Labrador: Training Insights & Behavior Traits

There has been an emergence over the last 20 years of two distinct types of Labradors, the Traditional Labrador; and a new style-Labrador of more recent years.

We have no facts other than our own research conducted across the 7 countries where we train, but we have definitely seen a change in the breed style in the last 20 years. We can only guess at why this has happened, but we feel that it came about when the Labrador became the go-to-breed for everything ‘detection’.

This type of work required a dog that was acceptable at airports and capable of working for long hours, a dog that was highly energetic and willing to work longer and harder, with great enthusiasm.

Although the traditional Labrador has these traits, they more than likely did not have the staying power required for this type of work. This is evident in war zones, where the heat in some cases would be unbearable and where a leaner dog would fare better.

We believe their breeding took a turn in the road to breeding a super-high energy dog that was leaner, less prone to obesity and a go-all-day type of dog when they became the most popular breed for this type of detection work. The indicator is evident in the fact that some of ‘the guide dogs for the blind’ associations are breeding their own Labradors now that are more in keeping with what we refer to as the ‘Traditional Labrador’.

The traditional Labrador has shorter legs than the new-style Labrador, more body fat and a squarer body and head, is less excitable and easier to train.

The new style Labrador has longer legs and leaner body, finer bones than the more traditional Labrador, elongated head and generally taller than the traditional Labrador, much more excitable and extremely high energy levels.

Match temperament of puppy to that of your children

If selecting a family dog, be sure to match the dog’s personality to that of your child. An over-exuberant puppy will frighten a timid or gentle-natured child, so give thought to the type of personality that will match that of your children or it can all end in tears.

New Style Labradors

New Style Labradors are more lean and leggy, generally have finer bones and have a more elongated head, than the Traditional Labrador. If you compared the two styles, you would see that the new style is taller and longer in the body.

Adolescent Labradors

Just like any other breeds, an adolescent Labrador will test their owner, regardless of how well trained they are. It helps if you are aware of this fact and act accordingly. Its simple and easy to fix if you think leadership and balance that with affection and fair and just rules.

Labradors do have their behavioral issues but obsessive barking is not common to the breed. If they do have barking issues, it’s usually related to excitement, not aggression. However, Bark Busters trainers are often called in to help pet parents stop the chewing, digging and over-exuberance characteristics of the Labradors.

Although very trainable, they do need training. They are known to be tolerant of other dogs and children, but all play between dogs and a child should always be closely monitored.

It is the Labrador’s inherited attributes and the public’s perception of the breed that has led them to be excellent candidates for assistance, seeing-eye dogs, therapy, support and scent detection.

Labradors love company and get overjoyed at seeing new faces. This gets them jumping for joy while their powerful tails create a path of destruction among your furniture and knick knacks! Their bouncy, full of energy personalities are sometimes a challenge for their pet parents, but generally they are easy to train and capable of being trained to remain calm.

Energy levels

Over-exuberance is common amongst the breed and this is the #1 issue we hear from many dog-parents. Know that this breed is generally easy to train to settle and become calm. With correct training geared towards ‘canine communication’, these dogs can be taught to be calm. Although rare, this over-excited behavior can manifest itself into aggression.

Common Illnesses and Injuries

Your Labrador Retriever’s health concerns will change over the course of their life. A puppy might be more prone to ear infections as their immune system develops, an active 2-year-old Lab may be more likely to tear a knee ligament, and a senior Labrador is far more likely to develop arthritis or cancer as they age. Labs also have personality and physical traits that may make them more prone to certain conditions—a Labrador Retriever who loves to swim may develop an ear infection more often than a breed with a pricked ear.

At any stage of life, there are some of the most common injuries and illnesses you should be aware of when bringing home a Labrador Retriever:

• Allergies
• Vomiting and Diarrhea
• Diabetes
• Cruciate Ruptures
• Ear Infections.
• Masses
• Arthritis
• Ingestion of foreign material

If you are ever concerned about your dog’s health, your local veterinarian is a great resource—no matter how small the question.

Genetic Health Concerns

Like many popular breeds, the Lab has its fair share of hereditary based issues, like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Most reputable breeders now have their breeding stock checked and scored for these hereditary ailments by a vet. You can request proof that the puppy you are purchasing comes from parents that have been checked for these issues.

Because many other health issues are also hereditary, you should do some research on the ancestry of your puppy and any health issues of that particular breed.

Many rescue organizations also check for common-ailments before making them available for adoption.

Other Labrador Retriever health issues to watch out for:

• Allergies to things like food, grasses and pollens
• Bone and joint problems
• Cancer
• Bleeding disorders
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• Ear problems
• Heart disease
• Liver problems
• Thyroid disease

Some of these ailments may not be hereditary but could stem from environmental or dietary issues. Be sure that your dog is fed on a healthy diet and receives regular vet checks to ensure it always stays healthy.