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caring for dogs
and their people
since 1984
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the labrador retriever
common training and behavior problems
Bred to work, the young labrador has boundless energy that must be put to use. Labrador owners call us with a variety of issues, the most common are:
- Jumping up on people
- Jumping up on counters
- Knocking over the kids
- Stealing food
- Over-exuberance of energy
- Rushing out the door
- Not coming when called
- General obedience
Generally well-balanced and mellow, we have recently seen a rise in:
- Aggression towards people
- Possessive aggression
Whatever your needs, together we can design a dog training program that is just right for you and your dog.
- Find out more about our dog training services or call 203.232.8018 for a happy more enjoyable relationship.
For recommended reading on dog behavior, view our listmania list at amazon.com.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 The Labrador Retriever ("Labrador" or "Lab" for short), is one of several kinds of retriever, and are the most popular breeds of dog (by registered ownership) in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The breed is exceptionally friendly, intelligent, and good natured, and therefore makes an excellent companion, or service dog. Labrador Retrievers are known to be one of the fastest learning breeds of dog and respond well to praise.
Appearance
Labradors are relatively large with males typically weighing 60 to 80 lb (27 to 36 kg) and females 45 to 70 lb (23 to 32 kg). They are energetic outgoing dogs, and are black, yellow, or brown (called "chocolate") in color, in that order of frequency. Puppies of all colors can potentially occur in the same litter. The color is determined primarily by two genes. The first gene (the B locus) determines the density of the coat's pigment granules: dense granules result in a black coat, sparse ones give a chocolate coat. The second (E) locus determines whether the pigment is produced at all. A dog with the recessive e allele will produce little pigment and will be yellow regardless of its genotype at the B locus[1]. Variations in numerous other genes control the subtler details of the coat's coloration, which in yellow labs varies from white to light gold to a fox red. Yellow labs can have black or pink noses; chocolate and black labs's noses match the coat color. Once in a while, a silver labrador may appear, although this occurrence is rare. Also, there are two distinct Lab origins, American and British. The American lab usually has a slightly longer nose, while the British has a stout nose. The breed tends to shed hair regularly throughout the year. Lab hair is usually fairly short and straight, and the tail quite broad and strong. The otter-like tail and webbed toes of the Labrador Retriever make them excellent swimmers. Their interwoven coat is also relatively waterproof, providing more assistance for swimming. The tail acts as a rudder for changing directions.
Temperament and activities
Labradors are a well-balanced and remarkably versatile breed, adaptable to a wide range of functions as well as making very good pets. As a rule they are not excessively prone to territorialism, pining, insecurity, aggression, destructiveness, hypersensitivity, or other difficult traits which manifest in a variety of breeds, and as the name suggests, they are excellent retrievers. As an extension of this, they instinctively enjoy holding objects and even hands or arms in their mouths, which they can do with great gentleness. They are, however, prone to chew objects (though they can easily be trained out of this behavior). The Labrador Retriever's coat repels water to some extent, thus facilitating the extensive use of the dog in waterfowl hunting.
Labradors have a reputation as a very mellow breed and an excellent family dog (including a good reputation with children of all ages), but some lines (particularly those that have continued to be bred specifically for their skills at working in the field rather than for their appearance) are particularly fast and athletic. Their fun-loving boisterousness and lack of fear can result in mischief, and may require training and firm handling at times to ensure it does not get out of hand. Most Labs enjoy retrieving a ball endlessly and other forms of activity (such as dog agility or flyball), are considerably "food and fun" oriented, very trainable and open-minded to new things, and thrive on human attention and interaction, which they find hard to get enough of. Reflecting their retrieving bloodlines, almost every Lab loves playing in water or swimming.
Labs are very affectionate dogs and require the love they give you to be returned. They enjoy being around their owner 24/7 and make great companions.
Many Labs enjoy eating quite a bit of food, and it is imperative for owners to control food consumption, or your Lab may become slightly overweight, a health risk.
The steady temperament of Labs and their ability to learn quickly make them an ideal breed for assistance dogs.
Wikipedia contributors, "Labrador Retriever," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Labrador_Retriever&oldid=51409617 (accessed May 5, 2006).
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