--- title: Why Train Labrador Puppies as Service Dogs? description: When it comes to service dog training, there is no better breed than the Labrador Retriever. But what makes these puppies great for service? image: https://project2heal.org/hubfs/944167_1527aa2160cb4c96afdcb7bb3bb582db~mv2.webp --- [![logo-1](https://project2heal.org/hubfs/Website%20Photos/logo-1.png)](https://project2heal.org/) - [About Us](https://project2heal.org/about-us) - [Our Mission](https://project2heal.org/our-mission) - Local Impact - [Chaperone Program](https://project2heal.org/chaperone-program) - [Puppy Raising Program](https://project2heal.org/puppy-raising-program) - [Stress Down Days](https://project2heal.org/stress-down-day-visits) - [Volunteer Program](https://project2heal.org/volunteer-opportunities) - [National Impact](https://project2heal.org/national-impact) - [Ways to Give](https://project2heal.org/ways-to-give) - [Contact](https://project2heal.org/contact-us) [DONATE](https://project2heal.org/blog/why-train-labrador-puppies-as-service-dogs#XJSJFUZM) - [About Us](https://project2heal.org/about-us) - [Our Mission](https://project2heal.org/our-mission) - Local Impact - [Chaperone Program](https://project2heal.org/chaperone-program) - [Puppy Raising Program](https://project2heal.org/puppy-raising-program) - [Stress Down Days](https://project2heal.org/stress-down-day-visits) - [Volunteer Program](https://project2heal.org/volunteer-opportunities) - [National Impact](https://project2heal.org/national-impact) - [Ways to Give](https://project2heal.org/ways-to-give) - [Contact](https://project2heal.org/contact-us) [DONATE](https://project2heal.org/blog/why-train-labrador-puppies-as-service-dogs#XJSJFUZM) Catch up on Project 2 Heal in the News — Click to See Our Stories Making Headlines! 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By [Project 2 Heal](https://project2heal.org/blog/author/project-2-heal) on August 19, 2021 ![Project 2 Heal](https://3067823.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/3067823/author.png) ###### Project 2 Heal [Back to main blog](https://project2heal.org/blog) Share [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://project2heal.org/blog/why-train-labrador-puppies-as-service-dogs%20&body=Check%20out%20https://project2heal.org/blog/why-train-labrador-puppies-as-service-dogs&media=https://43836172.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/43836172/944167_1527aa2160cb4c96afdcb7bb3bb582db~mv2.webp](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://project2heal.org/blog/why-train-labrador-puppies-as-service-dogs%20&body=Check%20out%20https://project2heal.org/blog/why-train-labrador-puppies-as-service-dogs&media=https://43836172.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/43836172/944167_1527aa2160cb4c96afdcb7bb3bb582db~mv2.webp) When it comes to service dog training, there is no better breed than the Labrador Retriever. Due to their temperament and physical build as adults, Labradors make perfect service dogs—especially when trained from birth. Originating in the United Kingdom, Labradors became known as effective fishing dogs during the colonization of Canada. British royals took note of their strong abilities to swim and began refining the breed for retrieving fishing nets or items that may have fallen out of shipping boats used in fur trading. Today, labs are the first choice of many service dog organizations because of a variety of factors. But what makes Labrador the puppies perfect animal to train as service dogs? Let’s dive in! ## **Broad Skull, Large Brain.** The structure of the Labrador puppy skull is quite broad, allowing ample room for the brain to grow and develop important neural pathways. This allows these puppies to learn complicated commands and interpret stimuli. Over time, Labrador Retriever bloodlines have been developed for intuitive intelligence that allows them to sense a rise in cortisol levels and other factors indicating a PTSD flashback or other stressor acting upon the handler. [![944167_d7aa8c4b85464ebc88f87431cbeb90b1~mv2](https://project2heal.org/hs-fs/hubfs/944167_d7aa8c4b85464ebc88f87431cbeb90b1~mv2.webp?width=1019&height=125&name=944167_d7aa8c4b85464ebc88f87431cbeb90b1~mv2.webp)](https://43836172.hs-sites.com/contact-us) ## Labs Have an Ideal Temperament. Confident, yet forgiving—this is the disposition of Labrador Retrievers. As they grow, this general demeanor helps lead someone like a combat veteran suffering from PTSD out of a triggering situation. This temperament also helps labs to work effectively without growing weary of stressful outbursts from the owner. Labradors are amazing working dogs. These animals are just as excited to perform tasks for their owners as they are playing with other dogs. This joyful demeanor is a great complement to their confident-but-forgiving temperament. ## **Less Hair, Low Maintenance.** One reason Labradors are such good swimmers is because of their short fur coat. This short hair allows adults labs to easily shake off water after a swim—which also means less grooming work for an owner. This is a great attribute in terms of reducing the cost of ownership for disabled owners. ### ***Want Adorable Puppy Photos in Your Inbox?*** Click below to sign up for our newsletter! It's full of photos of your favorite Project 2 Heal service dogs and news about upcoming events. [Sign Up for Our Newsletter!](https://project2heal.org/subscribe-to-newsletter)   [View All](https://project2heal.org/blog) [Next Post](https://project2heal.org/blog/how-trained-service-dogs-help-veterans-with-ptsd) ### Related Posts [![ESSENTIAL Traits to Seek when BUYING a Labrador Retriever](https://project2heal.org/hubfs/Website%20Photos/scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.netvt39.30808-6448461330_18449578255040691_803479166251834465_n.jpg)](https://project2heal.org/blog/essential-traits-to-seek-when-buying-a-labrador-retriever) 1 min read [Training Tips](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/training-tips) ##### [ESSENTIAL Traits to Seek when BUYING a Labrador Retriever](https://project2heal.org/blog/essential-traits-to-seek-when-buying-a-labrador-retriever) By [Project 2 Heal](https://project2heal.org/blog/author/project-2-heal) on December 8, 2021 [Continue Reading](https://project2heal.org/blog/essential-traits-to-seek-when-buying-a-labrador-retriever) [![What Can Nurturing & Pedigree Tell You About a Dog?](https://project2heal.org/hubfs/peloton.jpg)](https://project2heal.org/blog/what-can-nurturing-pedigree-tell-you-about-a-dog) 1 min read [Services Dogs in Action](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/services-dogs-in-action) [purpose-bred labrador retrievers](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/purpose-bred-labrador-retrievers) ##### [What Can Nurturing & Pedigree Tell You About a Dog?](https://project2heal.org/blog/what-can-nurturing-pedigree-tell-you-about-a-dog) By [Project 2 Heal](https://project2heal.org/blog/author/project-2-heal) on December 8, 2021 Join Project 2 Heal Founder/CEO Charlie Petrizzo for a lesson on the importance of breeding Labrador Retrievers to... 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