Welcome to The Labrador Life, your go-to online resource for everything related to Labrador Retrievers! Our website is dedicated to providing Labrador owners and enthusiasts with comprehensive information, tips, and advice on a variety of topics related to this amazing breed. Whether you’re a proud Labrador owner or someone considering adding one to your family, we offer a wealth of resources to help you raise, train, and care for your furry friend. From nutrition and health to travel and training, we cover all aspects of living with a Labrador, so you can provide your pet with a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. Welcome to The Labrador Life!
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When Buster was just 6 months old, a woman at the dog park told me that all chocolate labs share a single brain cell. She was joking but it was true that Buster wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed. I tended to attribute his brain power to being male but apparently, it was caused by his fur color. Indeed, the internet is full of stories about how chocolates are less intelligent. But science says the color of a Labrador Retriever is determined by genetics and does not have a direct impact on their intelligence level or personality. Labradors, regardless of their color (black, yellow, or chocolate), are known for…
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Feeding your Labrador puppy requires careful attention to their nutritional needs to support healthy growth and development. I’ve never known a Labrador who doesn’t enjoy a good meal or for that matter, a tasty treat! Labrador Retrievers can be prone to obesity, so it’s important to provide a balanced diet that meets their specific requirements from the get-go. Each stage of a Labrador’s life will be different. Always check with your veterinarian for your dog’s particular needs. Under 6 Months of Age Young Labrador puppies have a lot of energy! They are also in the potty-training stage. It is very, very helpful to keep your puppy on a strict feeding/potty…
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My dogs, Buster & Lily, are experienced travelers. They took their first road trip at one week old when we took a two-hour drive to take their mom to the vet. At 5 months old, we did our first multi-day drive from California to Alaska. It took us 5 days and I learned a lot about how to travel with pups. And in particular, packing for a solo road trip. When the dogs were smaller, there wasn’t as much need to organize the car to perfection but now that they are BIG, space must be utilized efficiently. Buster is 92 pounds and Lily is 70 pounds. They pretty much take…
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Sometimes life throws us a curve ball and sometimes the best laid plans go astray. There isn’t much you can do about it except roll with the punches. In January 2022, I moved up to Alaska to take care of my niece’s dog and bird while she attended university on campus. It was an opportunity for her to experience life on campus, albeit in this new pandemic world, it isn’t quite how it used to be. My mom had heart surgery in January so I would also be able to give my sister a break from taking care of mom. THE PLAN was to stay in Alaska until my niece’s…
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Raising littermate puppies can be very challenging. I’m not sure I would have raised littermates had I known in advance how difficult it would be. As a single owner, I discovered that you should never be outnumbered by your dogs! I think it helped that Labrador Retrievers have a friendly nature so I never experienced some of the more serious consequences of raising littermates. It was only after I had committed to the two puppies that I read some of the horror stories associated with littermate syndrome. Something Called “Littermate Syndrome” Littermate syndrome refers to behavioral issues that may arise when raising two puppies from the same litter in the…
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Labrador Retrievers have a natural inclination towards balls for several reasons, and some dogs may even exhibit a strong obsession with them. Originally, labradors were bred as retrievers, used by fishermen to help retrieve fishing nets and catch from the water. Hunters use labradors to fetch their game. This retrieving instinct is deeply ingrained in their genetics. The love for balls triggers their natural desire to retrieve, making it an enjoyable and satisfying activity for many labradors. Aside from their basic instincts, labradors are also known for their high energy levels. Playing with balls provides an outlet for that energy, allowing them to engage in physical exercise and mental stimulation. It…
