I've never read the book, but I completely agree that understanding a dog's mindset or behavior will help you. Though Kayla is part of my family, she's still a different species. From growing up with dogs and reading books, having learned their behaviors, dominance traits, how they communicate, breed characteristics, etc., it's helped me ten fold. Learning a Lab's physiology dog healthcare helps to give it a long happy life, and especially helps in the field or when your hours away from a vet.

 

Nice looking dog AJ.



Tim

 

Another you might want to consider is an Australian Shepard. I have had a LOT of different breed dogs and have never "been owned" by a more intelligent--obediant--protective dog

 

Please don't think I'm pickin' on you Old Hat, but this is one example of why there is so much variation in the Labrador Retreiver breed right now.

Originally, the Labs were never meant to be greater than 80 pounds or so. Through indescriminate breeding as well as breeding for a specific purpose, we now have Labs that routinely top the scales at over 100 pounds. Same goes for their temperment. They were originally bred for a low key, obediant personality, but with the need for large 'field trial' dogs also came the need for a more outgoing and aggressive personality. Some people describe this as 'hyperactive'.

So Worldindusties, if you're going to be looking for a new Lab puppy, you should decide what it is you want most from this dog; a calm docile temperment or something with a bit more activity to it. 'Bench' and 'Field' are the two most common terms used to describe the two recognized types. (some of this is taken directly from the AKC breed standard) Bench is sometimes substituted for 'English', and is the closest to the original breed standard of 22½ to 24½ inches high at the withers for a male, 21½ to 23½ inches for a female. 65 to 80 pounds is optimal for a male and females should be between 55 to 70 pounds. Both should have blocky heads with somewhat short snouts, body length from the point of the shoulder to the point of the rump should be equal to or slightly longer than the distance from the withers to the ground. The tail is a distinguishing feature of the Laband should be very thick at the base, gradually tapering toward the tip, of medium length, and extending no longer than to the hock, thus having that peculiar rounded appearance that has been described as the "otter" tail. The ideal disposition is one of a kindly, outgoing, tractable nature; eager to please and non-aggressive.

The Field Labs, (sometimes called 'American' Labs), are almost opposite of what I've listed above. They are taller and thus heavier. They tend to be more excitable and active, which is exactly what you want if you need a dog that will go into a field, find it's 'bird' and bring it back to you in record time. But it's probably NOT the dog you'd want to just hang around the house, bring you a bird or two on the occasional hunting trip and just generally be your all around buddy.

I'm very adament about people knowing the differences in the Lab breed, mainly because they've been so OVER-bred in the last 20 years or so that we're starting to see traits that are more than just 'undesireable'. Serious hip and eye problems that used to be a rare occurance are now being seen with more regularity.

There's nothing wrong with a good Field Lab if that's what you want and I honestly think that there should be an AKC breed standard written and accepted just for them. But PLEASE do your homework before selecting a breeder and/or a puppy. There are almost unlimited resources out there to help you in the decision making and informational processes. Here's a link to the AKC Lab Breed Standard is you're interested; http://www.akc.org/breeds/labrador_retriever/index.cfm

If you'd like more info, PM me and I can steer you towards some links of interest on the web.

chaikwa.

 

I've got a chocolate lab he's my buddy goes just about everywhere i go.He used to be a inside dog but had alot of energy plus build a new house with a basement so he is a basement dog but stay out side most of the time.great guard dog his size and bark is more intimating than anything he's just a big baby.He is about 12 now and me and him have got fat and lazy lol . IMG]http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh295/sawmillman/P1010016-1.

 

puppy training is worth the solid effort (you being very tired in six weeks) BUT it sets the tone for voice commands, finger (silent) commands and when to play and when to calm down. simple stuff for bathroom training on command and where.


I have raised, trained and worked artic breed dogs for trail running and public service work. all were from the rescue agencies. 12 plus years for all of them and wonderful , true companions.

choose a breed for where you live. get a simple book on training to American Kennel Club good citizenship traits. basic stuff but verrrrry helpful with all life's situations. do not let the dog sleep with you. his own bed in the room, but not in your bed.

commands are : his name ____one word (come, sit, stay, down, pee npoos, danger!) simple, specific- never argue or plead with a dog.
ask me how many times I have heard peopel do this when I am there to solve behavior issues for a problematic 'dog'. yup, people problem not the dog.

good luck- check out the shelters IMO and truly enjoy life with your new companion!
heidi

 

So it sound like I would like a bench or english lab, I think I would perfer a chocolate over black but who know when I see a nice puppy, I think a male would best fit our interests and I know she prefers males (we have to male cats). She called me today and left me a message saying she can get a golden retriever purebred puppy for about 100$, thanks to one of her clients, she wants a puppy now but I think I would like more research, are the golden retriever and a Labrador retriever similar as in attitude, playfulness? we have a friend with a female GR and it seems like a nice dog .Honestly I always wanted a Newfoundland dog minus the slobber and thanks again for all the help

 

You are smart!

I don't really know for sure, but I think there are some distinct differences.

Well, the Labs were originally known as 'Lesser Newfoundlands', as that is where they were originally bred from.

chaikwa.

 

Thats what I heard about the labs thats where we are originally from and It would be nice to have something to remind us from home, you know

 

If you get the right Lab, and you treat it right, you won't just have a dog, you'll have a friend. And that's not some cheap cliché either. I love ALL dogs but I'll never be owned by anything other than a Lab. They talk to you with their eyes.

You'll learn!

chaikwa.

 

They talk to you with their eyes.

That is the most accurate statement to describe a lab ever. Mine is very expressive with his eyes, can always tell what he's thinkin or how he feels, and what he wants.

They really are great people, and the most loving and loyal friend you can ever have.

 

Yes! I can't add anything else because you just about said it all.

Y'know, people who are reading this and have never had a Lab might think we're nuts, that we need to get a life maybe. I guess you just gotta be a Lab person before you can begin to understand that they ain't like other dogs.

chaikwa.

 

That's an Australian Cattle Dog, aka Blue Heeler (cowboy version with docked tail) like the one in my avatar, and hanging around in my photos.
Great dogs, very intense, tough.
They are beyond fast or quick, they are sudden.

 

^^^^^^ I thought that was a blue heeler. Anyhoo --- Herb, that is one beautiful dog. Wish I would have had him earlier this week when I was trying to catch one of my mules that did not want to be cought. Wore me out, but I got her finally. She had a lot more fun than I did.

 

Thank you. She's my bestest bud. She gets a mix of dry food, canned food, and olive oil for her coat. Well, and table scraps which she shouldn't get, but does.