We Love Our Labrador Retrievers

There is no such thing as a golden labrador retriever dog. It's a simple as that. Many people confuse the this name with a golden retriever dog which is an entirely different breed. No harm, no foul. It's just not the correct term to call them a golden labrador when they are simply yellow labrador retrievers.

Labrador retrievers come in three offical recognized colors and that is yellow, black and chocolate. Yellow labrador retrievers will have several shades to their coat which are many times labelled by owners and dog enthusiats. You will see people refer thier yellow lab as a white lab or even a fox red labrador retriever. This isn't really wrong but for semantics point they are registered as yellow.

If you find yourself talking with a dog breed that is trying to sell you a special golden labrador retriever then I would say walk away because they don't know what they are talking about. If you meet somebody at the park that says they have a golden labrador retriever you are probably best to let it be. Dog owners get pretty protective of their pets.

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Year after year, Labrador Retrievers have consistently ranked as one of the best family dogs. With their intelligence, and laid back demeanor they make an excellent choice when choosing a dog for your family. Here’s more about this breed…

History: The Labrador Retrievers roots, depending upon which theory you adhere to, either started in England or Newfoundland. Most theories suggest that the origin of the Labrador Retriever dates back to Newfoundland in the 1700s, where they were originally considered a smaller version of the Newfoundland, and might even have been a partial cross of a now extinct St. Johns dog and the larger Newfoundland. By the 1800s, the Labrador began making its way to England and European countries, but compliments for refining the breed as a hunting and retrieving dog go to the English breeders. They are known for being black in color originally, with the first yellow and chocolate colored Lab’s being recorded around the end of the 19th century.

To this day the Labrador Retriever was and still is used for bird hunting and retrieval of birds in the water. Even though today the Retriever is a natural when used for bird hunting, they were in the past, excellent at retrieving fish too, and still show their love for a good swim. Said to have originated in Newfoundland, there are those who speculate that the Labrador name comes from the Canadian Province of Labrador. Popular among breeders in Canada around the 1800s, the Labrador Retriever only made it’s way to America in the early 1900s, where it was finally registered with the American Kennel Club in1917.

Description: Thriving in all types of weather, the Labrador Retriever has a thick, resistant to water coat, that comes in the various flavors of yellow, black or chocolate brown. Female Labrador Retrievers weigh in at around 55-75 pounds, while the larger male tips the scale at between 65-80 pounds. the height of the Labrador can range from 21-24 inches tall. Some of the beautiful features that this dog possesses include their muscular hind legs combined with an otter like tail, most often recognized while in their stance. They are also known for their proud, powerful looking head.

Life Span: 10-13 years

Common Ailments: May be prone to Hip and Elbow Dysphasia which might cause problems with mobility and arthritis in it’s later years. otherwise, this is a hardy dog breed. Another possible ailment known to this breed is called Retinal Atrophy which is a progressive disease that results in reduction or complete loss of vision.

Suitability with Children: Yes, a very even tempered breed as well as gentle natured.

Suitability with Other Pets: Yes

Living Conditions: Labrador Retrievers do best in a home with a large yard or with land. They are easily adaptable though, and would also do well in an apartment or with a small yard if received plenty of exercise on a daily basis.

Training: This breed is easily trainable as a puppy. Combining their intelligence with their easy trainability makes them one of the most powerful combinations as a superior working dog and excellent sporting dog, as well as a wonderful family pet. Remember that Labradors need consistency and reinforcement from the time they are puppies and they will grow into a strong and gentle family pet.

Exercise Required: High

Expense to maintain: Low

Breed Temperament: Being definitely a favored breed in America, just about every puppy in the pound will state they have some Labrador in their blood. If not, many owners will make the claim that they do because of their gentle nature despite their size, as well as their extreme intelligence and ease at training. There is no doubt about it, the Labradors loyalty, agreeable temperament and affectionate nature are what causes this to be one of the most popular dog breeds around.

Keep in mind that Labradors find their greatest happiness when they are outdoors sporting or exercising on a regular basis. While Labrador Retrievers can adapt to almost any living environment, owners will find they are most content when they are regularly exercised. If not regularly exercised, especially as a puppy, owners could find that they will turn towards destructive habits, like chewing furniture. Also, Labs that are not regularly exercised show a tendency to put on weight, as they sure love to eat.

All things considered, Labrador Retrievers will make a wonderful family pet with a little extra TLC, and along with the tender loving care, don’t forget the extra running, fetching or swimming!

When Richard Livitski isn’t busy digging up information on Labrador Retrievers, he’s working on his dog names website http://www.dog-names-and-more.com where dog names as well as other helpful dog related topics can be found.

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When and How Do I Train My Puppy?

Anyone who has ever had a dog knows that training a new puppy is a challenge, but essential. With any new dog, puppy training starts the day that you bring your new pet home and continues for months as they continue to learn the basics becoming a part of the family. By the time you bring your new puppy home they are ready to learn. In fact, puppies can be trained from a very early age as long as we don't expect too much of them right away. By natural design the mother dog has been educating her litter for several weeks, preparing them to survive on their own. By seven weeks the puppy's development allows him to leave the mother and ensures the strongest human ties and best socialization possible. Older puppies may be less inclined to attach to humans right away, but eventually with love and affection and our constant interaction the bond will be just as strong. No matter what age you bring your puppy home, the important thing to remember is that they are ready to learn, they just need patience and practice!

Dog training at this early stage will focus on the essentials; house training, chewing, digging, jumping, and learning to wear a collar and walk on a leash. The most important thing to remember about training your puppy is that you are creating boundaries and establishing house rules that will be in place for a lifetime, making your time together the best possible. The groundwork you lay today will allow you to have a wonderful, productive relationship with your dog every day.

Responding To His/Her Name:

The first place to start training is to begin training your puppy to respond to his name being called. You can begin by calling the puppy's name as you feed him his meals so that the puppy starts to associate his or her name with his food- a good thing! After a few days you can change the order, so that you call his name, wait for him to look at you, and then give him a treat. Once he's responding on a regular basis, you can phase out the treats, using your voice (good puppy!) and your and petting to praise him and let him know that you are pleased with him. Treats can still be used on an unpredictable schedule as a reward, but the puppy is responding to your voice and praise more than looking for his payment of the food or treats. Having your dog recognize his name and respond by looking at you will prepare him for dog obedience, puppy training classes and more!
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Who doesn't love a puppy? They are cute, fluffy, and playful. However, don't let those innocent puppy eyes fool you - all puppies grow up to be dogs, and puppies growing up without the benefit of puppy training often grow up to be bad dogs. Here are some easy tips for puppy training to make the transition from puppy to dog easier on both of you. 1. Puppies grow up - act accordingly. Many puppy parents hold off on puppy training because, after all, they are just puppies. They think that puppy antics are incredibly cute. However, every time your puppy does something, remember how big your puppy will be as an adult. While a 10 pound lab puppy might be cute playing tug of war with your pant leg, chances are it won't be nearly as cute when your 100 pound adult lab does the same thing. Basic puppy training means setting guidelines about appropriate behavior from the first day home.

2. Make the crate a second home. Another part of puppy training is to give the puppy his or her own space. The easiest way to do this is with a crate. The crate provides the puppy a place to sleep, a place to keep the puppy safe when you are not around, and an easy way for you to travel. Puppies do not like to go to the bathroom where they sleep, so a crate can be a very useful tool when doing puppy house training. The crate should be large enough that your puppy can stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably, but not so large that he or she can **** in one corner and lay down in another. Do not leave puppies in the crate for extended periods of time - a puppy can hold his or her bladder for about as many hours as it is months old.

3. Never hit a puppy. It is a common misconception that hitting a puppy is part of puppy training. However, hitting a puppy during puppy training more often than not will lead to only one of two things - a dog that is afraid of you or a dog that is aggressive. Neither is the desired result of puppy training, and this will lead to a dog that does not make a very good pet.

4. Make puppy happy for coming. Getting puppy to come to you when called is one of the first puppy training steps that you should take. Doing this step of puppy training will have many uses - it will allow you to distract puppy from wrongful behaviors, it will allow you to find puppy if it becomes lost, and it can keep puppy from dangers activities like running into traffic. During puppy training, reward puppy every time he or she responds and comes when called. Small treats and lavish praises and pats will teach puppy that coming when called is a good thing.

5. Socialize. An integral part of puppy training is training your puppy the proper behavior around other dogs and people. Take puppy out often, exposing him or her to new situations and new people and pets. Reward the puppy for desired behavior, and reinforce simple commands like sit and stay. Remember to stay calm, as puppy will read your emotions and act accordingly. Starting puppy training early will lead to a lifetime of good times with your dog.

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Though Labrador retrievers were originally bred to be hunting and gun dogs they have evolved into a popular family dog loved by owners throughout the world. With loving and playful natures Labs are mischievous, faithful and full of fun with boundless energy.

Labrador retrievers are statistically one of the most popular dog breeds in the world with a huge proportion of dog owners having a lab at home. Its friendly, placid, bright, and bouncy good nature makes it a wonderfully delightful companion as well as being perfectly suited for other tasks outside the home such as police work. Labs are also extensively used as assistance dogs for the blind and also the physically handicapped. Labradors are often used in rehab and therapy work as they seem to be able to transmit their loving nature to any human being.

Labs are tremendous swimmers and fittingly have an otter-like tail. Their coat is grown in an interweave pattern, making them ideally suited to spending time in the water.

And, as their name suggests, Labradors are excellent retrievers and one of their surprisingly pleasant attributes is the fact that they have extremely 'soft mouths.' Apparently, a Lab is able to carry an egg in its mouth without breaking it though I have to say if my Labs got an egg in their mouth they would simply eat it. They have capricious appetites!

In general Labs are not markedly prone to having some of the negative traits found in some breeds. The aggression and poor temperament associated with certain breeds are not issues that will affect labradors.

Labrador retrievers are especially wonderful with children because the Lab has an intense desire to not only please, but its desire to play is almost equal with its desire to eat!

Children can spend hours playing catch with a ball, or a Frisbee, and the dog will appear to be tireless. As far as a Lab is concerned 'more is best' and they never get bored of playing or being with their human masters.

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The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the United States so there are lots of good things to say about them. They will do ok in an apartment as long as they can be walked frequently. They do like lots of exercise. If it is possible for them to experience water occasionally, so much the better as they have a water resistant coat and love to swim. A properly fenced in yard is best for them. They love people and do well with other dogs and pets, especially if socialized early. They can be good watch dogs. They need to be part of a human family so please do not neglect that requirement or they can become destructive. They are great with children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Labrador Retriever is 22 to 24 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 60 to 75 pounds. The female ranges from 21 to 24 inches to the withers and 55 to 70 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Labrador Retriever is no exception. Even though this is considered a hardy breed, be on the lookout for Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), epilepsy (comes in various degrees and is common in dogs), skin allergies, eye disorders and skin tumors. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Labrador Retriever has a double coat of short, hard, dense and straight hair which is water repellent. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

*Life Span. The Labrador Retriever can live between 10 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Labrador Retriever comes from Canada where they were used by fisherman to help collect netted fish and also by hunters to retrieve ducks and other water fowl. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1917.

Some Registries:

*Labrador Retriever Club, Inc.

*UKC United Kennel Club

*NKC National Kennel Club

*CKC Continental Kennel Club

*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

*AKC American Kennel Club

*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 7 to 8 Labrador Retriever puppies

Category: Gundog, Sporting Group

Terms To Describe: Strong, character, soundness, outgoing, smart, kindly, non-aggressive, gentle, hard working, good natured.

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Good watch dog.

They are very friendly.

They want to please.

Great for kids.

She is the most popular breed in the US.

Easy to train.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Poor guard dog.

May take up to two and one half years to mature.

They need lots of exercise.

*Other Names Known By: St. Johns Dogs, St. Johns Newfoundland, Lesser Newfoundland

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

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Loving, lovable and very patient. Highly intelligent and good-natured. The Labrador Retriever is one of the friendliest breeds in the world. This comprehensive video, courtesy of Eukanuba, is a great way to gain an understanding of the history, characteristics and care for this amazing breed.

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This is my new puppy Maya, she is 3 months old born May 5 this year. I have been clicker training her for about 9 days and we’ve had her for about 14 days total. We use the harness for walking her and the bell to notice when she stops so we don’t yank her head off, the harness has worked a lot better then a regular collar when we go on walks.

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