According to the weight monitoring guide, what should an owner be able to do when performing a rib check on a healthy Labrador?

Easily feel the ribs with light pressure, similar to feeling the back of your knuckles.

Managing weight is a critical component of responsible Labrador Retriever ownership, largely because the breed has a strong predisposition toward obesity due to their high appetite that persists into adulthood. To provide a tangible method for monitoring this, a specific technique known as the rib check is recommended for early adoption. In a properly conditioned Labrador, the owner should be able to locate the ribs simply by applying light pressure over the dog's side—the sensation should mimic feeling the back of one's own knuckles when the hand is flat. If the ribs are difficult to locate requiring firm pressure, or if the dog lacks a noticeable waist when viewed from above, immediate weight management intervention is necessary to prevent health complications like exacerbated orthopedic issues.