Category: Pets Trivia

  • How do dogs know that you are coming home?

    How do dogs know that you are coming home?

    My dog Xena, a Miniature Pinscher, always knows when my daughter’s school van is going to come. She nudges my little girl to get her bag and walks her to the van. Xena also wakes up from her afternoon nap and settles near the gate knowing the right time the school van comes to receive her!

    We all know that dogs have special abilities and knowing when their owners are coming home is one of them. In fact, surveys done on 45 percent of dog owners in England and California have noticed the ability of dogs knowing their owner’s arrival 5 minutes before they reach home. But how do dogs know when their owners are coming home?

    The vehicle’s make and model

    Dogs have a wonderful sense of hearing and smell. They will know the sound that your car or bike makes. So, they hear you approach the house, stop your vehicle and open the door to enter your home. Hence, through associative learning they will learn to club the events and know of your arrival. This is how dogs are able to predict their owner’s arrival 5 or 10 minutes in advance.

    Dogs suffering from separation anxiety will know exactly when their owners are due to leave their home and start to get nervous as soon as they see them getting ready.

    The amazing sniffer                       

    Dogs have a strong sense of smell so it is not really surprising that they can smell their owners as they are coming home. Dogs know the smell of their owners very well. Their scent lingers long after they leave home and gradually diminishes over the course of the day only to return back strongly when they arrive home. So, dogs learn to associate their owner’s arrival through their strong sense of smell.

    Others reaction

    As we know that dogs pick cues from the environment so it does not come as a complete surprise to know that they can pick up pre-arrival signs by noticing the changes in people around them. So, if your spouse is due home anytime you will be making a nice cup of tea for them along with getting dinner ready. Dogs are always watching things around them so if he notices you doing these things they will know that its time for your spouse to come home.

    Perception of time

    Dogs will not be able to tell the time by looking at the clock but they are very attuned to their inner biological clock. If you come home always at the same time, your dog will depend on their circadian rhythm to predict when you are going to coming home.

    Psychic or telepathic powers

    Lastly, some things cannot be explained by science and involves philosophy and spirituality. Dogs do have psychic powers or the sixth sense according to a research conducted by Rupert Sheldrake and Pamela Smart. Rupert Sheldrake, a British author and biologist, stated that there is a strong connection between humans and animals that go beyond scientific understanding.

    Since a dog is a man’s best friend it’s nice to know that you always have a four-legged buddy waiting for you to come back home to them!

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  • Why ancient Egyptians worshipped cats?

    Why ancient Egyptians worshipped cats?

    Egyptian civilization is one the oldest civilization in the world. For close to 30 centuries the ancient Egyptian civilization was the leading civilization in the Mediterranean world. Apart from amazing innovations in the field of agriculture and architecture this civilization was also blighted with the prevalence of natural disasters, starvation and disease. The ancient Egyptians owe allegiance to one phenomenal creature that protected them and kept the world safe, they are the cats.

    In a world that had still not discovered guns, insect traps and poison, danger lurked at every corner and time. Venomous snakes hid in clay jars, rats spoilt the grains kept in the storage and scorpions and other dangerous critters tried to creep into cradles and beds. Cats were the only ones who made homes safe for people and protected them from any unforeseen hazard. So, it’s little wonder that Egyptians thought them worthy of being worshipped!

    Goddess Mafdet was the first deity of ancient Egypt, whom people sought for protection against harmful creatures like snakes and scorpions. She was seen with a variety of fierce forms mostly as a woman with a head of a lion, cheetah or a house cat. As the cats could protect the home from any dangerous creatures either big or tiny, it made the Egyptians home safe thereby making the kingdom safe as well!

    Later Goddess Bastet replaced Mafdet as the feline goddess. Just like Mafdet the Bastet was highly regarded as the protector of people’s homes and their lives as the cat was famous for its ability to kill snakes, scorpions and vermin. She was famously known as the “Eye of Ra”, which means sun god and they firmly believed that the Bastet watched over them and guarded the world against any invasion.

    The Egyptians absolutely adored and pampered their cats. They were rightly treated as important members of the family. The Bastet’s image eventually became softer as she became the goddess of fertility, family and love. The ardent followers of the cult of Bastet mummified their cats and mourned them as deeply as they do with others human members of the family, which is strikingly similar to the way cat parents mourn their furry family members even today.

    Since cats do such a wonderful job of protecting their owner’s homes from dangerous creatures and diseases they are entitled to be worshipped. Felines have fearlessly defended so many lives from falling prey to pestilence, destruction and dangerous predators, and without them civilization as we know it, might never have happened!

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  • Why does my dog shake? Is it out of fear?

    Why does my dog shake? Is it out of fear?

    Dogs are very smart animals. They rely on their senses and body language to communicate their needs and wants. The problem is that we humans depend on verbal than body language to communicate and this is why we cannot understand certain behaviours of our canine buddies.

    Shaking and trembling is one behaviour that is quite commonly noticed in most dogs. But what compels them to tremble so?

    An efficient blow-dry

    Have you ever wondered why your pet shivers as soon as you give them a bath? Dogs that tremble when they get wet shake off more than 70 percent of water on their coat within four seconds. This is definitely a faster and a more effective way of drying their fur than making do with brisk towelling or blow dry.

    To shake off stress          

    Shaking is not limited to only wet dogs. Dry dogs can shake too. If your pet trembles for no apparent reason then they may be doing so to relieve tension. Shaking is a symptom of stress in dogs. When your pet shakes during and after examination by a vet or when they meet a stranger, they may be doing so to release tension.

    Dogs can even shake after a hug. This is because most dogs do not enjoy being hugged. So, learning to understand the symptoms of stress in your pet will definitely help them to feel more comfortable.

    Shivering and trembling

    Pups can shiver when they feel cold and even they are upset. Some toy and terrier breeds shiver more than other dogs. This can be due to anxiety, fear, cold, pain or muscle weakness. If you observe your pet shaking for no obvious reason, its best you take them to the vet as soon as possible to ensure its not a serious problem.

    Ear problems

    Dogs can easily fall prey to ear infections. Breeds like the Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are more prone to ear infections. The most common symptom of ear infection is head shaking. So, if your pet has been given bath and is repeatedly shaking their head, it can be due to an ear infection. It makes good sense to wipe their ears dry after each wash.

    If your pet continues to shake their head, has red and inflamed ears or has an ear discharge then you must have them professionally checked by the vet.

    Now that you understand why your canine pal shakes, you can accordingly help them to get warm, feel safe and give them the extra pampering that they crave for or get them the treatment for an ailment at the right time. It’s all a matter of perception!

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  • Siberian Husky – The outgoing and mischievous one

    Siberian Husky – The outgoing and mischievous one

    The Siberian Husky is a thick coated and compact sled dog. It is a medium sized dog and has strong endurance, it belongs to the working group. Also known as the snow dogs, they have been raised to work in packs and to pull light loads over snow laden areas. The Huskies are friendly, appear majestic and finicky.

    Origin

    The Huskies were primarily a sled pulling dog for centuries in the harsh region of the Siberian Tundra. They came to America during the 1900s and became one of the most popular breeds among the Alaskan dog mushers.

    The Husky is a fine sled dog as they are smaller and faster than the Alaskan Malamute. They are also highly capable of covering great distances and at higher speeds. The sibs are very friendly and outgoing. Definitely not a trait we would appreciate in a watch dog or a guard dog.

    They are very independent and love to roam. The sibs rarely bark but engage in communal howling. As they are pack animals, they prefer the company of other dogs and people and tend to view smaller dogs or cats as prey.

    Appearance                              

    The medium sized Husky have almond shaped eyes that can be either blue or brown in colour. Sometimes their eyes can be of two different colours. The male huskies weigh between 45 and 60 pounds and the females weigh between 35 and 50 pounds. Rather than appearing tall the Huskies are long.

    The Sibs have a thick double coat of medium length hair. They shed heavily throughout the year and blow their entire coat twice a year.

    Huskies come in different colours and patterns. But they usually have white paws, faces, legs and tail tips. The most commonly seen husky colours are black and white, grey and white, copper and white or total white.

    Personality

    The Huskies are very friendly family dogs who are not possessive like guard dogs or are wary and aggressive with strangers or other dogs as is seen in watch dogs. Their wolf like appearance make them very attractive and so is their even temperament. Their friendly nature and love for other dogs and their unsuspicious nature towards strangers make them an ideal family dog.

    But, in order to maintain their friendliness and good behaviour the huskies need regular exercise and extensive training. People who have the time, resources and commitment to do it should have this breed.

    Activity requirements

    The Sibs need plenty of physical activities to maintain their health. Since they were developed as sled dogs, they have tremendous level of endurance and lots of surplus energy. This means that if you bring home a Husky you are automatically registering yourself to an active lifestyle.

    Huskies enjoy long walks, hikes, bike rides and jogs. They love playing frisbee and can play catch and fetch for hours.

    The medium sized husky breed may look attractive for people living in apartments, but such setting does not suit them as they may get more mischievous and riotous when they enter adulthood and will need plenty of space to roam around.

    Trainability

    The Sibs may do very well in obedience class and come home and ignore everything they have learnt. So, this breed is vey difficult to train and can be quite a handful for first time pet parents. Huskies require gentle and firm handling by those who have leadership qualities and are able to be consistent in terms of establishing boundaries and enforcing rules.

    All members of the family must be similarly trained to be consistent with the house rules and not to give in to the deceptively innocent and soft eyes of the husky! Yes, they can be quite good actors. The bottom rule is to not allow them to rule over the house and to get them to obey to the rules and you have the perfect dog.

    Behavioural traits

    Huskies are very good escape artists. They can foil fences, screen doors, garages and other protective devices. So, remember to never leave your Husky unsupervised at home and are safely inside when you leave them alone for a couple of hours.

    This high spirited, mischievous and energetic dog can be quite a challenge to inexperienced pet parents. So, ensure that you have them trained at an early age and establish rules at home.

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  • Can dogs eat sardines?

    Can dogs eat sardines?

    Are you the type who loves sea food? If yes, then we have good news for you! Fish, particularly sardines is not only good for you but also your canine buddy. If you are wondering why its good for them and about its nutrient value, then here’s what you need to know.

    Though sardines are small in size they are packed with nutrition. As they are small they have lesser mercury than other large fishes, which is why people choose to eat them.

    Sardines are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). The fatty acids come with various health benefits like preventing cancer, reduces inflammation, and builds a strong immune system. CoQ10 keeps the heart healthy and supports circulation. It also helps to prevent dental disease in dogs and humans. Fatty acids are also essential for brain development in puppies.

    Precaution while feeding sardines to your pet

    When you buy sardine make sure you buy them fresh from the market. Canned ones or the ready-made ones with added oil, salt and sauces are a strict no-no for your pet.

    You do not need more oil, salt or other ingredients to feed sardines to your pet. They will cause more harm than good. Also, keep in mind that sardines must not be fed daily. It best works as an occasional treat.

    How much serving of sardines do dogs need?

    One sardine has 25 calories and 175 mg of omega-3 fatty acids, which is the right dose for a dog that weighs less than 10 kgs or lesser. You can give them more proportionally if you have a larger dog. If you are worried about the bones then you can be rest assured that they are safe for dogs and even provide calcium. But if you are concerned about the bones getting stuck in their throat you can remove them and serve only the meat.

    If you are just starting to give your pet sardines then feed them in small quantity. First find out if it suits your pet and does not give them stomach upset.

    Once you feed you pet fish they will have a pungent breath. You can feed them a little coconut oil to counteract that oceanic smell of the fish.

    So, since sardines are safe for dogs what are you waiting for? Cook them and relish it with your canine buddy!

    It is always a good idea to consult your vet before making any changes in your pet’s diet.

    Happy Feasting!

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  • 5 Reasons why dogs do not like certain people

    5 Reasons why dogs do not like certain people

    You think that getting a dog to like you is easy peasy? Just drop them their favourite treats and you have a friend for life. Well, its not that easy! Our canine buddies judge a person’s character instantly. So, with just a look and a quick sniff they decide whether to befriend you or attack you!

    It could be a good friend, your next-door watchman or anyone they see on the street. They will bark and growl at the person if they come close or they might just turn their tail and disappear. To understand this better here are a few reasons why your pet does not like certain people.

    • Tone of voice – Dogs might not be as fluent as you when it comes to language but they can pick up the tenor of the voice. A study published in 2016 found that a dog’s brain reacts according to the tone of voice of the person speaking to them.

    The results of the findings pointed to the fact that dogs joyously greeted a happy sounding person but reacted negatively towards people who spoke in deep angry sounding voices.

    • Body language – While your pet assesses a person’s tenor of voice they simultaneously evaluate their body language. Since they cannot communicate through language they tend to depend on body language. The problem occurs when there is a mismatch between how we humans perceive body movements and how dogs interpret those signs.

    For example, when it comes to eye contact, a human who does not look at you in the eye and speak is known to be untrustworthy or even suspicious. In a dog, however, direct eye contact is perceived as being rude and poses a threat. Making soft eyes or looking gently to the side shows a mark of respect. Bending over a dog, forcing them to hug you or making wide gestures with your arms will only invite more trouble from a dog.

    • How someone interacts with others – A psychologist from Kyoto University conducted a study to find out if certain animals can make social evaluations the way that humans do. He wanted to know if dogs could tell when a person was being rude to someone.

    During the test a dog watched its owner struggle to open a container. The owner then asked another person to help him get it open. Sometimes people would help and other times they would refuse. After each interaction with the person who opened or did not open the container, the dog was given the choice whether to accept attention or not from the person or just ignore them. It was found that the people who refused to help the dog owner were the ones who were disliked by the dog for being rude to their owner. The study came to the conclusion that if a person is rude to you regularly then chances are that they will come way down in the list of your dog’s favourite people! After all, dogs are ferociously loyal to their owners.

    • Smell – Undoubtedly, a dog has an incredible sense of smell. One of the first thing they do when they greet a person is to sniff them. If they like what they smell then you have gained a friend, if not watch out!

    Dogs usually do not like people from whom they get the smell of unknown dogs. They also do not like people who smell of anything citrusy, vinegar, mothballs and alcohol.

    • Past trauma – Dogs with a history of abuse or abandonment never forget their dark past. Even when they get passed on to loving families their tainted past will stick to them like a shadow. In a few cases, they will develop fear and mistrust towards certain people who remind them of their painful past.

    So, now you know how a dog perceives a person it is a good idea to start behaving nice towards people and spruce yourself up. A dog will definitely appreciate it!

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  • The English Cocker Spaniel dog – Your handsome and energetic buddy

    The English Cocker Spaniel dog – Your handsome and energetic buddy

    The English cocker spaniel dog is a high-spirited breed and are most admired for their dashing looks and a charming personality. Since they have such a happy, affectionate and a loyal temperament they have been given the nickname of ‘the Merry Cocker’.

    They are a great breed for a family. Cocker Spaniels are very good with children and are an ideal pet for first time pet parents.

    Appearance

    The English Cocker Spaniel is a compactly built sporting dog. The males stand 16 to 17 inches at the shoulder and the females between 15 and 16 inches. The males weigh between 28 to 34 pounds and the females weigh between 26 to 32 pounds.

    Their medium length coat can be seen in various colours and patterns and is very silky to touch. The thick and wavy coat must be brushed regularly and requires periodic grooming.

    Origin                  

    The English Cocker Spaniel was first developed in England as a working dog during the late 1800s. Due to the differences between appearance and size, the English Cocker Spaniel was recognised as a separate breed from the American Cocker Spaniel in 1946.

    Personality

    The Cockers are happy, energetic and easy-going dogs which make them an ideal pet for families. They are friendly with strangers and make good companions for children. Cocker Spaniels are also very easy to train and since they love being with people they will be excited to go with them everywhere.

    Activity requirements

    To be healthy and happy, the cockers require daily exercise. Though they are small, they are not very happy to stay in an apartment or a condo. This breed loves to stay in a house that has plenty of space for it to run around.

    Cockers are very good in agile and tracking activities. They are an intelligent breed who enjoy activities that stimulate their mind and body.

    Trainability

    Cockers are very easy to train, especially when the reward comes in the form of food. One particular thing to make a note of is that this breed is very sensitive and take it badly when anyone treats them harshly. This may result in avoidance behaviours and also retaliation. Remember that positive reinforcement is the best way to train a Cocker Spaniel.

    Behavioural traits

    One thing that owners of Cocker Spaniels must never forget to do is to exercise them regularly. If they do not get enough exercise to burn the excess energy it may lead to anxiety issues, barking, howling and destructive chewing if they are alone at home.

    Cockers always need people around them and if they are not exercised enough will develop severe separation anxiety. So, these breeds are ideal for families that have a stay at home member or for people who do not work long hours.

    Barking is a major problem with cockers, even if they are not alone. Apart from this they are excellent watchdogs. But getting them trained to obey to a stop barking command will bring a relief to your complaining neighbours!

    So, if you are looking for a breed that is easy to handle and is quite a looker as well, then look no further than the charming and charismatic English Cocker Spaniel!

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  • German Shepherd Dog – The highly intelligent one

    German Shepherd Dog – The highly intelligent one

    What makes the German Shepherd dog the second most popular breed? Well, they are an all- purpose working dog. They are a large, agile and muscular breed, highly intelligent as well. Apart from this the German Shepherds are loyal, sturdy and courageous.

    Origin         

    The German Shepherd dog, also called as the Alsatian or GSD is from Germany. Their primary purpose was to herd flocks of sheep, not by barking and nipping but through their swift movements and strong attitude. Their accurate judgement and even temperament made them the preferred choice of the law enforcers. So, they came to be known as police K-9 dogs, service dogs, security dogs and search and rescue dogs.

    People who own this smart breed must be aware of the protectiveness that come naturally to this breed. These dogs must be socialised and trained at an early age so that they know people who are welcome to your home and those that are not. Since they are a working dog, the Alsatians need a lot of activities to keep them busy. They are suited to families that have a lot of time and energy to spend on them. A well raised GSD will be a very devoted, protective and loving friend.

    Appearance

    The German Shepherd dogs are strong, agile and muscular with a curved outline. The skull slopes to a long and wedge-shaped muzzle, which ends in a black nose and teeth that are as sharp as scissors. They have almond shaped eyes which are alert, sharp and expressive. They have a bushy tail that hang down to the hock. They come in all canine colours including black and cream, black and red, black and silver, black and tan, sable even white.

    The male German Shepherds can stand as high as 24 to 26 inches and the females at 22 to 24 inches. The males can weigh from 75 to 90 pounds and the females weigh between 50 and 70 pounds.

    Personality

    The German Shepherd is best known for their strength, courage and obedience as a guide dog for the disabled and are valued for their intelligence, loyalty and focus as police dog and search and rescue dog.

    The GSDs are the most preferred choice as security dogs. As house pets the GSDs making loving companions. They appear indifferent and aloof at first to strangers, but once they decide to befriend you, their companionship and devotion is life-long.

    Activity requirements

    The GSDs do not need to be heavily exercised. Normal daily walks will do. But they are definitely not meant for apartment dwellers and for people who are away from home for long hours. They are very good with children and enjoy activities like hiking, swimming, running and picnicking with the family. They are well suited for obedience training.

    Trainability

    Mental exercise is an excellent way to fight boredom in GSDs. Since they are highly intelligent they love working with their masters. They do extremely well in obedience work and agility courses. They can never get bored of playing games of catch and fetch, ball or frisbee.

    The German Shepherds can be trained to do any task. They will do it since they are bold, smart and focused especially when they love to please their owners. One thing that dog owners must do is to socialise and train their GSD at an early age. This often requires a firm handler as the GSDs can show their dominance if they feel like they can boss over the person training them. So, gentle but firm handling is required to train this intelligent breed.

    Behavioural traits

    A GSD can provide loyalty and companionship till their lifetime. Due to their size, trainability, and self confidence the right training and socialisation is necessary. People who do not have the time nor the level of commitment to work with this breed should keep a less demanding one. Those who have the time, energy and the never-ending interest to train this amazing breed will find their hard efforts handsomely returned in the form of a faithful, loyal and ever-loving family companion.

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  • Golden Retriever – the friendliest dog

    Golden Retriever – the friendliest dog

    The first thing that comes to mind when you think about the very friendly Golden Retriever is the line from Randy Newman’s famous song, you got a friend in me. The Golden, is very loyal and have an outgoing personality.

    Origin

    The Golden Retriever was developed in Britain in the 1800’s. They were originally used as hunting dogs. But due to their sweet disposition, grace and agility they soon became people’s favourite choice as competition dogs and house pets.

    Goldens make excellent hunting dogs, assistance and service dogs. They also serve as a guide dogs for the disabled, make good rescue dogs and tracking and scenting specialists. The Golden’s grace, agility and temperament make them a popular choice as a house pet.

    Appearance                           

    The Golden Retriever Is an active dog who are not clumsy by nature but possess a personality that is alert, eager and self-confident. They are robust, well-endowed dogs with medium length coat that is usually in any shade of gold. Goldens have broad heads with wide and tapering muzzles. They have black snouts, brown eyes and hanging ears.

    Size and weight

    The males stand from 23 to 24 inches and weigh between 65 and 75 pounds. Females stand from 21.5 to 22.5 inches and weigh between 55 and 65 pounds.

    Coat and colour

    Goldens have a thick, water-resistant double coat. Some may have straight hair while others have wavy. They usually come in many hues of gold, right from the palest shade to the dark. As the dog turns older, their coat may become lighter or darker and their face and body may turn white.

    Personality

    The Golden Retriever is an ideal family companion. They are loyal, friendly, obedient, intelligent and playful. They are a good company for children as well as adults. They are excellent watch dogs but are pretty bad guard dogs as they are people friendly. Since Goldens need people, they are suited for large families.

    Activity requirements

    Like all dogs the Golden Retrievers need exercise. So, daily walks along with a game of fetch and catch will be enjoyed by them. They love outdoor activities like walking, running, swimming or playing the chase game with children. They are even tempered and do not need rigorous exercise. These dogs need big houses with open spaces and are totally unsuitable for apartments.

    Trainability

    Goldens are very easy to train. Since they are people – pleasers they will do anything to gain their approval and make attempts to win themselves treats. This trait makes them an excellent choice for first time pet parents. The biggest problem with goldens are leash training. They should be taught the right way to walk while they are leashed from an early age, otherwise they will only pull at the leash.

    Since they are so easy to train, they are the first choice for service and therapy dogs and have joined the police force as well, for assisting them in search and rescue and for sniffing drugs and bombs.

    Behavioural traits

    They are a highly social breed and if they are left alone for a long time, without enough exercise, will develop separation anxiety that leads to destructive chewing. Goldens are big time chewers, so give them plenty of chew toys and bones and keep them occupied till you return otherwise they will ransack your household!

    The Golden Retrievers are extremely friendly and social. Their extrovert nature will make them popular in your neighbourhood. But, keep in mind that these dogs need large homes with open spaces for them to move around a lot rather that being cooped up in a poky flat. Train them to walk calmly by your side and ensure that they get used to not having you around most of the time and you have the most perfect dog in the world ever!

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  • Labrador Retriever – the most popular dog breed

    Labrador Retriever – the most popular dog breed

    The Labrador retriever, commonly known as the lab, is the most popular breed among dogs. Apart from being good watchdogs they are an ideal dog for a large family. If you have watched or read Marley and me, you will no doubt agree with me!

    Origin

    This breed has its roots in Newfoundland, Canada. It was created by mixture of retrievers and water dogs. The first original Labrador retriever was developed in 1800 and was used as a gun dog and hunting dog.

    Physical characteristics

    A robust Labrador, depending on the sex can stand from 21.5 to 24.5 inches at the shoulder and can weigh between 55 to 80 pounds. The thick and hard coat comes in three colours; yellow, black and chocolate. They belong to the sporting group and their life expectancy is 10 to 12 years.

    Their head is wide, eyes twinkle with gentleness and mischief and their thick, tapering tail seem to always signal an eagerness that is inherent in the breed.

    Personality                            

    Labs are loyal, lovable and overtly friendly. They are very social and easily bond with friends and neighbours. Labs are very energetic and enthusiastic. They take their role as ‘man’s best friend’ seriously and are ecstatic when they are involved in family activities. They love outdoor activities like running, hiking, swimming and play catch and fetch tirelessly for hours. They are also very patient with kids. Labs are very easy to train and you must be okay with the fact that at times they will still act as puppies even when they turn into adults. They are an ideal choice for first time pet parents.

    Activity requirements

    Labradors being large and at times even clumsy, have lots of energy and are not meant to be mere couch potatoes. This breed is definitely not meant for apartment dwellers who have little space and confine them inside the four walls. Large homes with open spaces is an ideal setting for our enthusiastic lab.

    Just a small stroll around the block is not enough to burn the excess energy in labs. Apart from frequent walks, running everyday helps them to burn their excess energy and if they are not well exercised they will become destructive. A bored to the wits lab will chew on anything they get their teeth on.

    They need outdoor activities to keep them in good temperament. So, take them for jogs around the block. They will keep themselves busy by playing with children. Since they are very good at hunting and retrieving they can be of good use to hunters.

    Labs can also be trained to be an assistance dog to the handicapped, show competitors, work as rescue dogs. They also make excellent police dogs.

    Behavioural traits

    Chewing is a common problem in labs. So, keep lots of chew toys and bones in order to save your furniture and footwear. Keep important and dangerous things out of their reach. If you do not want them to get into their destructive mode then you must exercise them well before leaving home. Also, provide them with toys and plenty of bones if you do not want your house to be tuned upside down.

    Labradors are friendly dogs with plenty of energy. They are an ideal pet for a family and must be well exercised to eliminate their destructive behaviour. Just remember that these dogs love being outdoors and not cooped up in limited space.

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