All About Labrador Retrievers - Your Family and your Lab

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It Should be a Unanimous Decision!

Before you purchase your pup, or adopt an older lab, please be sure to get approval from everyone in the household. Some people purchase a dog assuming that their family will "fall in love" once you bring it home. This isn't the case. Many dogs end up at shelters, and many families argue over unwanted pets.

Bring your dog home to a family and household that really want them! This will make training and maintenance of your dog much easier. Stress and dogs don't mix.

Puppies and Children

Puppies and children on a postcard. Such a sweet notion.

Parents love their kids. They want their kids to be happy! They want their kids to be responsible! Many parents assume that bringing a dog home will turn their child into a routine-driven and responsible dog walker. Not the case.

Do not assume your children will look after the dog. Even if they promise to the stars, you will find that once doggie comes home, mom or dad bear the role of "guardian of canine". Expect it! As your children grow older they can accept additional responsibility for the dog. It will be a great learning experience for them. But initially, accept the fact that you will be the one that does the training and washroom breaks.

If you decide to bring a labrador retriever into a home with young children (brave you!), then prepare for an energized household. If it is a pup, expect the demands of an additional baby. They need to be watched and catered to every hour of the day for the first few months. Children and pup playtime needs to be supervised so that neither are injured.

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