The term spoiling conjures up an image of a lazy dog that won't get off the couch, and when he finally does get the boot, his belly hits the ground. He does what he pleases, he sleeps wherever, he expects to finish off the dinner plates, and any other generally boorish and obnoxious behavior, all while the owner just smiles and shakes a head and chuckles and waggles a naughty finger saying, Well you are just one bad boy, aren't you punky-muffin? Here, have another piece of steak.

In other words, Spoiling = Bad.

Dr. Dave Erlewein, a Traverse City, Michigan, veterinarian, puts it a little more tactfully. People tend to use the word spoil when they are describing some aspects of their pet's life and/or the pet-owner bond that they either feel a little guilty about or think the person they are talking with wouldn't understand. In the guilt arena would be feeding table food; and in the latter would be letting the dog sleep in their bed, relax on the sofa, or sleep with the kids.

But you can make the equation Spoiling = Bad if you just take a moment to think and plan. And the best part? Your Lab will never know the difference. It isn't like you have to keep up with the Jones'. He won't see what the golden retriever across the street gets to do and demand that he be allowed the same freedom. He won't come home from the dog park with a story about that little pug that gets carried everywhere and wonder how come you don't love him because you won't carry him everywhere, too. What he will see is the extra attention you are giving him and his life, and he'll utterly soak it up. It won't matter that the surprise treats are Cheerios or his normal kibble instead of chunks of steak or bacon. All that will matter is that, Wow! I just got a surprise treat!

What areas of a Lab's life can we make good spoiling decisions? Well, what does a Lab like to do most? That's right: Eat, sleep, and play.