Doggy Mentor

Posts Tagged ‘Labrador retrievers’

The labrador retriever is among the most popular dogs (and pets too) in the United States and United Kingdom. But by observing the breed, it is easy to see why! The breed is very smart, energetic, affectionate, helpful and quickly soaking in the help provided by Labrador dog training. They appreciate praise, and give love in return. The lab possesses an amazing amount of patience, and many things will have to happen before the dog shows frustration or annoyance. These dogs adore water sports, and they make good pets for children, capable of playing for hours.

Many animals make good pets for the home, but few can match the reputation of labradors as a prudent choice for a family friend and companion. The dog is a less-than-ideal watchdog though, since they look reserved and gentle. But their bark, together with their size, may be enough to keep strangers away. These dogs are models of gentle decorum, but they can also be very dedicated to their family, and will stay by the children of their family in a gesture of protection.

With the help of impressive smartness, labs are quick to absorb inputs from activities that consist Labrador dog training, and will want to please its trainer by accomplishing as commanded to do. They appreciate being indoor dogs, and will become active members of the family-cum-pack. Yet a few more reasons why families like them as pets is because they shed all year round, but not as much as other dogs. Still another reason is that they have gentle and optimistic dispositions. Yet another basis for keeping a lab is that they do not harbor separation anxiety, nor display insecurity, or a destructive or territorial instinct. These dogs are actually alright being left all alone at home, while everybody else leaves for work or for school. Playing catch is among the most favorite retrieving games of this dog, and it will appear not to get bored or tired of it at all!

Young labs can be easily misconstrued as hyperactive, but that activity level is actually all in a day’s work for the dog, and they won’t reach maturity and thus, more control of their energies, until they reach three years old. The dog has a weakness for eating, and in fact has a huge appetite. Their appealing expressions will beg for food and treats. But responsible owners are aware that labs suffer from issues connected to obesity, so it is clear that the dog’s food intake ought to be controlled. To end, labs are nearly capable of dealing and acting on anything expected of them, and they are such unforgettable personalities that will stay on their family’s mind for years.

The time has come for you and your family to get a dog, but everybody in the home is still in a deadlock what particular breed to get. After doing research and talking to neighbors and friends about their own dogs, the problem is still unresolved. However, one breed in particular that gets mentioned again and again is the labrador retriever. And in fact, nothing can prepare you for the joy and fulfillment of a labrador home. All that this dog asks of you is unconditional love, and possibly, the good manners that training Labradors can teach.

There are many reasons that make the lab a clear and distinct favorite among dog breeds, and pets too, for that matter. Their capacity for affection and loyalty is almost endless, and they are gentle, energetic and also mellow. A lab owner need to make time for a very active puppy interested in play; this period of solid activity will be with the dog until three. As adults, labs are still after sports at heart, and will want to be the target of a garden hose, or to retrieve things for its owner. Frisbees and balls are favorite toys.

The time for Labrador training begins as soon as the dog is mature enough to comprehend basic requests. Its no problem if you don’t have the time nor expertise to personally train the dog, since you can always get your pet into an obedience school. Labs are brainy animals that will soon be at the top of their class. Their large amounts of pent-up energy and large size call for obedience so that they learn to avoid puppy behavior when they are bored. Not only do they aspire to win their master’s favor, but they also catch on to new things rather fast.

Most labs are kept as indoor dogs, and their day is made when they are able to maximize being a participative member of the family. Like all dogs, they also love attention. But their loving nature makes them not the ideal guard dogs, and often, not at all. But to give them the benefit of a doubt, they do pack a robust bark that can scare away most unwanted company. Labs from well-chosen breeders have few vices, and practically all labs are strangers to being territorial, aggressive, destructive, or possess the bad habits other breeds are prone to.

A high-capacity love for food and treats is one serious weakness in the lab however (although what is in the power of the power cannot be called a vice either!). This dog will need to stay on a steady diet to keep off obesity which can be a source of problems later on in the dog’s life. This way, it is possible to enjoy up to 14 full years with your lab.

Can we interest you in a Labradoodle? If not, how about a Schnoodle, or maybe even a Puggle? These names might elicit the occasional giggle, but to hybrid dog breeders, they’re golden. These days, so-called “designer dogs” are pulling down prices that some purebred dog breeds could only wish for. At last count, the irrepressible Puggle was going for as much as 1,800 pounds sterling in Great Britain (!), and they’re not much less expensive here in the States.

For those of you living in caves, a “designer dog” is a hybrid cross of two pedigree breeds. Most breeders of purebreds don’t care for them, complaining that hybridization is bad for the dogs themselves. But who are they kidding? Pedigreed pets are plagued with health problems that crossbreeds rarely experience. So while you’ll still need a source of Advantage flea control for the furkids, with a hybrid hound you don’t have to worry nearly as much about other pet-care costs — like bank-breaking veterinarian bills.

To coin a phrase, Labradoodles and Puggles seem to be the leaders of the pack when it comes to designer dogs. The Puggle is an energetic, lovable cross of Pug and Beagle that resembles a tiny version of the Old English Mastiff. Because some handicapped people are allergic to Labrador retrievers, a breeder in Australia crossed them with Poodles in an attempt to produce a hypoallergenic guide dog. The Labradoodle was the result. Then there’s the Schnoodle, an astute Poodle/Scnauzer mix that has owners crowing about its high intelligence and ability to learn.

In addition to the two popular crosses discussed above, dozens of other Poodle hybrids exist, including Maltipoos (Maltese/Poodle), Yorkipoos (Yorkshire Terrier/Poodle) and Goldendoodles (guess). Not only are Poodles attractive, loving dogs, their hair doesn’t cause allergies in people subject to such things. And that’s one of the reasons designer dogs are so popular: they make pet meds cheap, because they’re so heathy, and no allergy expenses for you!