Moon's Graden

I was wondering if any of you had any advice about getting a labrador
puppy. I'm awarer that i want to spend alot of time researching it and
looking into it.... so i was wondering if you could recommend any good
'my first dog' type books. im really e***d about the training phase
so even good training books or somthing would be greatly
appreciated....

Basically any top tips would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Inquire at local vet clinics to see if any of them have clients who
breed for show or hunting, or who show, field trial, or show in
obedience.  Most of the front desk gals know such things.  Ask for
assistance in reaching these folks.... like the clinic conacting them to
call you.... OR find an obedience school that offers Competition
Obedience training (front desk gals often know these schools).... they
will have students who have Good Quality Labs and can point you to
ethical breeders of Good Quality dogs.

Fall is a big season for dog shows and obedience trials.  Go to
www.akc.org and click into Events.... then it's by date and state.  Get
yourself to one of these events.

There are essentially two types of Labs.  Those bred for "field"....
hunting and field trials.  These dogs usually are extremely high energy
and need MUCH exercise, are a bit longer legged, and slightly lighter
build.  The "show" or "English" Lab is heavier set, and somewhat less
wired for energy, but still a very active dog.  I have a friend with 3
"show" Labs who "does it all" with her dogs.... conformation ("Show"),
obedience/rally, agility, field (Hunt Tests... she's not a hunter
herself).... so don't think the show dogs are dead-heads.

You want a breeder who assures that both parents are from sound lines,
have OFA good or excellent hips, clear shoulders and elbows, clear
patellas (all important orthopedic joint issues), CERF clear eye exams,
plus are willing to discuss these and other health issues within the
breed with you.  If they breed for field dogs, you want to see hard
evidence of dogs of their breeding that have titles from Hunt Tests show
up (JH, SH, MH) behind most dogs in the pedigree, and some field trial
titles as well.... maybe some obedience and agility, as well.  From
"show" lines, look for CH (champion) or even GCH (new AKC title for the
best of the champions) titles, and obedience and agility titles, and
Hunt Test titles are a bonus.  The breeder should have the mother of a
litter, but will have copies of the sire's paperwork, such as health
tests and titles, as well as his pedigree, usually will have photos
and/or videos, if that dog is owned by someone else.

If you approach an obedience school, they may have contact information
for good area breeders whose dogs they know, if they don't currently
happen to have Labs in their advanced classes.

Puppies for Dummies, AND Dog Training for Dummies are outstanding home
references, written for those who have minimal or long outdated
experience with puppies and dogs.  They use sound, modern, and effective
methods and are easy for the owner to use.  Both are written by
instructors who are well known and respected in the dog world, and who
are also "trainers of trainers"; they teach top obedience instructors
and top obedience competitors.  They've forgotten more than I'll ever
know.  

DO plan on attending a Puppy Kindergarden Class (usual name) starting
while your puppy is well under 4 months old.  THEN, polish off with a
good basic obedience class starting anywhere between 4 and 12 months of
age (older is fine, too, but this will help you get through the "***age
stage").... and if you're having a grand time, go on to competition
obedience and rally, agility, tracking, field, therapy pet work.....
whatever activity floats your boat and your dog enjoys.  There's also
fly-ball, dock diving, freestyle obedience (obedience/dancing set to
music), search and rescue, a new one called nose work, and probably some
I've forgotten to list.  You will meet lots of great people and dogs,
have a phenomenal bond with your dog, a dog that is highly responsive to
you and a great companion.  Plus you'll learn tons about dogs and
people!  And working and training is great fun.

Jo

There is also the Humane Society route. That's where I got my guys.

http://www.mts.net/~lmlod/Theboys.jpg

They're the friendliest, happy go lucky pair you'll ever meet.

LdB

Chelle

Things you should know about them:

1. They want and love to be part of the family. If you plan to just keep
them outside, they are not the bread for you. My dogs sleep by my feet while
I'm working and watch TV with us in the evening.
2. They have lots of energy and they love to play. One of my dogs has a full
size basketball that he chases around the yard. He always wants you to kick
it so he can retrieve. They need to get out and romp around or they will get
fat.
3. They love kids, there size can be a problem for very small children, they
try not to get too e***d, but it just there nature.
4. They love to eat, ice is the best snack you can give them since it will
not make them fat.

But most of all, love them and love them some more and they return that
love.

Hope this helps
Bob

HI everyone...

I was wondering if any of you had any advice about getting a labrador
puppy. I'm awarer that i want to spend alot of time researching it and
looking into it.... so i was wondering if you could recommend any good
'my first dog' type books. im really e***d about the training phase
so even good training books or somthing would be greatly
appreciated....

Basically any top tips would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Labradors require a lot of your time, they can chew stuff to bits when
they get bored - which they will do if not given a LOT of interaction
and exercise.  Highly intelligent, they really benefit from lots of
training and challenges.  If you have the time get a few breed
specific books from your local library and read all of them.

Would I be guessing correctly that you are in Coventry?  If so your
library is quite good - or at least it used to be when I used it
regularly!

Neil

Now with my second rescue dog, a Labrador Collie cross.

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