Labrador behaviour traits

A highly popular UK dog breed, labradors are known for being high-energy, friendly and intelligent. Bred as gundogs, they have a strong working background and are celebrated for their sociable nature.

Positive behaviour traits of labradors

Eager to please and outgoing

Both outgoing and sociable, labradors are often welcoming and friendly towards children, people and pets. Their strong desire to please their owners makes them highly cooperative and quick learners.

Highly intelligent and trainable

Labradors often excel at remembering cues, understanding routines and learning commands. As a result, they often serve as assistance and guide dogs. Although portion control is a must with labradors, their love of treats can make positive reinforcement training highly effective. They also have an instinctive ability that lets them carry toys, objects and other retrieved items gently, causing little to no damage.

Playful, affectionate and loyal

With an upbeat energy, labradors often maintain puppy energy even in adulthood. They form strong emotional ties with their families and often sense and respond to human feelings.

Potential labrador behavioural challenges

Food-motivated behaviours

Many labradors carry a mutation of the POMC gene, which means they never feel completely full, giving them a constant and abnormally high drive for food. This can lead to unwanted behaviour like eating rubbish, raiding kitchen tables and counters and scoffing dangerous items they encounter in the home, in parks or on the street.

Separation anxiety

Due to the deep bonds that they make with owners, labradors can struggle with distress when left alone, which can lead to destructive habits.

Excess energy and excitement

Labradors have high mental and physical stamina that can manifest as boisterous play, jumping up and hyperactive indoor behaviour. When excited to explore, their strong physicality means they can pull heavily on the lead when walking.

Chewing and mouthing

Labradors have a powerful drive to carry objects in their mouth. This can lead to chewing and mouthing furniture and other objects, especially in adolescence and when teething.

Expert help with labrador behaviour

Azz Rainey offers bespoke support for labrador behaviour and training, including assistance with separation anxiety, reactivity and destructive behaviour. A specialist in reactive dog training in Oxfordshire, he also offers in-person sessions in Evesham, Gloucester, Swindon and their surrounding towns and villages, as well as ongoing support and online behaviour consultations.

For help managing your labrador's behaviour, reach out today.