Training: Training a Labrador Retriever can be both fun and rewarding. Labradors are a highly intelligent breed and have the potential to be easy to train. But they’re also high-energy and continue to display puppy-like behavior well into their adult years. So it’s very important to begin training them as early as possible to make it an easy process. One way to do this is by rewarding them with treats, and making it into a game. As much as they want to make you happy, they also just want to play all the time.
Labrador training takes patience, but that’s true of most breeds. They excel at competitive training, such as field trial competitions and dock diving, because they love to please. Investigate opportunities for joining groups in your area that teach these types of activities to owners and their dogs.
Barking: Labradors have a deep, somewhat sharp bark that they tend to use when someone unfamiliar is spotted or a threat to their territory is perceived. Because Labradors are sociable animals who enjoy the company of humans and other animals, if they are left alone for long periods of time (especially regularly) they can develop anxiety and barking issues.
Make sure you set aside time every day to be with your Lab, exercising, playing games, or just hanging out. Crate training can be very beneficial for puppies, as it keeps them safe and helps them to feel safe, decreasing the chance that they will develop an anxiety issue.
Labradors rarely growl unless they feel there is a substantial threat to them or their “people.” They also do not tend to howl or whine excessively.
Personality: The Labrador personality is one of the things that attracts many people to the breed. Labradors are some of the most social dogs out there. They typically love meeting and playing with other dogs, and tend to be well-mannered canine citizens that don’t start fights with other dogs.
Temperament & Behavior: Labradors are cheerful, big, tail-wagging companions. There’s a reason they’re the most popular dog breed in America. They are great with family members of all ages and even friendly to strangers. Labradors are full of energy, and they’re the type of dog that will run to the door to greet you after a long day.
Behavior with Kids: Labradors are possibly one of the best breeds for families with small children. They have a high level of tolerance and are incredibly gentle and sweet, despite their size advantage over small children.
Protection: Generally, the friendliness inherent in a Lab’s disposition overrides any strong protective instinct. They are by no means timid, but typically warm up to strangers after perhaps a brief period of initial suspicion.
