What You Need to Know About the Black Labrador Retriever

one of the most sought after colors. There is no difference between them, though, besides the color.

The black lab offers dog owners a calm demeanor and friendly attitude. They are a good family dog. Black labs may be big, but they are very gentle, especially when it comes to children. While it is important to monitor any animal with a small child, a lab can put up with a fair amount of tail and ear pulling from a child. Many labs simply lie down and take it. However, any dog can snap at any time. Therefore, it is important to make sure your children understand when to leave the dog alone.

The black Labrador retriever is built with a sturdy frame, making it a good dog for the outdoors. On average, a female lab weighs between 55 and 70 pounds. Males weigh about 5 pounds more than the females. The average shoulder height for females ranges between 21 and 22 inches and the males fall between 22 and 23 inches. The dogs have webbed feet and a tail that helps them to swim well. Therefore, if you are looking for a dog to play in the water, the lab may be the right choice for you.

The Labrador retriever breed can experience some health problems, though, especially as they grow older. While any dog can become ill, some breeds are more prone than others are. For instance, the lab breed is more likely to experience hip problems, certain cancers and eye problems. Some of these problems, such as hip problems, are due to the larger size of the breed.

If you decide that a black Labrador retriever is the best option for your family, it is best to educate yourself about the breed so you know what you understand the level of commitment you are about to undertake. Knowing the typical temperament of the dogs, as well as the maximum size of the dog when it is full-grown can help you know what to expect. As long as you aware of the potential health problems you may deal with when the dog gets older, the Labrador retriever makes an excellent family dog.

When your neighbor knocks on your door at 9 PM at night, a lot of things go through your mind. I answered the door with my two labs in tow, barking, and carrying on. While they are fairly obedient, they have been known to forget themselves for a minute or two, especially the seven month old puppy. Of course, you can definitely expect some of this behavior, as we were not expecting any visitors.

When I opened the door, my neighbors wife was cowering behind her husband. She was deathly afraid of these two monstrous beasts. I couldn’t understand why. They were behind a secure door, and she was protected by her husband, and me. Still, it was as if she had never seen a medium-size dog like a Labrador Retriever, or any other dog before in her life.

It must be terrible to have a fear like this, I thought to myself watching her squirm, and cling to her husband. I didn’t even try the usual, “they’re Labrador retrievers, they won’t hurt anybody, they may let you to death”. Why waste my time? There was no way I was going to cure her of this fear on my front porch.

It did make me wonder though. How do you cure somebody of a fear like this? It scares me having a neighbor, so afraid of dogs. My neighborhood seems to be overrun with rabbits, and squirrels. While I can’t imagine my labradorsNot following my commands, and chasing after them. It is definitely possible,  predictable, even probable, and potentially, a huge predicament.

In my nightmare I drive into the garage, from a local trip to the grocery store. Chase my 8 month old 68 pound Labrador retriever, knocks down my not so much heavier wife, carrying a bag of groceries. As she falls to the ground, and the soy milk, and organic food fly out of the paper, not plastic,  into the air, And just about the time my wife reaches out to grab the tofu, my 4-year-old 76 pound lab comes chasing after the same rabbit, and completes the perfect storm by knocking her back down.

Meanwhile, across the yard, there’s a very nice lady, with a fear of dogs, that’s also unloading groceries. As she turns with both hands full, carrying three bags of groceries, she deftly swings her hips, and nudges the door closed when her SUV, and is proud of herself for not jumping through the air, as the rabbit crosses her path. In fact she’s proud of the fact that she wasn’t afraid of the rabbit. Just as a smile starts to come across her face she sees two, as far as she’s concerned nuclear missiles headed straight for her.

Of course I’m right behind the nuclear missiles, screaming, “it’s okay, they’re Labrador retrievers, they won’t bite”. just what she wanted to hear, as she tuck and rolls, into her house.

Although this sounds amusing, my neighbor won’t think it’s  amusing, in fact she will be terrified, and scarred,  and that is something, I do not look forward to.

I am not concerned about them “attacking” her, or anything like that. I don’t want to be responsible for awaking the fear that she feels when she sees my dogs. If you own a Labrador retriever, you know that they have an “overly friendly manner”. Their tails have cleared more tables than most busboys!

So my question is… How do you cure somebody that has a very deep rooted fear like this?

We are going to address this in a series of articles over the next few weeks.

Start by keeping your house tidy; no child’s toys, shoes or trash on the floor. Puppies chew things to give their aching gums relief while they are teething, so try not to leave things around that you don’t want them to gnaw on. Strings and yarn can be especially dangerous for two reasons: They can be difficult to see so you may not realize they are on the floor, and they can cause serious injury to your Labrador by binding up their internal organs. Be sure to keep a look out for things with which your puppy could harm itself.

Labradors and families will need to work on house-breaking fairly extensively. There are puppy pads you can purchase at most pet stores that assist in getting your Labrador to learn where to use the bathroom. You can start by placing them near the door and eventually moving them outside so that your Labrador knows to go outside.

If you have other pets, be sure to keep up on vaccinations. While most animals diseases and parasites aren’t communicable between species, there are a few that can be transmitted. Take all of your animals to their veterinarian for regular check ups and vaccinations. Both Labradors and families can be susceptible to disease if not treated quickly.

Be sure to leave any harmful chemicals out of your Labrador puppy’s reach. Paint thinner, antifreeze, bleach and other useful household chemicals can be harmful or fatal to your puppy. Keep them in a locked cabinet or on a shelf. This way, you won’t have to worry about a accidental poisoning.

Labradors and their families should take time each day to play outside together. If you have a back yard, make sure it is gated and there aren’t any holes your Labrador can use for a quick escape. You should also always clean up after your puppy. Pet waste is unsightly and can spread disease.

Puppy-proofing your home is a great start to bringing your puppy into your home. It assures a safe and happy transition for Labradors and families.

Firstly, do not panic! You can prevent further injury to your pet if you act fast. Think logically and try not to let you emotions cloud your judgment. A clear head is the best line of defense when fighting for Labrador health. Any major injury to your Labrador is going to necessitate an emergency visit to the vet’s office…Making sure you keep your wits about you will help ensure safe passage for both you and your pet.

Check your pet’s airway. Listen for breathing sounds and watch the chest move up and down. If you hear blockage, use a finger to clear the air passageways and help your pet to breathe.

If there was a loss of blood, check to see if your pet is in shock. A dog in shock needs to get medical help immediately, as it can worsen rapidly. If your Labrador exhibits the signs of shock (rapid heartbeat, pale or blue gums, weakness or lethargy) try to prevent the loss of any more blood and get it to a vet fast.

To control hemorrhaging, apply direct pressure by putting your finger or hand over the bleeding wound. Find a pad or towel, anything clean you can use to apply pressure. If your Labrador is bleeding where it’s possible to apply a tourniquet, wrap a piece of cloth just above the wound but do not leave it on for more than 30 minutes.

If your dog has a broken or fractured leg, you can immobilize the limb; try wrapping a section of newspaper or a magazine around the limb to support it. This will reduce the damage on the way to the vet’s office.

The best treatment for severe burns is cooling with water and keeping the dog warm with blankets or towels. To keep the risk of infection down, dress the wounds with sterile pads and prevent too much movement in the area of the wound.

As always, a veterinarian is best qualified to care for your injured pet. Set your Labrador up for safe travel and get to the vet’s office as quickly as possible.

Like all Labs, Black Labs are super intelligent.  Recent years have shown a huge increase in the number of Black Labs being used as service dogs.  Police departments are turning to this specific breed to assist them with their investigations, and many organizations who train service dogs for the blind or disabled believe the Black Labrador is the best breed choice for their needs.  For the everyday owner, this super intelligence means training is relatively easy.

Labs are adorable as puppies and always seem to have paws that are slightly too big – they grow up though.  It’s important to remember that your Black Lab male will weigh between 65 and 110 pounds. The females weigh slightly less.  The dogs are athletic and muscular.  Their coats are quite dense and, unfortunately, prone to shedding, sometimes year round.  Proper diet and grooming can help keep your black lab healthy and happy and prevent extra shedding.

One of the benefits of the breed is their lack of aggression.  They are known for their gentle and peaceful natures, making them ideal for families with small children.  All Labs love to chew, so in order to protect your furniture, shoes, and other items, be sure to provide plenty of chew toys and train your pet pal to use them.

Black Labradors serve a variety of purposes, from assisting the police to playing with a child. Learning a bit about them before you purchase one will make the decision easier for you.

Labradors are beautiful dogs with thick coats that, unfortunately, shed. Depending on what kind of Lab you have, you will find that some with healthy coats can shed all year round while others, like black labs, shed twice a year. A dog sheds when they lose their old coat and grow a new one. If you want your dog’s coat to look healthy and to shine, not only is a good diet important, but it is also vital for you to groom her regularly.

Labrador grooming can include both bathing and regular brushing. It isn’t necessary to bathe your Lab weekly, or even monthly, but it is important to regularly check your dog’s coat to see if it is once again time to give Fido a bath.

As you begin the bathing process, you may find your Lab is somewhat skittish at first. Use a soothing voice and regular praise throughout the bath to keep the dog calm. If necessary, find someone to help you with the process. Having an extra set of hands during the bath can make it far easier on both you and the dog. Use dog shampoo to thoroughly lather the entire coat. Be sure completely rinse your pet off and do not allow him or her to get out or shake. Use an old towel to briskly towel dry your dog at the end of the bath.

Brushing your Lab regularly helps to keep her coat healthy and makes frequent baths unnecessary. Remember that Labs love attention and good brushing several times a week is a great way to not only interact with your dog, but to keep their coat healthy. Be sure to use a pet grooming brush designed to remove shed hair.

Labrador grooming can be a pleasant experience both for you and your Lab if you are patient, calm and consistent in the way you treat her.

Unlike humans, Labrador’s, like all canines, have a third eyelid.  This ultra thin membrane helps to keep the eye healthy and lubricated and it’s an important part of ocular health in all dogs.  It can also, on occasion, cause what vet’s often call “Cherry Eye.”  This condition is really nothing more than a mild irritation, which cause a red inflamed area.  This condition isn’t very serious, is more common in puppies and causes heavy tearing.  Your vet should always examine any suspected case of Cherry Eye to rule out more serious conditions. The treatment is ‘popping’ the inflamed area back into the eye – scary and often best left to a professional.

In some cases the “spine’ of the eye is malformed.  This can cause a ridge to extrude into the eye space. This condition, called Eversion, causes symptoms similar to Cherry Eye, but can be more irritating to the dog.

There are more serious conditions.  Labrador’s are prone to several different diseases of the eye and in older dogs, cancer may develop.  Remember that any inflammation, heavy tearing or discoloration should be examined by a veterinarian.  Your pooch can’t tell you what is wrong, but sometimes you can get a pretty good idea just by looking in their big, beautiful eyes.

So what should you and your favorite pet look for in a good dog park?  It boils down to the “4 S’s.”

Safety:  Be sure the park is fenced in and secure.  Chain link or other durable fencing should be used and high enough to prevent even the most feisty Labrador from jumping out.

Shade: Shade is particularly important during the hot summer months – especially for longer trips.  Be sure your pooch’s park has plenty of shade.

Sanitation:  The best parks always have clean up stations for those ‘little messes’ our lovely Labs leave us.

Sipping Water:  Your pet will be running and playing – and working up a thirst.  Be sure your favorite pet park has clean, potable water for pooches.

If you simply keep the 4 S’s of dog parks in mind, you will most likely find the perfect place for you and your Labrador to frolic and play.

As a final piece of advice, be sure that you understand all of the rules and regulations of the park.  While most rely on the same set, some differ, so take the time to check for posted rules and be sure to follow them.  The more people that do the better the experience is for each Labrador Retriever that visits.

This problem is further compounded by the number of dysplastic animals that develop arthritis.  These problems are so prevalent that many industry leaders believe that anyone purchasing a puppy from a breeder must carefully research their options.  It is critical that Labradors puppies are only bred from stock which has been x-rayed and examined for the disorders and that only dogs with PennHIP or OFA breeding clearings.  While these requirements will, by no means, guarantee that a puppy will never develop this often painful disease, they do significantly reduce the risks.

Eye health is critically important for a happy dog.  Unfortunately, many labs suffer from cataracts or retinal atrophy.  Again, it is critically important that breeding stock by tested each year for these disorders to lessen the risk of future vision problems. The Canine Eye Registry Foundation maintains a registry for this purpose.

Anyone interested in purchasing a lab for their family should spend a good deal of time research available breeders.  The best carefully screen all breeding stock animals for all of the ‘at risk’ diseases and disorders.  Remember that purchasing a Labrador from an above par breeder means purchasing a dog that can fit into a wide range of living situations. They are extremely intelligent, obedient and agile.  Labs make ideal ‘helper’ dogs.  Make sure that you and your family have the perfect pet pal by carefully researchig the breeder before falling in love with a new, adorable pup.

So, what would a Labrador like to do the most when let loose for fun?  Where are some of the best places to take them?  How can you keep them coming back to you?  Well, with some thought, and proper training, you won’t have any problems at all.

City dwellers might find it hard to take their beautiful Labrador out in the springtime for a great round of fun, unless there is a dog park nearby.  These parks are built specifically for dogs to have a run in, meet up with each other, and go for a walk with their owners.  Yes, the owners have to stay with them and stay on clean-up duty, but it’s worth every minute to see the literal joy on the dog’s face.

Living in the suburbs, however, will make it easier on Labrador owners in the springtime.  They will be able to open their doors and let the dog out into the yard for a good, old-fashioned run.  One thing must be kept in mind though, is how to keep the dog safe for these runs.

Using safeguards such as fencing and training will help to keep the Labrador from running out into the street, or into a disapproving neighbor’s yard.  Sadly, there are people who don’t like dogs and would prefer not to have them running around.

Some owners choose to use a simple chain-link or wooden fence, although others are opting for the electronic fences instead.  Training is needed either way for the Labrador—but they’ll still be pleased with their springtime exercise!