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How to Understand Your Labrador Retriever

Rick — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:28:35 +0000

To totally understand the true character of the Labrador Retriever, dog owners must have a solid grip on the three most important aspects that make up this animal’s temperament and character.
Three Things You Can Always Rely On When Raising A Labrador Retriever
1. Labs Are Like A Box Of Cookies: The most important thing to understand with Labrador Retrievers is that they are peculiar and not every Lab is the same. A Labrador is like a box of cookies, they come in all sorts and you never know just what you will get as they become adults.
Many Labs demonstrate the same interests in the following: hunting, running, retrieving, and swimming, but oftentimes you may get a Labrador puppy that may completely hate water. If you are lucky enough, your Lab may not have an oral fascination, which causes many of these dogs to eat anything they can get a hold of.
One thing you can positively count on is that every Labrador Retriever is special and through proper training, attention, and love, you will have a wonderful dog that will show the utmost in loyalty and affection until its last day on earth with you.
2. Labs Are Natural Born Hunters: Unlike most other hunting dog breeds, Labs do not just wait for its human hunting companion to command them to retrieve fallen birds. These dogs have to be so love that they can mark the fallen foul themselves.
Many people believe that Labrador Retrievers are more aware of their surroundings than other hunting dogs because of their heritage. When hunting, Labs await for the right signal from their hunter in order to find their prey. While at home, they regularly wait by their owner’s side for the next task or command, regardless of what it is. It could be to walk, eat, etc. This is what makes Labrador Retriever dogs just a little too needy for some owners.
3. Labs Must Be Well Trained: As hunters, Labs have to be able to follow specific rules in order to find birds. So, even if they do not have a direction to move in, they will keep hunting without giving up. So, basically, a good Lab literally takes matters into its own hands to get the job finished.
These characteristics are great for dog owners to enjoy having a service dog that can take on its own in certain situations. Alternatively, it’s bad for dog owners who are not able of providing absolutely no direction whatsoever. This is where most issues lie with new Labrador owners.
Several people see well-trained Labs at the beach or walking with their owners and think to themselves “I should get one of those dogs. They’re so well trained!” Little do they know that these pets are never born trained. It takes regular progressive dedication to exact training protocols, all based on a Labrador’s genetic make up. For many people, this can prove too much work for to handle. They will more than likely end up with nothing but issues and annoyance with their dog.

Understanding Labrador Retrievers – Three Things You Can Rely on When Raising a Labrador Retriever

Rick — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 05:23:53 +0000

Labrador Retrievers, also known as labs, are wonderful animals. They are a popular pet on television shows and in homes worldwide.
To absolutely understand the true nature of the Labrador Retriever, you have to have a firm grasp on the three most significant aspects that make up this animal’s personality and personality. These are:
1. Labradors Must Have Good Training: As hunters, Labradors must be able to follow precise directions in order to find birds. Even if they do not have a direction to move in, they will keep hunting without stopping. So, a good Labrador will actually take matters into its own hands in order to get the job complete.
These character traits are great for people to enjoy having a service dog that can take on its own in certain situations. On the other hand, it’s bad for dog owners who are incapable of providing absolutely no direction whatsoever. This is where most problems lie with new Labrador owners.
Many people see perfectly trained Labs at the park or walking with their owners and think to themselves “I want one of those dogs. They are so well trained!” Little do they realize that dogs are never born trained. It takes nonstop progressive commitment to specific training protocols, all based on a Lab’s genetic make up. This can prove too much work for some owners to handle and end up with nothing but problems and aggravation with their pet.
2. Labradors Are Like A Bowl of Fruit: Another important thing to understand with Labradors is that they are unusual and not every Labrador is the same. Labradors are like a bowl of cherries. So, you never know just what you will get as they grow up.
Most Labradors show the same interests, hunting, running, retrieving, and swimming, but oftentimes you may get a Labrador puppy that may absolutely hate water. If you are lucky enough, your Lab may not have an oral fixation, which causes many to eat anything they can get their little mouths on.
The one thing you can certainly count on is that every Labrador is unique. Through proper training, you’ll have a wonderful dog that will display the utmost in loyalty and affection until its last day on earth with you.
3. Labs Are Born To Hunt: Unlike many other hunting dog breeds, Labs do not just wait for its human hunting companion to tell them to retrieve fallen birds. These dogs have to be so attentive that they can mark the fallen foul on their own.
It is said that Labrador Retrievers are more conscious of their surroundings than other hunting dogs because of their heritage. When hunting, Labs wait for the right signal from their hunter when seeking out to find the prey. Likewise, at home, they frequently wait by their owner’s side for the next task or command, no matter of what it may be. It could even be a walk or even a treat. This is what makes a more needy for some pet owners.

Crate Training your Golden Retriever

Rick — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 04:11:01 +0000

Many people usually have misconceptions when crates come to mind. They do not use crates because they think that it is a way of punishing a dog. But such is not the case. Contrary to common misconception, crates are actually one of the safest places for your dog, particularly a Golden Retriever. Crates have been found to have many uses. You can put your dog inside the crate when you are away from home or when you have guests in your house and stay worry-free. It can also be used when your dog is sick. Crates gratify a Golden?s natural instincts to position himself within a den.

Upon getting Golden Retriever puppy and bringing him to his new home, try getting a crate and have it set up right where you want it. It is recommended that you position your crate in an area where there is not much traffic, like a kitchen close to the door. In that way, your Golden can easily get out of the crate and potty outside.

Leave it open and train your dog to go inside whenever he is tired and sleepy. Golden Retrievers may tend to have a liking for crates especially if you crate train them but you should not overdo it by letting him stay there for so long. Also, do not let your Golden out of the crate if it is barking. Once your dog has become used to the crate, you can freely leave him to go in and out of it whenever he likes and you may not have to worry about your dog anymore whenever you are away from home.

Show your dog where the crate is located repeatedly for a couple of times and then let him search for the crate. Leave the crate open and your Golden Retriever puppy should start to go in and out of it. You may also want to put a toy inside the crate to keep him from boredom once he is inside. If your dog follows your crate training commands well, give him a food treat or praise as a sign of recognition. Your Golden Retriever will learn to stay in the crate by himself in no time.

It is also important that you put a toy for your Golden to play with once it has become familiar with the crate. Then, you can shut the crate door and see how it will respond. Do not take him out of the crate immediately if it starts to whine. Instead, try to calm him by saying relieving words or putting your fingers through the crate?s opening. Be patient and your dog should settle down by then.

Crate training your Golden may take you some time before you can actually see results. But if you have the patience and perseverance to achieve positive ends to your efforts, then your Golden puppy will be able to catch up well on crate training.

How to Train a Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Rick — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 04:23:22 +0000

Do you want a strong, dependable dog? Have you considered the Chesapeake Bay Retrievers? The breed was developed in the United States Chesapeake Bay area during the 1800’s. They are very alert dogs with an eager-to-please attitude. They have natural instincts to hunt and they are strong and agile creatures.

Labrador Retriever Puppies

Rick — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 22:29:05 +0000

Attention all puppy shoppers! Every little puppy is going to be adorable and make you fall in love with him but in most cases only one special puppy is going to be the chosen one. You will likely find yourself so torn on which puppy, from all the labs you could choose, is the winner but use caution when making your selection. There are a few things that you should know and understand about how to make that choice.

Stick with the puppy that is laid back and almost appears to wait his turn. These dogs are compliant and will make great dogs that will be enjoyable and docile when they are grown. There is a lot to be said about the way puppies act and how that follows them into adulthood.

The dogs that are snappy and more aggressive are usually the puppies that dominated the litter when they were born. These are the puppies that you will see trampling his brothers and sisters before they are separated. Also, avoid puppies that seem withdrawn and anxious as they tend to be the dogs that become destructive when they are grown.

Gain knowledge of all that you possibly can about Labs prior to deciding on your puppy. This is worth the time to do before you get your puppy so that you know about things like possible medical disorders that plague Labs or their socialization skills. Find out how they should be cared for by talking to Lab owners, reading relevant materials, and harvesting information from the Internet. Ask about how to avoid and deal with separation anxiety that Labs are famous for suffering from.

Find out the best time of the year to get your puppy so you aren?t limited in any way. You want your choices to be ample and in order for this to be the case you need to be on top of these things. The best time to go Lab shopping is in the spring months and the fall months.

Your best source of information is going to come from the puppy?s breeder and if you have completed all of your relevant research then you will know exactly the right questions to ask him. It is vital to know where your potential puppy cam from and what he has been doing and exposed to in the past two months.

Was your puppy born through this particular breeder or was he shipped in? This is important to know so you can know everything possible about your newest member to your family. Ask your breeder if he ever deals with dog dealers or dog brokers when he has a litter. This is significant as it gives you an idea of how the owner feels about his pups.

If this breeder is insistent on keeping his pups until they are ready to leave their mother then that is a good indication that he has cared well for his litter. Unfortunately, some breeders are quick to get rid of the puppies early. Ask him if the Lab puppies have been exposed to other animals or to smaller children so you know and can understand any behaviors that could arise later on.

Knowing all of these things will surely help you to make a conscious choice about your new puppy and is sure to give you the home court advantage with your new Lab.

Labrador Retriever Information

Rick — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 22:35:53 +0000

The Labrador retriever is the most popular breed of dog in the United States. They are also by far the most popular dogs in The United Kingdom with over 45,000 registrations. There is a lot of information available about the Lab in a variety of areas. Labs are great pets in general?they adore kids and they are faithful servants. Labs love to exercise, run around and play but they also require some maintenance.

Labs need to be exercised every day?whether it is a play in the park, a swim in the pool, or a walk around the block. A home with a securely fenced in yard is the perfect environment for any Lab since they need a lot of room to run and play. In most instances Labs just love other pets too! They are fantastic with children and they are great watchdogs.

Labrador retriever?s often develop some health problems such as epilepsy, skin tumors, canine hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disorders, and skin allergies. Labs are no more prone to illness and disease than any other dog but each dog breed has its own group of health problems and these are what Labs seem to get most often.

The Labrador has a coat of hair that repels water; it is also thick and needs to be brushed regularly. Labs also need for their owners to brush their teeth for them or provide them with dental chews that do the trick instead of brushing. This helps to prevent plaque from forming on the teeth and thwarts periodontal disease. Their toenails also need to be clipped regularly. A healthy and cared for Lab will usually live about 12-15 years. This life span requires that the dog gets proper nutrition and exercise as well as great medical care and good living conditions.

The American Kennel Association first registered the Labrador in 1917. The Lab originates from Canada and was used by fishermen to haul in the fishing nets from the extremely cold waters. They were also used by hunters to retrieve ducks and other waterfowl. They are also used as guide dogs for the blind and therapy dogs.

The difference between English and American Labs is that the English Lab is a bit smaller and shorter but their face seems to appear fuller. The American Labs have a more overexcited personality. The typical characteristics of the Lab are that they are very smart, compliant, docile, friendly, and trustworthy. They are also very full of life particularly when they are puppies. Labs have a wonderful disposition. They are non-aggressive, playful and constantly willing to make somebody?s day.

Conversely, if you want a family pet but don?t want the hassle or the commitment of taking your dog running, biking, or swimming then it is best that you do not buy a Lab because they really need this interaction with their master to thrive.

Labrador retriever?s require a great deal of camaraderie and dislike being left home unaccompanied for more than just a little while. When they are, they can be very destructive so if you are gone a lot then you may want to reconsider buying the Lab.

Labrador Retriever Facts

Rick — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:59:53 +0000

Did you know that if you have purchased a Lab puppy with good breeding you should not see any hyperactivity?

Just like humans, dogs are unique.

The Labrador Retriever Breed

Rick — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 23:27:14 +0000

The Labrador retriever is an exceptionally popular dog equally in the United States and the United Kingdom. The Labrador retriever is especially committed and trustworthy and has its roots as a grand hunting dog. They were in also well-liked for serving the fishermen by helping them haul fishing nets ashore. This dedicated dog is a magnificent selection, an exceptional guide or rescue dog.

Most Labrador retrievers do not live more than 15 years. The only bona fide distinction between female and male Labs is the size. The chocolate Lab and the Yellow Lab and are the most well-liked dog in the US and the UK. These dogs are adored and very intelligent. They are also bouncy and full of vigor. Those qualities in addition to their good quality temperament make them excellent pets.

The Lab has a tail that is a unique trait of this breed. The tail should be particularly hulking at the base, gradually thinning near the tip but only medium in length. A lot of people have called the Lab?s tail the ?otter? tail for the reason that it has a strong likeness. The tail should never curl above the back. Tiny tails or long scrawny tails are critical flaws. The tail enhances the strength of the Labrador by giving it a refined contour from the head to the tail. The tail should not be docked or altered in any way.

The average size of a Lab is medium to big compared with other breeds. Male Labs stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and females stand between 22-24 inches tall. Males commonly weigh 80 pounds or less and females weigh 70 pounds or less. The Lab?s fur is normally short and thick and it resists water well. This buoyancy in the Lab?s fur makes him a grand dog for wintry weather seeing that the water never comes in contact with the skin. The fur of the Lab is usually either yellow or brown.

The Lab has a head that is especially distinct and also has a very prominent brow. The Lab also has brown or hazel eyes with a black lining the surrounds the outer edge of the eye. The ears must drop close to the head and are positioned slightly above the eyes. The body is actually powerful and well-developed. The most distinctive physical characteristic of the Lab is still the tail however their trademark is their good-natured disposition.

The Labrador retriever has immense endurance with big nostrils, a deep chest, and a wide muzzle. Lab?s have relatively long legs but are not awkward however they are extremely well balanced. The color of the Lab?s nose is extremely significant in determining a thorough bred. A completely pink nose or a nose that is lacking in coloring is disqualified. The Labrador?s back is broad, strong and physically powerful starting at the hip and back to the hock. When you look at the Lab from at the rear you ought to see hind legs that are parallel and aligned.

Why Choose a Labrador Retriever

Rick — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 09:41:48 +0000

For 17 years straight the Labrador Retriever has been America?s favorite purebred dog, according to registration numbers with the American Kennel Club.

The Great Labrador Retriever – Your Ultimate Companion

Rick — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:20:35 +0000

The Labrador is one of several kinds of retriever, a type of gun dog also called Labrador Retriever, Labby, or Lab for short. The term “Retriever” refers to any one of several breeds of Sporting Dogs. Retrievers were bred primarily to retrieve birds or other prey and return them to the hunter without any damage. The American Kennel Club lists the following breeds of retrievers: Chesapeake Bay, Golden, Curly-coated, Flat-coated, and Labrador retriever. Labrador Retrievers’ willingness to please and trainability made them the most popular breed among all assistant dogs in the world. They are natural hunters and are equipped with an exceptional sense of smell. Because of their great “nose”, they also work in narcotics as a drug sniffing dogs, search and rescue dogs, as guide dogs for the blind, and as a service dog for the disabled.

Labradors are relatively large, with males typically weighing 30–36 kg (65–80 lb) and females 25–32 kg (55–70 lb). Labradors come in two varieties; the English “show” line and the American “field” line. The English bred (show-bred) labs are heavier, thicker and blockier. The American bred (field and trial-bred) Labs are longer legged, lighter, and more lithe in build.

The Labrador Puppies Retriever is a double coat breed. The color of the coat comes in chocolate, black, and yellow. Their short and smooth double coat is easy to groom with a brush with firm bristles. Their interwoven coat is also relatively waterproof, even when they swim their skin stays dry due to their water-resistant undercoat. They are also moderate shredders of hair.

Labradors are happy in the great outdoors and are tremendous swimmers. The otter-like tail and webbed toes of the Labrador Retriever make them excellent swimmers. Labs are big eaters and need regular exercise and moderate rations to avoid a tendency to become overweight.

Labradors are a devoted breed that can be a wonderful asset to a family but having a Labrador puppy is a huge responsibility. It requires energy to keep up with the pup, as well as the patience to work with him as Labrador puppies are very energetic and want to explore everything in their surroundings. Their excitement about everything often causes them to do certain activities that can annoy you but this can be corrected through proper training and supervision. You must teach him what to put in his mouth and what not because they eat digestible and non-food objects alike and are prone to chewing objects. Your furniture and belongings may suffer if not trained properly at an early stage. Furthermore, their strong build can make them hard to control later in adulthood.

Labradors are often very easygoing and trusting with strangers, and therefore are not usually suitable as guard dogs. However these are one of the best family dogs and canine companions because of their gentle, friendly and lovable temperament. They are exceptionally affable, intelligent, energetic and good natured and is the perfect to an active family. Labs have a high intelligence and willingness to work hard to please their owners. This is why they are widely used by police and other official bodies too.