Labradors are one of the best-loved dog breeds in the country. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), 2004 marked the fifteenth consecutive year that Labradors ranked as the number one purebred dog in the nation. The AKC also reported that Labradors ranked first in Great Britain, where three times as many Labradors are registered as is any other breed.

According to the AKC, the Labrador origins are in early nineteenth-century Newfoundland, when Newfoundlands were bred with smaller water dogs. The dogs eventually disappeared from Newfoundland, but, having been imported to England, established themselves as a recognized breed at the turn of the twentieth century by the English Kennel Club.

Labradors are considered sporting dogs, and the color of purebreds is either black, yellow, or chocolate. The dog's temperament makes it an excellent family pet, but Labradors are often used as guide dogs and rescue dogs. Their true predilection, however, lies in their talent as gun dogs and duck dogs. With the proper hunt test training and retriever training, Labradors can effectively hunt game and waterfowl in a variety of conditions.

In order to perfect a Labrador's hunting skills, an owner often kennels the puppy with a special trainer who introduces the Labrador to water and birds. This basic retriever training teaches puppies to enjoy retrieving game.

Once the puppy has mastered basic retriever training, or for older Labradors, an owner may decide to take the started dog for AKC hunt test training, or to have it trained to become a better hunt dog or duck dog. When looking for a facility that offers advanced retriever training, it's important to look for clean kennels, acreage that includes a variety of terrain and bodies of water, and trainers who are experienced in retriever training. A retriever training program that meets each dog's individual needs is ideal, and Labrador owners should be sure to ask former customers about their experience with the retriever training program.

A good kennel will offer basic retriever training programs that focus on obedience and a transition program that utilizes pattern blinds, cold blinds, water blinds, and blind drills. An advanced program should include individualized techniques to perfect the gun dogs' or duck dogs' skills. The most important element of a good retriever training program, though, is the trainer's love of Labradors and his commitment to training a well-adjusted, skilled dog.

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