Archive for January, 2009
Retrievers were originally bred as hunting dogs. Their job was to sit by the hunter and wait until game was shot and then retrieve it on command. This often meant swimming through cold water or running through dense brush. Labs were also taught not to damage the game upon returning it to their master.
Knowing what type of tasks the dogs were bred to perform assists us in analyzing what type of behaviour to expect from a breed. In the case of labs, they are fairly insensitive to touch. They readily leap into cold water and sit patiently in the cold in order to please their master. Physically tough dogs, they are very tolerant with children and respond well to training techniques that engage their strong desire to please.
They are also sound insensitive so that the loud bang of a hunter's gun won't disturb them. Loud noise, such as that from children, does not tend to bother labs and yelling at them will generally not get a response.
Working retrievers had no use for aggression since handling birds roughly or growling at other hunters is not required. Labs are friendly dogs that will gladly hunt with anyone, or, in other words, play fetch with anyone who is willing. They are great around guests in your home, your children's friends and they tend to see everyone as a friend or potential playmate.
All retrievers and labs are of course no exception, love to have items in their mouth. They are extremely oral and this is not to be confused with aggression: this is in their breeding, it is instinctual. Chewing on sticks, toys, balls, socks and so on is dog heaven for them. If you are considering owning a lab, you must tech them what to put in their mouths and what not. Otherwise your furniture and belongings may suffer.
Labrador retrievers are, in general, fantastic dogs. Great with children, great family dogs, fun loving, energetic and beautiful, it's little wonder that they are number one in the American Kennel Clubs ranking. However, this extreme popularity can lead to a wide range in quality of dogs so be very careful in selecting your breeder. Some labs could be fearful and aggressive so make certain to observe your pup before you decide on your choice.
Labs are very enthusiastic, lively and smart. They respond well to training and should be trained to engage their brains and control their exuberance. Their sheer excitement often causes them to jump up, steal your socks, pull on lead, or counter surf the kitchen but this can be corrected through proper training, supervision and exercise. Labs need a lot of exercise and this is easy because they love doing everything – running, swimming, fetching, romping, or just plain walking. Most of all, they just love being with you.
The coloring of a lab can run from almost white to pale cream to brown and black. They require minimal grooming and shed moderately. Their coats are silky and smooth and dry quickly when wet. They will reach a height of approximately two feet and weigh, on average, from 55 to 80 pounds although some can weigh much more.
Common health concerns for this breed include hip dysplasia, cataracts, retinal atrophy and bloat. Labs have low bite potential and interact with other pets quite well. When selecting a lab for family use you should avoid dogs that have been bred strictly for field use. These field dogs have absolutely incredible energy which is difficult to harness in a domestic setting.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Dogs
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
Bringing a pet into your home can be wonderful experience. Children and adults alike join together in the decision making process focused around choosing the dog that’s right for them. Each breed of dog has its own loyal following of admirers. But no breed is more accepted into homes as the family pet than the Labrador Retriever.
The ownership of dogs in general comes with its own set of challenges; a family must make way for a new resident in their home – a resident whose care can feel initially overwhelming to those who have not owned dogs in the past. The Labrador Retriever, especially, can be a bit of handful in the beginning. But ownership of this bright, beautiful dog has its own reward.
The Labrador Retriever is a medium sized dog recognized by its short, water-resistant coat, otter-like tail, square jaw, and broad head. It was originally bred for hunting because of its boundless energy, natural intelligence and ability to be trained. Today, the Labrador Retriever is still used for hunting purposes, but its amiable nature and loving personality has made it a more popular household pet. Owners of the Labrador Retriever report of its sweet personality, fun-loving spirit, and high-energy antics. It’s no wonder that this special breed of dog is loved by families far and wide.
There are some things that must be considered before you choose to bring a Labrador Retriever into the home. First and foremost, the Labrador Retriever is a considerable size of dog with a lot of energy. It needs adequate living space and frequent access to outdoor areas in which to run around. If you have a smaller living environment, you may want to consider another breed of dog. It is important – and most fair to the animal – that you have adequate space for its needs.
Further, the Labrador Retriever is a social dog that enjoys and seeks out the company of humans. If your schedule does not allow you to be home a large percentage of the time, then it would not be fair to own a Labrador Retriever. This breed does best in a family situation where someone is home most of the time. It’s no surprise then that larger families – with ongoing activity – tend to gravitate to the Labrador Retriever. Most families find that this loving dog fits right in!
For easy to understand, in depth information about labrador retriever visit our ezGuide 2 Labradors.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Bery
Posted in Choosing a Larbrador Retriever, Labrador Retriever Dogs | 
Tags: choosing a puppy, labrador retriever | 
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Once you have decided to have a dog at home, the next logical question would be which one? And that's a crucial question for sure. Be careful about choosing a dog because it comes with a few responsibilities. Therefore, go for the one that fits well with your lifestyle, temperament and family structure. Here are a few things that you must carefully consider while deciding which one of the several breeds you want to take home.
Size matters. Very much so, because a large dog can obviously not be kept in a two bedroom apartment in a city where the open space is squeezed to limits. So if you have a small home go for a small dog, like a chihuahua.
If you have kids at home, take a gentler dog. Size has nothing to do with the temperament of dogs. Even toy dogs like Chihuahua may not be the best suited for a home with kids due to their high strung behavior while relatively bigger dogs like Labradors are found to be quite affectionate and easy going with the kids. Labradors, in particular, are known to be very tolerant of the kids and can take a lot of rough kiddie treatment before losing temper. However, dogs like Doberman are not so tolerant though some of them turn out to be exceptions. But then, they are individual cases of good dogs. So, you may safely settle for a Labrador.
Another important factor is time. How much time are you willing to spend taking care of the dog? If someone stays home all day long, there is no problem at all. However, in case both the spouses work and the dog is left alone for the whole day, it is very likely that it will be rather irritable in the evening. Dogs do not like being left alone over extended periods of time. Consistent loneliness may also cause some serious psychological problems to your pet. So bring the animal home only when you can take care of it.
Dogs are active animals. So, you must consider your schedule and whether or not you'll be able to spend some time outdoors or indoors playing with your pet. You may have to fall in a habit of getting up early to walk the dog. Of course, that's healthy for you too. And if you cannot manage it in the morning, consider evenings.
Dogs are responsible affectionate companions but demand attention and care. Take care of them and they'll reciprocate.
To get more information on pet dogs, dog breeds and pet dogs club visit http://www.thepetdogs.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Javier_Fuller
How BIG is your home? Your first consideration must be the size of the dog (when fully grown) in relation to the size of your home. Also think about how and where you will walk to exercise your dog.
What can you afford? Large dogs are considerably more expensive than a small one.
Do you have children in your family? Consider getting a breed that is good with children – Labrador, Boxer, Terrier come to mind.
Are you alone and need a loyal companion? – Boxer, Terrier, Dachshund, Spaniel, Collie, Corgi and Pug to name a few.
Are you looking for a Guard Dog? – Bull Mastiff, Dalmatian, Doberman, German Shepherd, Great Dane and Rottweiler are popular guard breeds.
Do you want a dog good for serious training? – Border Collie, Australian Cattle dog, Dobermann, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Labrador, Schnauzer are good picks.
Don't overlook mixed breeds – some of the best dogs are in this range…and do cost less to buy.
How much time do you have ? – be careful not to take on a strong, potentially fierce dog that will need firm handling and careful training, if you already have a busy committed life.
So What are the Costs of Having a Dog?
Initial Outlay – Bed, Indoor or Out door Kennel, Food Bowls, Collar, Harness and Lead, Toys – for chewing, fetching and so on.
Food – more dog…more food!
Neutering…more costly for females than males.
Immunisation and Boosters – essential that these are kept up to date.
Veterinary Bills – Illness or accident.
Professional clipping and grooming – essential in certain breeds.
Training classes – really recommended.
Securing the property…fencing (if not already in place)
Replacing any damaged (probably chewed) items…eg Dad's new slippers!
So all considered, taking on a new puppy should not be taken lightly – but with some thought and planning, a new puppy will be a joy to you and your family. Have fun – enjoy the experience!
Nancy Lavender
http://www.your-dogs.com
I have a passion for animals and the countryside and all it offers. I feel a responsibility for the preservation of what we have in our world for the generations to come.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nancy_Lavender
Labrador Retriever puppies seem to be for sale everywhere these days. From Georgia to Michigan, Temecula to Hawaii, Labrador Retriever puppies have become very popular. Your new puppy may be a black, chocolate, or yellow Lab. Labrador Retriever puppies are cute, but they are energetic, too, and require immediate training.
Labrador Retriever puppies need 10 commandments – or maybe more! From the puppies' standpoint, the 10 commandments should be given to the humans who will care for them. For example:
* You must take me out for long walks at least 3 times a day.
* You must feed me from your plate when I whine and beg.
* You must let me sleep in your bed with you so I don't get lonely.
You are intelligent enough to know that would be a big mistake. You must be in charge, and you must have rules for your Labrador Retriever puppies. For your help, and with a bit of tongue-in-cheek, we offer the following.
Labrador Retriever Puppies' 10 Commandments from a Human Standpoint
1. As long as they live under my roof, Labrador Retriever puppies will do as I say. When I say "come," you will come. When I say "sit," you will sit. I am the boss – leader of the pack.
2. Labrador Retriever puppies will always tell me when they need to relieve themselves. We will go outside, which is the only place you may do this. And on the same subject, Labrador Retriever puppies will learn not to make water simply because they are excited or acting submissive.
3. I have given you Labrador Retriever puppies comfortable beds. You will sleep in your beds – not in my bed, not in the cat's bed, and not in the children's beds.
4. All Labrador Retriever puppies in this home will be given good, nourishing dog food everyday. You will not supplement that food by chewing my shoes, furniture, and other belongings. You will not beg at the table, laying your soft, cuddly head on my lap to coerce a bite from my plate.
5. I know that Labrador Retriever puppies want to bite and gnaw, but you will not bite and gnaw on people. If you were home with your mother, she and your litter mates would soon teach you not to do it. I'll give you bones to chew instead.
6. All Labrador Retriever puppies get a stomach ache when they eat the wrong things. If you feel sick, you must never throw up inside the house – especially not on the carpet or on any of MY clothing!
7. I understand that Labrador Retriever puppies simply must tell everybody how exciting life is, but please do it quietly. You must never, never try to tell the whole neighborhood, especially in the middle of the night.
8. All Labrador Retriever puppies in this home must understand that the house is not a glorious obstacle course. You must not race from one end of the house to the other. You must not use the furniture when playing keep away.
9. I know that Labrador Retriever puppies love running in the rain. I do not! You will ask to go out in the rain only when you absolutely must. You will then do your business quickly so that I can get dry again.
10. All Labrador Retriever puppies in this house will like the people that I like, and behave properly around them. You will NEVER slobber all over people, even though you may love them.
Labrador Retriever Puppies' 10 Commandments From a Pet's Standpoint
If you are looking for the 10 commandments from a pet's standpoint, you will find them on several websites. The Dog Listener is a British site that lists them. Ontario Pet Rescue also lists them.
©2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart invites you to read more of her articles about Labrador Retriever puppies at http://www.lovablelabradors.com. Anna has posted additional information on that site about all ages of Labrador Retrievers. If you ever wondered where to find the best dog urine cleaner for puppy accidents, you’ll enjoy Anna’s article on the subject.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anna_Hart
Depending on the breed or size of dog you choose, your puppy may not reach adulthood from nine months to three years. Generally the bigger your dog will be as an adult, the longer they'll be a puppy. To compare, an 18 month-old Labrador Retriever is likely to have more energy and possibly a greater aptitude for trouble making than a Yorkshire Terrier of the same age.
Having the proper tools available prior to bringing your puppy home will be a great start to their life. This may include:
• Smaller Food and water bowls
• Break-away collar with a nametag
• A Cotton or nylon lead
• Petitie-sized Gumabones
• Plush toys or Latex, Rubber, and Vinyl Toys which may remind your puppy of their littermate(s), and Kong toys with holes to fill with treats to help stimulate their minds; especially while you are away
• A package of Tennis Balls or Air Dog bones
• A bag of our Cinna-Bone Biscuits
• Small treats such as Grillerz Soft Treats to use as a quick reward
• So Gentle Shampoo and a soft slicker brush
• Bitter Apple to spray on off-limits chewing areas such as the legs of furniture, shoes, or the many other items that little puppies may like to chew
• Nail Clippers. Getting your puppy used to grooming at a young age will make it far less difficult when they’re full grown
Several hints to give your dog a great leash on life…
