While every dog is different, there are some preferences and needs that are shared amongst those of the same breed. For example, Labradors are a working breed and highly intelligent. In the past Labrador retrievers helped their masters on hunts and fishing expeditions. Today, they are often trained as sniffer dogs to work with bomb squads, they can be trained to be guide dogs and even therapy dogs. What this means is that the goofy, lovable bundle you have at home has a brain that is capable of a lot more than just plotting to steal treats!
- A comfy bed: Labs like their snoozies. Some dogs like sleeping curled up and others enjoy stretching out for naps. For the first type of dog, get a doughnut shaped bed and for the latter, a nice comfy lounger bed will do the trick. Some labs like to sleep with their heads slightly elevated – you can get them a bone-shaped cushion for this. On chilly nights add a blanket to raise the snug factor.
- Chew & rope toys: Dogs are strong chewers so getting toys that can match their strength like a Extreme range or West Paw is important. Chewing exercises their jaws and relaxes dogs so these are great additions to the toy box.. Rope toys are popular with labs as well. The strands of thread act as dental floss, scraping plaque and tartar off the teeth as they chew. To some extent, this helps with dental hygiene.
- Walk accessories: Choose the right walk accessories to make these outings with your dog comfortable and safe. Collars can strain the neck if your dog is a puller. Switching to a harness will take the pressure off the neck and distribute it evenly across the body but it won’t necessarily stop your pet from pulling. You can consult a positive reinforcement trainer to understand how to get your dog to stop pulling on walks.
It’s easy to get lost in the busy-ness of our daily lives and less frequent playtimes with our loyal companions. But the thing that our dogs want most is to spend time with their people. Just to play, laugh and have a good time. Take a little time out to make your pet’s day with a fun game or an interesting experience.
