Why are Labradors so naturally drawn to water and love to swim?

Labrador Retrievers are an intelligent breed, but they can also be quite "goofy," so you might not recognize their intelligence right off the bat. However, they are highly trainable, and excel at a number of sports and training games because of it. For more facts and characteristics about Labradors, visit PetCoach's breed page: www.petcoach.co/breed/labrador-retriever

All dogs are scavengers, and are thus constantly on the lookout for something edible falling into their area, but Labradors have a reputation for taking this to the next level. Many of them will eat almost anything, so it's a good idea for owners of Labrador Retrievers to be extremely vigilant about leaving food on the counter, and make sure that trash cans are well-secured. To learn more about Labs, visit PetCoach's breed page: www.petcoach.co/breed/labrador-retriever

Labrador Retrievers are not "hypoallergenic," because they do shed their coats seasonally. Crossing Labrador Retrievers with Poodles, creating the "Labradoodle" hybrid, seems to create a Labrador-type dog that doesn't shed, or doesn't shed much, and this is one of the factors that has led to the popularity of this crossbreed. To learn more about Labs, visit PetCoach's breed page: www.petcoach.co/breed/labrador-retriever

Labradors are not considered to be a dangerous breed. It should always be remembered that any dog can bite if provoked, or if trained or encouraged to be aggressive. Always supervise children around unfamiliar dogs. For more facts and characteristics about Labradors, visit PetCoach's breed page: www.petcoach.co/breed/labrador-retriever

Labrador Retrievers tend to be a mostly quiet breed, although they will bark when they are alarmed, or at unusual people or noises. For more facts and characteristics about Labradors, visit PetCoach's breed page: www.petcoach.co/breed/labrador-retriever

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your questions. Unfortunately for you, not all labs love the water. She may get used to the pool over time and use it more but she may just not be interested. As for the abnormal ingestion of stones, leaves, etc. I would recommend having a hose handy and whenever she goes to eat the stones or leaves, spray her with the hose and say "off!" to deter her from doing this further. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. Please take the time to mark this question as helpful or not as it helps us to improve on the quality of our answers to other pet owners. Thank you kindly!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Those dogs are amazing! It should be okay for dogs to swim if they want to, as long as it is sunny and they have access to dry bedding/towels. For the lab with arthritis, swimming is actually great exercise as it is low impact - just be careful with her getting in and out of the pool. I hope this helps and that all is well!