Why a Labrador Retriever is a good pet choice for children

Owning a dog is a great experience for children, as it can bring them a lot of joy and teach them responsibility. The American Kennel Club (AKC) rates the Labrador Retriever as the best breed for children and families. Additionally, the Labrador Retriever is one of the most widely used assistance dogs and therapy dogs in the world.

One of the main reasons that a Labrador retriever makes a great pet for children is that they are always ready to play. Compared to other types of dogs, a Labrador will always be up for anything. Many young children may enjoy playing fetch with a ball or Frisbee or just spending time running around the yard.

Labradors are also very social animals, which makes them ideal for families with children. While there are some dog breeds that don't like children because children are generally unpredictable and don't respect personal space, a Labrador Retriever usually likes that attention. A Labrador Retriever can easily be taught to have the socialization skills that are necessary to deal with the unpredictable nature of young children.

Many families also enjoy Labradors because they can be easier to groom than other pets. A Labrador Retriever will have a short, non-matting, double coat of fur that does not need to be trimmed. However, they need to be brushed at least once a week to control the amount of hair that can accumulate around the house.

Most importantly, a Labrador is a very friendly, trustworthy and loyal dog, although caution should always be exercised to avoid leaving any dog alone with a small child.

The importance of early education

As breeders, we have been contacted by people who say they have a "crazy Lab", that is, too energetic and uncontrollable. It is very important that you get your Labrador from a trustworthy breeder, that you know the parents, and that you take note not only of their conformation, but also their temperaments. Keep in mind that when you buy a puppy in a pet store you do not have any information about the origin of it or its parents. No matter how many guarantees you are promised, it is always best to purchase a dog from a reputable breeder and get references if possible.

At the time of acquiring the puppy, it is also important to have a conversation with the breeder about what type of dog is appropriate for your lifestyle. It is also important that you understand that your puppy will need basic training from an early age to grow into an you ask the breeder which puppy from the litter is appropriate for your lifestyle. No less important is that you understand that your puppy needs basic training early on so they can become exemplary adult dogs.

What they do as a puppies, they will do as adults

It is extremely important to understand that what we allow a Labrador Retriever to do as a puppy, when they are perhaps most irresistible, they will do as an adult because they will develop a habit of doing it. It is very tempting to let the puppy jump on us or bite our fingers while playing because while they are small they do no harm, but this same behavior will not be tolerated in an adult dog due to the size and strength it develops and it will be much more difficult to correct after it becomes a habit.

How to introduce a dog to children

Although a Labrador Retriever is a great choice for children, there will undoubtedly be some things that both the dog and the children will need to get used to. If your child is shy or afraid of dogs, it's important to start the process of introducing the pet slowly. Unlike letting your new dog run free in your house, you should confine them to certain areas of the property. This will allow your children to spend time with the dog whenever they want. Also, you should set a good example by displaying appropriate friendly behavior with the dog.

It is also important to consider the safety and health of the puppy with children. The adult must ensure that the interactions are with the puppy on the ground, where it is not in danger of falling, and that the child's treatment of the puppy is not aggressive.

How to involve children with the care of the Labrador

If you have a Lab, it's a good idea to involve your children in their care as much as possible. Having a dog to care for is a great way to teach responsibility and will also allow your children and your pet to bond. The chores each child has should be based on the age and maturity of the child. Even the youngest children could help out on a daily basis by providing the dog with food and water. Older children might even be tasked with taking the dog for a daily walk or cleaning up after the animal.