5 Mistakes Labrador Retriever Puppy Owners Make

So, you got yourself a Labrador Retriever puppy—aka a living, breathing wrecking ball of joy. 🐶

Labs are smart, loyal, and basically the golden retriever’s rowdier cousin. But that big brain and bigger appetite for chaos? Yeah, it can get you in trouble if you’re not ready.

Whether you’re a first-time dog parent or you’ve had pups before, Labrador puppies are their own special brand of adorable tornado. Here are the top 5 mistakes Lab puppy owners make—and how to avoid them so your sofa lives to see another day.

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1. Underestimating the Energy (They’re Not Just “Playful,” They’re Powerhouses)

Oh, you thought one walk a day was enough? That’s cute.

Labs were literally bred to retrieve things all day long. Ducks. Tennis balls. Your patience. If you think they’ll nap peacefully after a 10-minute walk, LOL.

Here’s what happens when you slack:

Destruction. (Couch cushions = murder scene.)
Zoomies at 11 PM.
They invent their own “games,” which usually involve your shoes.

What to do instead:

Aim for at least 1–2 hours of exercise daily.
Mix in fetch, swimming, tug, and mental games. This is not a couch potato breed—this is a CrossFit dog.

FYI: A tired Lab is a good Lab. A bored Lab is… chaos.

2. Delaying Training Because “They’re Just a Puppy”

Spoiler: they’re learning every single day—with or without your help

Labs are scary smart. Like, “open the fridge and help themselves” smart. So when you wait too long to start training, you’re basically letting them write their own rules.

Common excuses:

“He’s just a baby.” (And now he’s a 70-lb baby sitting on your laptop.)
“She’ll grow out of it.” (She won’t. She’ll grow into it.)
“I’ll train him after the teething phase.” (Good luck.)

What to do instead:

Start basic commands early—sit, stay, come, leave it.
Reinforce good behavior 24/7. Labs remember what works.
Use positive reinforcement, because they’ll do anything for a snack (relatable, tbh).

3. Ignoring the Chewing Phase (a.k.a. Everything Is a Teething Toy Now)

Yes, that includes your phone charger, table leg, and possibly your arm

Labs don’t just “nibble.” They obliterate things. And they’ll do it for fun, stress relief, or just to see what happens.

Signs you’re not managing the chew monster:

Shredded shoes (yours, never your partner’s, somehow).
Surprise “surgeries” on your throw pillows.
The distinct crunch of something expensive.

What to do instead:

Provide a rotation of safe chew toys (Kongs, rubber toys, frozen carrots).
Puppy-proof your home like you’re expecting a tornado with teeth.
Redirect gently: “Not the couch, this beef-flavored bone instead, thanks!”

Pro tip: They will find the one thing you left out. So maybe don’t leave out your passport, just saying.

4. Overfeeding (a.k.a. Chunky Pup Problems)

Just because they act starving doesn’t mean they are

Labs are masters of manipulation. They’ll look at you with those sad brown eyes and make you feel like the worst human ever for not sharing your sandwich.

Why this is a problem:

Labs are prone to obesity, which leads to joint problems, diabetes, and other not-fun stuff.
Overfeeding during puppyhood = bad habits for life.
“Chonky” might look cute, but it ain’t healthy.

What to do instead:

Stick to a puppy-specific feeding schedule (your vet can help).
Use treats in moderation—or better yet, as training rewards only.
Measure food. Don’t eyeball it. That’s how we all ended up with “holiday weight,” remember?

IMO: A healthy Lab is a happy Lab. A pudgy one? Not so much.

5. Skipping Mental Stimulation (Your Couch Cushions Will Pay the Price)

Because a bored Lab is basically a genius criminal with too much free time

Labs need more than fetch and belly rubs. Their brains are constantly ON, and if you don’t give them something to focus on, they’ll make their own fun.

Translation:

Digging? ✔️
Barking at leaves? ✔️
Rearranging the recycling bin? ✔️✔️✔️

How to stimulate their big, beautiful brains:

Puzzle toys and food-dispensing games
Obedience and trick training (they’ll love showing off)
Hide-and-seek (with you or treats)
Rotate toys weekly to keep things “fresh”

Bonus: Mental enrichment tires them out faster than physical exercise alone. (Yes, really.)

Final Woof: Love the Lab, Prepare for the Chaos

Raising a Labrador puppy is like signing up for a rollercoaster—you’re gonna scream, laugh, and occasionally wonder what you’ve gotten yourself into.

But get the basics right—exercise, early training, chewing boundaries, proper food, and brain games—and you’ll end up with a dog who’s not just loyal and loving, but also shockingly well-behaved.

(Just don’t leave your sandwich unattended. Ever.)

David

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉