Labrador Retrievers Articles

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-27-2016

If you’re looking for a qualified dog trainer to help out with your Labrador Retriever’s behavior, follow some recommendations to find the right fit for you and your Lab. To keep your dog in good shape, try adding some healthy food alternatives to your Lab’s high-grade dog food. Get to know your dog better by studying the body makeup of a Labrador Retriever; your knowledge will also help when you’re talking to your veterinarian.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

While Labrador Retrievers tend to be healthy, some genetic disorders do occasionally occur. These are some of the more common genetic disorders in Labrador Retrievers: Hip dysplasia: This is the most common orthopedic problem in Labs (and in many larger dogs). Although not congenital (it isn't present at birth), hip dysplasia is probably due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. If your dog develops hip dysplasia (the condition can be seen on an x-ray), she may suffer no symptoms at all. Or she may eventually experience severe pain and even lameness. Some Labs require no treatment, but if your Lab develops hip dysplasia and does require treatment, many excellent management strategies, treatments, and surgical options exist. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): This degenerative eye disorder eventually results in your dog becoming blind. A board-certified canine ophthalmologist can examine your dog's eyes if you suspect she is having any vision problems. If you buy your Lab from a breeder who is diligent about eye testing, you probably won't encounter PRA. PRA is a genetic problem involving a recessive gene. If a puppy receives the gene from both parents, she will develop PRA. If she receives the gene from only one parent, she will be a carrier and should not be bred to another Lab that is also a carrier. The location of the gene that involves PRA has been determined in Labs, and a blood test has been developed to determine whether a Lab is affected, a carrier, or clear. Epilepsy: If your Lab has epilepsy, that means she will have seizures. Epilepsy can be due to environmental or genetic factors and will probably show up relatively early if inherited. Seizures can be frightening for your Lab and for you. The most important thing to do for your Lab during a seizure is to keep her from hurting herself. Talk to your vet about the best strategies for managing seizures if your Lab has epilepsy. Depending on the frequency and severity of the seizures, your vet may recommend medication.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

If you're moving to a new home, one of the best ways to prepare your Labrador Retriever (or any dog) is to keep everything as normal as possible. Take a break from moving preparations to engage in your normal grooming, training, and play sessions. Busy as you are, continue to feed your dog at the normal times, keep his water bowl full, and take him on his walk. Keep bedtime about the same if you can. Even if your Lab seems healthy, take him to your vet for a checkup a week or two before you move, and make sure he is up-to-date on all his vaccinations, tests, and heartworm pills. (You may even need a health certificate when moving from one state to another — check with your vet.) While you're there, ask your vet about anything that should concern you about moving with a dog. He or she may have some additional suggestions that will apply to your individual Lab and situation. He or she may even be able to recommend a good vet in the area to which you're moving. Practice stress management for yourself! If you're getting too stressed out, your Lab will think something's wrong. He'll worry. Really! Labs are perceptive, and if you're suffering, your Lab will suffer right along with you. Enjoy stress-reducing walks in the fresh air with your Lab. Take time out to just sit on the couch for ten minutes and pet your Lab. Remember, the more organized you are and the more you plan ahead, the less everyone in your family — your Lab included — will feel the strain. Continue to take your Lab to different places. Socializing and traveling with your Lab (both locally and on longer trips) will make the move much easier on him. If you haven't been taking him to various locations and introducing him periodically to new people, it's time to start. Ideally, you will begin training him in various locations and getting him used to riding in the car at least several months before the move. Make it as important a part of your moving plans as changing your phone service or booking the moving van. A Lab who's a veteran traveler will take a move to a new location in stride, especially if his routine remains relatively intact and you remain relatively calm about the whole affair. If your Lab is feeling good about the move, he'll be a source of comfort to you when you get to your new destination, too. Exciting as moving can be, it sure is nice to have a familiar and well-loved friend along! When you're giving away stuff you don't use so that you don't have to move it, make sure you don't toss any of your Lab's things into the giveaway pile. Your Lab's doggy den, dog dishes, chew toys, retrieval objects, and even bedding — no matter how old and ratty they're getting — will be sources of comfort and reassurance for your Lab in your new location.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

You may be sure that you're ready for a dog, but are you the right kind of companion for a Labrador Retriever? To thrive, these energetic dogs require exercise, space, companionship, and good health care (can you say vet bills?). Got the energy? Labrador Retrievers, unlike some other dogs, require as much energy as time. If you're a certified couch potato, your Lab may adjust, but inactive dogs (like inactive people) are less healthy, and Labs that aren't provided outlets for their energy may become destructive. Labs aren't small dogs and can't get sufficient activity running back and forth across the living room like a Chihuahua. Well-trained Labs that get sufficient exercise shouldn't be hyperactive and can certainly adapt to different levels of activity, but your Lab will need to be walked at least once a day, taken for occasional swims, and given the opportunity to do lots of retrieving, the thing they love best. If you aren't up to the physical challenge, consider a less active or smaller dog — or perhaps, a cat. Got the space? If you don't have the living space for a large dog, don't bring home a Labrador Retriever. The ideal situation is a single-family, detached house with a fenced yard and dog-friendly neighbors or a country home with lots of fenced land. Other situations can work, too, especially if you walk your Lab religiously and train her well. However, if your living space doesn't allow dogs or your apartment walls are paper thin, if you live in a tiny apartment with no yard and can't walk your dog every day, or if you like your home immaculate and value your collection of ceramic figurines or glassware or antique china above all else, please consider another type of dog. Labs need lots of exercise, puppies can sometimes be loud in the middle of the night, and those Lab tails can be downright destructive if your house isn't Lab-proofed. Got the money? Purchasing a Labrador Retriever through a breeder can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000 (more if you want a quality show or field-trial dog). And if you do adopt a Lab from an animal shelter or through a rescue group, you may think that the dog will be cheap — even free. But the cost of acquiring a dog is insignificant compared to the cost of keeping a dog healthy and well-behaved throughout its life. The cost of health maintenance, including vaccinations, heartworm preventive, parasite control, and regular check-ups, plus the cost of good food, a quality kennel or other enclosure, a supply of chew toys, obedience classes, trainers and/or behaviorists, and any emergency medical costs or treatment for serious health problems or accidents can add up to quite a sum. If you can barely afford groceries or medical bills for yourself and your own family, don't bring any dog, Lab or otherwise, into your home until you're on a firmer financial footing.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Adopting a Labrador Retriever from a rescue organization is a great way to find a lovable companion. Many Labrador Retrievers are waiting patiently for new homes in breed rescue programs. Many of these dogs are adult dogs who are wonderful, devoted, well-trained family members who just got the short end of the bone for one reason or another and no longer have a place to go. An older Lab can be the ideal dog. Older Labs generally require far less work than puppies and are likely already trained in good behavior. Sure, an older Lab may not have the lifespan ahead of her that a puppy would, but the years she does have left can be filled with joy for both of you. Please consider adopting an older Lab who has lost her home. Labrador Retriever rescuers — all of whom are volunteers — love the breed and are committed to finding appropriate homes for Labs found at shelters or abandoned by individuals who can no longer keep them. And all too often, Labrador Retriever rescuers take in dogs that have been cruelly treated or otherwise neglected. If you're interested in adopting an older Labrador Retriever, consider contacting one of the following organizations: Labrador Retriever Club, Inc.: The club's Web site includes a page of links to Labrador Retriever rescue groups from all over the United States. Petfinder: This national online database of pets that need homes lists Labrador Retriever and other breed rescue groups from coast to coast. The Petfinder Web site also allows you to search directly for a Labrador Retriever by zip code — although most of the hits you'll get will be Labrador Retriever mixes. Internet Search: Try doing an Internet search under the keywords Labrador Retriever rescue. Like adopting through a shelter, expect to fill out a detailed application and answer a lot of personal questions. Remember rescue workers want to ensure that the dogs are going to be going to a great home. They may even want to come to your home to make sure that is suitable for a Labrador Retriever. After the Labrador Retriever enters rescue, the group assigns the dog to a temporary home — or what rescuers call a foster home. While there, the dog receives any necessary medical care and is observed, so that any deficiencies or behavioral problems can be identified. The rescue group then takes steps to deal with those issues. Before you take on a rescued Lab, spend some serious time getting to know the dog. Work with the rescue group to determine whether you and your potential pet are a good match. If the dog seems to have serious problems, enlist the help of a good canine behavior consultant. Be persistent. A good rapport can be an important step in overcoming problems.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Get your home ready for your new Labrador Retriever by dog-proofing it. Preparing a home for a new Labrador Retriever requires just as much diligence as it does to child-proof a house for human kids. By dog-proofing your home and yard, you keep your pet safe and healthy. Neutralizing poisons One of the greatest dangers to Labrador Retrievers is poison. Keep common household poisons away from your Lab, by moving them to higher shelves, putting baby locks on your cabinet doors (yes, Labs can figure out how to open cabinets), moving your plants from the hearth to the mantle, and making the garage a dog-free zone. If you dog, gets into any of these items, immediately follow the directions we provide. Some of the most common poisons dogs ingest are the following: Antifreeze: It leaks onto driveways, smells and tastes good, and can quickly kill your dog. Induce vomiting and take your dog to the vet or emergency pet care center immediately. Rat poison: Induce vomiting and take your dog to the vet or emergency pet care center immediately. Insecticides: If your dog has insecticides on his skin, wash his skin with water and vinegar and take your dog to the vet or emergency pet care center immediately. Chocolate: Some dogs can take chocolate, but it is highly toxic to many dogs. Induce vomiting and call your vet. Lead: If your dog ingests lead by eating lead paint, for example, induce vomiting and give your dog a laxative if it has been over two hours since the lead was swallowed. Human medications: These may be helpful to humans but are bad for dogs: Ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin, or Midol) is particularly dangerous. If your dog swallows ibuprofen, induce vomiting and take your dog to the vet or emergency pet care center immediately. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is also dangerous for dogs. If he swallows acetaminophen, induce vomiting and call your vet. Poisons or inedible substances in the garbage: If you don't know what your dog has eaten but he's acting as if he is poisoned, take him to the vet. If he has eaten spoiled food and is vomiting, call your vet. Common household and garden plants. The Humane Society of the United States has a listing of common poisonous plants. Household cleaners: For soap or bleach, induce vomiting and call your vet. For ammonia, give your dog a spoonful of vegetable oil to block absorption of the ammonia and take your dog to the vet immediately. For furniture polish, induce vomiting or use a laxative if the polish was swallowed more than two hours before and take your dog to the vet immediately. For any other cleaners, call a poison control center and do what they say. If you don't know what your dog has swallowed but he's showing signs of poisoning, such as severe vomiting, diarrhea, muscle trembling, and increased salivation, immediately take him to your vet or emergency pet care center. If your Lab does ingest something harmful call your vet immediately or call the ASPCA (the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. Spotting other dangers Labrador Retrievers can get into a world of trouble. The trick to protecting them and your house is to figure out what they might want to get into before they do. Want to know what's going to catch your Lab's eye? Crawl around on all fours and pay attention to what you see. The following are just some of the possibilities. Places to get stuck: For example, a hole in the underlining of your box spring. Electrical dangers: For example, a tangle of electrical cords and cables behind your couch. Falling objects: Look for Wobbly or unsteady furniture, low-hanging table cloths or runners, or anything else that if pulled could send knick knacks or furniture itself tumbling over on your Lab. Dangers in the yard: Look for dangers in your yard, such as holes or gaps in the fence, wobbly woodpiles, and unstored garden supplies. Swimming pools can pose special dangers to Labs. Labs love water, but if they don't know where the stairs are, they can run out of steam before they find the way out and drown. Preventing damage The best way to protect your belongings is to put them away and out of reach of your Labrador Retriever's exuberant attention. Shoes? In the closet. Kids toys? In the toy box. For those items you can't put away and close the door behind — like drape hems, chair rungs, and so on — consider spraying them with a dog repellant, such as Bitter Apple, a harmless concoction that most dogs find utterly, well, repellant. A mature Lab is less likely to chew things up than a puppy. Nevertheless, all dogs are different; don't assume that you don't need to prepare your home just because your dog is older. A dog of any age can get himself into trouble or even hurt.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Is the Labrador Retriever the right breed for you? This relatively simple question is vitally important. Too many people get a Labrador Retriever on a whim — without any thought as to how that breed will fit into their lifestyle or home. This is one of the primary reasons why there are so many dogs in animal shelters. Maybe you've always pictured life with the perfect lab. Maybe you imagine the two of you jogging in the park, your dog in a perfect heel, watching out for your safety and enjoying your company. But when it comes to living with a breed, you have to take more than just the fantasy into consideration. You need to think about the pros and cons of Labrador Retrievers and whether they are a good fit for your family. Labrador Retrievers are the most popular breed of dogs in the world. They were cute and lovable and wonderful companions. Aside from their sweet nature, Labs are excellent retrievers for hunting purposes and great all around working dogs. If you keep him out of trouble, teach him the basics of what you want him to do, and make his good behavior rewarding for him, he will compensate you with years of devoted friendship. Before deciding on a Lab take the following into consideration: Do you have the time? You may feel ready to take on the responsibility of a dog, but you may not realize how much time a Lab requires. Your Lab will need daily training sessions, lots of purposeful socialization as a puppy, and time to simply hang around with you. If you aren't home very often or have too much on your plate when you are home, enjoy a friend's Labrador Retriever now and then, but don't take on your own. Do you have the energy? Labs require as much energy as time. Your Lab will need to be walked at least once a day, taken for occasional swims, and given the opportunity to do lots of retrieving, the thing they love best. If you're a certified couch potato, your Lab might be able to adjust, but he won't be as healthy, and Labs that aren't provided outlets for their energy may become destructive. If you aren't up to the physical challenge, consider a less active or smaller dog — or perhaps, a cat. Overweight Labs are unhealthy. Try using halved baby carrots or small broccoli florets as treats rather than dog biscuits, which are often too caloric to be used daily. Do you have the space? The ideal situation for a Lab is a single-family, detached house with a fenced yard or a country home with lots of fenced land. Other situations can work, too, if you walk your Lab religiously and train her well. If you don't have the living space for a large dog, don't bring home a Labrador Retriever. Likewise, if you live in a tiny apartment with no yard and can't walk your dog every day, or if you like your home immaculate, please consider another type of dog. Do you have the money? Purchasing a Labrador Retriever through a breeder can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000 (more if you want a competition-quality dog), although adopting a Lab is less expensive. That being said, the cost of buying a dog doesn't compare to the cost of keeping a dog healthy and well-behaved throughout its life. If you can barely afford groceries or medical bills for yourself and your own family, don't bring any dog, Lab or otherwise, into your home until you're on a firmer financial footing. Some people dream of getting a dog for all the wrong reasons. Every dog and every Lab is different. Before considering a Lab, it is important to remember that Labs need training, attention, exercise, veterinary care, and a regular routine. They are active, boisterous, large, and sometimes overly affectionate animals.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Looking for more Lab info? You've come to the right place! The following resources for Labrador Retrievers will send you in the right direction whether you want to delve further into training, learn more about adoption, find cool Labrador Retriever photos, or find products for your Labrador Retrievers. Books about labs Here are a few fun Labrador Retriever books to add to your collection, if you have one (and if you don't, why not start right now?). There are a number of great books on Labs, dog training, and other Lab-relevant subjects. The New Labrador Retriever, Janet I. Churchill (New York: Howell, 1995) Labrador Retrievers Today, Carole Coode (New York: Howell, 1993) You and Your Retriever, Ralf W. Coykendall, Jr. (New York: Doubleday & Co., 1963) Labrador Retriever: Friend and Worker, Selwyn Kip Farrington (New York: Hastings House, 1976) Labradors, Warner F. Hill (New York: Arco, 1966) The Versatile Labrador Retriever, Nancy A. Martin (Wilsonville, OR: Doral, 1994) All about the Labrador, Mary Roslin-Williams (London: Pelham, 1985) The New Complete Labrador Retriever, Hellen Warwick (New York: Howell, 1986) The Labrador Retriever: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet, Lisa Weiss-Agresta (New York: Howell, 1995) The Ultimate Labrador Retriever, Heather Wiles-Fone and Julia Barnes (New York: Howell, 1997) The Labrador Retriever: The History — The People, Revisited, Richard A. Wolters (New York: Dutton, 1992) Web sites about Labs If you spend time online, here's your chance to surf for Lab-relevant fun and information. Club information You aren't the only one who loves Labs, which is why so many Labrador Retriever clubs exist — from local clubs to statewide clubs to the American Kennel Club-sanctioned Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. Joining a Labrador Retriever club puts you in contact with other Lab owners, alerts you to Lab events, and provides you with a way to make a difference in the breed, from getting involved with rescue or fundraising for genetic research to participating in advanced showing, obedience, or other Lab activities. Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. Local Labrador Retriever clubs The American Kennel Club Continental Kennel Club, Inc. The Kennel Club of Great Britain (KC) or (KCGB) United Kennel Club, Inc. Competition information Flyball Home Page — Labs are great at flyball and they love it, too. If flyball is your Lab's passion, consider getting involved in a club. British Flyball Association (BFA) North American Flyball Association, Inc. (NAFA) Canine Freestyle Federation -- Gotta dance! If that refers to you and your Lab, consider getting serious about canine freestyle by joining a freestyle club. Training information Here are some organizations that promote and facilitate positive training methods: American Dog Trainers Network Association of Pet Dog Trainers A Dog and Cat Behavior and Training Center by Perfect Paws Green Acres Training The Aggressive Behaviors in Dogs list is an e-mail community about this serious subject. The Pre-Puppy Primer List is for breeders, puppy trainers, veterinarians and potential puppy owners to discuss the training required before you acquire a puppy or dog. Topics include: compatible type or breed, puppy socialization, early puppy training by breeders, puppy parties, early puppy training by owners, puppy classes and normal puppy behavior including housetraining, puppy/play-biting, chewing, jumping up and not listening. On traveling Where can you and your Lab stay on vacation? What kind of great, dog-friendly places can you go? Are there dog events that travelers may want to attend? Here are two resources that are ready with the answers: PetTravel.com Pets Welcome

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Know how to recognize common health issues in Labrador Retrievers so you can get your Lab the right treatment quickly if she should get sick. Because there are so many Labrador Retrievers, breeders have a large gene pool to draw from. That translates into healthier dogs. In general, your Lab will probably stay pretty healthy throughout most of his life. However, any dog can fall prey to health problems. These are some of the more common genetic disorders in Labrador Retrievers: Hip dysplasia: This is the most common orthopedic problem in Labs. Hip dysplasia is due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some dogs suffer no symptoms at all and others eventually experience severe pain and even lameness. Some Labs require no treatment, but if your Lab develops a more severe case, there are many excellent management treatments options. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): This degenerative eye disorder eventually results in blindness. There are few symptoms until the dog is almost completely blind; however, some dogs will show reluctance to go down stairs or go into dark areas (night blindness can be an initial stage of the disease). In some dogs, the eye lens looks more opaque or cloudy. There is no treatment for PRA; however, blind dogs can live a happy life, with a little extra care. PRA is genetic and there is a screening test that can identify the problem. Epilepsy: If your Lab has epilepsy, that means she will have seizures. Epilepsy can be due to environmental or genetic factors and will probably show up relatively early. Seizures can be frightening for your Lab and for you. The most important thing to do is to keep your Lab from hurting herself. Talk to your vet about the best strategies for managing seizures. Knowledgeable breeders do health checks and everything else they can to avoid genetic disorders. In fact, most good breeders guarantee the health of their puppies and should take a puppy back and refund your money if something is wrong with the puppy. However, if the problem isn't genetic, don't expect to get your money back. To maintain the best odds for future health, you want the puppy to have a few simple screening tests. Ask for evidence that both parents of the litter have had their hips x-rayed and are certified free of hip dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). You also want proof that both parents are registered with an organization called the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) to certify that their dogs are free from genetic eye problems. Make sure you also have a record of which vaccinations the breeder has given your puppy. The breeder should also already have the puppy on a worming program. The best way to tell if something is wrong is to take your puppy from the breeder's place immediately to the veterinarian, and some breeders require that you do this within seventy-two hours of purchasing the puppy. Ask the vet if you should be watching for other problems that may show themselves later in your puppy's life.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

The Labrador Retriever has a wash-and-wear coat, but that doesn't mean you don't need to regularly groom your dog. Regularly grooming your Labrador Retriever not only improves your bond with your animal, it also gives you the opportunity to spot problems before they get out of hand. A regular grooming routine will usually consist of Inspecting: Begin each grooming session with a head to toe massage. Feel for any lumps, bumps, dry patches, hair loss, or anything else abnormal. Massaging a dog also helps to loosen dead hair and skin so that it can be brushed away. Pick up each foot and wiggle each toe, feel the footpads, and then gently examine and rub each ear. Getting your Labrador Retriever used to having these tender areas touched will make it easier for your vet to treat him if he gets injured. Brushing: A thorough brushing once a week with a natural or nylon bristle brush is all your Lab needs to stay clean. However daily brushing feels great to your Lab and keeps her immaculately clean. The brushing action stimulates the natural oils in the skin, which will keep her coat glistening. Bathing: Labs don't need to be bathed too often. Bathe your Lab only when he gets really dirty. Frequent bathing can actually dry out their skin. (Thank goodness, because bathing a full grown lab can be a challenging experience.) Try to give your Lab plenty of time to play outdoors every day. The outdoor air helps to keep their skin moist. Cleaning the eyes: Check your Lab's eyes regularly for discharge or irritation. If they need it, clean by wiping with a cotton ball doused in saline. You may notice staining around the eyes of a yellow Lab. This is completely natural and caused by the dog's tears. If it bothers you, you can remove the stains with a cotton ball soaked in hydrogen peroxide. However, be sure to put a drop of mineral oil in each eye first to shield it from the peroxide. If you see discharge, irritation or a change in the general appearance of the eye, take her to the vet as soon as you can. She might have a serious eye problem. Cleaning the ears: If your Lab's ears look dirty or waxy, you can clean the visible parts with a cotton ball or cotton swab dampened with ear cleaner. If your dog is scratching or shaking her ears a lot and you can't see any reason, or if you notice redness or a bad smell, take your dog to the vet. She could have mites, or an infection that will need to be treated. Clipping: One of the most important aspects of your daily grooming is keeping your dog's nails clipped. Long nails force the footpads apart and make it difficult for your dog to walk correctly. Your puppy will soon realize that it doesn't hurt—as long as you don't cut down too far. You can see the quick in the nails of light-colored Labs, but in black or chocolate Labs, you'll just have to guess. If you clip nails frequently, the quick retracts out of the way. If you do clip the quick, you can use a styptic stick or even Chap Stick to help stop the bleeding. Some Labs develop cysts between their toes. A topical antibiotic ointment may help. If not, your vet may need to lance the cyst. See you vet if you think the cyst has become infected. Teeth: Brush your dog's teeth daily to keep her healthy all over. In fact, dental plaque can get into your dog's bloodstream and into her heart, causing heart disease. Use a soft toothbrush designed for dogs or children and doggie toothpaste. Just lift the dog's lips and gently brush the outer surface of the teeth. If your Labrador Retriever already has a build-up of plaque, your vet can remove it. Your vet will probably have to anesthetize your dog, so that it's not too traumatic. But then you'll need to follow up with regular brushing. Canned dog food is more likely to cause dental problems than dry dog food. The greater moisture content makes canned dog food stick to your Lab's teeth. Dry dog food is not only equally nutritious, but it cleans teeth and is more cost-effective. Pest control: Apply a pest-control product if necessary. The vet can help you find the best product for your area, but the product you choose should cover ticks, fleas, and worms.