Labrador Retrievers are known for being one of the most loyal and even “helpful” dog breeds, and many of them are service, therapy, and working dogs. Labs give us their all – are you giving yours everything you can in return? You can show your Lab you care by working on building a stronger relationship. How? The following are 3 great ways to strengthen your bond with your Lab.
#1 – Play
Play is an easy and fun way to bond with your Labrador Retriever. Any game he enjoys is fine, just as long as you’re doing it together! Agility trainers encourage play with their students because they have found it makes dogs listen better and work harder for their owners. Don’t forget how much Labs love to fetch and swim! Letting your Lab retrieve in the water is sure to strengthen your bond as you let him do what he was bred to do.
#2 – Learn Your Lab’s Language
What better way to improve your relationship and deepen your bond than to understand your Labrador Retriever better? In order to do that, you need to learn how they communicate through body language. Dr. Sophia Yin’s website has a host of free body language posters that can help you learn to speak “dog,” which your Labrador will greatly appreciate.
#3 – Travel With You
Being loyal dogs, Labs don’t like to be left behind. You can strengthen your bond simply by taking your Lab with you and experiencing new things and places together. Maybe you go on a boat trip, or to a mountain cabin for the weekend. Whatever your plans, include your Lab.
