Are we Labradors good with children?

Us Labrador Retrievers make great family pets. We've been the preferred type of dog for about eighteen years! Labrador Retrievers have a great reputation with the American Kennel Club as being the ideal dog for raising with children. Along with being gentle, we're also very smart, learn quickly, and can be very affectionate. Our temperament is one of the best for being a family dog, since we are very tolerant of small children when socialized properly.

Even though us Labradors are very patient, there are many other things that you have to remember when making the choice to bring a Labrador into your home. We have lots of energy! Labradors love to play, but we will also need a considerable amount of exercise to stay in good shape. This can be a great way to teach your kids responsibility, since walking us on a daily basis can be fun as well! Along with the other responsibilities of caring for us, such as grooming, regular meals, and a training program, we will be able to learn quickly.

It's important to introduce us to your children as soon as possible, ideally when we're still puppies. It's best that you don't let us wrestle or roughhouse with your children, as puppy play is not meant for small children! As Labrador puppies, we haven't learned yet how to be gentle with our playtime. We would never hurt a child intentionally, but puppies have a very high energy level, and can become quite rambunctious. Make sure to help us understand the difference between puppy play and playing with humans, so that we can learn the best way to interact with your children.

The best way to introduce us to children is to first let us have a considerable amount of exercise! If we're slightly tired, it is less likely that we'll become overly excited and try to engage in playtime during the introduction. Bring us indoors, to a room that isn't associated with playtime. Help us to remain calm, so that we can understand that interacting with children requires a certain amount of restraint. Have the child approach us from the front, without running or making any loud noises. This could cause us to get too excited!

It's best to have the child first pet us on the top of the head, gently at first. Establishing the first contact on the top of the head lets us know that children are to be treated with respect, since this is how we interact when in the wild. Touching the top of our head gives us an instinctual sign that children are to be treated as “dominant” pack members. If we start wagging our tail, you'll know that we understand! It's also advised to give us treats, especially if we seem nervous around children. Nervous dogs are more likely to become scared, and it's best that you comfort us with praise and treat rewards. Let us know that interacting with children can be a fun and rewarding experience, and we'll do our best to please you.