When you use a Labrador retriever rescue, you are giving a dog a second chance.

Those Labrador puppies that you see in the pet store look so cute and you probably feel badly that they are cooped up in those tiny cages with no place to go. In addition, it is so much more convenient to just drop into the local pet store and pick out a puppy. However, once you decide you want a Labrador puppy, you should seriously consider finding a Labrador retriever rescue from which to choose a puppy. If you prefer an older dog, a rescue is an even better option.

Sources

While not all pet stores get their Labrador retrievers from puppy mills, this is the most likely type of place that the pet store got the puppies from. These puppies are born into poor conditions that often make the pet store look like a palace. It isn’t the puppies’ fault, but if you buy from a pet store, you are essentially supporting this behavior. Instead, you should find a rescue where the dogs are more likely to be from reputable breeders or have come from previous homes. Some of these dogs may have issues, but you will feel better that you are giving them a good home.

Selection

Another benefit of adopting a dog from a Labrador retriever rescue is the selection. The selection at a dog rescue will likely vary often, but you will be able to choose exactly what kind of dog you are getting. In most cases, the dogs at a rescue will be older and already trained. Therefore, it is often a better option for a family that doesn’t have the time to commit to training or being there for a small puppy. However, you can sometimes find younger Labrador puppies as well. If you don’t find what you are looking for, you can let the rescue know what you want. They will then alert you if they find one that fits your requirements or may even contact other rescues to find you one.

Personality

When you choose a Labrador dog, you want to be sure that you are picking one that will be a good fit for your family. When you are dealing with a Labrador retriever rescue, you will need to go through an application and approval process. They will help you find a dog that fits with your family best. Because many of the dogs are already older, you will be able to see their personality, interact with them and then make your choice.

A Labrador retriever rescue will help you find a dog that best fits into your family and your lifestyle. While it may seem more convenient to head to the pet store and grab one of those cute little puppies, it is better to take your time and at least consider using a dog rescue. When you use a rescue, you will be able to tell the personality of the dog better and will have a greater selection. In addition, you won’t be supporting the puppy mills that many pet stores use as a supplier.

Taking your Labrador retriever on vacation can be fun for everyone.

Dog ownership is a full-time job. It is actually quite similar to having kids of your own because you can’t just leave them to do whatever you want, especially if you are going to be gone for a long period of time. However, this doesn’t mean you have to stay home all the time and never go on vacation. As summer approaches, you will need to begin making your plans for taking care of your Labrador retriever when you aren’t home to do it. There are several options you have.

Pet Sitter

A pet sitter is someone who will either stay in your home while you are gone or come once or twice a day to give your Labrador retriever exercise, let him out in the yard and feed and water him. This allows your pet to stay in familiar surroundings and is often a cheaper alternative to other options. However, you will need to trust someone else to come into your home while you aren’t there to watch over it. There are plenty of pet sitting services that conduct background checks to help you feel at ease.

Family or Friends

If you have family members or friends who love your Labrador retriever as much as you do, they may be willing to watch him for you. This is another low-cost alternative because it isn’t likely your family or friends will charge you a lot to watch your pet. You also have the added advantage that your Labrador is with someone with whom he is already familiar and someone you can trust. However, not everyone is lucky enough to have family or friends willing to provide this service.

Boarding

Boarding is often something Labrador retriever owners don’t really want to do with their dog. While most places have a good reputation, it can be difficult for your Labrador to be in an unfamiliar location with people he doesn’t know. It can also be difficult to trust that your dog will get the attention and care you desire for him. This can leave you nervous while you are supposed to be enjoying your vacation. The stress of not knowing how your dog is doing can be enough to ruin your vacation.

Include Your Labrador

For some people, who will care for their pet isn’t even a consideration. If you prefer to camp, you may be able to take your Labrador retriever with you. This can be a great alternative for those who don’t have anyone to watch their dog and just don’t trust anyone else. Including your Labrador in your vacation plans can make you feel better and ensure that your dog is well cared for throughout the vacation process.

Figuring out what to do with your Labrador retriever while you go on vacation can be one of the most difficult aspects of your planning. There are many options you have, which can include pet sitting in your home, asking someone you know to watch him, boarding and just taking him along. The final decision is yours, but understanding your options can help make your summer vacation more enjoyable for everyone, including your Labrador.

Training Labrador retrievers often takes positive reinforcement.

You have probably heard that Labrador retrievers are one of the easiest dog breeds to train. However, you need to know what you are doing to be successful. This includes understanding what the best methods for training Labrador retrievers are and which tricks and skills are the best to teach will help ensure your success. As you train your dog, you will need to know how to reward your pet so it continues to repeat the behavior you are teaching.

Build On Skills

The easiest way to go through the training of your Labrador retriever is to start with just the basic commands, such as sit and lay down. Once your dog has learned to do these skills well, you can start to build up to more complex skills. Even if your dog seems to be learning tricks quickly, take it slow so your dog doesn’t become overwhelmed. You want your dog to be obedient, but you don’t want to make your Labrador anxious. Going slowly ensures your dog has the time to learn the skill and perfect it before moving on to something else.

Food

Dogs love to eat. This means that treats and food is a great way to reward your dog when it does what you want it to do. While you don’t want your dog to overeat, giving a treat or two when you are working on training your dog won’t hurt. You won’t always give your dog a treat when he does what you want; you will only do this until your dog understands what you want from it. The treats are a great motivator for Labrador retrievers.

Facial Expressions

The facial expressions you use when you are training Labrador retrievers can have an impact on your success with training. While many dog owners know that your dog can tell how you are feeling by the tone of your voice, they do also pay attention to your facial expressions. Therefore, when you are training your dog and it does what you want, make sure you put a big smile on your face and tell your dog what a good job he is doing.

Training Labrador retrievers can be so much easier if you know how to use some of the most effective methods of training. Working slowly through the skills, starting with those that are the most basic will make sure that your dog learns each one well. Once your dog does begin working on new skills, it is important to reward it, both with treats and with positive facial expressions. These methods will show your dog that you are pleased with the behavior, which will encourage your Labrador to continue with the behavior.

Labrador retriever dogs can bark for a variety of reasons.

All dogs bark. When you are a dog owner, it is a fact of life. However, there is such a thing as excessive barking. Even when it isn’t excessive, the barking of Labrador retriever dogs can be irritating to the owners, as well as to those who live nearby. There are some things you can do to discourage a barking Labrador retriever; however, it is often just as important to understand why your Labrador is barking rather than just trying to use deterrents.

Warning Barks

Labrador retriever dogs make good watch dogs. They are always barking when they seem someone walk by outside or even when they see an animal wandering through the yard. While this can seem annoying when you are sitting around, trying to watch TV or just get some peace, you would be thankful if your Labrador alerted you that someone was lurking outside. Therefore, it is important not to train your dog not to bark when someone who doesn’t belong is on your property.

Emotional Barks

Because Labrador retriever dogs can’t talk to you, they use barking to let you know how they are feeling. Some dogs bark when they are afraid or anxious. Others will bark when you leave them alone because they miss you. Still others will bark because they can’t think of anything better to do. In general, this type of barking is normal, but barks that portray emotion can be curbed with bark control methods. However, it is important to realize that your dog will bark some of the time.

Habit Barks

Some Labrador retriever dogs simply bark because it has become a habit for them. These are the dogs where it is most important to help the dog learn when it is appropriate to bark and when it isn’t. When your dog is barking for no reason at all and you can’t stop it, this is when it can become a problem for you and your neighbors. If the barking truly becomes a serious problem, you may want to try using a humane bark collar or seeking the help of a professional to train your dog not to bark so much.

When you have a dog, you need to learn to expect a little barking every now and then. Some of those barks are beneficial to both you and your pet. After all, you wouldn’t be able to communicate very well if someone told you not to talk ever again. The same goes for Labrador retriever dogs. Therefore, it is important to be able to differentiate between habitual barking and barking that serves a purpose.

Two Labradors can be twice the fun and twice the work.

You probably already know that Labrador retrievers are high maintenance, mainly due to the excessive amount of energy and great need for exercise. In addition to their need for exercise, Labrador retriever dogs are also more prone to separation anxiety, which means they can become destructive when they are left alone, especially if you choose not to crate train them. Therefore, you may wonder if it is better to get two Labradors instead of one so they can keep each other occupied while you are gone. However, due to their high maintenance nature, is it just more work to have two?

Attention and Interaction

One of the greatest advantages of having two Labrador retrievers is their ability to entertain each other. However, you cannot expect them to do so all of the time. They will still each require your interaction at times. Since you will have two of them, this is twice the work. You can’t always spend time with them together. They will each battle for your attention individually, as well as jointly. When you must leave the dogs home while you go to work or run errands, they are less likely to experience the separation anxiety one Labrador may experience. You must also keep in mind that two labs can be twice as destructive as one as well, though. Therefore, it is still best to crate them when you leave.

Activity

The activity and energy levels of Labrador retrievers is quite high. Because they require at least an hour of exercise per day, daily walks and romps in the yard are a necessity. When you have two Labradors, this is still a requirement, but the good news is they can exercise together. You can unleash them both in the backyard, given you have a fenced in yard, and let them run and play together. However, they will still need interaction from you at times. While they can easily help each other burn off some their abundant energy, it also means you will have twice as much energy to deal with.

Noise

Labrador retriever dogs are very vocal dogs. No matter what they are feeling, they will let you know it with some sound or another. When you have just one Labrador retriever, the noise can be bad enough. However, when you have two, the noise becomes that much greater. In fact, the two dogs will often egg each other on, making it difficult to teach them when they need to be quieter. This is definitely something you need to consider before you get more than one dog, especially Labradors.

Training

Another important aspect to consider when you are thinking of getting two Labrador retrievers is the training aspect. Training one puppy can take a lot of time and effort on your part. If you tried to train two puppies at the same time, you are asking for more than twice the trouble. If you get two puppies from the same litter at the same time, the puppies are far more likely to pay attention to each other instead of you. This makes it much more difficult to train them, taking even more time and patience on your part. Therefore, it is often best to get your dogs one at a time, training the first one completely before you add another to the mix. This makes it much easier to train both of them.

The choice to get two Labrador retrievers is a very personal one. However, you need to know that having two is harder in some ways but easier in others. The two dogs will help each other burn off energy and stay occupied, as well as keeping each other company, but they will require more training, more attention and more money to care for them. If you can afford it and are willing to provide the training, attention and exercise, getting more than on Labrador retriever can be twice love.

Labrador retrievers can become best friends under the right circumstances.

Some people are perfectly happy with only having one dog in their lives; however, there are others who always need at least two dogs to be happy. For most people, getting one dog at a time works the best, which means they will need to deal with introducing the new dog and the older dog together so they can live in harmony. When you choose to add a second dog, you need to know the best way to introduce them.

Picking a Second Labrador

When you make the choice to add a second Labrador to your home, you need to take your current Labrador’s opinion into consideration. It may seem silly to ask your dog what he thinks, but it actually makes sense. Your two Labrador retrievers will probably spend more time together than you will with them. Like people, two dogs won’t necessarily like each other. The last thing you want is to bring another dog into your home so they can fight constantly and cause chaos. You want a peaceful environment. Therefore, it is important to take your current dog with you to allow them to meet before you commit to buying a second one.

Second Meeting

After you make the commitment to take the other dog home, it is best to choose a neutral location for that second meeting. Instead of bringing your new Labrador retriever to your home or yard, choose a neutral location, such as a dog park. Pick a place where your current dog won’t feel he needs to protect the territory and your new dog can be comfortable. Allow the dogs to meet on their own terms. Don’t force them together. Allow them both as much time as they need. Always keep close at hand so you can interfere if they begin to fight. If you find out at this point that they don’t get along, it is often not too late to back out.

Meeting at Home

Once you bring your new Labrador retriever home, you will still need to allow the two Labrador retriever dogs to become accustomed to each other. Take the two dogs on a walk together before you go inside your home to continue the introduction on neutral ground. After this walk, bring both dogs into the home. If the new Labrador seems uncomfortable, allow him to spend time in a separate, closed off room from your other Labrador. When they are ready, they will be able to be in the same room and get along. Never leave them alone together because this is the most likely time they will fight. Whenever you leave the home, keep them in separate rooms or separate crates.

Avoid Fights

Even the best trained Labrador retrievers can be territorial at times. Especially in the early stages of the introduction, fights are more likely. However, if you can work to avoid these fights, you can help your two Labrador retriever dogs live in harmony. Make sure the dogs both have their own toys, food dishes and place to sleep. This will help to avoid the fights. You should also be sure to spend time individually with both dogs. If you show obvious favoritism or don’t spend time with both, you can trigger one to become possessive or the other to lash out in jealousy. If you notice specific fight triggers between your dogs, avoid them too.

Introducing two Labrador retrievers together can be a rewarding experience. However, you can’t just throw any two Labrador retriever dogs together and expect them to get along. Instead, make sure you involve your current dog in the process of choosing the second dog. In addition, make sure you introduce them to each other in a neutral location. Once they know each other, you can slowly allow them to get used to each other in the home, giving them plenty of time to get to know each other first. When your dogs are getting along together, the long process is well worth it.

Labrador retriever puppies are more likely to experience separation anxiety.

Just like a baby, young Labrador retriever puppies can go through periods of separation anxiety. Dogs are pack animals that rely upon the rest of their pack for their survival. When you take a Labrador or any dog into your home, you become the dog’s pack. When you leave the dog home for the day while you go to work or to run errands, your dog will miss you and may get into more mischief. Therefore, it is important know what you can do to alleviate this anxiety in your pet.

Shorter Time Away

If you don’t need to be away from your pet for long periods of time, such as going to work, don’t. While it may not make sense to do so, break up your errands so you don’t spend long periods of time away from your home. If you are going to a family member or friend’s home, ask if you can bring your puppy along. The less time a puppy spends away from you, the better it will adjust to being alone. Once your dog matures, you will be able to leave for long periods of time.

Background Noise

If you must leave for a longer period of time, providing your Labrador retriever dog with background noise can help your dog forget that you aren’t around. Leave the television or a radio on so the dog hears someone talking and assumes that someone is in the home. For most dogs, this tactic will work. However, with some dogs, they may realize that the talking isn’t you and may still suffer from separation anxiety.

Crate Training

When you must leave your dog alone, it is also important that you have crate trained your dog. The crate is a safe environment for your dog and will make it feel like it is in its cave. This can help to eliminate some of the fear your dog experiences. If your dog is still anxious and feeling lonely, at least it won’t be able to cause any destruction if you have your dog in a crate.

Labrador retriever dogs can suffer from separation anxiety, especially as young puppies. If your dog is suffering from this condition, it is your job as a pet owner to help resolve it. This can include avoiding long periods of time away from your pet, supplying background noise while you are away and crate training your puppy so it feels safe while you are away.

Brushing your Labrador retriever often will reduce the amount of shedding.

Although Labrador retrievers are a type of dog that sheds and thus don’t need much grooming, there are some things that you will need to do for your dog. In some cases, you can complete these grooming tasks; in others, you may need to take your dog to a professional for grooming. Whether you do it on your own or hire a professional, keeping up with Labrador grooming is essential for your dog.

Ears

Because Labrador retrievers have large, floppy ears, they are more likely to develop ear problems. Therefore, as part of the grooming process, it is important to check your dog’s ears on a regular basis. Clean out his ears if you notice an excessive buildup of wax and keep the hair around the ears trimmed. Keeping your dog’s ears clean will help to prevent issues, such as ear infections.

Nails

Labrador dog grooming also includes keeping your dog’s nails trimmed. If your dog spends a lot of time outside on concrete or another hard surface, you may not need to cut its nails as often. This is because they naturally wear down when walking on these surfaces. However, you may still need to trim your dog’s nails. If you do it yourself, make sure you have the right kind of clippers dogs and watch for the quick, which is the blood vessel that runs in the nail. This can be difficult or impossible to see in dogs with black nails. If you cut too close, make sure you have a product on hand to stop the bleeding.

Fur

Because Labrador retrievers shed, their fur is low maintenance. However, you may still need to trim some areas, such as around the toes. Their hair is typically short, though, and won’t require cutting at all. Be sure to brush your Labrador on a regular basis, such as every few days, to help remove the loose hair from its coat and reduce the amount of shedding that occurs. This will keep your dog’s coat looking nice and reduce the cleanup for you later on.

Knowing how to care for Labrador retriever dogs is important to ensure your pet’s health and well-being. This includes knowing what types of Labrador grooming are required for the care of your dog. Much of the grooming care your Labrador requires can be done in the comfort of your own home. However, if your dog has dark nails or you are nervous about cutting the nails, you may wish to seek the assistance of a professional.

Training a Labrador retriever requires a lot of patience and work.

When you decide that a Labrador retriever is the best dog for you and your family, you need to prepare yourself for bringing your new pet
home. This means you need to do your research on the breed so you know what to expect. One of the most important parts of dog ownership is Labrador retriever training so your dog learns how to behave. Some of this training you can do on your own; other parts of the training will require professional help.

Obedience training classes can be a great tool for helping your dog learn about how to behave properly. Puppies can be quite rambunctious, leaving you wondering what possessed you to get a puppy in the first place. However, if you enroll your puppy in a reputable obedience training class, you can expect it to learn all of the good behaviors you want your dog to learn. Most importantly, this includes teaching your Labrador retriever that you are the boss. This is one of the most important aspects of training your dog. If your dog won’t listen to you, none of the training you try will be successful.

House training is another important aspect of Labrador retriever training. While it would be nice if your dog came home and knew it needed to go outside instead of in your house, it just doesn’t happen. Instead, you will need to work with your new Labrador puppy on learning that it needs to go outside to do its business. This is often one of the most unpleasant types of training you will need to do with your puppy, but it is also one of the most important parts. There will be plenty of accidents; therefore, it is important to use positive reinforcement. Your puppy wants to please you. Thus, it will be more likely to repeat behaviors you give positive praise for.

After you have finished with the house training, you can move on to train your Labrador retriever to do other things. This breed is a very intelligent breed and is capable of learning many tricks that are useful and some that are just fun for the owner. It may take a little time to teach these tricks, but once your dog knows them, you will be able to impress everyone you know.

Labrador retriever training can be easy as long as you are consistent and work hard with your dog. Some of the training that needs to be done is best done by a professional; however, there is also much you can do on your own if you do a little research and learn how to effectively train your Labrador retriever.

Because rescue Labradors have often abused or abandoned before reaching temporary shelters or foster homes, there can be a learning curve time period where they adjust to your home and family. Be patient with rescue Labradors as they integrate into your family’s routine and home atmosphere. Rescue Labradors are looking for homes where they be loved and taken care of with shelter, food and water and lots of play time for their energetic personalities.

Adopting rescue Labradors does require time and attention from your family. Obedience training and firm reinforcement training at home with lots of praise for rescue Labradors can help them in adjusting and becoming more comfortable in their new family. Preparing your home with a comfortable sleeping environment, food and a place for playing is also crucial in making your home a safe place for rescue Labradors on your adoption list. As you choose your adopted Labrador, make sure that they have or will have all of their current vaccinations, are neutered or spayed, have their up-to-date blood work, and flea and tick protection. Keeping your new pet healthy is beneficial not only to them but also contributes to their overall well-being as part of their new family.

While rescue Labradors do enjoy time outside, they are also very sociable, friendly dogs that shouldn’t spend all day outside. Labradors want to interact with your family and other pets if you have them. By integrating them into that family life, you can help them form new relationships and forget their past traumatic experiences in abusive homes or shelters. Patience is key during the initial few weeks with your adopted Labrador as they learn to adjust your household and routine. As they learn what you expect from them and that their new home is a safe and loving environment, they will adjust and become a loyal, loving part of your home life.  Including rescue Labradors as part of your pet adoption plan for your family can help a loving, friendly Labrador find a new home and new family.