Additionally, they rank highly on the companionship meter and integrate well with any age bracket.  They are extremely patient and exhibit a high tolerance level for children.  All of these personality traits make them outstanding companions as well as excellent service dogs.  When obtaining and raising a Labrador Retriever, there are three key aspects to be aware of.  Let me elaborate.

1) Labrador Retrievers are like a box of assorted chocolates.  You never know what you gonna get as Forrest Gump so succinctly stated.  In other words, no two Labs are alike.  They come in a variety of colors such as black, chocolate, golden, and silver just to name a few, and despite the vast array of difference in their personalities, Labs all exhibit the following common interests:

hunting retrieving running swimming

Occasionally, you do run across a contradiction such as a puppy that fears the water or one that does not have the typical oral fixation or obsession characteristic of the majority of members of this breed.  Instance’s of these occurring are few and far between, so there is not much likelihood that you will encounter one like this.

However, there is one thing that you can say with the utmost certainty where Labs are concerned.  Every Labrador Retriever is a very special animal and with the proper attention, love, and training, you will have a wonderful companion that will afford you with the ultimate in affection and loyalty until they breathe their final breath.

2) Labs are the epitome of the natural-born hunter and tracker.  Unlike all the other canine hunting breeds, Labrador Retrievers do not have to wait for their masters command to seek out the fallen bird.  Not only are they intelligent enough to know exactly where the bird has fallen, they are more acutely aware of their surroundings more so than any other canine that hunts or tracks its prey.

It is a misconception of some owners that Labs are too needy, as they will commonly sit at their masters side, patiently awaiting the next command.  Understanding this part of their nature will dispel that misconception, as well as help you realize that, as a hunting dog, this is what they have been bred to do.

3) Thorough training is a requirement with Labs.  Despite the Labs inherent capabilities for locating and retrieving their prey, they have to be skillfully trained at specific commands in order to follow the specific commands of their masters.  The benefit here is that they will never give up searching, even if the direction to hunt in has not been specified.  In so many words, this dog will take the responsibility for completing the job it started.

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When people hunt small prey, they usually use hunting dogs to bring their kills. If hunting dogs didn’t exist, hunters would need to go find the prey they hit on their own, losing time. A hunting dog that is trained properly will reduce the amount of useless work that the hunter needs to do.

But, you can’t just train any dog to help with hunting. There are special breeds designed to perform best in the conditions that hunting requires.

But, you can’t find a hunting dog like you would any other normal dog breed. These dogs are well trained to be able to meet the requirements of hunting. The training process for a hunting dog is usually a long one, that needs the trainer to be patient and to know how to work with the dog. As for the dog, he needs to have the right attributes to become a proper hunting dog.

Choosing the right breed

As I said before, you can’t use just any type of dog to train for hunting. You should work with a dog breed that is specially designed for this, and that has a history of serving men in this capacity. You need a dog breed that is made to do this kind of job.

Some of the dog breeds that are well suited to be hunters include pointers, spaniels and retrievers. Each of these three have their own traits that are unique to them. Once you choose such a dog, the trainer needs to make the most out of their unique traits.

One trait that all hunting dogs have is a great sense of smell. This helps them track the prey in the field. Another trait is that they’re adapted to outdoor life and can be easily trained. If you want the best possible hunting dog, choose a breed that meets all the requirements. In most cases, people choose Beagles, Dachshunds, Bloodhounds or Labradors as hunting dogs.

What dog to choose?

If you want to train a dog to hunt, you shouldn’t choose one that is already fully grown. You should go with a puppy, since his behavior isn’t formed yet and he can be trained easily. The second requirement would be for the dog to have some affinity to the handler. You can’t expect for that affinity to form alone. This is why you should train the dog personally, or at least assist the trainer with it.

What does training usually entail?

A hunting dog needs to be able to master these six tasks:

a) Quartering
b) Retrieving
c) Steadying
d) Marking
e) Shaking
f) Following hand signals

What about scent and gun fire?

Some dogs will be scared when they hear gun fire. So they need to be specially trained to get used to it. Usually, this is done by conditioning the dog, by getting him used both with game birds and gun fire.

Game birds will be associated this way with gun fire. When he will hear it in the future, he will know that when the hunter shoots, he needs to look for the bird. After they get the prey, they will expect to hear the gun fire again.

One thing you should do when training the dog, is getting him used to a certain scent, depending on what you want to hunt with him. If you’re looking to hunt boar, than he should know the boar scent, so he can track it.

It’s much harder to do dog training than it is to train them in other areas. But, if you’re a true hunter, you will need a great dog to assist you.

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Natural supplements and remedies are often a safe, and affordable addition to your puppy care routine, and don’t have the potential side-effects of some conventional medications. Obviously, there needs to be a balance between conventional veterinary care and the use of natural remedies, but when you are able to take the best of both worlds, and use them in a complementary way, you can be sure your puppy is reaping the benefits.

The benefits of natural pet care for your puppy include :

Better Overall Health – many common dog ailments, such as digestive disorders and allergies, can be prevented or significantly reduced.

Longer Lifespan – due to better health and a stronger immune system

Improved Healing – your pup will heal faster after sickness or injury due to a stronger, healthier body.

Better Quality of Life – a natural approach to pet health care includes treating all the factors (environmental, behavioral, nutritional etc) that lead to ill health. By treating the causes and not just the symptoms, your pup will be happier as well as healthier.

Natural Dog Food

Your new puppy is growing at a phenomenal rate, and the nutrition he receives during this critical growth period has a huge impact on his future health and well-being. Good nutrition is the cornerstone of good health.

Natural, holistic or organic dog foods can provide your growing puppy with optimum nutrition. The benefits include human-grade ingredients, and the absence of hormones, chemicals, additives and other undesirables.

Feeding a natural diet (and that could include a raw diet, or BARF), helps to strengthen your puppys’ immune system, reduce the incidence of allergies, and research has shown that it can also help your pup live a longer life.

Some of the most popular names in natural dog food include Innova, Solid Gold and Canidae. Online stores often have a wide selection of natural and organic dog food that you can order from the comfort of your own home.

Natural Remedies for Dogs

Although professional veterinary care is absolutely essential to the health of your new puppy, there are often situations where a natural supplement or remedy can be very effective. This is particularly true in the area of natural preventative care.

Many puppies have digestive issues, and constipation, flatulence and loose stools are common puppy problems. Feeding a natural puppy food is an important part of preventing these sorts of issues, and there’s a good selection of food supplements you can use to prevent/treat specific problems.

Natural laxatives, pro-biotics, digestive tonics and other products can be very helpful for a puppy who has tummy troubles. They help to restore a healthy balance to the digestive system and can counteract some of the factors such stress, pollution and toxins that cause problems.

Another common puppy problem, and one that seems to be increasing, is allergies. Many dogs suffer from allergies of one sort or another, some are sensitive or allergic to ingredients in their food, others to environmental or seasonal triggers or parasites such as fleas. Whether exposure to toxins in the environment, chemicals in food, or immune systems weakened by over-vaccination or medication, the results are the same.

Medications such as anti-histamines can supress allergy symptoms, but natural remedies actually target the imbalances/weaknesses at the root of the problem. Holistic blends of natural vitamins, herbs, and other ingredients can help keep your pups’ immune system functioning at optimum level. Soothing herbal salves and ointments can help relieve constant scratching, and food supplements can help keep your dogs’ coat and skin healthy and supple.

Anxiety, fear and general nervousness are also fairly common puppy behavioral issues. From separation anxiety, to submissive urination and situational stressors such as thunderstorms or car travel, at some time or other your puppy may need something that will help reduce his anxiety levels.

Sedative medications have a place in the treatment of anxiety disorders, but many times a natural remedy is both gentle and effective in reducing fear, stress and anxiety – without the side effects of some medications.

There’s a whole range of products to choose from in this category – Flower Remedy essences, pheremone-based sprays and diffusers, dietary supplements and more.

There’s no reason for your little guy to be cowering in the corner during thunderstorms, or shaking like a leaf on your road trips, when gentle, calming relief is so easy to find.

All dog owners know that there are some pesky critters who can cause your pup to be miserable – they’re called fleas! Fleas aren’t just annoying, they can cause disease, allergies and a whole lot of trouble. There are some very effective flea preventatives, but they do contain harsh chemicals, and often can’t be used on young puppies. Natural, herbal and holistic remedies can provide a gentle alternative, and when used correctly can be very effective. There are products that you can dust/spray on your pet, and others that can be ingested. You can also find homeopathic or herbal products to prevent/treat roundworms, tapeworms and other intestinal parasites.

Both puppies and older dogs can experience muscle or joint problems, especially the large/giant breeds. A natural diet, and the use of a natural supplement which promotes joint/muscle health can improve strength and flexibility and prevent a lot of problems.

All new owners want the very best for their puppies, and prevention is definitely better than cure. By using a combination of natural remedies and health care options, in addition to the routine veterinary care that your puppy needs, you will be giving him the very best chance of a long, happy and health life. Isn’t that good to know?

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This need for harmony in the Labradors life carries over to the home front as well and is not reserved exclusively for their retrieving skills.  For the person who is in need of constant companionship, this is the ideal breed of dog.  Conversely, if you expect the dog to be able to entertain itself you will be rudely awakened as the breed thrives on canine-human interaction.  So that is one of the first things you need to be aware of when deciding if this is the right canine pet for you.

Hounds and Terriers are breeds of hunting dogs that can do with or without human interaction, so if are not capable of satisfying this need of the Labradors you would be wise to choose one of the other breeds.  Where Hounds and Terriers hunt by their sense of smell, the Labrador must have that human attention link in order to successfully perform its duties as a retriever.

Labradors that do not respond well to their owners commands may take of into the water after a fallen bird or squirrel (as an example) and swim past it – maybe even way past it and vanish from sight. The well disciplined and trained Lab does not often make this kind of a mistake because it is their innate nature to adhere to their owners commands.  It follows then that this canine breed is an excellent choice for obedience trainees as well as being service dogs (i.e. one of the better seeing-eye candidates).

So how will you know if a Labrador Retriever is the right dog for you and your family? For one, you have to have the capability as its owner to deal with a strong connection and dependency factor.  Additionally, it must have human interaction and leadership. Most breeds of dogs exhibit a propensity for companionship, but the Labrador demands much more than other breeds.  Whether they are indoors, outdoors, or a combination, they will not survive well physically (and psychologically) if left alone to their own devices, so you should be extra certain that you can handle this responsibility.

The bottom line with Labrador Retrievers is that if they are left alone for long periods at a time it confuses them.  They think that they have lost their family (or pack as it were) and attempt to escape their confines in order to hunt down their owners and be with them.

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Rule number one, and probably the most important thing to remember that goes right along with patience, is to know what to expect from your beagle pup as it develops and grows. A three-month-old beagle is not going to be able to be taught the same things as a ten-month-old would. Beagles are just like kids in that you have to teach them based on where they are in their physical and mental development.

If you are caging your beagle pup to try and housebreak it and the process is not working then there is another way that may do the trick. Set aside a 48-hour period where you and someone else can take the dog out every hour on the hour and take it to the spot where you want it to do its business. Reinforce to the puppy that this outside spot is where to do these things and that the inside is not a good place. If this alternative does not work contact your vet.

Beating the puppy or chasing it around your house in anger rarely solves behavioral problems in beagle pups. If your puppy barks constantly, pointing at it and giving sharp one word commands such as “No” or “Stop” could be very effective. It is important that you dominate your pet through positive reinforcement and not through fear or physical violence.

Most, if not all, of the behavioral patterns required for beagle pups need to be taught to them while they are still pups. Walking on a leash, for example, may seem like an easy second nature thing to do but beagle pups are not born with the ability to walk on a leash, you need to teach them. It takes patience but you need to make sure that all negative behavioral traits are eliminated when they are still young enough to learn.

A beagle pup is like an empty book waiting to be filled with information. If you wait too long to address behavioral issues then those issues become patterns in adulthood and negative behavioral patterns are much more difficult to stop. So make sure you take the time to train your pup while it is still young so you and your family can enjoy it for years to come.

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Like all breeds of gun dogs Lab’s have good and bad points, Here are some of the Pro’s and Con’s of training and owning a Labrador Retriever.

The Pro’s

•Of all the hunting dog breeds the Labrador is the strongest swimmer, which makes him excellent at duck hunting. The breed was originally bred and trained to jump off fishing boats to bring the fishing nets to shore. Most Labs have webbed feet that aid in swimming

•They are affectionate and patient dogs. They are known for being good natured, loyal, intelligent, and friendly. They are also great as a family pet as they are great with children.

•Talents include tracking, retrieving, hunting, police work, They also do excellent work as guide dogs for the blind and the disabled. Other activities they are used for are sledding, competitive obedience, and search and rescue.

The Con’s

•There is not much not to love about Labradors, maybe the only problem is their love of food. You need to moderate food intake, Labs are big eaters, and may Quickly Become Overweight if given the wrong diet.

•Another problem is they need regular exercise. They love long walks and also like to swim whatever the weather, so if you have a lake in your local park it will love a swim a few times a week. Plus plenty of exercise.

•The Labrador Retriever may become nervous and destructive if their human owner does not act as “pack leader” or if they do not receive enough exercise, it is best if you at least have a large yard to own one of these great hunting dogs.

There may seem a lot to worry about here but most Lab’s turn into wonderful gundogs and/or family pets. More things you may want to know about the Labrador are below:

Height and Weight

Adult males are usually between 22-24 inches tall and weigh around 60-75 pounds.

Adult females are usually between 21-23 inches tall and weigh around 55-70 pounds.

Life Expectancy

The average life of a Labrador retriever is about 12 years.

Grooming

Their smooth double coat is easy to groom with a brush with firm bristles. Pay attention to the undercoat, and bathe only when necessary. Even when they swim their skin stays dry due to the undercoat. They are also moderate shredders of hair.

History

As I mentioned earlier the Labrador Retriever was breed by fishermen in the 1700′s, originally from Newfoundland and known as St. John’s Dogs, They are now one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. and throughout the world.

Grouping

Gun Dog, AKC Sporting

Recognition

CKC, AKC, KCGB, ANKC, NZKC, CCR, ACR, UKC, CKC, NKC, APRI, FCI

Training:

The great thing about a Labrador Retriever is the ease with how you can train him as a gun dog. We find the best way to train is to train your Labrador is by doing it in short bursts maybe only 10 minutes twice a day. The only thing to beer in mind is not to many treats if you use treat training as your dog may put on to much weight.

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Obedience training your dog also takes knowledge of how to teach, how to break that information down into small pieces and communicate effectively so they understand. Puppies need to learn when and where they can potty, what they can chew on and what they can’t. They need to learn what behavior is acceptable and what isn’t.

Without proper training, your puppy will grow up to be a problem dog. A misbehaving dog can turn your life and home upside down with destructive and expensive chewing, destroyed carpets, rugs and furniture. An aggressive or unruly dog can keep your friends and family from wanting to visit and can be a danger to others and himself.

On the flip-side, a well trained, well-behaved dog is a priceless addition to your life and home. Few things will enrich your life like a good dog will – companionship, devotion, fun and friendship, even protection.

You can teach an old dog new tricks! There is no dog too old, too stubborn or too set in his misbehaving ways to give up on. Even the worst behavior can be improved and quickly with the right information and tools. It’s getting that information and those tools.

That’s why you want a Dog training video.

You could go to the neighborhood pet store “obedience” class and learn a basic or two, like sitting and walking on a leash. But that’s about all. They don’t address most of the issues you may, or do already, have. The classroom situation is far from ideal as well, especially for beginning puppies and dogs. With all the other dogs around, the distractions are often too much to overcome. That’s why there are so many “obedience” class flunk-outs. It isn’t your dog’s fault.

Expensive trainers can come to your home for one-on-one training. Great if you can afford it. The trainer will come in and train you. Exactly right. Not train your dog, train you. There is no point in teaching your dog if you don’t know what to do with him or how to reinforce and maintain the lessons learned. Training is as much relationship building as anything and only you can do that.

Dog and puppy training books are a great resource, but are lacking in that voice and body language are so important in training. You can read about it, but if you can’t see it or hear it, you are disadvantaged. You may experience slower or less than positive results and not know that it’s just a matter of changing the tone of your voice to turn it all around quickly.

Dog training videos do it all. They show you step-by-step exactly what to do and how to do it, broken down into small bite-sized pieces so you and your dog will have success together every step of the way. You can see and hear the trainer so you don’t have to try to imagine the vocal pitch or level of calm or excitement. You can see the dog’s response so you’ll know when you’re on the right track with yours.

Best of all, you can move at your own pace and the learning speed of your dog. A good dog training video will be the second best purchase you ever make. The first one, of course, was your dog.

 For more information on training, nutrition and health of your pets, please visit her pet resource website at 4 Fur People and her blog Pet Passion Paradise Blog.

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