Labrador Retriever

A Labrador Retriever’s grooming needs are fairly low-maintenance, but they still require work.  

• Bathing: Labs often only need a bath every four to six weeks with a good dog shampoo. If your Lab is lucky enough to go on big weekly adventures (like hikes and runs on the beach), you might need to bathe them weekly.  
• Brushing: Because a Labrador has short hair, they don’t really need haircuts. However, they do shed, especially in the spring and fall, and you’ll need to brush them at least once a week. Consider a tool like the FURminator to help brush out the undercoat and remove excess fur. 
• Dental care: Brush your Labrador’s teeth daily with a dog-safe toothpaste. Start early so they get used to the habit, and schedule a pro cleaning at your vet once a year.  
• Ear care: Regularly check your Lab’s ears to make sure they’re debris-free. If you notice any swelling, odor, or redness, your pup may have an ear infection that needs a vet’s care. Your vet may recommend cleaning your dog’s ears at home.  
• Nail care: Trim your Lab’s nails once a month. If you can hear the nails clacking on hard surfaces when your dog walks, it’s time for a manicure.  

Labs are smart and eager to please, making them highly trainable. You can begin basic obedience training when your Labrador Retriever puppy is between 7 weeks and 4 months old. They can learn potty training, important cues (like sit, stay, and come), and how to walk on a leash.  

If you adopt a Lab when they’re older, never fear—like many dogs, adult Labs are also great learners! You can even potty train them in their senior years; it’s never too late.  

Always use positive reinforcement—praise, treats, and toys—to teach your pup how to be on their very best behavior. 

Don’t forget socialization, too. It’s important to introduce your pup to new people and places so that they’re used to novel interactions and become a confident and calm adult.  

In general, Labs are extremely friendly dogs and do well in most social interactions if you introduce them slowly and safely. Their large size and high energy level might be intimidating for smaller humans and pets, so it’s important for your Lab to show just how sweet and gentle they really are. 

It’s also not uncommon to see these brilliant pups being trained as guide dogs for the visually impaired or as search and rescue dogs. They really are that multitalented. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all nutrition plan for your Labrador Retriever, but every dog needs a complete and balanced diet that meets AAFCO standards.  

Choose a diet for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior), and consider a large-breed diet, especially for your growing Lab puppy. Royal Canin even makes breed-specific food just for Labrador puppies, adults, and seniors.  

Because Labs are so active and always on the go, they may also benefit from a high-protein dog food. Ask your vet if this is a smart idea for your pup.  

Labrador Retrievers are large dogs with deep chests—this makes them susceptible to a life-threatening condition called bloat (more on that later). Bloat can be triggered during mealtimes, so take these precautions when feeding your dog: 

• Feed your Lab using a slow feeder bowl, snuffle mat, or puzzle toy to slow their gobbling. 
• Avoid elevating your dog’s food bowls; this can increase the chances of bloat. 
• Don’t let your pup exercise for an hour before or after eating.  
• Feed your dog at least two meals per day instead of one big breakfast or dinner.  

Remember that calories from treats count, too. While treats are important for motivating your dog during training, don’t offer your Lab too many snacks. Treats should never be more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories.  

Labs are high-energy dogs who love to have a good time, and who can blame them? They’re active, sporty souls who love nothing more than running, hiking, and swimming—and as their pet parent, it’s your job to make sure they expend all that energy.  

You’ll need to take them on runs around the neighborhood in addition to regular walks and hikes. At least one hour of exercise every day is ideal, but you could (and should!) do more if you have the time and energy yourself.  

Labs absolutely love the water—they were, after all, bred to be water dogs—so, pet parents should prioritize water-based outings as often as possible. Because Labs are natural swimmers, dock diving is a fun exercise that will keep them entertained. 

Before you choose a spot to splash, just make sure that the water’s safe for your pup.  

A Lab’s ideal home has less to do with type of house or yard and more with the question: Are you there? As long as their favorite person is home and showing them lots of love, they’ll probably be happy.    

That’s not to say that being near them is enough. On the contrary, if you don’t have a large yard to play in, you’ll need to take them to the park or dog park for at least an hour every day to meet their exercise needs.   

Even if you live somewhere with lots of land, a Lab will only be truly happy if you, too, love the great outdoors. These canines want to get out of the house—and not just a couple of times a year. They love adventure, and they’ll bond best with a pet parent who shares their passion for exploring.   

Your Labrador Retriever will probably do well with other pets and kids if everyone is socialized to get along well. Having guests over for dinner? Your sunny Lab will likely steal the show with their cheery personality and clever smarts.