A Guide For Labrador Retriever Owners and Fanatics
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"For the 19th consecutive year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in America , but could this be the last year for the Lab’s reign? According to American Kennel Club® (AKC) 2009 registration statistics released today during a press conference at Grand Central Terminal in New York City, the German Shepherd Dog overtook the Yorkshire Terrier last year and is now ranked second most popular in the nation for the first time in more than three decades.
An American favorite since the time of Rin Tin Tin, the German Shepherd Dog became the number one breed of the 1920s, but then slipped in popularity until after World War II.
“Labs have been America ’s top dog for nearly two decades due to their loyal and gentle nature,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson . “But the German Shepherd Dog has gained ground recently, quite possibly due to the increased attention they receive for their security efforts at home and abroad. Hailed as the world’s leading police, guard and military dog, this energetic and fun-loving breed is a loyal family pet, ideal companion and dependable K-9 partner when duty calls.”
Having a new Labrador Retriever puppy is a very exciting time, particularly to those of us who are first time dog owners. Your new Labrador Retriever will make an outstanding addition to you family, but it will take some work and some PATIENCE! The key to having that lovable Labrador Retriever... Training, Training, Training. It is best to start your training sessions as early as possible to prevent behavior problems, anxiety and other issues.
Train a Labrador retriever by socializing the dog at a young age and consistently reinforcing good behavior for several years.
Looking for ideas for Labrador Retriever names? Lets face it, this breed is one, if not THE most popular dog breed in the world. And because of this it deserves a name that's as special as the dog itself.
Sure, you could come up with any dog name, but why not try to find a name that actually fits? A name that reflects this dogs intelligence, sociable nature, or even it's physical characteristics like it's color.
Since we believe that special dogs deserve special names, when coming up with the Labrador Retriever dog names shown below, we chose 3 lab name categories that we felt would help you to think a bit out of the box when it comes to selecting the best Labrador Retriever names. These categories are… General Lab Names…
These general names were chosen and suggested simply because we felt they would sound good on a lab. We didn't feel that just any dog name would fit this particular breed. As an example, Fifi would be a great Poodle name, but not on a lab. Here's a few dog name suggestions that we thought might be a good match…
Cassidy: This name has a friendly, easy going sound to it, and it seems to be a good match with this breeds temperament.
Charisma: Somebody who has charisma is someone with personal magnetism. If you've noticed that your lab is drawing a lot of attention, then the name Charisma might be an appropriate match.
Fetch: A good name match for a dog that’s a Retriever.
Jazz: A smooth and cool sounding name, and one that might appeal to a music loving owner.
Should you be the proud owner of a Retriever whose color is black or chocolate, here's some name suggestions and a list of names that might be a good fit for it's dark color…
Java: For an energetic black lab that doesn't need caffeine.
Kahlua: A good match for a chocolate lab whose owner is fond of either this famous drink, or Hawaii from where it originates, or both!
Panther: For the lab that's as stealthy and sleek as a black panther.
Sable: Named after the highly valued black sable fur, the lab given this name should be one that carries itself well and that knows its special.
Blondes have more fun! So giving your yellow lab a name that highlights its beautiful coloration will make it stand paws above the rest. Here's a few naming suggestions and a list of names after things that are bright or yellow…
Butter: Don't laugh, but I encountered a yellow lab recently who owned this very memorable and unique name. I'll never forget having met Butter!
Marilyn: For the blonde lab whose owner is a Marilyn Monroe fan. This sultry pooch draws the attention of everyone as it enters the room one hip at a time!
Sundance: This energetic dog brightens everyone's day.
When looking for Labrador Retriever Names, they're easy to find when you consider your labs temperament and physical characteristics when choosing a name. If you take care to choose the right one, not only will your dog appreciate it, but he will also attract more attention…thus more petting, playing and treats!
When Richard Livitski isn't busy digging up Labrador Retriever Names, he's working on his dog names website http://www.dog-names-and-more.com where dog names and puppy names in all shapes and sizes can be found.
Here's your chance to help animal shelters feed their hungry dogs. By playing Bow Wow Trivia every day, FreeKibble.com will provide 10 pieces of kibble to animal shelters, helping feed their hungry dogs. Now, I know 10 pieces does not seem like a lot, but it really does add up.
Here's a story done on NBC Nightly News about Mimi Ausland, a 12 year old girl from Bend, Oregon, who wanted to help feed the hungry animals at her local animal shelter. On April 1st 2008, Mimi started the website called http://www.freekibble.com.
When you visit FreeKibble.com you are presented with a daily trivia question to answer, it doesn't matter if you answer the daily question right or wrong as kibble is provided either way!
This is a wonderful way to help and all it takes is just one visit a day. Besides this post, you will also find a banner located in the sidebar of All About Labradors to remind you to visit their website to help contribute.
FreeKibble.com Creator Wins ASPCA Kid of Year:
Please help Mimi continue the outstanding work she is doing in feeding the hungry dogs at shelters by visiting FreeKibble.com daily, the more people that play, the more dogs that get feed!!!
Sit, Stay is a great training basic which is a nice exercise in self control. Sit, Stay means that you would like your Labrador Retriever to remain sitting until the time you give permission to get up, until then please don't move, stay put.
In the below video, Caninestein's Stephanie Colman teaches you the power of the food bowl to teach your dog to sit, and stay.
Practice and patience and your Labrador Retriever will learn this very quickly.
Labrador Retriever puppies seem to be for sale everywhere these days. From Georgia to Michigan, Temecula to Hawaii, Labrador Retriever puppies have become very popular. Your new puppy may be a black, chocolate, or yellow Lab. Labrador Retriever puppies are cute, but they are energetic, too, and require immediate training.
Labrador Retriever puppies need 10 commandments – or maybe more! From the puppies’ standpoint, the 10 commandments should be given to the humans who will care for them. For example:
* You must take me out for long walks at least 3 times a day. * You must feed me from your plate when I whine and beg. * You must let me sleep in your bed with you so I don’t get lonely.
You are intelligent enough to know that would be a big mistake. You must be in charge, and you must have rules for your Labrador Retriever puppies. For your help, and with a bit of tongue-in-cheek, we offer the following.
Labrador Retriever Puppies’ 10 Commandments from a Human Standpoint
1. As long as they live under my roof, Labrador Retriever puppies will do as I say. When I say “come,” you will come. When I say “sit,” you will sit. I am the boss – leader of the pack.
2. Labrador Retriever puppies will always tell me when they need to relieve themselves. We will go outside, which is the only place you may do this. And on the same subject, Labrador Retriever puppies will learn not to make water simply because they are excited or acting submissive.
3. I have given you Labrador Retriever puppies comfortable beds. You will sleep in your beds – not in my bed, not in the cat’s bed, and not in the children’s beds.
4. All Labrador Retriever puppies in this home will be given good, nourishing dog food everyday. You will not supplement that food by chewing my shoes, furniture, and other belongings. You will not beg at the table, laying your soft, cuddly head on my lap to coerce a bite from my plate.
5. I know that Labrador Retriever puppies want to bite and gnaw, but you will not bite and gnaw on people. If you were home with your mother, she and your litter mates would soon teach you not to do it. I’ll give you bones to chew instead.
6. All Labrador Retriever puppies get a stomach ache when they eat the wrong things. If you feel sick, you must never throw up inside the house – especially not on the carpet or on any of MY clothing!
7. I understand that Labrador Retriever puppies simply must tell everybody how exciting life is, but please do it quietly. You must never, never try to tell the whole neighborhood, especially in the middle of the night.
8. All Labrador Retriever puppies in this home must understand that the house is not a glorious obstacle course. You must not race from one end of the house to the other. You must not use the furniture when playing keep away.
9. I know that Labrador Retriever puppies love running in the rain. I do not! You will ask to go out in the rain only when you absolutely must. You will then do your business quickly so that I can get dry again.
10. All Labrador Retriever puppies in this house will like the people that I like, and behave properly around them. You will NEVER slobber all over people, even though you may love them.
Labrador Retriever Puppies’ 10 Commandments From a Pet’s Standpoint
If you are looking for the 10 commandments from a pet’s standpoint, you will find them on several websites. The Dog Listener is a British site that lists them. Ontario Pet Rescue also lists them.
Anna Hart invites you to read more of her articles about Labrador Retriever puppies at http://www.lovablelabradors.com. Anna has posted additional information on that site about all ages of Labrador Retrievers.
In this video you will see a wonderful demonstration of Labrador Retriever obedience training.
The demonstration was done at the Cottonwood Ranch And Kennel with world class dog trainer, Ted Hoff.
Notice how Mae, the black Labrador Retriever obeys the hand signals and commands while also keeping constant eye contact with her trainer. Verbal praise is big as well as patience and repetition with all training for your Labrador Retriever.
Feel free to share your comments and tips in regards to training your Labrador Retriever.
Subject: My black lab pup(5mos. old) has a slight problem with dry skin.
From: Jeff (USA)
Labrador Retriever Name: Riley
Reader's E-mail - Jeff Writes:
My black lab pup(5mos. old) has a slight problem with dry skin. Is there a easy dietary fix?
Jeff
All About Labradors Answer:
Hello Jeff,
The information given here is to help you learn more about your Labrador Retriever and not to replace your veterinarian's advice. Disclaimer:
Dry skin and coat can say a lot about your Labrador Retriever's health. There’s a broad array of factors that can lead to excessive dry, flaky skin in your Labrador Retriever such as: not getting enough of the right types of fatty acids in their diet, parasites, bathing frequently, poor quality diet, environmental factors, fungal infections, and allergies to name a few. It's very important to eliminate specific causes of dry skin before beginning treatment. As for dietary fixes, here are some things that may be of help:
1. Make sure you are feeding your Labrador Retriever a healthy diet that fulfills their dietary needs. If you need a recommendation for a good commercial food just ask. I'm also going to provide you with a link to a website called The Dog Food Project that provides outstanding information in regards to food and your Labrador Retriever:
2. Supplementation with omega fatty acids (Omega 3 and Omega 6) are critical to total body health. These fatty acids play a vital role in the structure of cell membranes, help to maintain healthy skin and coat, support the immune system, and promote proper growth and development of the nervous system.
3. Supplementation with Probiotics which are live cultures found in yogurt which will help out in maintaining and increasing the good flora (bacteria) of the gut.
You could also supplement your Labrador Retriever's diet with regular, non-flavored yogurt with live cultures including ‘Lactobacillus Acidophilus’ daily. Make sure there are no sugars or sweeteners in it. You could add it to his food, or your can use it in the Kong toys if you use them. One reader of this blog stuffs it into the Kong toys and freezes it.
Hope this is of some help to you Jeff. If you have further questions, please ask.
Here's a free mini eBook from StoneyFieldSilverLabradors.com in regards to crate training your Labrador Retriever.
Inside you will find sections on:
General information on crate training.
How to Crate Train A Labrador Retriever.
Wire or plastic? What size crate? Blankets? Alarm clock? What to put in the crate.
For how many hours and until what age are Labrador Retrievers crated.
The eBook list some good information to help you with your Labrador Retriever crate training endeavours. Also remember that patience is the key when crate training your Labrador Retriever.
"Adopting a dog is a rewarding experience–and here's how we're helping to make it a little more rewarding: When you adopt a shelter dog, we'll give you a free month's supply of PEDIGREE® Food For Dogs*. It's our way of saying “thank you” for helping us help dogs.
* Total donations from PEDIGREE® consumer and trade programs to local shelters in 2009: minimum $250,000 up to $1million."
To get you free food, you must fill out the form on the pedigree website, attach proof of adoption (copies of adoption documentation and receipt for fee/donation) and then mail them in.
Your free food will be provided in the form of a coupon redeemable for a 20 lb. bag of PEDIGREE® Food For Dogs. The offer is valid only for adoptions by individual consumers in the United States of America (excluding territories and possessions) from Jan. 2009 to Dec. 2009 and limited to one (1) coupon per household/ address.
When you are thinking about getting a dog one thing that is sometimes forgotten for new dog owners is the research. If my wife and I would have known what comes with a Labrador Retriever puppy we might have rethought the whole dog saga. This is not to say our Lab is not a part of the family. She is, and we could not imagine our lives without her. She makes us crazy, irritated, and annoyed at times but she is our princess even if she is the size of a small yellow pony. She might also be the most spoiled dog ever.
We have no kids at the moment so in all actuality the dog is like our child. We buy cheesy magnets for our parents that say "My Grandchild is a Dog" and other goofy things like this. Everyone buys the puppy everything and she gets her way most of the time. If she doesn't, she throws a little, or big, puppy tantrum that includes: stomping the floor with her two front paws, whining, crying, rubbing up against the wall and grunting, tangling up the floor mat that is used for shoes upon entering, constant scratching or ringing of the bell to go outside and the list goes on and on.
Now that we are at age two with our young lady - which for a Lab is basically still puppy years - we have done the research and know just about everything there is to know about Labs and Lab puppies. From simple things like; do not leave cell phones, shoes, or anything else in reach of the puppy and make sure the puppy is not alone for long periods of time or they will destroy things - walls, stairs, carpet, furniture, etc. These are things we were not aware of when acquiring this breed. Especially if you get a crazy Lab that has a little extra fuel in the tank, which we do, you need to make sure they are well taken care of because they want to be a part of everything so badly. Now that she is two she is nowhere near as bad as she was. She doesn't instantly grab something from you that falls on the floor for two seconds, we can keep the remote controls out, and she has not chewed on any furniture for some time. With everything we researched, studied, and saw about Labs over the last two years between my wife and I, we never saw a thing about a Lab, at times, ruining the mood for man and wife alone time.
Again, our dog is very spoiled so when she gets locked up in her cage or locked out of a room she cries to be let in, or let out. Our house is not that big so it is hard to get away from her whining, crying, or scratching. She is also allowed on the furniture at our house as well and because of this she sleeps with us just about every night. We have no children so she doesn't hurt anything being on the couch or the beds, so why not. However, this means that every time my wife and I go to bed, or are in bed, the dog follows. No matter what time of day it is.
She wants to know what you are doing and where you are going every time you leave the room. Now that she is two, she is getting better with this as well and does not feel the need to follow you to the bathroom every time you get up but the one thing that gets overlooked in this whole dog process is the disruption of the sex life.
It is challenging to have sex with a Lab always around. There is no doubt about it. I often wonder if we are the only couple that suffers from this debacle of having our sex life challenged by a dog. She is 80 lbs so being naked with her around is kind of a challenging thing in itself. If we let her come down and stay on the bed she never gets off. If we try to ignore her and pretend she is not there she will make it known she is there. So if we start messing around, the dog will lick your face (or anywhere for that matter; feet, hands, arms, sneeze on you, or bury her head into both of you and just lay there right next to you in a goofy position. Sometimes we will try and sneak in some action while she is asleep and she will always, without fail, make crazy puppy sounds (grunts, whines, whistles, sighs, whatever), stretch out and kick you, or the ultimate - drop the Dog Gas. Talk about a mood killer - jeez.
This might sound silly but it is an ongoing war with our Lab. If we close her out of the room she will scratch and piss and moan to get in. If we put her in her cage then we have to listen to her barking or crying while we are attempting to have sex. We have learned ways to get around this ridiculousness but it's still a never ending battle for my wife and I.
No "Labs for Fools" or Labrador fact book ever said anything about this conundrum. We have learned it first hand to have a member of the family that can't take a hint and all we can say is that we are thankful she is getting older and will not be so interested in everything once she knows she is not missing anything.
We can only guess that having a child is very similar and longer lasting so we are grateful to get this out of the way with the dog now instead of having a baby and a Lab puppy at the same time. I see people out there with a stroller and a Lab puppy attached to a leash and I just don't know how they can do it. Perhaps this is why there are so many Labs up for adoption?
They are a magnificent breed no doubt about it. They are smart, Loving, loyal, obedient, and the sweetest dogs on the face of the earth. They become a member of the family instantly and Love their role of playing the puppy. If you are thinking about getting this breed intense research is highly recommended or else you are going to be in for a lot of surprises that end with you not being a happy dog owner. When in all truth, having a Labrador Retriever is one of the greatest relationships you can form with a four legged friend.
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We are working as quickly as possible to get the new design straightened out, so please bear with us while we get our new look. Thank you for your understanding!!
Happy New Year. Guy, is my two year old Lab who we love more than anything in this world. The joy he brings to my family is unbelievable and we wouldn't know what we would do without him.
There is one little problem and that is that Guy has the worst breath. He is in perfect health, I feed him an excellent dog food and constantly give him dental dog treats but it doesn't help. Is it possible for you to give us some help with Guy's stinky problem. Thank you,
Denise
All About Labradors Answer:
Hello Denise and a Happy New Year to you and your family. Thank you for your e-mail.
The information given here is to help you learn more about your Labrador Retriever and not to replace your veterinarian's advice. Disclaimer
There are products on the market that can help you deal with your Labrador Retriever's bad breath. Dog treats (which you already use), chews, dog breath drops and dog toothbrush to name a few.
An important part of good Labrador Retriever care is good dental care, and bad breath is the first sign of a possible dental problem. Most dental problems are easily treated but left untreated infection, tooth loss or more serious problems can occur.
I would start by checking Guy's teeth and gums to make sure nothing is lodged in there. I would then start brushing his teeth as it is a great way to combat bad breath. Get yourself a dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste (don't use human toothpaste). Start by brushing his teeth with your finger and the paste and gradually work up to the toothbrush. Daily brushing is preferred but if can't do it daily make sure you do it a couple times a week.
Here's a good video to help you out with brushing your Labrador Retriever's teeth:
I would also make sure Guy gets fed a high quality dog food and provide him with plenty of hard, safe chew toys that help his teeth to be cleaned by the natural process of chewing.
I would also make sure to get Guy an appointment with his veterinarian for there are a variety of conditions (gastrointestinal problems, diabetes, respiratory problems) that may lead to halitosis. Your veterinarian will run test to pinpoint the cause of your Guy's bad breath and ensure he is in good health. Hope this helps.
Wishing you a very happy and very healthy New Year. Thanks to all for all of your questions, comments and stories. Hoping all your dreams and wishes come through in 2010!
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