This type of job is perfect for them since they are so willing to please and not easily intimidated. Because retrieving is naturally ingrained in their personalities, they are often used to aid handicapped or wheelchair bound people. Not only are they helpers in the physical sense, but they also provide companionship and love to the people they assist. This makes them great candidates for therapy use. They are good breeds to bring into hospitals and nursing homes because they enjoy socializing with the patients.
Labs are excellent partners for police detectives.
What was once a spot reserved for German Shepherds is now being delegated to the Labradors. They have earned this respect through their hard work, keen sense of smell and desire to help out their human partners. With their noses they sniff out drugs, arson and explosives. Since they live with their human partners, and because of their nature, it is easy for them to switch gears from tough police dog to gentle family pet.