CARE ESSENTIALS

All Large breeds dogs can be 'susceptible' to hip, elbow & vital organ problems. This susceptibility could be described as hereditary only in the sense that all large breed dogs are predisposed to skeletal problems if they are not properly cared for and particularly up to 18 mths when their growth plates set.  

Managing your pups food intake, body weight,  body fat, exercise and risk factors.

The management of exercise, food and danger issues must be considered with large breeds particularly during the first 14 mths of their lives. We recommend the 'Hills Body Fat Index' as the guide for monitoring your dogs weight and body fat. Please don't feed your pup off your table.

Don't not exercise your pup for more than 5 minutes continuously.

Don't take your young dog on extended walks until 18 mths of age.

Don't let your pup and adolescent dog jump down    from cars or anything of similar height.

Keep your pup off stairs and slippery surfaces.

All environmental issues must be monitored & regulated with respect to body weight, general health, the speed of growth & overuse prior to growth plates setting. In the spectrum of Labrador puppies, even with the best pedigree there is a small possibility 'one off congenital physiological events'.

Taking this into account, it is critical that the dog owner comply with the guidelines listed above.

Take your pup to "Puppy Preschool" and then put them through their paces for 10 min each day, 3 minutes before each of 3 meal. This will be sufficient exercise.

Then take your adolescent to 'Dog Obedience classes'. They'll love it and be all the better for it. 

TEACH YOUR PUP TO FOLLOW A LURE

TEACH YOUR PUP THE MEANING OF THE 'MARKER'