Labrador Retriever Dog Food
When it comes to feeding your Lab there is a primary list of things to consider. Not only do you have to decide what you will feed him but you also have to know how you plan to feed him, when you are going to feed him, and where you are going to feed him as they are all important factors to consider. This is part of establishing a pattern for your Lab that he will follow daily. It also helps to establish a healthy lifestyle for your pet.
You must situate a particular spot for feeding your Lab. While it might seem like a good idea to just feed your dog by setting down his bowl of food in the kitchen somewhere it is best to reconsider that thought. It is understandable that you would like to make your dog feel like he is part of the family but remember that it is best for any dog to be fed where there is no feeling of threat to him. Keep this in mind, dogs have dog instincts, not human instincts and some dogs will devour their food not because they were famished but because they may feel a threat of someone taking it away from them. Your Lab will have a much better meal and enjoy it a lot more if it is away from all of the action.
How often your Lab should be fed is another subject entirely. It is first dependent on the Lab’s age but later is really a matter of when you choose to feed him. When your Lab is a baby he might need to eat as many as five meals per day but around the age of 8 months that should get reduced to about three meals and from there it will be reduced to two meals and eventually down to one by the time he is one year old.
The amount of food that you feed your Lab at each meal is also important. No one can determine the amount that each Lab will eat per setting as it will vary. What will basically be the underlying factor in making this determination is how active your Lab is, his size, and his age. Take a good look at your Lab and make sure that he isn’t thick or overweight. Keep in mind that most dogs will eat whatever you give them whether they are hungry or not. But, if your Lab looks scrawny then maybe you should beef up his meals a bit.
Scheduled feedings for Labrador Retrievers along with fresh cold water that is always available is a must for the Lab. It is a suggestion that you do not feed your Lab after 7pm. This way he will have an opportunity to digest his food and go outside and take care of his business before it is bed time. Start off feeding your Lab about a cup of food. If your Labrador retriever constantly finishes all of his food then begin increasing the amount a little at a time. Just be careful not to overfeed.
Dogs and Labrador
The original name for what is now known as the Labrador retriever was the Lesser Newfoundland. It was as popular back in time as it is today as is now known as the most popular dog breed on the planet. Not only is the Labrador retriever a well loved pet but it is also so smart that it is routinely used as a service dog by law enforcement and other organizations. As the original name suggests, the Labrador was first known to Newfoundland and can be dated back as far as 1878. The well known English Kennel Club recognized The Lab in 1903 as a unique breed but through the years the Lab has bred and there are now a number of Lab mixes available as pets.
There is some belief that the Lab was introduced and discovered first in Portugal long before its introduction in Newfoundland. These people further believe that it was Portuguese sailors that took a liking to them first. This is hard to verify though since there really is no true record of the Lab until around the 19th century when the importation of dogs began.
Small villages in the northern end of Portugal made use of work dogs to protect their livestock. These were St. John’s dogs but resembled the Labrador retriever which is why many believe that Labs originated in Portugal.
What we do know prior to that time is that the Labs went by a different name, “St Johns” dogs. These dogs were very well liked and useful for the fishermen and also the children who loved to play with them. Ironically, this is the very same reputation that the Labs carry with them to this day. They are still known for being wonderful and hard-working dogs. Their hard work was a sought after commodity by the wealthy Englishmen that used to rely on them for hunting purposes. At that time the dogs has to be imported from Canada and it was only the rich that could afford that luxury. St Johns Dogs had dropped that name and became known as Labs by the mid 1800’s.
The laws regarding St Johns Dogs became so strict that the breed eventually faded away. The laws were enforcing only one St Johns Dog per household and strict and expensive licensing fees became compulsory that were even more inflated for the female dogs making it so no one could afford the expense of owning one.
Prior to 1892, all Labs were black in color but after ample breeding they began to show up in a unique liver color. In 1899 the first yellow Lab surfaced and not until 1930 did the world see the first Chocolate Lab.
In both the US and the UK there is no dog loved more than the Lab since the beginning of the 20th century. The very same characteristics that the Lab was loved for back in the 1800’s are still the reason they are so loved today. The Lab loves to hunt but will settle for a good game of fetching.
Yellow Labrador Puppies
Yellow Labrador puppies are one of the most well-liked types of Labrador for families to buy for their children. Yellow Labradors have been depicted in movies frequently and they have always been exposed as being smart, affectionate, and brave. Sometimes films portray Yellow Labrador puppies as being a little different than they are in real life. A comprehensible understanding of what type of work goes into raising a yellow Labradors is very important before a person gets one for themselves or for another family member.
In general, yellow Labradors are very cheerful and well-adjusted animals. They are very fond of those that care for them. These dogs grow to be quite large but they are very powerful but friendly, not only with other people but also with other animals. Unlike some other breeds of dogs that are very territorial, yellow Labradors would not pick a fight if some other dogs would get into their territory.
This is important to remember when considering whether to get a Yellow Labrador puppy or not. They also need families or people that have the time and the resources to provide them with these things. Many people get a dog because they want the companionship that it brings, but they fail to realize the work and dedication that is also involved in owning a dog.
If you are thinking of getting a Yellow Labrador puppy for your child, make sure that you only get a puppy from a reliable breeder. Truthfully, it is never a good idea to buy a puppy from a pet shop because you have no idea where the dog came from. By nature, yellow Labradors would love to be with people all the time. This type of dog is happy to tag along with their owners and make very faithful companions. If your child has been asking you for a pet, you should get him a Yellow Labrador puppy.
Once you already have the name of some reliable dog breeders in your area, you should go out there and take a look at some dog breeders. It is always a good idea to visit the dog breeder and see the kind of dogs that they have. When looking for a reliable breeder where you can get a puppy, you should ask for referrals from friends, relatives or the local dog club in your neighborhood. Most dog lovers would be very happy to help you find the right Yellow Lab for you child.
Most dogs have a generally long lifespan and can live up to 12-13 years but the Yellow Labrador breed often lives for a good 18-19 years. Most commonly you will find that Yellow Labradors are a very intelligent breed. Yellow Labs are also very trainable with a mild temperament so they are very good companion choices for handicapped people as well.
Your yellow Lab puppy loves to play and enjoys plenty of exercise. Make sure that you can give him plenty of attention since they are known to be attention hogs.
Black Labrador Puppies
It is a very exciting time when a family brings home a new puppy but very often it is a hard choice in deciding which kind of puppy to choose. The Labrador retriever has been known to be a very good choice as a family dog. A black Labrador puppy would work well with a family. The Black Lab is a good choice because they are faithful companions and have few health problems.
The Black Labrador retriever pup is one of the more placid breeds of dogs. For a dog owner that really isn’t up to dealing with too many puppy issues, this is a good choice. Black Labs are great with kids and are the perfect match for a loving family. All dogs have their strong points and their weaknesses and with the Black Lab pup his weakness is that he will eat whatever is put in front of him so if he is not monitored carefully he will get fat. Overeating can result in a variety of health problems.
Black Lab pups are super high energy dogs and require a lot of outdoor play time so if you are not able to provide hours of Frisbee and ball playing then you may want to reconsider dog breeds. The exercise that this dog gets outside is what keeps it in shape and helps it to remain healthy. A black Labrador puppy will have an additional level of energy and the owner must be prepared for that. A black Labrador puppy is the perfect dog for people with a family. It is also a desirable dog for those who spend lots of time outdoors and for hunters.
Before you decide to buy a black lab puppy, it is very important that you know a little about the breeder and the puppy’s parents. The following is a checklist of what you should ask your breeder before you decide to buy a black lab puppy. Probably one of the most important things that you must consider before choosing a puppy is to checkout his health. When you’re looking for a puppy, there are a few things that can help determine a puppy’s good or poor health. Feel free to bring this checklist with you when you’re choosing a puppy.
1. The puppy’s eyes. Look at the puppy’s eyes. Are they bright, clear, and clean or are they tearful looking, caked with slime, and runny?
2. The puppy’s ears. Are they clean (both inside and outside) free of ticks and free of hairless patches?
3. The puppy’s mouth. Are the puppy’s gums and teeth clean, the proper color, and free of sores, plaque and food? Is the tongue clean? Does the puppy’s breath have that sour milk puppy smell or does it smell decayed?
4. The puppy’s coat. Is it free from mats, dirt, and feces, especially around the rectum? Is the coat clean and very soft? Or is it patchy with bald spots? Is there evidence of ticks or fleas (small black spots or raised red bumps are evidence of fleas.) Does the puppy stink?
5. The puppy’s paws. Are they clean with clipped nails and nothing lodged between the pads? Does the puppy walk easily or does it limp?
6. How does the puppy act? Is he energetic, curious, and interested in you? Or does he seem to be tired and not interested in you, even when you try to get its attention?
Chocolate Labrador Puppies
Chocolate Labrador retriever puppies make fantastic pets. Once they are grown they still remain high spirited, bouncy, and happy dogs. They are extremely gentle, so much in fact that they can usually hold your hand in their mouths and you won’t feel a thing. If you would like an energetic dog that has a deep passion for life then the Chocolate Lab puppy is for you.
Most Chocolate Labradors don’t face the general problems that most other dog breeds have. Chocolate Labs are not destructive or territorial and they are also not oversensitive or complicated. Chocolate Lab puppies are very eager to learn which makes them rather easy to train. They love nothing more than to please people, especially their master.
Chocolate Labradors are incredibly tolerant of other animals which make them a great choice if you have any other household pets. You and your dog will definitely have a problem with each other if you are laid back and more of a couch potato. Chocolate Lab puppies do not like to lay around idle; they love vigorous exercise and lots of it.
The best way to bond with your Chocolate Lab is to buy a Puppy rather than a dog. The reason for this is not because dogs can not be trained but rather because of the special bonding time that the two of you will spend together if your Chocolate Lab is a puppy. Chocolate Labrador retriever puppies are very active, which is completely normal.
Chocolate Labrador retriever puppies are not very hard to find and you can pretty much buy one when you want to. It is possible to buy one from places such as a pet store, a breeder or even a private owner but it is highly advised that you proceed with caution if you consider a pet store. The vast majority of pet stores in America get their puppies from puppy mills.
Ideally, you don’t want your Chocolate Lab pup to come from a puppy mill as they surely do not have very good reputations. They are known for having dogs that are plagued with a variety of problems such as flea infestations and genetic abnormalities. It is also common for dogs that come from puppy mills to have personality issues as well.
Labrador Retrievers come in three different colors primarily, brown, better known as chocolate, black, and yellow. All three colors can come in different shades. If you breed two chocolate Labs you will get chocolate Labs in return from the litter but if you breed chocolate and yellow you will likely get all three colors.
A Chocolate Lab puppy is an ideal choice for a dog and will likely give you years of love and dedication.
Labrador Puppy Training
There is not much that can be more annoying than a destructive or an aggressive puppy. When puppies are like this, especially Labs, the issue has to be taken care of immediately if it is going to be successful. If this situation isn’t handled immediately you will have lost control and your Lab will be the one in charge. Even if you’re Lab displays some aggression it is important for you to know that you can change his behavior and make him know who the boss really is. If you are not sure what types of behaviors that aggressive Labs show then here is a list of what you should look for:
• Managing behaviour (at all ages, with more specific info for puppies), barking, whining, house-training, play-biting, chewing, orbiting
• Does your Lab growl when he feels like his food is going to be taken away or when a human approaches his dish?
• Does your Lab nip at you or others?
• Does your Lab raise his tail in certain situations that do not warrant him being defensive?
• Does your Lab show his teeth around people?
• Does your Lab hide his toys and show signs of aggression when anyone touches or gets near the toys?
• Does your Lab curl his lip?
Sometimes people get puppies that are difficult to train but this is when the owner has to act and provide sufficient training so that the Lab grows up to be a healthy, happy, and lovable dog. Labs are very intelligent which is likely why they have been used throughout the years and the world as a service dog assisting law enforcement officials and for search and rescue missions.
Labs are simply trained, tolerant and temperate with children, dedicated, self-assured, lovable and willing to please in most cases. Labrador Retrievers take pleasure in gratifying their masters which makes training all the easier. By nature, the Lab doesn’t have any guarding instincts.
There are things that some people do not know about training their Lab puppy. When a Lab is trained correctly it will place you in control and everyone will be a lot happier. No dog is born with the capability of knowing right from wrong so it is up to the owner to teach him. Waiting until the dog is older to train it is a very bad and often unchangeable idea.
Some facts that will make training your Lab easier is to remember that you must be consistent with your training and special instructions, the more often that you work with your puppy the more respect you will see, and always correct their behavior immediately.
Labrador Retriever Puppies
Attention all puppy shoppers! Every little puppy is going to be adorable and make you fall in love with him but in most cases only one special puppy is going to be the chosen one. You will likely find yourself so torn on which puppy, from all the labs you could choose, is the winner but use caution when making your selection. There are a few things that you should know and understand about how to make that choice.
Stick with the puppy that is laid back and almost appears to wait his turn. These dogs are compliant and will make great dogs that will be enjoyable and docile when they are grown. There is a lot to be said about the way puppies act and how that follows them into adulthood.
The dogs that are snappy and more aggressive are usually the puppies that dominated the litter when they were born. These are the puppies that you will see trampling his brothers and sisters before they are separated. Also, avoid puppies that seem withdrawn and anxious as they tend to be the dogs that become destructive when they are grown.
Gain knowledge of all that you possibly can about Labs prior to deciding on your puppy. This is worth the time to do before you get your puppy so that you know about things like possible medical disorders that plague Labs or their socialization skills. Find out how they should be cared for by talking to Lab owners, reading relevant materials, and harvesting information from the Internet. Ask about how to avoid and deal with separation anxiety that Labs are famous for suffering from.
Find out the best time of the year to get your puppy so you aren’t limited in any way. You want your choices to be ample and in order for this to be the case you need to be on top of these things. The best time to go Lab shopping is in the spring months and the fall months.
Your best source of information is going to come from the puppy’s breeder and if you have completed all of your relevant research then you will know exactly the right questions to ask him. It is vital to know where your potential puppy cam from and what he has been doing and exposed to in the past two months.
Was your puppy born through this particular breeder or was he shipped in? This is important to know so you can know everything possible about your newest member to your family. Ask your breeder if he ever deals with dog dealers or dog brokers when he has a litter. This is significant as it gives you an idea of how the owner feels about his pups.
If this breeder is insistent on keeping his pups until they are ready to leave their mother then that is a good indication that he has cared well for his litter. Unfortunately, some breeders are quick to get rid of the puppies early. Ask him if the Lab puppies have been exposed to other animals or to smaller children so you know and can understand any behaviors that could arise later on.
Knowing all of these things will surely help you to make a conscious choice about your new puppy and is sure to give you the home court advantage with your new Lab.
The Labrador Retriever Breed
The Labrador retriever is an exceptionally popular dog equally in the United States and the United Kingdom. The Labrador retriever is especially committed and trustworthy and has its roots as a grand hunting dog. They were in also well-liked for serving the fishermen by helping them haul fishing nets ashore. This dedicated dog is a magnificent selection, an exceptional guide or rescue dog.
Most Labrador retrievers do not live more than 15 years. The only bona fide distinction between female and male Labs is the size. The chocolate Lab and the Yellow Lab and are the most well-liked dog in the US and the UK. These dogs are adored and very intelligent. They are also bouncy and full of vigor. Those qualities in addition to their good quality temperament make them excellent pets.
The Lab has a tail that is a unique trait of this breed. The tail should be particularly hulking at the base, gradually thinning near the tip but only medium in length. A lot of people have called the Lab’s tail the “otter” tail for the reason that it has a strong likeness. The tail should never curl above the back. Tiny tails or long scrawny tails are critical flaws. The tail enhances the strength of the Labrador by giving it a refined contour from the head to the tail. The tail should not be docked or altered in any way.
The average size of a Lab is medium to big compared with other breeds. Male Labs stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and females stand between 22-24 inches tall. Males commonly weigh 80 pounds or less and females weigh 70 pounds or less. The Lab’s fur is normally short and thick and it resists water well. This buoyancy in the Lab’s fur makes him a grand dog for wintry weather seeing that the water never comes in contact with the skin. The fur of the Lab is usually either yellow or brown.
The Lab has a head that is especially distinct and also has a very prominent brow. The Lab also has brown or hazel eyes with a black lining the surrounds the outer edge of the eye. The ears must drop close to the head and are positioned slightly above the eyes. The body is actually powerful and well-developed. The most distinctive physical characteristic of the Lab is still the tail however their trademark is their good-natured disposition.
The Labrador retriever has immense endurance with big nostrils, a deep chest, and a wide muzzle. Lab’s have relatively long legs but are not awkward however they are extremely well balanced. The color of the Lab’s nose is extremely significant in determining a thorough bred. A completely pink nose or a nose that is lacking in coloring is disqualified.
The Labrador’s back is broad, strong and physically powerful starting at the hip and back to the hock. When you look at the Lab from at the rear you ought to see hind legs that are parallel and aligned.
Labrador Dog Training
The Labrador is likely the best choice of a dog that you could make. The one factor that is going to make or break your experience with this dog is how well he is trained, if at all. Maybe you bought him when he was not a puppy or perhaps you have just never taken the time to train your Lab but one thing is certain and that is once you put the training steps in motion and show some consistency you can guarantee that it will be a joyful experience. Remember, Labs are very smart and motivated so training them is usually not a problem.
The great thing about Labs is that they are easy to train because they have such a wonderful disposition. There are still a few tricks though in being successful with your Lab training. The most successful trainers are, simply put, those who know what they are doing. These fundamentals will be of assistance to you on your course towards successful training for the advantage of everyone involved, including your Lab.
First on the agenda is to set boundaries for your Lab, both inside and outside of the house. Maybe there are certain areas of your backyard where you don’t want your Lab to go to the bathroom or mess around in…define them and do the same inside the house. Perhaps there are certain places that you want to be off limit to your Lab during certain hours of the day…define them. The basic meat and potatoes of training your Lab is this, always reward good behavior.
It is a good idea when you are training your Lab to challenge him both physically and mentally. Remember, Labs are very smart and have the ability to do some simple problem solving and they enjoy challenges. Labs have the capacity to learn whether they are small pups or grown dogs. The only difference is that when they are puppies their attention span is shorter. A piece of advice that will get you far while training is, only teach your Lab one thing at a time. It is also a good idea to offer shorter but more frequent training sessions as opposed to longer more drawn out ones.
Training a Lab is a lot like teaching a child so make sure that you always making learning enjoyable if you want to make use of their attention span. Just be patient. Being impatient can be very damaging during training sessions. Your Lab is keen to your frustration and it will hinder his ability to learn. Look at training sessions as a bonding time with your Lab. Once you are able to master the basics then you can move on to more advanced training.
Positive reinforcement is worth its weight in gold because your Lab will walk away from training feeling rewarded and happy. Always make sure that following a session of training that you reward your Lab with either a pleasant experience or a special treat. Eventually, it should get to the point where the dog is waiting and expecting that reward afterwards. This ensures that your Lab will repeat the positive behavior. Positive reinforcement is a very valuable tool.
Labrador Retriever Information
The Labrador retriever is the most popular breed of dog in the United States. They are also by far the most popular dogs in The United Kingdom with over 45,000 registrations. There is a lot of information available about the Lab in a variety of areas. Labs are great pets in general…they adore kids and they are faithful servants. Labs love to exercise, run around and play but they also require some maintenance.
Labs need to be exercised every day…whether it is a play in the park, a swim in the pool, or a walk around the block. A home with a securely fenced in yard is the perfect environment for any Lab since they need a lot of room to run and play. In most instances Labs just love other pets too! They are fantastic with children and they are great watchdogs.
Labrador retriever’s often develop some health problems such as epilepsy, skin tumors, canine hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disorders, and skin allergies. Labs are no more prone to illness and disease than any other dog but each dog breed has its own group of health problems and these are what Labs seem to get most often.
The Labrador has a coat of hair that repels water; it is also thick and needs to be brushed regularly. Labs also need for their owners to brush their teeth for them or provide them with dental chews that do the trick instead of brushing. This helps to prevent plaque from forming on the teeth and thwarts periodontal disease. Their toenails also need to be clipped regularly. A healthy and cared for Lab will usually live about 12-15 years. This life span requires that the dog gets proper nutrition and exercise as well as great medical care and good living conditions.
The American Kennel Association first registered the Labrador in 1917. The Lab originates from Canada and was used by fishermen to haul in the fishing nets from the extremely cold waters. They were also used by hunters to retrieve ducks and other waterfowl. They are also used as guide dogs for the blind and therapy dogs.
The difference between English and American Labs is that the English Lab is a bit smaller and shorter but their face seems to appear fuller. The American Labs have a more overexcited personality. The typical characteristics of the Lab are that they are very smart, compliant, docile, friendly, and trustworthy. They are also very full of life particularly when they are puppies. Labs have a wonderful disposition. They are non-aggressive, playful and constantly willing to make somebody’s day.
Conversely, if you want a family pet but don’t want the hassle or the commitment of taking your dog running, biking, or swimming then it is best that you do not buy a Lab because they really need this interaction with their master to thrive.
Labrador retriever’s require a great deal of camaraderie and dislike being left home unaccompanied for more than just a little while. When they are, they can be very destructive so if you are gone a lot then you may want to reconsider buying the Lab.
