The Labrador Retriever - What You Need to Know About This Beautiful Breed

The gentle Labrador is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Whether you are looking for a good family dog or a devoted hunting companion, the Labrador has few equals. Friendly, intelligent and easy to train, these dogs have earned their place in the hearts of millions of dog lovers.

History

The Labrador is not really a very old breed of dog. They actually originated in Newfoundland, Canada, in the 19th century. The dogs originated as a cross between small local water dogs and Newfoundlands. This resulted in dogs that were called, at that time, St. John's Water Dogs. These dogs were great retrievers and they were noticed by the Earl of Malmesbury who imported some of them to Britain. Sadly, the dogs died out in their native Canada but the dogs in Britain and elsewhere were crossed with Setters, Spaniels and other Retrievers until the breed was developed to the lovely dog we know today.

Labradors were first recognised by the Kennel Club in Britain in 1903 and by the American Kennel Club in 1917. The Labrador enjoyed steady popularity throughout most of the 20th century and in the last two decades the Labrador's popularity has climbed steadily.

Talents and Qualities

Today, Labradors do much more than work as duck retrievers. They are well-known as service dogs and guide dogs for the blind. They have excelled as narcotics dogs and bomb-sniffing dogs, too. Labradors often make great dogs for any kind of work that requires specialised training due to their high intelligence, willingness to please and their good nose.

Labradors usually love the water, thanks to their water dog heritage. If you get a Labrador, take your dog to a lake or swimming pool. Your dog will likely be a natural-born swimmer and love water sports.

People appreciate the dog's intelligence, willing attitude and friendly nature, its ease of training and perhaps above all, compatibility with children and families.

The Family Pet

As pets, Labradors are easy to keep and care for. They have a short, dense coat that comes in one of three colors: black, chocolate or yellow. They are a double-coated breed and they shed heavily when seasons change. They require regular brushing to keep the shedding down. As mentioned, Labradors typically love children and they are very good with them. They make excellent family dogs but they can also adapt to being one-person dogs. They are very devoted and loving. Like other sporting dogs, they are generally gentle dogs and do not do well if you are harsh with them. They prefer living indoors with you and being with you all the time.

A Weighty Issue

They are typically known as "easy keepers" since they usually like food and tend to gain too much weight very easily. If you have a Labrador you will probably have to try to help her manage her weight and make sure she gets plenty of exercise.

If you have a Labrador or you plan to get one, consider yourself lucky. These dogs make one of the best pets in the dog world.

Mia Montagliani is the owner of two Manchester Terriers, Frodo and Ziggy. Mia is passionate about the welfare of animals and dogs. Mia is also committed to improving the relationship between owners and their dogs and helping dog owners train their dogs humanely, effectively and stress free. For more information, please visit http://www.YourDogNeedsYou.com. For regular updates, hints and tips become a fan of the "Your Dog Needs You" page in Facebook.

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Taming Your Labrador Retriever

Depending on the temperament of your Labrador, there are a few different "taming" methods that you can use to help us to become sociable. Remember, we are very intelligent, and will want to please you above all. The key to taming any type of Labrador is patience, as we will soon be able to understand how to engage in good behavior.

Taming a Timid Labrador

Sometimes, we Labradors may be very nervous and scared when we're first introduced into your home. This is extremely common among Rescued Labradors, since they have been raised in a bad home environment. If you adopt a timid Labrador Retriever, we will need a lot of extra care and attention from you before we can become comfortable. The best method involves gradual introduction to human interaction, so that you can start to rebuild your Labrador's trust in humans. Don't ever use physical punishment for a timid Labrador Retriever! Because we are rebuilding our trust in humans, it's best if you try to give us a completely positive experience in your home.

Taming An Aggressive Labrador

Us Labrador Retrievers only display aggressive behavior on very rare occasions. However, there are instances where a Labrador is aggressive, either because of an inherited temperament trait, or fear-based early training. The best way to help an aggressive Labrador become tame is to first figure out what induces their aggressive behavior. Most aggressive behavioral traits are induced when a specific object or person is introduced, especially if it's something your Labrador is afraid of. Once you have identified what is making your Labrador aggressive, encourage positive interaction with this object or person, reinforcing this positive interaction with treat rewards.

Taming a Dominant Labrador

This is one of the most common traits that is encountered as a problem for dog owners. Though Labrador Retrievers are not well-known for being dominant, it is possible for us to display dominant behavior. This is usually when you have not fully established your dominance as "pack leader", and your dog may see you as a submissive pack member.

One way to discourage future dominant behavior is to give us a lot of physical attention as puppies. If we are handled constantly, this will help us get used to being touched by humans. This can prevent us from becoming dominant when we become adult dogs.

If you have an adult dog that is acting dominant, don't despair! Most dominant behavior can be fixed by engaging in a simple training program, or even by training your Labrador in the basic commands (such as "Come", "Sit", etc). In the wild, the submissive pack members eat after the pack leaders, so it can also help to schedule your Labrador Retriever to be fed after you or your family has their meals.

Taming a Feral Labrador

A feral Labrador Retriever is one which has not had positive human contact, or possibly no contact at all. This type of dog can be very dangerous, and is not usually susceptible to taming. If you find a feral Labrador, the best thing you can do, both for you and the dog, is to call Animal Control. A professional may be able to tame a feral Labrador, as well as make sure it is disease-free.

This article was brought to you by Sean Green, at Pet Care. For more information on Dog Pet Care please visit our website!

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Colors of the Labrador Retriever

Not everyone is aware of the fact that the Labrador Retriever actually comes in three varying colours. If you research the breed and read the information on Labrador Retrievers that is available you will discover that these dogs come in yellow, black or brown.

If you are planning on entering your Labrador Retriever into any competition covered by the American Kennel Club any other colouration is viewed as totally unacceptable in their eyes, to them all the dog breeds have their set colours and profiles that they fit and there is no room for flexibility.

This does not mean that Labrador Retrievers are not observed in other colours such as the odd brindle or a basic black but with the odd flash of tan in the dog's coat but these are not permitted by the American Kennel Club.

Your standard colours though are all that are mentioned in the majority of the Labrador Retriever information that you will find. So how do dogs obtain their colour in the first place?

All dog breeds possess two separate types of genes in their bodies the dominant ones and the recessive ones. These groups of genes decide what colour the dog will be. Black appears to be the stronger colour as there are more black Labrador Retrievers seen than the other colours.

We know by this Labrador Retriever information then that there is a black colour gene present, then along came the yellow colour gene and followed closely behind by the chocolate colour gene. A Labrador Retriever puppy gains 50% of its share of colour genes from each separate parent dog. Now for the confusing part!

If a breeder put a pure black Labrador Retriever, one without any chocolate genes in its body, with a chocolate brown Labrador Retriever the puppies would be all black. This is due to the fact that half of the puppy's colour genes are obtained from each parent dog, therefore if the one adult dog does not possess any chocolate genes then there can be no chocolate Labrador puppies born.

One of the puppies born to the above pair of Labrador Retrievers could well be bred with a chocolate brown Labrador Retriever and then the chances are that they will probably have some chocolate brown puppies.

It is all slightly scientific but once you can gain a little knowledge regarding dog genetics and also dog gene colour pools you will have a better understanding. You can find the relevant dog information literature regarding the colours of Labrador Retrievers to read for assistance on this rather complicated subject!

This article was written by John Jackson and has been contributed by http://www.greatdogsite.com For more information on the Labrador Retriever, please visit our page http://www.greatdogsite.com/breeds/details/Labrador_Retriever/

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Labrador Retriever FAQ

The following are some of the most common questions that Labrador Retriever enthusiasts have with straight to the point answers on each.

What kind of personality does a lab have?

Here is the good, the bad, and the ugly truth about Labs and their personalities. Labs are big and bouncy with an enthusiastic attitude toward life. They live for exercise and play time. Labs are steady-tempered and dependable usually with everyone and they are peaceful with other animals. They are also eager to please and very responsive to training. Labs can be rowdy and excited jumpers, especially when young or not exercised enough. Labs suffer from separation anxiety when left alone too much. Labs love to carry things in their mouth and chew.

If I want a Labrador for a pet, do I have to bother with AKC registration papers?

The AKC will register any puppy whose parents are registered. To get registration papers or a pedigree, a Labrador retriever doesn't have to meet any qualifications of health, temperament, behavior, or sound structure. So, the answer is no.

There is an adorable Labrador retriever puppy at the pet shop. The store manager assures me they only buy from good breeders. Should I buy him?

No! The truth is that no good breeder would send his pups to a pet store. The pups likely came from a puppy mill and could have been mistreated or neglected.

Do you recommend male puppies or female puppies?

Truthfully, they both have their good and bad points.

How can I pick the best Labrador retriever puppy from a whole litter?

Your first look should be at the litter as a group. If there are a group of Labrador retriever puppies and most of them are running away or barking suspiciously, that is not a good sign. It indicates that they lack socialization skills. Labrador retriever puppies that hide or tuck their tails or shrink away from you are not safe choices as pets. Shy puppies usually become shy dogs who may snap defensively at anything that startles them.

My Labrador retriever barks too much. What can I do to stop these behavior problems?

A dog that barks too much is annoying. You will have to teach him to bark on command. You will reward him when he doesn't bark and ignore him when he does.

What can I do my Labrador retriever still isn't housebroken?

Confine your Labrador so he cannot go to the bathroom in the wrong places and make sure that he has constant access to the right place to go to the bathroom.

Tim Williams is a Labrador retriever enthusiast. He owns and maintains Labrador Retriever Answers, a resource for all Labrador retriever lovers and where you can find more great labrador retriever information and advice.

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Valuable Tips In Training Labrador Retriever

Training is one of the most important parts of owning a Labrador Retriever. Through training, you are helping your Labrador Retriever become a well-behaved and desirable dog everybody loves. Training will also keep your dog safe because he is able to comprehend and obey your command, helpful in emergency and dangerous situations.

However, a wrong training approach may ruin your dreams of having a nicely trained dog. It helps if you are well-equipped with the right knowledge in training your beloved Labrador Retriever.

Puppy training - You can start training your dog when he is still a puppy. Training a puppy six to eight weeks old is fine but you can start training earlier than that depending on your pup's characteristics and response to training. It is easier to train a puppy because at this age, he might not have developed bad manners yet and if he has, it can easily be corrected. But remember that training is not only for puppies, you can still teach old dogs new tricks.

Use positive reinforcement - When you use positive reinforcement, you are adding or offering something to your dog to increase the chance of repeating what he did correctly. Giving him his favorite treat after following your down command is an example of positive reinforcement.

Your voice matters - When you issue a command, it should be issued in the same words and same tone of voice. Use a friendly and excited voice when you give commands like come and firm voice in commands like down or stay. Avoid yelling or nagging at your dog.

Training sessions - Keep training sessions short and interesting. Fifteen-minute session is enough to keep your dog interested in the training. Focus on a single command per session and always reward him with loving praise or his favorite treat if he has successfully performed the command. Spend some time playing after the training to keep his interest.

Punishment - In order for your dog to behave properly, his mistakes must be corrected promptly. You can correct your dog by giving commands using a firm and sharp tone of voice. As much as possible, avoid physical punishment. But if physical punishment is really necessary, especially dogs with harder temperament, a quick and gentle tug on his training collar is enough. Remember that punishment should only be issued when you catch your dog in the act of doing mistake. Your dog may not understand why he is being punished now for urinating in your living room five hours ago.

Foods feed the body, training feeds the mind. It is important for your Labrador Retriever to have all these.

Richard Cussons writes articles about Labrador Retriever and other dog breeds. Discover Labrador dog training tips at labradorsavvy.com.

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Top Questions to Ask a Labrador Retriever Breeder

There are a number of questions you should be asking a Labrador retriever breeder if you are going to consider buying a puppy from them, and you are well within your rights to do so. If they are rude or cagey then you should be suspicious and consider not bothering to buy from them.

Before you even go and see the puppies chat on the phone with the breeder. The first thing to get over is the price. Dog breeders can charge what they like for their puppies. However, if you look around you will see that most breeds are in and around a similar amount, so this is what you should be expecting to hear. A breeder is unlikely to haggle with you. You either want the puppy or not, and saying that this is a pet only rather than a show dog isn't really a fair argument. This does not change the amount of money or the level of care a good breeder will have lavished on each puppy, so really what purpose the puppy will serve its new owner is largely irrelevant. You need to be happy that you will hand over the amount of money that the breeder is asking if you decide you want one of their puppies. It has been known that some breeders will reduce the price slightly if they do not file the paperwork for your pup at the kennel clubs; however, you should wait for this to be offered as most don't.

Secondly, you want to know the health tests that were carried out on both the mother and the father of the puppies, and what you are looking for is that they have had their eyes checked, their hips scored and ideally their thyroid tests done. This should all be evidenced in paperwork when you actually go and see them. There are some breeders that will nod and smile and say yes when actually they haven't done these things, so seeing the paperwork does add weight to the reputable breeder score. The problems that can occur in pedigree dogs are because they are pedigree, and are always bred from generation to generation with pure breed dogs. This can be an excellent thing, but in order to prevent issues such as bad hips a dog shouldn't be put to stud unless it has been checked.

Before you get on to the questions that you should ask about the litter itself, ask the breeder to tell you a bit about themselves as breeders, how long have they been breeding dogs for, what experience have they had etc. There are lots of very good breeders that are new to the field but they should be able to leave you feeling confident that they are dog people who have their animals' best interests at heart and only want the puppies to go to the best loving homes they can find, rather than just be concerned with making the money.

Tim Williams is a labrador retriever enthusiast. He owns and maintains Labrador Retriever Answers, a resource for all labrador retriever lovers and where you can find more important questions to ask labrador retriever breeders and other great lab advice.

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Will a Labrador Retriever Make a Good Pet? - The Pros and Cons

Why You Should or Should Not Get a Pet Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers can be a loyal companion for life, but before you add a pet Lab to your home, you should learn about their personalities and needs. This way you will be able to decide whether one will fit in well with your lifestyle, and if you can give it the attention and care that it will need to be happy and healthy.

Labradors are a large breed dog. They require a moderate to large amount of space in which to live. It would also be advisable to have an outdoor area where they can exercise. Labrador Retrievers were bred as water retriever dogs so try to find some water for them to play in. If you are an active person a pet Labrador will be the perfect fit for the two of you.

Pet Labs can be successful apartment dwellers if they are taken out to a park or other natural area on a regular basis. The success of this depends on how large the apartment is. A studio or one bedroom apartment is not the best place for a dog of this size. Unless you have a fenced yard you should probably think real hard before you choose a Labrador Retriever as your pet.

Labs are intelligent dogs with a moderate to high energy level. They are also very social. This means that they need regular mental and physical exercise. Daily walks are an effective way to exercise your pet Lab although letting them run is better. Training your dog is also important. This can be done with a professional trainer, or on your own with the help of an obedience book, video or just some good, common sense.

If your pet Labrador Retriever does not receive enough interaction from you, he will rely on his own curiosity and environment to entertain himself. If they are an inside dog this may mean a few chewed up shoes or spots on the carpet. Even worse, frustrated or neglected dogs can cause major property damage. They can also become sick or injured by ingesting and playing with inappropriate or unsafe items.

Like all dogs, your pet Lab will require regular feeding and plenty of fresh water. Your adult pet will need to eat two or three times a day while a puppy may need feeding 3 or 4 times. Training them to eat at the same time you do, if it's on a regular schedule, will be good for your pet. After a certain length of time take away whatever food they haven't eaten to train them to eat on a regular schedule, what they need to be happy and healthy. If you can manage you should make your pet Lab's food at home to insure they are getting the best food available. If you do buy it make sure it is of top quality with out fillers and artificial ingredients.

Make sure your pet Labrador has frequent opportunities to relieve themselves if they are kept inside. Adult dogs may only need to go out twice a day; however puppies may need to go out as often as every hour or two, especially during housebreaking. Paper training and crate training are options if you will be out of the home for significant periods throughout the day. Be aware, however, that overuse of a crate, or frequent neglect can lead to serious behavior problems.

Labs are short haired dogs, so they do not require much grooming. Regular brushing and occasional bathing usually suffice. Your pet Labrador will like to get wet, so if you have a lake or some other body of water where you can take them to swim you will have a very happy pet. Keep you pet's nails trimmed by learning to do this correctly at home or your will need to take them to the vet or an animal groomer.

Large breed dogs such as a Labrador Retriever tend to cost more over their lifetimes than smaller dogs. They require more food and veterinarian fees are often based, in part, on a pet's weight. Large breed dogs, especially purebreds, tend to have shorter life spans than smaller dogs. Proper food, exercise and vet care will increase their chances of a longer, healthier life.

A Labrador Retriever is more than just a pet. With proper care it will be your best friend as well as your protector and helper. Make sure you consider how much care and attention you can give your new pet before committing to getting one. The more time you can devote to training your pet Lab the more you will enjoy it in the days to come. They are smart animals and will enjoy as much interaction as you can give them. Do this and you will have a great companion for life.

If you are a pet owner or thinking about becoming one you should go to the website at Natural Pets Health to get more information on natural pets health foods, products & cures. You will also find general information such as the pros & cons of owning along with the caring for & feeding of all types of pets from dogs to snakes to fish to exotics.

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The Labrador Retriever - The Perfect Dog For Any Family

Labrador Retriever puppies are not just adorable but make amazing family pets. Their distinct cleverness tends to make them fantastic to work with and simple to train if you are certain of exactly what you are doing. A person ought to however, as with any kind of puppy, you want to begin instruction during infancy, to make certain that, one day, your dog will certainly end up being your best buddy. Component one of Labrador puppy training involves housebreaking.

Bathroom coaching is essential. The ultimate way to achieve success quickly, it is best to set a regular program when planning on taking your puppy outside. It is important to utilize a simple command to acknowledge whenever the time is right to relieve themselves. Persistently bringing your puppy outside every couple of hours, with only one, fast command, for instance "go potty", is actually the simplest way to begin. Increasing the time periods will ultimately help to make life simpler, while still giving your puppy the message that relieving himself should be carried out outside the house. Ultimately they will begin to understand exactly what you expect of them. This may very well include just as much training for the pet owner as for the puppy

The following lab training tip you need to concentrate on is walking your pup on the lead. This is certainly something you must get right. Many Labrador retrievers are tremendously strong.Be sure and be relaxed and calm when walking you dog and keep a tight leash with the dog close to you at first.

Even though a lab is quite a powerful and independent dog, additionally it is one who would want to please. What this means is it is very important make them learn to walk alongside you, and never in front or behind. Constantly turn your puppy in the opposite course when he starts to pull on the leash, coming back to your initial path only if he has calmed all the way down. This way, your puppy regards you as being the leader, which happens to be crucial in additional facets of behavior training.

All young puppies chew because they teethe. Another problem to test is biting the moment they teethe. Keep in mind this is a natural thing for dogs. What we have to here is make use of that in-born behavior in a very optimistic way. Quite simply, allow them to bite the correct things. A typical style here (as well as in all canine training) would be to lightly correct undesirable conduct. Do not raise your voice at them or hit them. All this is going to do is scare then and worry is no good as being a training aid (in spite of just what a few dummies believe). Individually, I have found the easiest way is for the pack head to become dominant (be sure you would be the one in charge) but additionally turn everything right into a game.I know lots of people that have done this over time but were very unmindful that it was a "technique"

On the way be sure you guide them what exactly is a suitable thing to bite, which does not consist of people, no matter if carried out play. To strengthen this you have to provide them with many toys or even rope to chew on till their teeth develop completely. Whenever they do bite, lightly correct them and carry on using a toy as an alternative.

Prosperous lab puppy training should have a great balance of physical exercise, and powerful, regular instruction. Always work with the puppy utilizing positive, as well as continuous attitude, in no way using physical punishment to fix unwanted habits. In a short time, you will have a faithful caring dog.

Michael has been writing articles on a wide variety of subjects, but writing about Labs is his favorite subject as he has two, Maggie and Elvis. Both Chocolate labs. Come visit my latest site at http://puppytrainingguru.com You will find information and reviews for other Labrador puppy training here.

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Panic attack-G retriever

A golden retriever with a looot of behavioral problems and the healing!!

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Training Your Labrador Retriever: Puppy Biting

Puppies bite, they have needle like teeth and a need to chew. The mouth is their primary way of exploring the world. As a species, dogs are naturally equipped to kill, their mouths are designed to rip, and tear apart their food. In the wild, dogs have developed a ritualized set of behaviors that allow for conflict resolution with a minimum risk to each individual. As a dog owner we would like to promote this behavior set to keep our new puppy from biting us.

The basic behavior that we need to capitalize is bite inhibition. Dogs are not born with a desire to bite softly but the behavior is hardwired into their psyche. Soft mouths can be developed in the pup given the right conditions and consistent reinforcement. The right conditions means that we need to provide the pup with lots of feedback when the pup crosses the line and bites too hard. Eventually we will need to remove all permission for any biting but to start we need to allow the pup to understand when the bite is too hard.

Puppies should be allowed some play biting this provides a way to get them to understand when the threshold has been reached. First we should target the harder bites. With its littermates when a bite was too hard the bitten pup would let out a yelp. If the pup persists the littermates would run away and cause the offender to be all alone. We will take a similar tact with the pup. When it bites too hard, we are going to yelp "OUCH!". This needs to be way out of proportion to the offense. Leave the pup for a minute and let it be alone for a bit like its littermates would. The puppy should learn after a few repetitions that if the pup bites too hard it gets to play alone.

The pup needs to generalize this behavior, so all the people in the household should repeat this procedure with the puppy. Small children should be supervised around the pup and taught the correct manor for relating with the pup. Children are especially attractive to small puppies as they flop and flail around like wounded prey. If the children are introduced to the correct way to socialize with the pup accidents can be avoided and a much better relationship will be developed.

Puppy biting is just one aspect that needs to be addressed when bringing your Labrador Puppy into a new household. Other training such as housebreaking, crate training and chewing also need to be addressed. The following link provides a basic introduction into these behaviors: http://www.squidoo.com/training-labrador-retrievers-bringing-home-a-new-addition Please click on this link to get a better understanding of the needs of your new Lab Pup.

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There is No Such Thing As Golden Labrador Retriever Purebreds

Believe me or not, that's the plain truth. According to the various Labrador Breed Associations and national kennel clubs, Labs come in just three recognized colors - and golden is not one of them.

However, if you go browsing through advertisements for dog kennels, you can't help but notice that there are many ads that loudly proclaim that they breed golden Labrador Retrievers. And by that, they do not mean a Golden Retriever/Labrador Retriever mix (which are also known as Golden Labrador Retrievers). They actually saying a golden colored PUREBRED Labrador Retriever.

Suspected Scam

The only three recognized colors of purebred Labrador Retrievers are yellow, black and chocolate (which used to be called liver). Yellow Labrador Retrievers have there are many shades of their yellow hair. Some are so pale that they are called "white", even though their papers will call them yellow. The darkest shade of yellow is sometimes called "gold". But still, even the darkest golden Labrador Retriever will not compare to the luster of a Golden Retriever.

Sadly, like PT Barnum said, "there's a sucker born every minute". These kind of people will believe whatever they are told. If they are told that there is such a thing as a purebred golden Labrador, they will break open their wallets and buy one. Even when they can clearly see that the puppy's color is yellow, they think the "golden" label means "premium" and they will buy the so-called "golden Labrador Retriever" at higher price, over the identical-looking "yellow Labrador Retriever".

Golden Lab Is Not Always Better Than A Yellow Lab

If you do discover that your pricey "golden Labrador Retriever" is simply a yellow Lab, take it easy. Your dog will still be loyal and comical and loving. Keep the dog. But by all means, complain to the Better Business Bureau about how the dog was represented. It would help if you had a copy of the original ad that lead you to the kennel and a copy of the contract. You did get a contract with your "golden Labrador Retriever", didn't you? If not, there's ANOTHER thing to complain about.

If you had your lab from a rescue shelter and your lab was listed as a purebred golden Labrador Retriever, the staff just made a common mistake. Don't rip into them about it - they are doing the best they can. You could write a thank you letter about how well you are getting on with your rescue dog and just casually mention that, officially, there is no such thing as a purebred golden Labrador Retriever. Once that is done, concentrate on building up a great friendship with your new Lab of whatever color.

Closing Words

If you already have a golden Labrador retriever, don't stop caring for your lab even now you know that he (or she) is not a purebred. Telling about this fact you have just learned to people around you that is considering to buy a Labrador retriever would be something valuable. For them and for yourself.

Discover more about labrador retriever at labrador fans website

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Tips for the Care and Feeding of Your Pet Labrador Retriever

Learn How to Feed & Care for Your Pet Labrador Retriever

Caring for your pet Labrador retriever will take effort, but it is not complicated. A Lab needs to be fed well, have plenty of exercise & get good training to keep it happy & healthy. You won't need to go out and spend a bunch of money on your new pet, but there are a few basic items you will need to have right away to make sure your pet Lab is being cared for properly.

This article will also cover things you should do to and for your pet as well as when these things should be done. If you can get on some sort of a schedule it will be easier for both you and your pet Labrador. It will insure you take of your pets needs and will have a calming affect on the pet as they will get into a routine

Some of your pet needs can be filled from items around the house rather than buying ones right away. It's nice to have special food and water dishes but not necessary in the beginning. Food is one thing you will need right away, though. You should find out from your new pet's previous owner/pet store what brand it's been eating. If you wish to change brands, do so gradually, and not immediately. A new environment is stressful enough without adding a diet change on top of it.

I would suggest you check on making food at home for your pet Lab. This way you will know they are getting the best meat and vegetables available without harmful fillers or ingredients. It probably won't cost anymore to make food for your pet. If you can't make the food buy the best you can afford and make sure it has natural ingredients and won't be harmful. Make sure your pet has plenty of fresh clean water at all times.

It's useful to stock up on some dog treats in a variety of sizes as well, especially if you plan to train your pet Labrador retriever yourself. A collar and leash for walking and training your dog is also going to be necessary. Choose a collar that fits around your dog's neck with enough room for you to fit two fingers between the collar and his neck. It should slide a bit, but not fit over his head.

You should also have a few toys for your new friend. A good start might include a squeaky toy or two, a plush ("cuddly") toy, and a few tennis balls, Labradors are retrievers, after all and they do love to chase and bring back balls.

Feed your lab twice a day once they are adults. Puppies need to be fed three times.Your breakfast and dinner times, if they are predictable, work well. You should allow your dog to go out and "do his business" shortly after eating. If you are walking them outside your home you should be sure to pick up after them. Always have a bag handy when out with them.

If you don't have a yard for you pet Lab to run in you need to walk it daily. A well-exercised dog is more likely to be a contented and well-behaved dog. If you have a fenced yard, a few games of fetch will also help you bond with your pet. This is also a good time to get in some training. Get dog training books or videos to help you unless you plan on professional training.

When you are not home, your dog will miss you. You should leave him some toys to play with while you are gone. Rawhide chews will entertain him, as will any of the large rubber toys that are designed to be filled with food, treats, or peanut butter. These also challenge its intellect, which can go a long way toward keeping your pet out of trouble. If you will be gone all day, consider "hiding" several of these toys in different places if you allow him to roam the house while you're gone. He should also have it's own bed or blanket to lie on. If you routinely keep it's toys on this bed, your pet will learn that it is their place to rest and to feel safe. If you choose to crate your pet Labrador or confine it to a certain room while you are gone, be sure it is a large enough space for it to move around in, and be sure your pet has ample food and water available.

Your pet Lab will need occasional visits to the veterinarian. Routine vaccinations will help it live a long, healthy life. You should visit the vet as soon as you can after getting your pet. Be sure to take along any records that were passed on to you when you got it. I would suggest you try to find a holistic veterinarian who advocates the use of natural products and cures for your pet

With proper care your pet Labrador retriever will quickly become a loyal companion as well as a working or protection dog. This breed of dog will be most happy with an active family who makes sure it will get a lot of exercise. Find some water for your pet to play in and it will really be happy. Be sure your pet has ample food, water, exercise, and interaction with you and you'll be rewarded with much tail-wagging for years to come.

If you are a pet owner or thinking about becoming one you should go to the website at Natural Pets Health to get more information on natural pets health foods, products & cures. You will also find general information such as the pros & cons of owning along with the caring for & feeding of all types of pets from dogs to snakes to fish to exotics.

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Finding A Vet For Your Labrador Retriever

If you are a pet owner then you'll know one of the most important and possibly one of the most difficult things to do is find a Vet. A lot of pet owners obtain referrals from family or friends, but if you're new to this it maybe difficult where to start.

A place to begin from would be to make a list of potential vets in your local area from the phone book, include any referrals offered from family or friends and make an appointment to meet each one. Explain to them that you're looking for a vet and would like to ask a few questions about your Labrador Retriever or even see if you can bring your dog with you to meet them.

The next thing you might like to consider before meeting the vet are about their office and waiting areas. Are they clean; is the staff friendly to you and your pet? Does it resemble a friendly environment for puppy and others in the waiting room?

Things to ask the vet could be any or all of the following:

Are same day appointments possible?

What are their fees and service structure or policies, do they have special services if you know your Labrador Retriever requires them.

Are you able to have a fee schedule?

Do they offer or accept pet insurance?

Are you able to pay fees by credit card?

Do they offer 24 hour emergency services or linked to an animal hospital near by.

Ask about their experience and educational background, perhaps relating to Labrador Retrievers and any issues they've seen in this breed. What are their views on spaying or neutering and at what age?

Is the vet able to answer all your questions without rushing you out the door?

If you bring your puppy with you, perhaps observe the interactions between your puppy and vet. Do they get along; do they seem interested with each other?

After interviewing each vet you'll need to make a decision about which one covered all or most of your requirements. Remember finding the right vet for your puppy is much like finding a doctor for yourself or family, you need to feel comfortable with them, someone that has the qualifications you're looking for and have a genuine caring nature.

The vet you choose will know what is best for your Labrador Retriever and possibly extensive knowledge about the breed. They'll know what shots they need and any other treatments they may need during the course of their life. You'll know after a few months whether you've made the right decision and if they have relieved any of your concerns. It's OK too, if it doesn't work out you can always find another vet. If your Labrador Retriever is an extension of your family then it pays to look for the right one for your pet.

Lea Mullins discusses how to select a good vet for your Labrador Retriever. Learn more about taking care of your dog, training, housebreaking and more from TrainPetDog.com.

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How Do I Care For A Pregnant Labrador Retriever?

Us Labrador Retrievers do require a lot of care, even more so if you have the wonderful opportunity to care for a mother-to-be of Labrador Retriever puppies! However, it's very important not to forget that caring for a pregnant Labrador Retriever is a huge responsibility, since you are responsible for the well-being of the unborn puppies as well. A Labrador Retriever will be very appreciative of your care, and we will do much better if you research the best care methods. If you learn about how to care for a pregnant Labrador Retriever, you will be able to dramatically improve the quality of life for her future puppy litter.

Female Labrador Retrievers are very similar to human females, as they will give many key signs that signal they are pregnant. Your Labrador Retriever may seem listless, and she might not show as much enthusiasm at mealtimes. Decreased appetite is a common sign that a female Labrador is experiencing the early stages of her pregnancy. Of course, this will make you worry, so it should be a good opportunity to visit the veterinarian! This is the equivilent of "morning sickness" in a pregnant female dog, and normally will disappear some time after the first trimester. During this time, it is highly recommended to start giving your pregnant Labrador Retriever some prenatal vitamins.

Swelling of the tummy is another key sign that your female Labrador is pregnant. This seems like a fairly obvious sign, but many people mistake it for their dog becoming overweight. During this time, some dog owners even stop feeding their female Labradors their normal food, or begin a weight loss program. This can harm the unborn puppies! Even if your female Labrador Retriever has been spayed, it's still possible for her to become pregnant. The spaying operation is usually very successful, but should not be assumed to protect your dog 100% against pregnancy. If your female Labrador Retriever is beginning to become a bit chubby around the middle, be sure to take her to the veterinarian first, before making any assumptions of whether or not she is pregnant.

During the second and third trimester of your Labrador's pregnancy, she may begin to engage in a behavior commonly known as "nesting". This is the same type of behavior that some human mothers experience before giving birth. With this behavior, your female Labrador Retriever may begin to constantly rearrange or paw at her bedding. She may also carry some of her favorite toys or treats over to her bed area. It's best to let her alone when she does this, as she is simply preparing her sleeping area for giving birth to her puppies. Most female Labradors will display nesting behavior soon before giving birth.

When you have confirmed your female Labrador Retriever's pregnancy with your veterinarian, there are many important prenatal care steps that should be followed. Since your Labrador is now also supplying nutrients for her unborn puppies, it's highly recommended to start giving her a prenatal vitamin. Try to give her the best prenatal vitamin that you can find, since cheap or poorly formulated prenatal vitamins can actually be deficient in important vitamins needed by your dog and her puppies. A good prenatal vitamin can be purchased online, from a pet supply store, or prescribed by your veterinarian.

After your female Labrador Retriever has gotten over her "morning sickness" of the first trimester, she'll begin to eat... a LOT! The average pregnant female Labrador will consume from two to three times her normal food amount. It's much better to divide her meals throughout the day, to ensure the maximum absorption of the nutrients found in the food. At this time, it is also wise to switch to a premium high-nutrient dog food, of the best quality that you can comfortably afford. Remember, your female Labrador is supplying nutrients for the proper development of her puppies, and it's your job to help her get all of the nutrition she needs.

Since Labrador Retrievers are very affectionate, we will need additional attention when going through a situation such as pregnancy. Try to keep your female Labrador as comfortable as possible, and don't forget to schedule regular check-ups during her pregnancy with your veterinarian.

This article was brought to you by Sean Green, at Pet Care.
For more information on Dog Pet Care please visit our website!

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Choosing the Right Labrador Retriever Breeder

Once you've decided to add a jovial Labrador Retriever to your family, purchasing your puppy from a reputable and responsible breeder is the best way to assure that your puppy will be healthy, have the good temperament you'd expect from a Labrador Retriever and have an appearance as close to the breed standard as possible.

However, before you set out to find a breeder you'll need to decide exactly what you're looking for. Different breeders have different priorities. Some breeders may strive to produce show quality dogs that will excel in conformation dog shows while others are interested in producing puppies that will excel at being great family pets.

With a responsible breeder, every aspect of the breeding and care is important. Each mating is carefully organized and every litter receives the best possible socialization, nutrition and health care. The responsible Labrador retriever breeder also keeps detailed records on each dog including information such as registration papers, pedigree, health record and show record.

Like any other purchase do your homework and shop around. Once you've found a possible breeder you want to work with, ask a lot of questions. Because reputable and responsible Labrador retriever breeders are very particular about to whom they sell pups, your failure to ask questions may signal to the breeder that you're not serious about owning a dog.

Here are a few questions to ask a prospective breeder:

What professional affiliations and activities does he participate in?

How many years has the breeder been active and how many litters has the breeder bred in that time?

Can you meet sire and dam (father and mother) of the litter?

What health care have the puppies received and what post placement support does the breeder offer?

Assuming that the breeder has answered your preliminary questions satisfactorily, if possible, make an appointment to see the puppies, their sire and dam.

Every responsible breeder should welcome this visit because it gives them the opportunity to interview you as well. Be on time for the visit and bring a notepad, pen and any other family members that will be involved in the puppy's life.

Labrador retrievers are naturally very affectionate dogs. How do the puppies act around the breeder? Are they excited to see their beloved caretaker or are they indifferent?

Is the puppy area generally clean? Understand that these are babies and an accident or two is probable at any moment but are there signs of long term neglect? Are the puppies being socialized, do they seem skittish around humans or do they waddle right up to you? As you examine the puppies take note of the puppies' general look and demeanor. Are their coats clean? Are they bright eyed and energetic or do they look sick?

Does the breeder seem interested in how you will manage and raise the puppy or is he simply trying to sell you a dog?

A good Labrador retriever breeder knows his puppies and will probably want some information about you and your family. He may want to know where you plan to keep the dog, why do you want a dog and possibly how much you know about Labs. These questions are not designed to violate your right to privacy but to determine whether the breeders' puppies will fit into your particular situation and home. A good breeder will want to know that you are committed to being a good dog owner and you should be hesitant to continue the deal with a breeder without any concern for where the puppies are going to live.

When seeking a Labrador retriever breeder keep in mind that a responsible breeder is someone who works to improve the breed by breeding only the highest quality dog that he possibly can. Anyone can say that they're a responsible breeder but actions speak louder than words.

If you're looking for a professional, caring, labrador retriever breeder then you should visit http://www.soggyacres.com, for your next canine companion.

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Essential Labrador Retriever Buyer Information

Buying a Labrador puppy is not as easy as it might seem. Labradors can either be found in pet stores or from breeders. Pet stores usually get their dogs from corrupt puppy mills where the dogs are neglected. Never purchase a puppy because you feel sorry for them or because they are adorable, if you do not follow these rules, you will regret it later. You need to use intelligence when you are buying a Lab for both your sake and the sake of your Lab. If you purchase a Labrador puppy from a pet store just because they are cute, then you are helping the puppy mills that often abuse these Labradors.

A good Labrador puppy breeder is someone who wants the best for the dog. A first-rate quality breeder will not just vend their puppies to anyone but they will want to know whether you will be able to look after them. It is a good idea if you can find out what motivated the breeder to breed in the first place. It is also important to see that the breeder has active and cheerful dogs and sanitary facilities.

Buy your dog from a responsible Labrador puppy breeder and you will never go wrong. Purchase the animal from a reputable breeder that is known by your national organization. A reputable breeder will provide health records for the pup. He should hold pups and will have socialized the dogs so that they are not anxious around people.

Look over the whole litter when you are choosing a Labrador puppy. Beware of one that is shy or overly reserved. Aggressive Labrador puppies may not be the best choice of pet either. The best choice would be to look for pups that are sociable and innocent. Take a closer look at the Labrador puppies. A model pet may be a lab pup that does not claw or bite, but can still intermingle with his siblings.

It is also very important that you see at least one of the pups' parents. By seeing where the dogs have been bred, getting a look at the litter and seeing at least one of the parents, ensures that your choice will be a Labrador puppy which has been well bred and will likely be an ideal companion for you and your family.

It is important that the sire and dam of the litter are at least two years old and have been tested for genetic health before the breeding. Try to find a breeder that doesn't deal in too many different breeds and make sure that he is a member of a breeding club. He should also be happy to take some time and answer all of your questions.

The Labradors adopted from Rescue are normally spayed/neutered, current on vaccines, heartworm checked, and temperament checked. These dogs primarily range from 8 months to 6 years of age. One other way to find great breeders is to investigate them on your own. Ask people who have pets and figure out which would be best for you. Talk to people who are concerned with animal cruelty and see what they think of any breeder you may choose.

Tim Williams is a Labrador retriever enthusiast. He owns and maintains Labrador Retriever Answers, a resource for all Labrador retriever lovers and where you can find more labrador retriever information and other great lab advice

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How To Care For Labrador Retriever Puppies

Labrador Retrievers are very well known for being adorable, especially when we're puppies! Taking care of a puppy can be a very rewarding experience, and will help you to form a strong bond with your growing dog. Even though us Labradors can sometimes become overly excited, we make up for it by being affectionate, playful and very loyal. As puppies, we will require constant care and attention, very similar to a small child. Though taking care of a puppy can be fun, it also requires a significant amount of time and responsibility!

Grooming

Us Labrador Retrievers have a reputation for shedding, so it's important to start grooming us as soon as possible! Regular grooming will also help keep your puppy in good health, since it promotes good skin and hygiene. Grooming is also a great way to get your puppy used to human contact, and most puppies will love to be groomed! Try to use a soft grooming brush, since your puppy's skin is still sensitive at this stage.

Feeding

There are thousands of dog food formulas on the market, and choosing the right one for your puppy may seem like a huge task! Us Labradors will eat almost anything, so it's important that you choose a puppy formula that allows us to get the maximum amount of nutrition. Try to purchase the highest quality premium dog food that you can comfortably afford, since most of these foods are extremely high in important digestible nutrients. It's important to keep feeding your puppy a "Puppy food" formula dog food until they are at least one year of age. Most puppies will look like adult dogs at about 12 to 14 months of age, but they still may have the nutritional requirements of a puppy! This growing stage requires a lot of vitamins and minerals, so don't forget to keep an eye on your puppy's weight. Most dog food formulas have a feeding chart right on their packaging, or have feeding ratio information online. Try to weigh your puppy on a weekly basis, so that you can ensure that they are getting the proper amount of food. It's also best to split your puppy's food ration up into three meals, since this will be the easiest for them to digest.

Health

A very important part of taking care of a Labrador Retriever puppy is to always keep an eye on our growing health! While we're developing, it is possible for us to develop dangerous health conditions that can affect our growth. It's important to take your puppy for regular veterinary check-ups, since this will also allow your veterinarian to screen for any potential problems. Most genetic problems that are native to the Labrador Retriever breed can be more effectively treated when caught at an early stage. Also, it's very important to keep your puppy up-to-date on their vaccinations! There are many diseases that can cause serious health problems for your puppy, and many vaccinations are available to help prevent some of these diseases. Some veterinarians are also offering the optional service of inserting a microchip into your puppy. This can help you retrieve or identify your puppy if they become lost or stolen.

In your home, there are also several things that you can do to help your puppy enjoy good health. Be sure to provide sanitary, fresh water on a daily basis, changing the water as necessary (it's recommended to give your puppy fresh water every day). Since your puppy's immune system is still developing, it's important to try to minimize the presence of possibly harmful germs in your household. Always wash your hands before and after interacting with your puppy, since this will lower the chance of any germ transfer. Also, it can be beneficial to keep your house thoroughly sanitized, though be sure that any cleaning products that you use are safe for animals.

Playtime

This is perhaps the best (and most fun) part of owning a Labrador Retriever puppy! As puppies, we Labradors absolutely love to play, and will eagerly engage in all playtime activities. Playtime is also a wonderful time to bond with your puppy, and can help in establishing trust. Playing also helps your puppy to exercise, which is one of the huge requirements for growing puppies. Constant interaction with your puppy will help strengthen the bond between you and your dog, forming a foundation for many happy years ahead.

Exercise

When we're puppies, us Labradors never seem to run out of energy! Your Labrador puppy will require a significant amount of exercise each day, as this is important for proper development. If your puppy does not receive sufficient exercise, this may cause destructive behavior such as digging or chewing on household items. Most puppies will eagerly engage in any activity that involves exercise, and it can also be helpful to start leash-training your puppy at this time. At least one hour of intense interactive activities per day can help your puppy to get enough exercise, and also offers a great time to start bonding with your dog. Toys are also a very important part of playtime, so try to always have interesting new objects for your dog to interact with.

Training

During our puppy stage, us Labradors are the most receptive to learning new things! This is because we are becoming accustomed to the world around us. The first, and perhaps most important part of training your puppy is potty training! This is one of the training methods that should be implemented as soon as you bring your puppy into your home, since this will make it much easier for your puppy to learn to go to the bathroom only outdoors. You can also start training your puppy in some of the basic training commands (such as "Come", "Sit", "Stay"). This is also the absolute best time to start socializing your puppy with other people and dogs, since they are still very curious about any new experiences.

This article was brought to you by Sean Green, at Pet Care. For more information on Dog Pet Care Please visit our website!

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Top 5 Tips For Effective Labrador Retriever Puppy Training

When you are training your Lab puppy there are five things that you just do not want him to do...ever! These things include jumping, chewing, and digging, excessively barking, or pulling you when you take him for a walk. First, let's look at jumping and how to nip that in the bud.

Dogs jump up on people for attention and affection and Labs are no different. When a dog jumps on someone they usually swat them away and tell then to get away or they welcome the puppy. Both responses enforce the conduct. Why? Your dog was looking for attention and with either reaction he got what he was looking for.

When you give your dog the attention that he wants when he jumps you are teaching him that it is ok to do so.

Tip #1: Ignore him! Do not even make eye contact with him. You reward him when he is calmed down and has stopped jumping. If your dog is chewing things then the reason is likely that he is either teething or bored. While you may have chewing toys for your Lab pup are you certain that he knows what to do with it? You actually have to train your dog to chew on this. Remember two things, your puppy doesn't know how to read the instructions that come along with the chew toy nor does he learn from being punished.

Tip #2: Teach your dog how to drop on command and/or teach him what is his and what isn't. This is done by taking him to the chew toy, encouraging him to play with it, and then rewarding him for doing what you wanted him to do. Don't punish him for chewing when you aren't around but rather encourage and reward him for chewing what you want him to. While barking is a natural part of being a dog and is their form of communicating but when the barking is excessive it has to be stopped. Often dogs will bark because they are scared, want attention, or are bored. Labs are famous for having separation anxiety and will bark excessively when they are anxious.

Tip #3: Understand why the dog is barking because he has a need. It is imperative that you pay attention to your Lab puppy. When you take your Lab pup for a walk does he pull you rather than you walking him? Did you know that every time you allow this to happen you are telling your dog that it is ok? This is another learned behavior but fortunately it is not one that is hard to correct.

Tip #4: Interrupt his determination to pull and give him something else to occupy his thoughts. As you walk your dog pull softly back on the leash and when your dog is next to you release the tension on the leash. He will once again return to pulling and you will once again gently pull back on the leash. Digging is natural for a dog, especially one that is left unattended. Digging is a product of boredom and frustration.

Tip #5: A trouble-free solution is to give your dog his own place to dig. Build your dog his own box to dig in. Bury some toys in the dirt and take your dog to the box, show him one or two toys, and then encourage him to find the rest. Reward him when he does.

Tim Williams is a labrador retriever enthusiast. He owns and maintains Labrador Retriever Answers, a resource for all labrador retriever lovers and where you can find more great labrador puppy training information and other retriever advice.

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Critical Health & Care Information About the Labrador Retriever

Care for Your Labrador Retriever - Feeding, Grooming, Exercise and Potential Health Issues

Also called Labrador or Lab for short, a Labrador Retriever is the most popular breed in the United States, United Kingdom and also Australia. They are the most popular as family pets, as assistance dogs and as detectives to assist policemen. Their almost insightful intelligence, sociability, keen sense of smell and trainability makes them the best candidate for drug and arms detection at airports and high security areas. The patience that this breed shows also makes them extremely good working dogs with people on wheel chairs or for pet therapy. A trained Labrador is one of the most dependable animals that there can be. They do not have any of the negative traits that some of the other breeds manifest and are free from territorial aggression, destructive nature, insecurity or pampered behavior.

Feeding and Grooming

The Labrador breed is the 'foodie' among dog breeds and they enjoy their food to the fullest. They eat almost anything that is placed before them - ice creams, biscuits, meat, cereal, dog treats and even scraps from the table. This tends to make them extremely susceptible to obesity and therefore a regulated diet is what you should limit the intake to. An overweight Labrador can become extremely lazy and slow. To regulate the quantity of food offered to your Labrador, it is important to note that a 60 pound Labrador requires about four and a half cups of food. The meal should have adequate levels of calcium, especially in the growing phase. This is important due to the heavy bone structure of this breed.

With average levels of shedding on normal days that gets heavier twice a year during the season, Labradors are easy to maintain. Brushing twice a week is required and you might need to use a soft bristle brush. This also activates the skin glands allowing for protective secretions. A bath is required only once a fortnight.

Exercise

Since the Labrador is a heavy eater, adequate exercise is a must for this breed. Swimming and retrieving are a Labradors favorite activities and playing fetch in a large park or the yard are good additional ways to exercise your Lab other than walks. This breed also enjoys the training process and therefore training should be base don rewarding more than punishment. It is important to understand that higher levels of exercise are required only once the dog is six months and older. Excessive exercising for young Lab pups can damage their bones.

Special care and health concerns

The life expectancy of a Lab is between 12 to 13 years.

- Hip or elbow dysplasia - Since the Labrador is a large breed, it is prone to hip or elbow joint dislocation and loosening. In this condition the dog feels uncomfortable while moving and can also experience pain and swelling. The severity of the pain depends on the level of movement, weight of the dog and extent of dislocation. Dysplasia can be treated with prescribed medicine and only in serious cases surgery is prescribed. Some Labradors can also suffer from luxating patella.

- Ear infections - All breeds that have floppy ears that are not cropped, ear infections can eb a major cause of trouble. This is because moist air gets trapped in the outer ear causing mites, fungus or bacterial infections. Prevention is better than cure and such instances can be avoided by cleaning the ear regularly with a cotton swab.

- Obesity - Since Labs are prone to overeating, they tend to gain excessive weight if the intake is not regulated. Obesity can increase the chances of dysplasia and also cause diabetes.

- Gastric troubles - Labradors are extremely prone to fall prey to upset stomachs, vomiting and loose stools from time to time. To maintain good gastric health, it is essential that only high quality commercial brands or home food be given to your pet.

- Swim tail - This is an extremely unique condition that Labradors may face, especially if your dog likes water. The tail basically becomes sore due to overuse and swells up and is akin to a 'tennis elbow'. The tail develops a slight crimp but adequate rest can solve this issue relatively easily.

- Eye conditions - Older Labradors can develop retinal atrophy, cataract, corneal dystrophy and retinal dysplasia.

For more information about Labs including Labrador puppies for sale from reputable breeders please visit Pets4You

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The Characteristics of Labrador Retriever Puppies

Over the past few years, Labrador retriever puppies have become one of the most popular dog breeds in America. The AKC (American Kennel Club) lists this breed as the #1 registered dog breed for 2008 and 2009. This breed is recognized as an excellent hunting dog as well as a loyal family pet.

Labrador retrievers did not actually originate in Labrador as their name suggests. Their roots trace back to Newfoundland in the early 1800's when small water dogs were mixed with the large Newfoundland breed. The result was a dog called the St. John's water dog which evolved into what we know now as the Labrador. It became readily apparent that these dogs were great hunting dogs with their speed, capability of swimming and their retrieving instincts.

There are three main colors recognized in the breed. These are black, chocolate (brown) and yellow. Many feature white markings and some yellow labs have a lot of white to where they look almost entirely white. Puppies grow quickly and often reach their full size by the time they are 7 months old. Females can stand up to 23 inches and weigh as much as 70 pounds. The males weigh up to 80 pounds and may reach 24 inches high.

These puppies are trainable but are extremely active and full of energy. They are very playful and have rambunctious natures which can be exhausting to their owners. This is why starting them out with training at an early age is so vital. The two things you will want them to learn early are to sit and not jump up onto people and to walk on a leash. Any money spent on early obedience classes will be well worth it as the lab gets older.

No matter which approach you take in training the puppies, it is important that all members of the household follow the same routine. There must be consistency in what is taught or the dog will be confused. For instance, if one person does not allow the dog to sit on the couch but another person does allow it, the dog will not know what he is supposed to do. As they are so intelligent, this conflict may actually lead the dog to sneaky behavior. The best approach is firm yet gentle training. This will create strong bonds with everyone in the family.

Lab puppies love to eat and some grow rapidly. But a fast rate of growth makes them susceptible to hip dysplasia, a joint problem of the hips. To help combat this it's recommended they be fed a diet low in protein (food with 25% protein or less) and a formula that's designed specifically for larger dog breeds. Labs are also prone to obesity as they age. Carefully monitoring diet and providing ample exercise will help hinder this trend.

As stated, labs learn easily. And they love to please their masters. Not only are they terrific hunting companions and great family pets, they're also commonly used as search and rescue animals, narcotics detectors for law enforcement and guide dogs for the blind.

Bringing a lab puppy into your home is equal to adding a new family member. With plenty of affection, proper training and the right care, these dogs will be lifelong loving and loyal companions.

Get more information about the characteristics and traits that you should ask for when selecting your pet from a litter of labrador retriever puppies. By contacting a reputable and reliable labrador retriever breeder, you'll find your perfect pet in no time!

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