Any Labrador owners out there? Just got a yellow Lab needs some advice.

1cheater · Apr 24, 2007

I had the huge fortune of getting a Yellow Lab (pure bread) given to me. He is 1 1/2 years old. I have all the papers; his mother and father had very good health (Hip Displacia readings) Mother was rated excellent and father was good. Anyone have a Labrador that could give me some tips on training and care (health related) it would be greatly appreciated! I have a Friend who already recommended using Natural Choice as his dog food. I do plan on taking him to some obedience classes very soon. He has an awesome disposition, very friendly, calm, hardly ever barks, good with kids! I'm not sure if I want to bread him? Any thoughts on that subject would also be appreciated..

Thanks for your help. :toast:

Kruser6 · Apr 24, 2007

Labs are wonderful dogs. Congratulations.

I have been hunting for over 16 years with Labs and I couldn't think of not having one with me.

As for food, I just feed her purina one. It a good food, and they have different formulas for different ages. My little girl is getting old so she is on the senior dog food that helps with her joints.

-As for training, the sky is the limit. Mine plays dead, gets a beer out of the fridge, retrieves, sits, stays, rolls over, can catch a frisbee like its her job. They are normally very smart dogs, but its often how much time you put into them.

I never "Hit" my dog, but you do need discipline. For hunting I have a shock collar that I now have only pressed the button once over the past 2 years. As soon as she gets it on, she behaves! The other form of discipline was lightly pressing a bottlecap to her ear. I never want a dog to DUCK when someone raises their hand, so this is the approach I used. However, I barely used discipline with her, just positive reinforcement.

I guess I really haven't answered much, but what is it that your new addition CAN do and what is it that you WANT it to do?

sean1 · Apr 24, 2007

I had two labs. Sadly only one is still alive. They are wonderful companions.

One was perfectly trained. The other one was full of mischief.

Just be nice to the dog and reward him when he does what you show him.

Say sit, put his but down, give him a treat. Repeat. Soon you won't need to do anything.

Sean

geauxhome · Apr 24, 2007

have owned labs for years. best advice/info i got was this: labs are bred to retrieve and if you don't fulfill that desire they have the potential to drive you crazy. my labs are great for hunting but that's only good in season...therefore i bought a frisbie for off season...it's easy, entertaining, and it will drain them of their energy and desire to fetch...plus you can easily incorporate obediance training with the frisbie...an excersised lab is a wonderful pet

1cheater · Apr 24, 2007

Kruser6 said:
Labs are wonderful dogs. Congratulations.

I have been hunting for over 16 years with Labs and I couldn't think of not having one with me.

As for food, I just feed her purina one. It a good food, and they have different formulas for different ages. My little girl is getting old so she is on the senior dog food that helps with her joints.

-As for training, the sky is the limit. Mine plays dead, gets a beer out of the fridge, retrieves, sits, stays, rolls over, can catch a frisbee like its her job. They are normally very smart dogs, but its often how much time you put into them.

I never "Hit" my dog, but you do need discipline. For hunting I have a shock collar that I now have only pressed the button once over the past 2 years. As soon as she gets it on, she behaves! The other form of discipline was lightly pressing a bottlecap to her ear. I never want a dog to DUCK when someone raises their hand, so this is the approach I used. However, I barely used discipline with her, just positive reinforcement.

I guess I really haven't answered much, but what is it that your new addition CAN do and what is it that you WANT it to do?

Thanks for the info... I just want a family dog that is disciplined and friendly, that's it.

Thanks for all the advice so far.. He has a stuffed bear that I play fecth with him; he almost always has it in his mouth outside. He loves to be outside. I have only had him since Sunday and he has adjusted to my house unbelievably well.

Italianole · Apr 24, 2007

All the above advice is great. Make sure it is outside a lot and receiving exercise! I had a lab from the age of 4 until I was 18. Man, it was the greatest dog I have ever had. It was always happy and would do anything for its family. I would go ride atv's on our land for miles almost daily and it followed us the entire way every single time we went. Cleo :cryingcry

crunch99 · Apr 24, 2007

All dogs are great. I have chihuahuas, australian shephard, beagle, collie/lab, german shephard, chow chow..... last two are deceased but they are/were all great dogs.

It's pretty easy to teach them the basics like sit, hand, lie down. Just show how to do it at first, then reward (with snacks & praise). They will eventually do it without even being told because they want a snack.

firemanx · Apr 24, 2007

Labs have a tendancy to be very energetic. So a nice long walk usually does the job. They are very loyal to there owners, and train very well.

wolfie_cr · Apr 24, 2007

buy this book ( http://www.amazon.com/Marley-Me-Lif...0133765?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177450487&sr=8-2 ) .........then hope yours is not like Marley LOL

I have one, unfortunately after I fixed him.......he gained too much weight, I am trying to get him back to normal levels , it will probably take me at least 1 year to get him back into shape

Journeyman · Apr 24, 2007

they're very hyper dogs and appear needy but it's in their nature, people say they need a job or they become very hyper, they do need alot of attention for a dog, i'm sure wth your family that won't be a problem

I've known 3 real well and all 3 were very hyper... good dogs though once they settle down...problem is they never really do get over that 'glad to see you' everytime you come in the door..lol

Labs are infamous for getting into trouble, very smart dogs though, very repetitious, I think they rank on the high end of intelligence for dogs too.

12-15 year best buddy is what you just got...and don't forget to get some kind of tick/lyme disease prevention...

dillydog · Apr 24, 2007

got one..hes a nut nah hes really good I think he only thing I can add you will get out whatever you put in.It seems to hold true for most things.Good luck and congrats

lander · Apr 24, 2007

I have a pure breed yellow lab at the same age. Take that monster back.
They are a destructive, sneaky bast*rd and are immune to punishment.

ChalksR4Kids · Apr 25, 2007

Get him a retriever dummy. Basically, it's a canvas covered, weighted bag that hits the water like a dead duck. Under $10 and he will love it.

Extraordinary_5 · Apr 25, 2007

Always wanted a dog, and did some research, found out that Lab is the most popular dog in the U.S, and also read that Lab has very good temper and overall, a very good dog for family...

But the problem is that they need lots of attention and excerice, and I'm afraid I can't provide that.

TomBrady#1 · Apr 25, 2007

I got two dogs (daschunds, the dogs that look like hot dogs) and they are great. Mans best friend. Treat them well at all times...give them good food, plenty of water, discipline, love and exercize and you will be fine. It takes take time every day to take care of them but it is worth it. Read a book on labs (known to be a great breed for homeowners) and talk to a good vet)....g/l and enjoy!

Rawpimple · Apr 25, 2007

I have a yellow lab that is unfortunately on his way out.

Buy a can of racquetballs, ice, and ben gay.

Train the dog as early as you can. You need to do that Cesar school of Discipline, Exercise, and Affection. These dogs need these three things. They are the best dogs but need the three above. They are highly intelligent dogs. In fact only German Shepards score as high or higher.
Definitely will be your best friend. They also love swimming so if you have a nice size pool, you wont be able to get them out. You could always go in the pool, leave the dog inside with the curtains opened and have him watch you having fun in the pool.

Kruser6 · Apr 25, 2007

Extraordinary_5% said:
Always wanted a dog, and did some research, found out that Lab is the most popular dog in the U.S, and also read that Lab has very good temper and overall, a very good dog for family...

But the problem is that they need lots of attention and excerice, and I'm afraid I can't provide that.

Why? You need exercise also. They make great running mates!

UoweDucks · Apr 25, 2007

My 11 yr old black lab has been a terrific dog. She is great with the family. Do obedience training immediately it will pay big dividends. Exercise them daily it will get a lot of that pent up energy out. She loves to swim and if you are near water you can't keep her out... Mine was a "puppy" for 2.5 years then mellowed. I've fed her Purina ONE since birth. Lately she is having liver problems and we switched to prescription.

Good luck and have fun with your new friend every day!

robmpink · Apr 25, 2007

we have a 2 year old black lab and it is tough. Constantly taking garbage out of the baskets. Very fun dog, but we wish she would chill a bit.

LogansRun · Apr 25, 2007

Where's green doberman? I believe his wife is a professional dog trainer so they can certainly give you advice.

Like rawpimple says, REALLY exercise your dog and it makes your life a whole lot easier.