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✓ Veterinarian Reviewed
Reviewed by Dr Gloria Ebeyer (BAVBS, DVM, Grad Cert SAECC, MANZCVS [Veterinary Practice])
Last reviewed: June 2026
Whether you’re welcoming a new puppy into your home or looking for ways to give your adult Lab the absolute best life, understanding this breed’s unique needs is key. Friendly, loyal, and full of energy, the Labrador Retriever is one of the most-loved dogs for a reason.
To help you navigate every life stage, we’ve put together this guide to caring for your Labrador, from early puppy training to lifetime health, exercise, grooming, and nutrition.
Getting started: The puppy phase
If your new arrival is only a few weeks or months old, expect a bit of signature Labrador chaos. They’re curious, energetic, and can be very mouthy. Don’t be surprised if they end up exploring the world with their teeth!
Managing puppy chewing
Because Labs can be very “mouthy” when they’re young, redirecting chewing behaviour early is essential.
Use puppy-safe toys to distract them when they attempt to chew fingers, furniture, or anything else they shouldn’t. If they’re nibbling your fingers, remove your hand and pause play to help discourage the behaviour.
It’s also a good idea to remove shoes, clothes, and other enticing objects from your puppy’s reach. This helps protect both your belongings and your pup while they learn what is and isn’t theirs to chew.
Around the 4-month mark, your puppy will also begin losing their baby teeth. They can be especially prone to chewing at this stage, so having puppy-safe teething toys on hand can help save your shoes and furniture.
Early healthcare
Your vet should be one of your first stops with your new Labrador puppy. Before they can head out and greet the world, they’ll need to complete their vaccination schedule.
This is also the time to make sure microchipping is completed and to set up a regular routine for flea, tick, and worming treatments.
Training, socialisation and home life
Labradors were made to work, which means they need plenty of mental stimulation. It also makes them incredibly trainable. They’re people-focused and eager to please, particularly when food is involved.
Being as intelligent as they are, Labs can sometimes toe the line of stubbornness, so clear boundaries should be in place from day one.
Socialising your Lab
Once your puppy is ready, it’s time to start socialising. Whether it starts safely at home with your family before your pup has had their vaccines, or outdoors once they’re cleared for dog interactions, the three-week to three-month window is especially important.
Exposing them to new smells, sounds, people, and environments in a safe and positive way helps shape how confident and relaxed they’ll be as adults.
Labs are often happiest when they have a “job” to do, even if it’s just carrying a favourite toy on a walk or helping sniff out treats around the house. Giving them a simple task can channel their enthusiasm into something positive and make everyday routines feel more rewarding for them.
Obedience training
Set aside some time each day to work with your Labrador, and include training during meal times as well.
Start with simple commands like sit, stay, wait — a challenge at dinner time! — and come. Reward the behaviours you want to encourage with praise, play, or a treat. If they show behaviours you want to discourage, remove yourself or stop playing.
You can absolutely train them at home, but puppy school is a great way to build a solid foundation. The added socialisation is a bonus, and they’ll get to burn off some energy while they’re at it.
Benefits of crate training
Crate training your Labrador puppy can give them structure, provide a safe place to retreat to for a well-earned nap, and help them adjust to spending time on their own.
Keep the dog crate cosy and clean, and build positive associations by occasionally indulging in every Lab’s weakness — a little treat.
Mental stimulation at home
Physical exercise isn’t the only way to tire out a Lab. Mental enrichment is just as important for this clever, working breed.
Mealtimes are a great opportunity to engage their brain. Use puzzle feeders or treat-release toys, or scatter their dry food on the lawn for them to sniff out.
Labrador Retriever grooming and care
Grooming your Labrador
Labradors have oily fur, in part because they were bred to be water-retrieving dogs. Getting them used to weekly brushing while they’re little can help you stay on top of shedding later on. Regular brushing will also help reduce the tumbleweeds of hair around your home when they’re shedding.
Ear care
Because Labs love water, ear infections are another concern to watch out for. Their ears can trap moisture after swimming or bathing, so it’s important to check them regularly.
Give their ears a gentle wipe after swims and check them over periodically when you’re brushing them. Excessive itching, head shaking, or scratching around the ears can indicate there may be an issue.
Labrador Retriever exercise requirements
Labs have active brains and active bodies, so a short lap around the block on the lead won’t cut it for adult dogs.
Start building exercise habits early, but keep it gentle while their joints are still developing. If you’re unsure what they need at any life stage, your vet can advise on what’s right as your Lab ages.
| Age | Daily exercise requirements |
|---|---|
| Under 3 months | 5 to 10 minutes of gentle play indoors or outside in the garden, morning and afternoon. |
| 4 to 8 months | Two sessions per day, starting off with 20 minutes and building up to 40 minutes as they need it. |
| 8 months to adulthood | 60 to 90 minutes of mixed exercise once or twice a day. This can include walking, running, and swimming. |
| Senior years, 7+ years | 20 to 30 minutes of low-impact exercise. For Labs with joint concerns, swimming in calm water is a low-impact and enjoyable option. |
Labrador Retriever nutrition and diet
Labs are known for their friendly nature first and foremost, but their appetite is a close second. It’s easy for them to pack on extra weight, so their diet needs to be managed carefully throughout their life.
Feeding a Labrador puppy
During the puppy phase, specially formulated puppy food made for medium to large dogs should be the core part of their diet.
This gives them the energy they need to grow strong bones and joints, setting them up for better health in their adult years.
Feeding an adult Labrador
Once they’re fully grown, you can include the occasional well-earned treat as part of a balanced diet. A mix of wet food and dry food is ideal, and each portion should be measured.
It’s tempting to give in to the sad Lab face when they’d really like a little bit more, but portion control is one of the best ways to care for them properly.
Make sure to check the portion guidelines based on your Lab’s age on their dog food. They’ll always tell you they’re still hungry, but a fit Lab is a healthy Lab!
Adjusting for senior years
As Labradors age, they may need specialised diets to support joint health, skin concerns, or changing energy levels.
In their golden years, they’ll generally need smaller portions of senior dog food, as they won’t be running about as much as they did in their youth.
Labs live 10 to 12 years on average, but with proper nutrition and care, some can live into their mid-teens.
Joint health and hereditary conditions
Labs are generally a healthy breed, but like other large dogs, they can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia.
These issues can be made worse if they’re carrying extra weight or were over-exercised as puppies while their joints were still developing.
Protecting their joints
As your Labrador ages, caring for their joints can give you more years of fun outdoors together.
Keeping them at a healthy weight, choosing age-appropriate exercise, and speaking to your vet about joint supplements can all help support their mobility. Incorporating joint supplements into their diet can be easy with this food-loving breed.
Ready to schedule your Lab’s first vet visit or get them into puppy school? Book in with Petstock pet services online today.