks – All of our puppies like to chunk, nip, and chew. We love utilizing Bully Sticks to assist divert these undesirable behaviors.
3. BEST DOG TREATS
   We Like: Loopy Canine Practice Me Treats – Considered one of our favourite treats for coaching our service canine puppies.
4. BEST FRESH DOG FOOD
   We Like: The Farmer’s Canine – A pair months in the past we began feeding Raven contemporary pet food and he or she loves it! Get 50% off your first order of The Farmer’s Canine.

For an inventory of all of the provides we get for our new service canine puppies take a look at our New Pet Guidelines on the PuppyInTraining.com weblog.

27 Causes Not To Get A Labrador Retriever was final modified: March twenty eighth, 2023 by Debbie DeSantis