Showing posts with label Labrador Retriever. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Labrador Retriever. Show all posts

Monday, June 1, 2009

Things You May Need to Know When Training a Labrador Puppy



There are many things people do not understand about training their puppy. When you train your puppy to be an obedient dog, it gives you control and they always seem to be a much happier pup. Things you may need to know on training a Labrador puppy as simple and can be fun. Puppies are not born to know right from wrong and when they do something that is fun to them (like digging in the garbage) they do not understand nor do they know that this is wrong, unless they are taught that.

From the first day they are born they are constantly being taught how to feed, play, and defend themselves. Their mother is their first teacher and also their canine siblings. Then they go on to be with a family and the owner becomes their next leader at that point. Things you need to know on training a Labrador puppy are, one that you need to be consistent with your lessons and different commands. The more you willing to work with your puppy the more obedience you will see. You may want to watch your puppy closely to see when he or she is getting into mischief. By doing this you are taking control over the situation immediately and you are correcting their behavior.

Another thing you may need to know on training a Labrador puppy is to reward their good behavior. When you reward them when do something that they have been taught you are letting them know that they are doing something good and this behavior will indeed be repeated. My suggestion is to always have a treat handy. See. Our commands to a puppy make no sense at all. They learn them by our hand movements and signals and even the tone of voice we use.

Monday, March 16, 2009

English Labrador Retriever



Labrador retriever got famous in England during the year 1870 and it was during the year 1903 when the English Kennel Club tagged it as a breed popular as house pets. Later during the year 1917, this breed became popular at American Kennel Club. Labrador retriever breed is the most famous and registered breed in United States as well as in United Kingdom. Popularity of this breed is increased due to its ability on field. Labrador Retrievers are well known and adjustable for tracking, hunting, retrieving, law work, narcotics work and also for spirited obedience. These are also adoptable for watch dog job, serving the blind, investigate and set free. Labrador retriever differs as per size as medium to large and they are athletes. English Labrador retriever dogs are solid and their skin coat is double layered that come in different colors, various shades of yellow, black and chocolate.

Labrador Retrievers are in two types namely the English Lab and the American lab. These are not considered as two separate breeds but have some differences in them. English Labrador retriever are shorter compared to American labs. They are very affectionate and have beautiful and expressive eyes. Labs have pendant ears that hang close to their head. Labradors have a thick powerful neck and their chest is a bit broad with a strong back. Tail of this breed is medium in size and distinguishable. The popularity of these breeds has increased due to their friendly nature. They are very loving, affectionate and clever dogs. This breed is loyal and full with character and gets along well with children. These dogs require a good set of people to take care of with time and love shown for them. Labs are a kind of breed that requires fewer efforts for training.

Labs respond in a best way to helpful reinforcements. English Labrador Retrievers are with friendly nature and thus they are not suitable for a safety guard purpose. These can be used as watch dogs as they display a good barking power as they see unfamiliar people coming close to them or approaching towards house. Labs can be very different and unhelpful if proper physical and mental motivation are not given or are kept alone for longer duration. These can proceed forcefully when they see other dogs particularly of same sex. In general this breed is one of the popular dogs allover and is liked by everyone. These dogs are very handy for indoor purpose and deal with good help outside too. The Labrador breed is a fun dog that likes to play all the time or get busy in something or the other. A regular walk or going for jogging along with these dogs is a kind of refreshments for them. No breed enjoys staying at home all the time. Swimming can be a good option for these dogs specially the younger ones. Keeping English Labrador retrievers is a good option for enjoyment as well as some security.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Labrador Training Techniques



Have you recently purchased a Labrador retriever? Maybe you don't know it, but you now own one of the best breeds of dogs available today. In fact, maybe I should go so far as to say that you own the best breed. Anyway, you definitely have one fantastic dog that should give you a future full of enjoyment.

Labradors continually amaze their owners with what they can do. On average, they are very easy to train especially when you understand their character a little more. Being bred for gathering and hunting, they have been developed into a fine animal with tremendous smarts and ability. It basically means that you'll have a much easier time in training him.

Even though they have a tremendous capability for learning, it's always best to start out with some good Labrador training techniques. Starting with some basics will help you on your way towards a more fulfilling life for you and your dog. The more your dog knows and learns, the more he will become a fine member of the family that fits like the last fitted piece of a completed puzzle.

First, use patience when ever dealing with your Labrador. I'm not only talking about those times of formal training sessions with your dog but anytime and anywhere. Any dog will respond better to a master who exudes a calm commanding dominant demeanor. Probably the most important factor providing this result will be a continuous use of patience. Your dog will do almost anything to get your favor, simply use patience and what you desire from your dog will have a better chance of coming to fruition.

Second, start out using a leash and collar as soon as possible. There will be no better time than the present to getting your Labrador comfortable with his collar and leash. The longer you put off implementing the use of a leash, the harder it will likely be in getting your dog comfortable with it later. Using a leash not only makes it easier to train your dog but also is a basic requirement in your ability to effectively control your dog especially in public.

Third, always work towards the goal of positively reinforcing your dogs learning and training. Dogs will always respond better to positive reinforcement than negative reinforcement. In fact, you'll find it much more tiresome and difficult if you start being negative with your dog. I have yet to find another pet and/or animal that wants to please their master as much as dogs do. That especially goes for Labrador's. Therefore, it makes even more sense to only use positive reinforcement.

Fourth, basic commands are most important not only because they're generally easy to teach but also important for your ability to control your dog. Those commands include sit, stay, and come. Your pleasure will increase greatly after he learns these three commands in the beginning. You'll likely see his willingness and interest to obey after seeing how well he learns these three commands. After learning these, reinforce his training by using these commands every time you get the chance. That includes taking him outside, walking across the street, etc.

Fifth, put in place limitations and rules for your Labrador. Your dog needs to know the rules and limitations required for becoming an enjoyable accepted member of the household. He needs to know where he can relieve himself, sleep, eat, sit, etc. Eventually he should know exactly where his limits are. If you have made a rule that your dog only chews on his toys and not your shoes, he needs to know this through your continual communication. To be fair to him, your rules should be clear in his understanding as soon as possible.

Finally, everyone in the household needs to fully understand these rules and limitations by which your Labrador needs to live by. They also need to understand how to communicate those learned commands to the dog. If one person uses one command for a desired dog action while another uses a different word command, your dog will obviously get confused. Adding a word to a basic command like "sit" will also get your dog confused. If the dog hears "sit down" rather than his already learned command "sit", it will only make it more cumbersome for him as a dog to function effectively within your household.

Humans have a much easier ability to learn unlike dogs. You'll need to continually strive to use the most easiest ways of learning when it comes to your pet Labrador or any other dog. Just by his nature, he will respond to you more than half way. You and others in your household need to respond in-kind by using these good Labrador training techniques to help him function better as a member of your family.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Labrador Problems - Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

A

The Labrador retriever is essentially a creature that does not suffer from any specific behavioral problems, though as with all breeds there are always certain animals that will show some abnormalities including those related to their health and also behavior.


Sometimes, these rather large animals will have problems related to their size including being too aggressive and often diagnosing the exact nature of such Labrador problems can be both confusing as well as difficult. Another common Labrador problem is that of chasing cats and smaller dogs, and this is an instinctive problem that should be addressed through providing adequate Labrador training to your pet at an early stage in his life.


To overcome such problems you may want to check out an expert behaviorist who can suggest possible methods to solve the problem, though if you choose to train your pet on your own be prepared to spend a lot of time in the training him and also exercise patience as well as be determined to teach your pet how he must behave in an appropriate and acceptable manner.


The Labrador is an intelligent animal that is also gentle and by giving him proper Labrador training you can easily resolve most of the common Labrador problems associated with this breed. In fact, a common behavioral problem is that of destructiveness which in turn is often related to separation anxiety and though it is certainly something that will cause dog owners a lot of worry, it can easily be overcome through proper Labrador training and also by giving him special treatment meant to overcome a dog's anxiety. Even use of anti-anxiety medicines is recommended, at least in the beginning when your pet is being taught how to remain calm and not get anxious.


Another common Labrador problem has to do with loud noises which can upset your pet very easily and to overcome such Labrador problems you may need to play recordings of the disturbing sounds at low volumes at first and then as he gets used to the sounds, play them a bit louder until he has overcome his fear of noise at its highest level.


If you notice Labrador problems in your pet that are related to his behavior, you would do well to consult a behaviorist to get some useful leads on how to deal with the problem. In fact, you must be able to provide early and timely Labrador training if you don't want to contend with another common Labrador problem which is that of chewing up things and also destroying property. Such problems generally are noticed in Labradors that are highly energetic and playful and it also occurs when your Labrador gets frustrated when his territory is invaded. Also, chewing becomes a habit in Labradors when they are left alone as it causes them to become anxious and they need some way to vent their fears.


However, Labradors and most other dog breeds as well are not spiteful animals and they do not chew up things to get back at you and thus you need to find out the root cause of the problem before finding appropriate Labrador training methods to help teach your pet how not to chew up your possessions and property. You should also spend as much time as is possible with your dog in sorting out different Labrador problems, and with dedication, determination as well as patience and of course, firmness it should not be difficult to resolve his problematic behaviors.