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How Much Training Do Labradors Need?

Labradors are intelligent dogs who can learn commands faster than many other breeds. Plus, they love treats and are eager to please, which makes things much easier! Generally, it takes 4 to 6 weeks to teach basic commands to a Labrador, but it may take longer if you have never trained a dog before. You must start training as early as possible so you can start when your pup is three months old. First, you’ll have to teach it some focus skills by spending time playing structured games. This is also an excellent time to begin potty training because it has good control over bowel movements by the time a dog is 12 weeks old.

 

Here are some other commands you will have to teach:
• walking on a leash 

• sitting 
• recalling 
• fetching 
• shaking 
• speaking 
• rolling over 

Remember, Labs are highly trainable, but the pace at which they learn commands depends on the number of hours you’re willing to invest, how skilled you are, and how old your dog is.

Is Raw Food Good For Labradors?

Whether raw food is good for Labradors or not has been a controversial topic because raw food has pros and cons. On the positive side, raw meals are easier to digest. They have no carbohydrate fillers, plus there’s less salt. Dry foods tend to have higher amounts of salt, which cause dogs to produce more waste. Canned food can also cause plaques due to the high amounts of preservatives and fats in them. Labradors need dental activity to stay safe from gum diseases and other oral health problems. Feeding your dog soft foods won’t benefit it as much as tearing or biting raw meat and chewing up bones. Most importantly, you can have control over your Labrador’s diet, especially the quality of the ingredients.

 

What Is The Best Raw Food For Labradors?

Here is a list of all the options you can consider while choosing the best raw food for your Labrador.

 

• Meat and eggs
There is no need to look for a better source of protein and fats when you have meat and eggs. You can give your Lab beef, pork, chicken, fish, mutton, and scrambled or boiled egg. Just ensure that your Labrador doesn’t eat any of these off your plate because when you’re cooking for yourself, you may add garlic, onions, spices, and oils. These ingredients are dangerous for dogs and should never be included in their diet.

 

• Whole grains
Whole grains go well with Labradors. You can switch between millet, wheat, rice, quinoa, oats, and barley when you prepare meals for your Lab. These grains provide nutrients that help your dog stay healthy. However, if you opt for meat, consult a vet before doing so because some dogs are allergic to it. If it’s safe for your dog, you can give it in the form of whole wheat pasta or Indian wheat bread. Other than wheat, you can try adding some brown rice to boiled vegetables. But you’ll have to mash the veggies first.

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• Vegetables and fruits
Vegetables and fruits contain loads of vitamins, fibers, and minerals. Just like humans, they’re highly beneficial for dogs too! They’ll boost your Labrador’s energy levels and keep it healthy. They will also lower the risk of heart diseases, high blood pressure, and some types of cancers. You can make a blend of fruits to make the meal more interesting and delicious. If you’re adding apples, remove the seeds as they contain cyanide which is poisonous for dogs. NEVER put in grapes or raisins. They are highly toxic for canines and will cause irreversible
kidney damage.

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As for veggies, you can give your

Lab any of the following:
• Cucumbers
• Carrots
• Spinach
• Tomatoes
• Broccoli
• Peas

• Pumpkin
• sweet potatoes
• green beans

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All of these are filling and good for health. Still, you have to

give these in moderate quantities. Otherwise, you may end

up upsetting your fuzzy friend’s stomach.

 

 

Conclusion

Healthy raw food for Labradors can be a good option when switching from canned food. Eggs, meat, grains, vegetable, and fruits are the best choices for your Labrador’s meals. Still, there’s no harm in getting some advice from your vet before you start doing this. Your dog may be allergic to certain foods, or canned food might be better, depending on your dog’s health. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

 

Fleas, Ticks, Worms and more – How to avoid them

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A Labrador can’t tell you when they are feeling sick. Paying attention to their behaviour and habits will give you a clear sign when something is wrong. Here are some common Labrador illnesses and ways to avoid them.

 

• Fleas
Labs can develop flea infestation. While fleas do not embed themselves in a dogs coat, they do feed off of the dogs skin. To avoid fleas from invading your dogs body, avoid taking the dog for walks in wooded areas or places where fleas migrate. Most fleas may accumulate in the grassy area of your backyard. Daily brushing using a flea comb is recommended. If fleaspersist, a local supermarket or veterinary will have a suitable spray / liquid to rid the fleas.

• Ticks

Ticks are another problem that can cause illness in a Labrador. Ticks carry disease and can become embedded in the undercoat of your Lab. They attach themselves to parts of a dogs body, and trying to remove them can be painful to your dog. To avoid ticks, it is recommended that anytime you take your dog for a walk you avoid areas where ticks migrate, such as: wooded areas, parks with thick brush and shrubbery, and particularly shaded areas where ticks usually reside.

• Ear Mites
Another parasite that can be a health hazard for Labrador retrievers is ear mites. If you find that your Labrador is scratching their ears too frequently, check to determine if there is any brown-coloured mucus seeping from one or both ears. This is a clear indication that the ear has become infected. A visit to the vet is recommended.
• Worms
There is an array of worms that can cause problems for your Labrador. Tapeworms, heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms are among the most common. It is important to have your dog checked for any one of these conditions since some can be transmitted to children via the skin. Worm Tablets or Chews are usually given monthly or
quarterly to your Labrador to prevent such worms.
• Allergies
Labradors can suffer from allergies, too. Any type of bite or sting from a bug can be cause for alarm, especially if the dog is allergic. If you notice any swelling in the area of the bite or vomiting and diarrhea, take your dog to the vet immediately for treatment.

 

All of these common Labrador illnesses are caused by outside influences, not to mention interaction with other dogs that may have fleas or ticks, or ear mites. Dog faeces and developing an infection from digesting fleas are the most common causes. If you have acquired a puppy that has not been vaccinated, he may have an infection that resulted from nursing.
While you can avoid most of these illnesses, sometimes things just happen. Whether you take your Labrador for daily walks, live in rural areas where the dog can contract an illness, or take the dog on your camping trip; once you know what areas to avoid, the more control you will have in keeping your dog safe.

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