You have a picture in your head. A picture of yourself with your practically perfect dog. You’ve always preferred big dogs, and your ideal dog is sturdy, strong, and energetic. At the same time, you envision a dog who is gentle and completely in tune to your needs, your whims, and your every move. That perfect dog is likely a Labrador Retriever. After all, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in the United States, according to American Kennel Club registrations. Labs are beautiful, friendly, adaptable, easygoing, brave, loyal, dependable, and intelligent. What could be better? Labrador Retrievers For Dummies is a useful guide to have if you're thinking of getting a Lab or even if you already own one. Perhaps you're just curious about this popular breed. This handy reference is for you if you want to Find out if a Lab suits your lifestyle Know what to look for in Lab pups Determine if a breeder meets high standards Understand health and nutrition needs Handle emergencies with a cool head Train your dog with the lure-and-reward technique Show off your Lab in competitions You can live a fulfilling life with your Lab by making sure she is socialized, healthy, and well trained. What better task for humans and dogs than to be great companions for each other? However, you may need some help in knowing how to get the most out of your relationship with your Lab. This friendly guide offers that help with the following topics and more: Exercising your pup and older Lab Choosing the right veterinarian Exploring spaying/neutering Keeping your Lab beautiful with good grooming Helping your dog deal with divorce, a new baby, moving Managing barking and whining Housetraining your new puppy Traveling to dog-friendly vacation destinations Choosing a pet sitter or boarding kennel Volunteering your lab as a therapy dog Labrador Retrievers are big, energetic, and sometimes boisterous (especially as puppies), and they don't take care of themselves. They need you. Don't let them need you unless you're ready to be needed.

Features a new 8-page color section The bestselling guide to making the most of puppy's first year Bringing home a puppy? This fun, friendly guide to puppyhood prepares you for this tough but terrific time. From the basics -- housebreaking, feeding, training -- to the latest on doggie day care, traveling with a puppy, and the new designer breeds, you get everything you need to help your puppy grow up to be a healthy, playful, well-mannered dog. Discover how to * Choose the perfect puppy for you * Socialize your puppy * Stimulate your puppy's growing mind * Use the latest training tools * Keep peace between kids and puppies

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!

Fall in love with a Doodle Dog! This guide tells you everything you need to know about this popular cross-breed. With their cute names and curly coats, Doodles have become popular pets. And why not? They’re more than just cute—they’re generally affectionate, playful, and highly trainable dogs. They also don’t shed much, so they’ll ideal for people with pet allergies. In other words, a perfect family companion! If you don’t know exactly what a Doodle is, they’re a cross breed of a poodle with another kind of dog; think Labradoodles (Labrador and poodle), Aussiedoodles (Australian shepherd and poodle), Goldendoodles (Golden Retriever and poodle), or Sheepadoodles (English Sheepdog and poodle). You get the idea. The possibilities are endless and no matter the crossbreed, they all live in the cuteness zone. If you don’t want to resist—and who can?—Doodle Dogs For Dummies is the ultimate guide on all things Doodles. You’ll find helpful information within its pages whether you’re just considering a Doodle, or you’ve already brought one home. Learn how to identify breeds Find the Doodle that's best for your family Pick a breeder or go the animal shelter route Keep your Doodle looking their best with proper grooming Acclimate your Doodle to your home, including to other pets Get expert tips on training and healthy treats for your Doodle From long walks on sunny days to cuddling on the couch, you have a lot of quality time to look forward to with your furry best friend. And Doodle Dogs For Dummies will ensure that your Doodle is happy and healthy for their lifetime.

Find out about your Labrador Retriever's special needs Labs are truly a dog-lover's dog. They're gentle, joyful, and above all, eager to please. Who could ask for a sweeter package? Get expert advice on Lab temperament and training tips that will ensure your Lab is a well-mannered companion and member of the family. Open the book and find: Whether a Lab is right for you What and how often to feed your Lab How to groom your Lab and keep him looking good How to keep your Lab healthy for the long haul

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