The Labrador Retriever has gained itself a reputation throughout the world of dog breeds of being one of the most friendly and calm dogs going. All the Labrador Retriever information available simply reiterates the fact that if this particular dog was laid back any further it would be lying down!

Labrador Retrievers are perfect in every way, no flaws at all right? Not quite, you see being a large dog as dogs go the faithful Labrador Retriever needs a fair amount of food. The problem comes when your dog simply does not stop eating.

Most of the information available about Labrador Retrievers will say about their voracious appetite, they cannot seem to have enough food. They are a big dog weighing between 45 - 80lbs. A large part of the problem comes from the dog receiving too little exercise and too much food. Labs are the most healthy when they have a proper exercise routine in place.

Labrador Retrievers adore people and especially their own 'human family' and they are a dog that simply enjoy being close to people. The closeness is enjoyed even more so when the dog's family are eating. Once the dog turns its beautiful puppy-dog eyes on the people asking for food most will cave in and relent.

Owners of Labrador Retrievers feel that they are being kind by giving in when their dog asks for food. The truth of it is they are actually being cruel. Their Labrador Retriever is much more likely to suffer from health disorders if the dog is obese. Carrying the excessive weight around with them puts a lot of strain on the dog for starters; the dog's joints can suffer as can the Labrador Retriever's heart.

Being overweight can also make the dog and other dog breeds susceptible to diabetes, the condition is treatable but if you read a lot of the dog information literature available regarding diabetes in dogs it explains that diabetes can actually make dogs very sick and even blind if left untreated.

Take the time to observe your Labrador Retriever properly and notice if the dog's body has an hourglass shape to it at all. If the dog appears fuller around the abdominal region then the chances are that your dog is overweight, as are so many dogs I know but it is so commonly spotted in the Labrador Retriever. Owners need to be firm and cut out all the treats and reduce their food intake.

The problem is that the more weight the dog piles on the less active he / she is going to feel and you then end up on an endless 'circling' exercise, simply going around in circles.

There are people that can hopefully help you and your lovable Labrador Retriever, even dog dietitians exist in today's world so do not be afraid to ask for assistance. It's also helpful to read up on how to properly feed your Labrardor on the internet. Once you start giving your Lab the proper amount of food and exercise, thee weight should easily start to fall off.