The world of Labrador Retrievers is a realm filled with tail wags, eager-to-please attitudes, and a love for a lifetime. Labs are great for first-time dog owners, but even these pups that are known as easy-going, do require the right care.

One of the first things you should focus on is their nutrition. Labrador puppies have a fast growth rate and require a diet rich in protein to support this. Feeding them high-quality food, preferably designed specifically for large breeds, can provide them with the necessary nutrients. Just remember, Labs love to eat… and eat… and eat… and can easily overindulge. You need to closely monitor their intake to avoid overfeeding and the risk of obesity.

As much as they love food, they love sleep too. Puppies require lots of rest for proper development, sleeping up to 20 hours a day! Ensure they have a quiet and comfortable place to sleep. While crate training can be beneficial for house training, remember to make that crate a positive and safe space for your pup.

Physical care is as important as nutrition and rest for the labs. You might also want to brush them frequently, because of their dense double coat that sheds. This will keep them and their coat healthy. Occasional baths can help keep them clean, but be careful not to overdo it as this can dry out their skin.

As we all know, Labs are very energetic and need lots of exercises, but while they’re still young you should be careful not to overdo it. Avoid long runs until they’re fully grown, but do provide them with plenty of playtime. Positive exposure to people and other dogs is very important to keep and shape their friendly demeanor.

Oh, hey, do you know why Labs don’t make good police dogs? They can’t stop playing with the evidence!

Your lab tip of the day: Because they love to eat, you can use their meal times and treats as training opportunities. Labs love to please their owners, and they’ll quickly learn that their good behavior gets tasty rewards!