DOG FAQ - What is the difference between a Labrador and a Retriever?

Retrievers are a type of dog. They are, literally, dogs that retrieve and were originally bred to retrieve game for hunters both on land and in the water. There are six breeds recognized as Retrievers by the AKC. They are: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Flat Coated Retriever, Curly Coated Retriever and Irish Water Spaniels. There are other breeds of Retrievers not currently recognized by the AKC, for example CKC's Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.

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PUPPY SELECTION

Choose a reputable breeder with good references and keen knowledge about Labrador Retriever. Reputable breeders run clean kennels, specialize in only one or two dog breeds, and are able to produce accurate health records for each dog and puppy in their facility.

Choose a playful, outgoing puppy and spend some time getting to know him or her before you make your selection. To pick out the best Labrador Retriever puppy for your family, you’ll need to select a dog with a good temperament. While it can be difficult to gauge a puppy’s temperament when he’s young, there are some things you can look for that may give you a good indication of whether the dog is well socialized. If a puppy runs from you when you try to pick him up or if he hides to avoid contact with you, he is not a well-socialized dog and you should move on. A puppy should feel comfortable when a human picks him up. He shouldn’t whine, whimper or growl when touched.


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LABRADOR RETRIEVER AND CHILDREN

Labrador Retriever also do fairly well with children, but you should be careful when allowing children to play with a Labrador Retriever--although the dogs would never knowingly do harm to any member of their "family", they can sometimes knock down and unintentionally harm a smaller child. As a rule, you shouldn't let children play with Labrador Retrievers without supervision until the dog's training is complete and the dog is well out of its puppy years.

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TRAINING

Tips on Labrador Retriever Training:

1. You are going to want to start out with the smaller commands like sit, down, heel. Then gradually move on to the more difficult ones.

2. Be consistent with your commands and do not let up. Keep saying it and motion for them to do what you are asking until they follow trough with it. Dogs do not understand our commands until they are taught them.

3. Reward their good behavior right away. I you will reward the good behavior you will indeed see this behavior repeated because they know it is going to be rewarded.

4. Keep a watch on your Labrador Retriever so that you are able to correct bad behavior on the spot. Have a firm voice. This will let them know that what they just done was not a good thing. They will eventually understand this concept.

5. It is very important that you keep your cool and have patience with your dog. Nothing is going to change over night. Though, day to day you will gradually see a difference in your Labrador Retriever's behavior.

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FEEDING

When to feed your Labrador Retriever is generally a matter of choice and the age of the dog. Young puppies require four and sometimes even five small meals a day. From about four to eight months, the growing puppy will need three meals a day: morning, noon, and night.

Reduce the feeding schedule to two meals a day at about nine months of age, and finally to the adult diet of one large meal a day at 11 or 12 months of age. Most owners feed an adult dog his main meal in the late afternoon or early evening, and often augment this with a few biscuits or some kibble in the morning. Others just divide the rations into two smaller feedings. Use whatever suits you and your Labrador Retriever best.

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HEALTH INFORMATION

Health problems of Labrador Retriever are somewhat prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, especially the larger dogs, though not as much as some other breeds. Hip scores are recommended before breeding. A luxating patella is also common in the breed.

Eye problems are also possible in some Labrador Retriever, particularly progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, corneal dystrophy and retinal dysplasia. Labrador Retriever which are intended to be bred should be examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist for an eye score.

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TEMPERAMENT

True Labrador Retriever temperament is as much a hallmark of the breed as the "otter" tail. The ideal disposition is one of a kindly, outgoing, tractable nature; eager to please and non-aggressive towards man or animal. The Labrador has much that appeals to people; his gentle ways, intelligence and adaptability make him an ideal dog. Aggressiveness towards humans or other animals, or any evidence of shyness in an adult should be severely penalized.

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GROOMING

Most people assume that because they have short coats that Labrador Retrievers don’t need to be groomed. They are mistaken. Just like their long-haired counterparts, Labrador Retrievers need to be regularly groomed. Regular grooming sessions will keep you apprised of any health conditions your pet might develop. The sessions will also minimize the amount of hair that is shed inside your house. You and your dog will both appreciate the time you spend together.

Step 1 When your Lab is still young the grooming sessions are probably going to be a frustrating experience. Your puppy will be more interested in playing then sitting quietly to let you groom them. The first step when grooming your Labrador Retriever is to train it to sit quietly and enjoy the moment. You will need to be patient and consistent to teach your puppy to behave during its grooming sessions.

Step 2 You need to create a grooming kit for your dog. A small rubber container with a lid is an excellent way to keep all of your grooming supplies in one place. Eventually your Labrador Retriever will recognize the grooming kit. The items that should be in your grooming kit are; a bristle brush, wire slicker brush, a narrow and wide toothed comb, toenail clippers, a short haired rake and a pair of toenail clippers. If you are grooming your Labrador Retriever daily you won’t need most of these items very often, but as long as they are in your grooming kit you’ll have them for the times you need them.

Step 3 When you sit down to groom your Labrador Retriever you need to remove the dead hair from the dog’s coat. The more dead hair you remove from your dog’s coat the less hair you’ll have to vacuum off your furniture. The item that best works to remove the dead hair is your short haired rake.

Step 4 Once you’ve removed all the dead hair from your dogs coat you are ready to use one of the bristle brushes to brush your dog. Using this brush will help pull your dog’s natural oils from the coat and use them to coat the dogs hair, leaving the coat with a healthy shine.

Step 5 When you have finished brushing your dog’s coat take a warm washcloth and remove any eye residue that might have gathered in the corners of your Labrador Retriever’s eyes. Also take a few minutes to examine the ears, if there looks like there is a wax build up use a moist washcloth and gently remove the wax. If you notice a strong odor coming from the dog’s ears you will want to talk to your veterinarian.

Step 6 Each time you groom your Labrador Retriever take a few minutes and examine the pads on the bottom of your dog’s paws. You want make sure there aren’t any cuts, swelling, or splinters marring the pads. Also use this time to check the length of you dog’s toenails. You will need to trim your dog’s nails whenever they get to long.

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