published 29th December 2016
The Labrador continues to rank as a very popular breed, despite the emerging popularity of many other breeds such as designer breeds and toy-breeds for those now living in the inner city.
The Labrador still ranks as the country’s most popular dog breed in the USA and United Kingdom. Why? Because they are big and sweet and in most cases, a great family pet.
However, they are also the “top dog” when it comes to needing dog training.
Bark Busters has trained more Labradors in the U.S. and Canada than any other breed but mixed breeds. Close at its heels is the Staffordshire Terrier in the United Kingdom and other countries.
Although very trainable, they do need expert training and Bark Busters has a successful track record for training Labradors of all ages and for a list of behavioural traits. Bark Busters training is the type of training that won’t suppress their gregarious personality or spoil their fun loving nature.
Dog owners nowadays understand the importance of locating kind and humane training for their pets, training that is dog friendly and fits into their time scale and training needs. Bark Busters has the Labrador ranked as #1 most trained dog in countries such as the USA, United Kingdom and Canada and still popular in Australia, New Zealand and Spain.
The Labrador Retrievers and the Golden Retrievers are loving, compassionate, and highly motivated dogs. Labs and goldens share many common traits, one that is important is the love of food. These dogs are highly food motivated, which means that they will do anything for that food reward. It is important that we not over feed these dogs as it can result in lameness of joints and diabetes; which are all in conjunction with obesity and over feeding.
Owners of labs and retrievers also need to know that the age at which they are spayed and neutered is important, if the pet reaches sexual maturity before being fixed this will help later in life with obesity or weight gain. Females should ideally go through one to two heat cycles before being fixed, and males should be at least one year of age or older. It is important to also monitor how much food is being fed at a feeding, this over eating/feeding can be contributed to owners not measuring out how much food is being given at one time.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees, whisk all the ingredients together, add water if needed to make dough workable, roll into ½ inch thick, cut with cookie cutter designs, bake on baking sheet for 40 minutes.
Most owners buy treats from the store, but beware that these treats contain high amounts of sugar, fat, and calories. There are many other treat options rather than the store bought ones. A few items that you might have in your refrigerator that you can give your pet are: carrots, green beans, apples, and watermelon. If a lab or retriever is part of a larger household or with children, it is important to explain that the pet doesn’t need treats from everyone. Instead give the pet love and affection, which we all know labs and retrievers love, this will cut down on the amount of treats. Attached below is a quick, easy, and healthy dog treat you can make right at home.
Many thanks to Dr. David Randall for his Tip of the Month. David is from: Big Cypress Animal Clinic 11363 Tamiami Trail East Naples, Florida 34113 Phone: 239-774-2233 Fax: 239-774-952
The breed has always been looked upon as the ideal family dog that possesses a stable temperament, loving nature and kid-friendly personality.
The outgoing, generally sociable Labrador ticks a lot of boxes when it comes to selecting the ideal family dog, but you need to do your homework and make sure you select the right personality and temperament to suit your lifestyle. Don’t select the over-exuberant puppy, if you love the 'great indoors.'
Penny learns to sit patiently and calmly after her bark Busters training From a Bark Busters trainer
Labradors are a smart breed that are constantly training their owners. They can exhibit puppy behavior for a bit longer than other breeds (I have seen 3 year old labrador puppies) they are smart and need to be busy.
I recommend the GameChanger® toy as are a great tool for this breed as it keeps them busy and utilises their brain power.
With Labradors, you have to be consistent and always remember that constant and firm but fair leadership are essential
Luis Escobar-Bark Busters trainer Miami Florida.
Languages spoken: English and Spanish
Jack 3 month old Labrador Retriever relaxing after his training with Bark Busters
To reduce the damage that a young Labrador can do to your precious things, you might want to create a safe, controlled environment. This place should be void of all your precious items and should be the place where you provide entertainment for your dog.
Food - Select the right diet for your dog, one that possesses all of your dog’s nutritional needs.
Shelter - A place to call its own, a bed of its own or a place where it can feel safe such as a den-like crate, that is warm and cozy.
Safety - Your dog’s feeling of security comes from Leadership and the fact that you as its leader will make all the decisions-you need to ensure you provide education and guidance for your dog.
Entertainment - Your dog needs to be entertained to reduce boredom. Toys and activities are essential to keep your dog stimulated and busy and to ensure that your dog is less destructive.
Labradors do have their behavioral issues but obsessive barking is not common to the breed. If they do have barking issues, it’s usually related to excitement, not aggression.However, Bark Busters trainers are often called in to help pet parents stop the chewing, digging and over-exuberance characteristics of the Labradors.
Although very trainable, they do need training. They are known to be tolerant of other dogs and children, but all play between dogs and a child should always be closely monitored.
Baxter (one eyed chocolate, 10 year old),
Sam (center, 1 1/2 year old, rescue),
and Oscar (right, 4 year old).
Click here to read client review
It is the Labrador’s inherited attributes and the public’s perception of the breed that has led them to be excellent candidates for assistance, seeing-eye dogs, therapy, support and scent detection.
Labradors love company and get overjoyed at seeing new faces. This gets them jumping for joy while their powerful tails create a path of destruction among your furniture and knick knacks! Their bouncy, full of energy personalities are sometimes a challenge for their pet parents, but generally they are easy to train and capable of being trained to remain calm.
Jackie P., Herndon, Virginia
Mark came to the training prepared and Helped us with our Lab overcome fright of the stairs. Something had happened that made him not want to climb the stairs. Mark worked with us and Puck and gave us homework to continue.
Trainers Notes : I responded to Jackie's home to assist her with her Labrador Puck, who suddenly lost his confidence to climb the stairs in the home. This was an urgent situation, as he was going to the bathroom inside the basement due to his inability to negotiate the stairs.
Jackie was a return client, who's previous dogs I had trained several years prior. Jackie had contacted my office to set up training for Puck because she trusted the Bark Busters method and in my abilities to help her with her new dog. Once I arrived and assessed the situation, I advised Jackie of our strategy and laid out a training plan to get his confidence back. I explained to Jackie that his fear of the stairs (he may have slipped or tumbled once) was the only thing holding him back, and ultimately he needed to face his fear by her demonstration of leadership and guidance to ultimately show him he could do it! Within the first 20 minutes of the lesson, Puck was climbing the stairs with gentle guidance on the leash, while Jackie used subtle body language and praise to help him along. She practiced the homework I had given her and was happy to report that Puck was confident once again with stairs. (And has never had a problem since!)
Dave Rice, Caep Coral, Florida.
Noticed a difference with my yellow lab immediately. Easy to understand & implement for everyone in the family. Thanks again Patrick
Trainers Notes : Jack is an adorable, lovable golden Labrador that is stereo-typical of the Labradors that Bark Busters are called in to train. They are very trainable, but need understanding and plenty of patience. Not the easiest breed to train sometime, because of their over-exuberant nature, but definitely trainable. Best to get them started early and well before adolescence if possible.
Jack’s owner David was wise to ensure that his dog received the best available early education, to prepare him for adulthood and to ensure that he did not develop any bad habits as he grew and developed.
Jack was typical of what we refer to at Bark Busters as the new-style Labrador and thankfully we have lots of experience in being able to help their owners with their energetic personalities. Check out our info in this article on new-style Labradors.
Beth S. Rye, New York
Nicole was a pleasure to work with!! I asked Nicole to come to my home to help me with several problems (separation anxiety, chasing the cat, whining in the crate) that we are having with one of our dogs.
Trainers Notes : Owner needed help with leadership. She was having some issues, mainly with Sam (separation anxiety). When I met them at the door, it was pretty chaotic; she was trying her best to control all three of them but was having difficulties. I gave her a refresher and taught her how to control their behavior off leash, around the home using some distance control, the front door exercise, door programming and how to practice separating from her dog to address the anxiety her dog was experiencing. She was amazed that she was able to stop them from charging the front door by just using her voice. I am pleased to report that she is now back in control and the leader of her family unit. Seeing her dogs respond like that at the front door really pleased her. She thanked me profusely.
I felt that these were great dogs that would do as instructed, if given the right choice and right approach. All they needed was the correct ‘canine communication’ and education of what was expected, and they would listen. They were doing as requested by the time I left. Beth knows that all she has to do is call or email me and I will go back anytime to assist her. It’s great to know that she is happy to recommend our services to others.
Mark.Rahul N., Aldie, Virginia
Before Mark came to access our beloved dog Rocky a 5 and a half month old chocolate labrador retriever, Rocky had made our life very busy and frustrating as he would not listen to us and be hyper energetic and always want to run around and keep jumping and barking.
Trainers Notes : When I arrived Rocky was so excited and jumping on everyone and biting his family playfully. He was transformed quite quickly on the initial visit, once he realized that I speak dog. He is such a sweet dog! Every training where I can make such a profound difference is so rewarding to me as a professional dog trainer. This puppy was literally bouncing off the walls and using his owner as a chew toy, constantly mouthing on his arm. When he laid down after a few minutes next to them it was almost as if he was thanking them and relieved that he had strong leaders in place for the first time since they brought him home! He is so contented and happy to understand how he should now behave. All achieved with simple and concise canine communication!
Annmarie Zan of Joliet, Illinois
I was very distressed that my PTSD/Seizure Alert Service Dog was showing aggressive behavior (barking & growling) based on fear. After only 1 session I had a much less fearful dog. He actually looks forward to his training. I can't recommend Vicky and Bark Buster enough! Great program!
Trainers Notes : The dog's name is Zahn. He is a 1.5 yo neutered male. His owner contacted me for help in July 2016. The owner has medical needs and he was trained to be a service dog for her with respect to seizures and PTSD. He was good with her and what he was trained to do. However, he was extremely fearful and un-socialized when she got him at 1 yr. The problem is that she lives in a high rise multi-unit building with an elevator and this houses elderly & special needs medical persons like herself. Zahn was growling and barking at the residents in the hallways and in the elevator and she had received complaints.
Zhan’s owner was very quick to understand the program and followed my instructions and was able to get very good results. I was also impressed with her because she fed this dog a 5 star brand of food. Zhan also now has a GameChanger® to help keep him busy while at home.
Betsy W., Surprise, Arizona
I wanted to cry - move over Caesar - Michelle actually speaks to dogs. Walking Thor is enjoyable now. Controlling him has made it that much more easily to love him. We don't even kennel him anymore. He is still very much a puppy and will start to get hyper, but he responds well. I feel a lot more relieved to have my daughter on the floor. He understands boundaries and will not lay on her blanket (her space).
Meghan D., Minneapolis, Minnesota
In just one week's time we've already noticed a big change. Frankie is barking less, doing better on walks and has even mastered the handshake! We're really looking forward to continuing to work with Lynne.
Trainers Notes : Frankie is a female 4 month old Yellow Lab She is friendly and very responsive to the training. We did basic programming --distance control and door programming. Worked on come, leave it, walking, follow or sit at doors. Corrected the Barking for attention. She was very vocal and would bark for what she wants. Owner live in an apartment currently, and want to curb this barking. Their goals include a well mannered dog they can take everywhere--they lead a very active life.
At the end of session owner Joe really wanted her to learn to shake, so we covered that too. She is easily distracted on the walk because of her age, and they now have a WaggWalker(® Harness. She is quite young, so they will have to work on building her focus on walks. They are practicing in the halls of their building as well as outside as young adolescent dogs loose concentration quite often, they will need to practice this quite often as she matures.
The best type of safe socialization is with other dog parents you know that have a friendly dog, that is sensible and not intimidating towards puppies.
The wrong kind of dog is one that is intimidating and possibly going to frighten an inexperienced puppy and cause long-term behavioral issues with other dogs. Dogs do learn best from other dogs, but they can also learn bad habits too.
Dog Parks
If you are keen to take your dog to a doggy park, we recommend that you wait until they have reached 12 months of age. The concern about dog parks is the natural intimidation that older dogs display when they encounter puppies. This may leave your puppy with a long lasting bad impression, which can later lead to dog-aggression as your puppy reaches maturity.
However if fully immunized, you can sit with your puppy on your lap in a public area or park, where it can watch the world from a safe place This way it won’t be intimidated or frightened by over-exuberant mature dogs or other puppies.
Labradors love retrieving. Be wary if this behaviour becomes obsessive, so look for ways to enhance and harness this natural behavior.
Their coat repels water to help monitor body heat while in the water and they have webbed feet which are ideal for swimming, but harder to get that lather up when bathing.
The Labrador is a breed that is generally slow to mature and can be destructive for some time if not provided with sufficient entertainment or a worthwhile outlet for their intellect. So select a controlled, enriched environment for your dog that can reduce this need and make sure you provide all of your dog’s four basic needs.
Speak to your vet about the best diet for your dog or research on line as to what might be the best diet for your Labrador puppy.
The breed has a tendency to over eat and be over-weight, so monitoring and measuring good nutritious portions is important. Best not to lean towards allowing your dog to eat at will.
Energy levels
As we have stated, over-exuberance is common amongst the breed and this is the #1 issue we hear from many dog-parents. Know that this breed is generally easy to train to settle and become calm. With correct training geared towards ‘canine communication’, these dogs can be taught to be calm. Although rare, this over-excited behaviour can manifest itself into aggression.
Everyday Illnesses and Injuries
Your Labrador Retriever’s health concerns will change over the course of their life. A puppy might be more prone to ear infections as their immune system develops, an active 2-year-old Lab may be more likely to tear a knee ligament, and a senior Labrador is far more likely to develop arthritis or cancer as they age. Labs also have personality and physical traits that may make them more prone to certain conditions—a Labrador Retriever who loves to swim may develop an ear infection more often than a breed with a pricked ear.
If you are ever concerned about your dog’s health, your local veterinarian is a great resource—no matter how small the question.
Genetic Health Concerns
Like many popular breeds, the Lab has its fair share of hereditary based issues, like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Most reputable breeders now have their breeding stock checked and scored for these hereditary ailments by a vet. You can request proof that the puppy you are purchasing comes from parents that have been checked for these issues.
Because many other health issues are also hereditary, you should do some research on the ancestry of your puppy and any health issues of that particular breed.
Many rescue organizations also check for common-ailments before making them available for adoption.
Some of these ailments may not be hereditary but could stem from environmental or dietary issues. Be sure that your dog is fed on a healthy diet and receives regular vet checks to ensure it always stays healthy.
Preparing
As a pet owner, you should expect to pay for basic veterinary care like vaccines, spay/neuter, and annual checkups. Many pet owners don’t consider the unexpected illnesses and injuries that can occur throughout a pet’s life, and they don’t prepare for them. Medical insurance can help a pet owner prepare.
The concept of medical insurance for pets is fairly straightforward—pay a monthly premium to be covered for eligible veterinary expenses. But every provider is different, offering varied coverage with different plans, pricing options and limitations. As you research, pay close attention to coverage, deductible options, and ease of use. To get started, learn more about insurance for your Labrador Retriever at Trupanion.com or hear from Labrador Retriever owners who have experienced insurance for themselves:
Because the Labrador is a popular family dog, any play between a dog and children must be monitored and controlled. Children have a way of getting dogs excited and this can lead to the dog inadvertently hurting the child through their natural excitable behavior.
Make sure that you teach the children to play sensibly and instruct them to play games that are less likely to lead to over-exuberance, such as hide and seek games or fetch games, versus the rough and tumble type of games.
Rough housing will only encourage your dog to become over-excited every time it sees the children and this can cause your children to try to avoid the dog because they fear getting hurt.
Adult Play
Any form of play, ‘fetch the ball’ and especially tug-of-war games, must end with you taking control of the item. Once the game is over, take the item out of play, with a ‘Finish’ command and lots of praise.
This technique is designed to show the dog in a subtle way, that you are the decision maker and that you control the game. In other words, you are the leader of the pack.
Don’t play rough and tumble or hand games -- these only teach dogs to bite when they play and to play rough.
Encourage your Labrador to use its brain by hiding items that he can find or playing a controlled game of fetch, where you teach him to wait until he is told to go get the thrown ball.
There has been an emergence over the last 20 years of two distinct types of Labradors, which we at Bark Busters refer to as the:
We have no facts other than our own research conducted across the 7 countries where we train, but we have definitely seen a change in the breed style in the last 20 years.
We can only guess at why this has happened, but we feel that it came about when the Labrador became the go-to-breed for everything ‘detection’.
This type of work required a dog that was acceptable at airports and capable of working for long hours, a dog that was highly energetic and willing to work longer and harder, with great enthusiasm.
Although the traditional Labrador has these traits, they more than likely did not have the staying power required for this type of work. This is evident in war zones, where the heat in some cases would be unbearable and where a leaner dog would fare better.
We believe their breeding took a turn in the road to breeding a super-high energy dog that was leaner, less prone to obesity and a go-all-day type of dog when they became the most popular breed for this type of detection work.
The indicator is evident in the fact that some of ‘the guide dogs for the blind’ associations are breeding their own Labradors now that are more in keeping with what we refer to as the ‘Traditional Labrador’.
The traditional Labrador has shorter legs than the new-style Labrador, more body fat and a squarer body and head, is less excitable and easier to train.
The new style Labrador has longer legs and leaner body, finer bones than the more traditional Labrador, elongated head and generally taller than the traditional Labrador, much more excitable and extremely high energy levels.
When selecting a Labrador puppy, identify what type of personality you are looking for:
If you are looking for the traditional Labrador, do your homework and make sure you know what to look for, compare the different types and see if you can spot what we have noticed.
Match temperament of puppy to that of your children
If selecting a family dog, be sure to match the dog’s personality to that of your child. An over-exuberant puppy will frighten a timid or gentle-natured child, so give thought to the type of personality that will match that of your children or it can all end in tears.
New Style Labradors
are more lean and leggy, generally have finer bones and have a more elongated head, than the Traditional Labrador. If you compared the two styles, you would see that the new style is taller and longer in the body.
Adolescent Labradors
Just like any other breeds, an adolescent Labrador will test their owner, regardless of how well trained they are. It helps if you are aware of this fact and act accordingly. Its simple and easy to fix if you think leadership and balance that with affection and fair and just rules.
You need to identify what type of games suit your dog and select accordingly. We recommend that you don’t play games that encourage biting or chasing, where you chase your dog or puppy. These games encourage biting and running away, causing recall issues.
Puzzle and Treat Dispensing Toys
Want to stave off destructive behaviors and keep your dog physically and mentally challenged? Buy toys that slowly dispense treats to keep him occupied, prevent boredom and help with separation anxiety.
These toys can help your dog to direct his energy in a positive direction.
Check out the behavioral aid- GameChanger® by Bark Busters It is a treat and chew toy all in one!
Care instructions
The Labrador’s short coat is easy to care for and always looks good.
As a water retrieving dog, the Labrador’s coat is designed to repel water and to keep the dog warm while swimming. Think of it as a ‘wash and wear’ type coat.
Regular brushing is required and we recommend that you only bath your Labrador when absolutely necessary as their coat will naturally repel dirt and grime. Too much bathing of any dog strips the natural oils and can create that doggy smell.
This article is based on the findings of Bark Busters, the world’s largest home dog training company, founded in 1989 and now established in seven countries.
The information is based on our company’s experience and findings in the training of over one million dogs. The information contained here is based on our research worldwide, as dog training and behavioural experts and in the interest of animal welfare.
The information in regards to the popularity of this breed was updated in 2016 after a poll of our international operations worldwide.
