Labrador retrievers are known to excel in performing various roles such as assistance dog for physically disabled persons, rescue or search dog, detection dog and therapy dog. No wonder they became the world's most popular dog breed based on the number of registered ownership. But even if they are considered as intelligent dogs with exceptional working abilities, this breed needs labrador training too.

Labrador training is so important and taking it for granted may result to health and physical problems alike. Apart from having behavior problems like aggression and biting, the risk of becoming obese is also greater if dogs are not provided with physical activities like the ones they get during training.

Having a well known reputation for appetite, labradors must be trained to eat on schedule and must not be given food every time they request for it. Feeding should be around three times a day with the right quantity of food. Table foods such as chocolate and those with onions must not be tossed to them knowing that many human foods tend to be toxic and dangerous to dogs. No matter how persuasive or persistent these four legged creatures may seem, owners must learn not to give in to their requests. Not granting their requests for food is not being cruel or selfish, but is a way to control the food intake so as to avoid obesity and its many associated health risk.

A dog that is given regular physical stimulation is less likely to gain weight that is beyond normal. A dog must be trained to walk on or off leash properly to prevent dangerous situations from happening at the same time prevent dominance issues. The proper way to walk a dog is to position him beside or behind you, not ahead of you. Allowing your dog to walk ahead of you may give him the idea that he is the leader of the pack thus result to dominance issue over time.

To make sure that your dog is indeed in perfect shape and the weight does not go beyond the normal, check the weight at least every month. Male labradors typically weigh between 66 - 79 pounds while females weigh between 55 - 71 pounds. A lab that weighs around 100 pounds is considered obese so watch out for that. Get your dog used to weighing procedure and handling as early as possible to prevent problems.