by Tina O’Reilly
Your little one wants a puppy, so you’re considering an addition to the family. Maybe you’re longing for a companion to go on long walks or lounge around with you all day. A Lab seems like the perfect breed for you, but you need to consider a few things before you step into the world of Labrador ownership.
Will a Lab fit into your family? Families with infants, toddlers, and young children can’t find a better playmate and guardian than a Lab. A Lab is sturdy enough to withstand the rough and tumble of little ones. Gentleness and tolerance go together here, as kiddos will be putting their hands all over the dog. These are traits Labs generally excel at.
Can you afford a Lab? Diane Orenchuk, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) offered this advice: Owning a dog includes licensing, vet exams, routine vaccinations, monthly preventatives, food, treats, and toys. You’ll want to invest in bedding and a crate for your dog as well, which typically costs more for large dogs because of their size. Owners may consider funds for training, daycare, and dog sitting/boarding. Depending on where you live, you could be subjected to fees for your dog to live in your apartment, condo, or townhouse; or in your home if you’re part of a homeowner’s association.
She added that grooming costs for a Lab are little to none as the breed requires only moderate grooming. Weekly brushing can help manage shedding. Labs, being large, active dogs, need more food, too. The quality of food, an important aspect to consider, widens the range of food costs. As for routine health maintenance, monthly heart worm, flea/tick preventatives, and possible medication doses will cost more for a large dog than a small dog. 
All of this can add up quickly. The size-specific expenses (food, treats, monthly preventatives, crate, and bedding) range from $305-$535 for a small dog, but as much as $750-$1350 for a large breed like a Lab. Therefore, it could be a total estimated cost of $1000-$2000 more annually to own a Lab over a small breed dog. Can your wallet handle the financial responsibility to keep your Lab healthy and comfortable?
Do you have the right environment for a large breed? Dogs are time sensitive, not space intensive, stated Russell Hartstein, CDBC, CPDT-KA. You can live in a home with a yard or a balcony, in the suburbs or in a city, but any of these scenarios requires finding a way to get your high-energy, athletic Lab exercise, which also highly depends on your activity/energy level. Your age, job responsibilities, family status, etc., need to be taken into consideration. Do you have other pets? A roommate? A partner who is allergic? Do you have time in your schedule to include Lab exercise time in your routine?
Will your personality and state of health fit a Lab? Are you looking for a dog to play and cuddle with all day long? Labs love snuggling, but they need activity. Are you okay with shedding? Lab hair can get everywhere. Are you comfortable handling a strong dog? You should feel confident in your ability to restrain a Lab should the occasion arise. Diane also reiterates that a Lab requires mental stimulation through training and engaging activities because of its natural intelligence. You need to be ready and willing to provide those opportunities.
What about your lifestyle? Stability is key if your home will include a pet. Russell suggests considering how far from home you work, along with how many hours. Do you travel often, and would you want the dog to travel with you? If not, would you be boarding or hiring a pet sitter? Large dogs can be challenging to bring on long trips. Leveraging dog care professionals to help with exercise and potty breaks can help make Lab ownership achievable for the average working pet parent, but Labs need daily exercise and play. Your lifestyle should include regular outings as well as weekly more extended outings to stay fit through hiking, jogging, or swimming (as examples). As an owner of three Labs, we walk the park nightly. Throwing a ball for them over and over does an amazing job in keeping them fit and trim. We benefit, too!
Do you have time for a dog? You’ll want to be sure you have a few hours to play with your Lab and provide attention, to ensure you develop a meaningful bond with your dog, said Diane. You want your relationship with your dog to be a successful one, and that requires time on your part. Labs are eager to please and loyal , if you’re willing to provide the stimulation and exercise it needs to stay healthy and out of trouble. Do your best to prevent boredom so your dog doesn’t create his own fun. A bored Lab will eye most anything as fun… even the couch cushions. Depending on how many people live in your household, you can split up this responsibility to give your Lab the time it needs.
Labs love to please, are loving, protective, and reliable. They are highly energetic, intelligent, and make an excellent choice for families with children. Just make sure that before you add that lovable face to the family photo, you think about all the angles.
