A new owner's guide to Labrador Retrievers.

As of 2020, the Labrador Retriever breed has topped the American Kennel Club's Popular Dog Breeds list for 19 years running, and for good reason. This athletic breed is almost universally outgoing, eager to try new things, and equipped with a strong desire to please people. This is a breed of dog that can adapt to any situation; Labrador Retrievers have become military heroes, field trial champions, famous movie stars, and more. The Labrador is a good fit for either novice or veteran pet parents, but their exuberance and athleticism may be too much for some individuals. This guide will give you all the information you need not only to decide if a Labrador Retriever is the right fit for your household, but also to guide you to the right individual dog, and how to train it to be a well mannered canine citizen. In these pages, you will discover the answers to such crucial questions as: Is a Labrador Retriever the right dog for me? How do I choose the right Labrador for my needs? How do I prepare my home for an active, athletic Lab? What training methods are most effective for Labrador Retrievers? The Complete Guide to Labrador Retrievers, by respected British veterinarian Jo de Klerk, provides valuable information on a wide range of essential topics. You will find yourself reaching for this manual over and over again throughout your Labrador's life, gaining indispensable knowledge on how to raise your Labrador Retriever pup to be a healthy, happy, and well behaved canine companion. This book delves into nearly every aspect of the Labrador Retriever breed, including: The history of the Labrador Retriever How to select a good breeder Choosing your Lab from a rescue or shelter Lab-proofing your home Training do's and don'ts for the Labrador What to expect the first few days home Housetraining your Labrador Retriever The importance of mental and physical exercise Training and socialization techniques for your Labrador Retriever Common behavior issues for Labs (and how to prevent them) How to choose the best veterinarian for your dog Health and wellness information for all stages Working, showing, or breeding your Labrador Retriever The aging Labrador Labrador Retrievers are athletic, outgoing canines who can excel in any role. While they do require a little more exercise and attention than many other breeds, those who choose to share their lives with Labradors are richly rewarded with a loyal and loving companion who is always up for the next adventure. From choosing a breeder to caring for your senior pet, this book will be there to show you how to give your Labrador Retriever a fantastic and full life. This comprehensive guidebook by veterinarian Jo de Klerk is required reading for anyone who loves Labs!

ABOUT THE BOOK The Labrador Retriever, commonly known as the Lab, was originally bred to retrieve fishing nets from the water, and to catch fish which jumped off the hook. The lab insured a greater catch for fishermen who had a retriever in their care. As the breed evolved, Labs rapidly gained popularity as a hunting dog and as a companion. Today, its intelligence and their ability to be trained which have made the breed indispensable in a wide variety of fields. Raising Labradors is a rewarding experience for a multitude of reasons. First, labs are extremely popular, and thus very easy to market. In fact, according to the American Kennel Club's rankings, they have been the most popular dogs in America for more than 20 years. They are energetic and loyal companions that appeal to a variety of owners because of their varied skill set. They also have a fantastic personality, as they are typically mild-tempered and extremely intelligent. MEET THE AUTHOR Misty B. is an experienced writer and a member of the Hyperink Team, which works hard to bring you high-quality, engaging, fun content. Happy reading! EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK Some of the most unique and remarkable physical attributes carried by the Lab breed are directly related to their early use by fishermen. The distinct interwoven pattern of their coat has unique waterproof qualities. Moisture will bead up and roll off their coat making it easier for them to swim without resistance. It also provides a unique layer of insulation, as water does not penetrate the inner layers of the coat so that labs stay both dry and warm in damp conditions. Labrador retrievers also have webbed feet which make the excellent swimmers, and which make them more sure-footed on rough or slick terrain. Finally, their tail is wide and flat; designed to be used like a propeller behind the body while swimming. Basic obedience training should always be completed before expecting a lab to learn a special skill set. Obedience training should begin at about eight weeks and continue until the dog is well behaved and consistently responsive. New skills, which target specialized purposes, like service or hunting, can then be added. There is a separate and distinct set of standards for dogs that will be used as service animals. Before a lab can qualify as a service dog, it must undergo emotional stability assessments, control and dexterity trials, exams for physical soundness and more. These tests should be performed before training begins for service skills. Dogs are trained for service between eight months and a year old, and generally go into service between the ages of 18 months and two years. CHAPTER OUTLINE A New Owner's Guide to Labrador Retreivers + Introduction + Physical Attributes + Unique Features + Training Labs to Serve a Special Purpose + ...and much more

Discover everything you need to know about man’s best friend—the Labrador retriever—with The Everything Labrador Retriever Book. According to the American Kennel Club, the Labrador retriever has been rated as the most popular purebred dog in America for thirteen consecutive years. In fact, nearly three times as many Labs were registered in 2002 than any other breed. The Everything Labrador Retriever Book is the perfect introduction to America’s most popular pet. Written by dog expert Kim Campbell Thornton, The Everything Labrador Retriever Book is packed with professional, breed-specific advice that helps readers raise, care for, and train their Lab safely and successfully. Packed full of photos showing Labs in action, The Everything Labrador Retriever Book is perfect for new and seasoned dog owners!

First-time puppy owners and dog lovers will rejoice at this veterinarian-approved dog handbook! Training Your Labrador Retriever provides advice on physical and behavioral characteristics to look for when choosing a puppy, along with recommended training. Good-natured and affectionate, Labrador Retrievers make wonderful pet companions. As part of the Training Your Dog series, Training Your Labrador Retriever focuses on this unique breed, describing its physical traits, history, and behavior. Best of all, Training Your Labrador Retriever provides essential training methods for owners! Important topics covered include: What to look for when choosing a puppy Living with a dog and understanding breed-specific traits Everyday care, grooming, and exercise Nutrition, health maintenance, and potential breed-specific health problems Puppy and dog training, tricks, and play activities All books in this dog training series are spiral bound and contain full-color photos. Informative sidebars are full of breed facts, helpful hints, and quick tips on training. Plus, every book comes with an instructional DVD with a dog training course for new owners! Want to learn about even more dog breeds? The Training Your Dog series is a wonderful collection of titles focused on pairing owners with the best breed for their family and training each breed in accordance with their characteristics. Other books in the series include, Boxers, Great Danes, Pugs, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, Pit Bulls, and more!

Origins and History Puppy Care Training Feeding and Nutrition Breed Standards The Complete Gundog Breeding Showing The Labrador Retriever Worldwide And Much More