Why Labradors Make Great Service Dogs
Labradors are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. They are famous for their gentleness, intelligence, and friendly demeanor. Because of their obedient and kind nature, these dogs have not only made the best companions and helpers, but they make excellent service dogs for a variety of tasks.
Though various dog breeds are in the service dog industry, Labrador Retrievers have the edge over other dog breeds due to their trainability and intelligence. Let's look at some of the reasons why Labradors make great service dogs.
8 Reasons Labradors Make Great Service Dogs
1. Labs Are Highly Intelligent
Due to their high intelligence as a breed, people in need can benefit from Labradors’ services in different fields. They are well known as ideal guide dogs for the disabled or the blind. When appropriately trained, they can also make excellent guard dogs.
They can hear something as faint as a pin drop from a distance. Also, Labs have an exceptional sniffing ability. Their services are also famous for recovering bodies after a natural disaster, finding a missing person, and detecting various drugs and explosives.
2. They Have Endless Energy
Labradors are often smarter and have more energy than the average canine. Therefore, they should be given sufficient training and exercise to excel, especially as younger dogs.
A walk in the morning and evening is a MUST for Labradors of any age. They are social and pack oriented dogs, so these walks can have tremendous benefits in keeping order around your home and give both of you some much-needed exercise.
3. Labradors Are Easy to Train
Every dog needs training if it’s to become a member of the family. Certain dog breeds are hard to train, but Labradors require less energy and effort to train than most. They are quick learners and quite intelligent. Therefore, proper and complete training requires less time, and if you are hiring a dog trainer, it will save on your pocketbook.
Even first-time dog owners find it easy to train a Labrador. Known for being very food-driven dogs, you will find out how well behaved your Lab can be when you have a tasty treat in your hand.
There are online training courses and books available to aid with lessons, hand signals, and specific strategies for training your dog.
4. They Have Wonderful Temperaments
Labradors are handy, friendly, and well-balanced dogs, adaptable to a wide variety of functions as well as making good pets. Labs are not overly prone to moping, hypersensitivity, insecurity, or aggression.
They have an excellent reputation for being an even-tempered breed and a perfect family dog.
5. Labs Are Always Eager to Please
A Labrador does very well with receiving treats as a reward for good behavior. Labs also are very skillful in understanding verbal commands and hand signals. They can easily pick up on your tone of voice as well.
Their constant desire to please you makes them a reliable worker no matter what task they are performing. When properly trained, Labs will not complain about doing any chore you ask of them.
6. Labradors Are Loving Dogs
If you look into a Lab’s eyes, you will see that it looks at you with pure love. When she sits close to you and looks at you, you can tell that she is thinking about how much she loves you.
When Labs are tired, hurt, or scared, and you're there with them, you'll see how thankful they are to have you nearby. They are also delighted to see their owner when you come home.
7. They Have Wonderful Personalities
Labradors are lovable, happy, loyal, and friendly to all they meet. They are also the number one dog breed registered. They are playful and will always run to the door to meet you.
Labs love swimming, running, hiking, and can make the best choice for first-time dog owners.
8. Labs Are Great With Children
Do you want to tire your kids out? Then you should get them a toy that never tires, a Labrador. Kids love labs, and labs love kids. A Labrador will allow itself to be poked, prodded, and hugged, and still give a lot more love back.
They are always ready to chase you around for hours and still want more.
Related read: How Dogs Help Children With Special Needs
Final Thoughts
Labradors are the perfect mix of positive qualities that anyone could want from a service dog. Their outgoing and gentle nature goes hand in hand with the eagerness to please their owners. They take pleasure in attracting attention and love being around people.
Labradors are also incredibly alert and intelligent, which makes them easy to train. With positive reinforcement and a simple training method, a Labrador can be the service dog you have always been looking for!
Additional Resource: National Service Animal Registry
