Jessie & Sam...The House Labradors

Before I even had time to write the article about how Jessie tore her CCL, and how we picked the surgeon, or how scared we were when it happened, I could go on and on, the journey is starting. A quick recap….

The Players

Jessie (female Labrador Retriever), is one the two house labs. Sam (also a female Labrador Retriever), is the older sister, at 4 1/2. Jessie comes in at 2 1/2 years old (human years).

The Dog Park

Just like I do every weekend, I took the the two to the dog park; they chase balls, while I walk and chat with the PDPM Group (yes we have T-Shirts).

Just Like That…

30 to 45 min. after we were there, she tore it. How she did it? I don’t know! I heard somebody yell that Jessie was limping, and the next thing I knew I was trying to carry a 76 1/2 pound dog, out of the park, in 90° heat! I didn’t make it very far. She limped on three legs back to the car (I think she felt sorry for her old man).

Emergency Animal Clinic

Labrador Health (the price tag):  $479 later, the vet said she tore her CCL, and referred us to a surgeon for a consult, but was certain she needed TPLO Surgery.

TPLO Consultation

Two consultations later, not including the one on the phone (who diagnosed her without looking at her) and here we are.

Thanks for everyone’s kind thoughts!

I will post updates later…

Dogs, unlike human beings, can’t speak up and let you know if they don’t feel well. That’s why, if you’re a conscientious Labrador Retriever owner, you need to know how to read your lab, and sense behavior that is “out of the ordinary” for your specific pet.

As is the case with any pet, a Labrador Retriever that refuses to eat or that eats very little, that has problems going to the bathroom (that goes infrequently, for example, or that produces black or overly soft stools), or that seems uncharacteristically lethargic, may be in need of some prompt, thorough medical attention.

Beyond these basic warning indicators that can indicate illness in any animal, Labrador Retrievers may present special signs and symptoms which might set off alarm bells that only the Lab owner would recognize as unusual behavior.

For example; Labrador Retrievers tend are loving animals and overall to be upbeat, friendly and pleasant animals. So if your Lab suddenly becomes a surly, growling creature, one that disobeys commands, nips or bites, then he/she may be in need of physical or perhaps even psychological help (yes, there are doggie psychologists).

Labs are strong and sturdy animals. So if your lab dog seems weak, slow to move, or uninterested in daily activities, or if he/she is sleeping far more than usual, then a visit to your veterinarian is a good idea.

Labrador Retrievers are typically beautiful animals with shiny coats. If a properly groomed lab has dull eyes, a drab coat, or excessive problems with fleas and ticks, then he/she may be in need of medical attention.

If you as a caring, conscientious owner happens to spot any of these signs or symptoms, don’t panic; they may be signs of a temporary condition, one easily treated with the use of medication, or changes in diet and exercise regimens. If the condition should happen to be more serious, remember that veterinary medicine has progressed by leaps and bounds in recent years. Your dog’s veterinarian may be able to suggest a single surgical procedure that can heal your lab; restoring your prized, beloved dog to a full state of bountiful and robust health in no time.

The ownership of a Labrador Retriever can be a wonderful addition to your family.  Yet like any other ‘new addition,’ either human or animal, a Lab brings with it a whole host of duties and responsibilities.

As is the case with any pet, you as a dog owner will be responsible for the feeding, grooming and exercise of your Labrador

Before you purchase or adopt your Labrador Retriever, research the type of dog food that would be ideal for your lab (and have plenty of it on hand, as these dogs are strong, sturdy and typically quite large). I strongly suggest opting for a higher quality dog food. You will see the benefits in your Lab’s healthy coat (it will shine), your dog’s eyes will be clearer and will minimize health problems later on in your Labrador’s life.

The Labrador has a double coat, so sheds all year round.  Brushing and occasionally bathing your Labrador will help, but not completely alleviate the shedding. Keep a broom and a lint and hair remover for your clothing handy. It’s a little extra work, but it is a small price to pay for the love and dedication these dogs provide.

Labrador Retrievers are known as active and athletic dogs that need daily exercise whether it be a long walk, or playing fetch in the back yard. They are also smart dogs, so mental stimulation, i.e having them search for hidden treats, or just learning basic commands will help keep them busy. Their main goal is to please you, and most destructive behavior arrises out of boredom.

As with any dog, a Labrador Retriever puppy will need the greatest level of care and attention.  You as the owner will be responsible for the dog’s behavioral conditioning, teaching the Lab not to bite, bark excessively or chase people or other animals.  Labs are generally good-natured animals, so this shouldn’t be too difficult.  And, of course, potty training will be a major issue.

In navigating your way through these first, precious weeks in the life of your Labrador Retriever, it may help to seek the assistance of an animal behavioral book or expert.  You and your puppy may even want to head to the classroom, investing in a few weeks of obedience training at a certified school in your area.

It may also be a good idea to involve your entire family in this process, ensuring that all members assume a role in the care of your Lab.  This will be a learning experience for all of you, as you learn how to make your Labrador Retriever a helpful, beloved and valuable member of your family.

For more information about how to care for your Labrador Retriever, visit the Labrador lover’s community at http://www.clublabrador.com

Everyone knows that the Labrador Retriever is a beautiful, friendly animal; some may not realize, though, that this diverse canine has a rich history and fills many important roles in the lives of their owners.

Originally from Newfoundland, the Labrador Retriever comes by his/her strength honestly; at one point they were used as fishermen’s helpers, pulling nets and reeling in finned escapees from fishing lines. They became an equal friend to hunters through the years, facilitating their owners’ jobs by catching and bringing in game.

Also through the years, Labs have served far more peaceable purposes in the lives of the typical American family. Due to their even, friendly temperament, Labrador Retrievers are renowned as friends and companions whose loyalty and gentility are nearly unmatched in the canine community.

A Lab is not only a popular pet but a frequent family friend; one sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. What pet owner wouldn’t love a dog who can keep up with them on a vigorous jog or in a Frisbee game, but who also will lick their child’s face and cheer him/her up after a less than stellar day at school?

Through the years, Labs also have come to serve a number of roles in their communities and in society as a whole. They have at various points served as drug dogs (i.e., assistants to narcotics officers), search and rescue animals, therapy aides and guide dogs.

Labrador Retrievers are beautiful, and good natured creatures, whether in their purebred state or when mixed with other breeds (when you breed a Lab with a poodle, for example, you get the too cute to be believed Labradoodle). Perhaps that is why they have been immortalized on the silver screen, appearing in films like the stirring adventure “Gold Retrievers” with Steve Guttenberg. And the Lab was the focus of the 2000 documentary “Everything You Need to Know: Labrador Retriever.”

It’s little wonder, then, that—according to American Kennel Club statistics—the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the United States. Yet the best way to experience the magic of the Lab is to own one yourself; make the Labrador Retriever a part of your family today!

All breeds have specific characteristics, but the combination of these two dogs provide you with a medium to large size dog in stature that is good natured as well as highly intelligent.  While the physical features of these dogs tend to favor the Golden Retriever,   they tend to have many characteristics similar to both breeds.  These dogs are easy to train with large attention spans and make great guide dogs for the physically impaired as well as great hunting dogs because of their keen sense of smell.

Male Golden Labs usually weigh between 75 and 85 pounds, and females weigh 55 to 75 pounds.  These dogs generally live between 10 and 12 years, but with a healthy diet, exercise and physical and mental stimulation can live much longer. The female’s average litter is around 8 puppies.

These dogs have a keen sense of smell, are good swimmers and have great endurance so can run for a long time.  They have a dense, waterproof coat and do tend to shed.  Brushing your Lab mix will help with the shedding, however will not alleviate it.  I once read that you should choose a Labrador with a coat that matches your carpet or put in a carpet that matches you Lab.

These dogs make wonderful family pets, especially if there are children, although as a precaution, a new dog should never be left unattended with a small child.  As mentioned previously, they are strong, athletic animals that can accidentally harm a younger child just by playing with them.

Golden Labradors are extremely sensitive to sound and have loud and threatening barks that should send any intruders running. Even though they have a loud bark, they are not great watch dogs. If an intruder were to enter, they bark, but in most cases will never attack. Their bark is definitely worse that their bite.

Although this mixed breed can live in an apartment, they are active dogs and do best when there is a medium to large sized yard.  Golden Labs also love to swim, so would be in heaven to have a backyard with a swimming pool.  This breed loves to eat, so daily physical exercise is extremely important. Labradors are extremely affectionate dogs and constantly want to please their owners.  They are sweet, affectionate and love to play.

Because these dogs shed all of the time, if you or a family member have allergies you may want to consider a Labradoodle, which is a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle that doesn’t shed as much.  Like Golden Labs, they are highly intelligent, easily trained and take great pleasure in learning.

Your Labrador retriever is smart and wants to learn tricks, if for no other reason than to please you. Happy, well-adjusted dogs are the ones who are allowed playtime, romping, running, games and learning to keep their minds and bodies agile. A bored dog will exhibit signs by digging, chewing, wandering off or barking incessantly. It will help everyone in your family, especially your Lab, if you take the time to train them, discipline them and love them in equal measures.

You can start this process with a good standard obedience course, both on-leash and –off. Labrador retrievers are strong dogs when adult-sized, so it would behoove you to teach him manners before he gets big enough to push you around. Once your puppy is trained, maintaining the training into adulthood should become routine. No one wants a dog jumping up on strangers, nosing where they shouldn’t be nosing, digging up a garden, chewing on the baseboards or barking like a maniac at the slightest provocation. Training early on will establish with your dog who is the master in the home and out, and will help the dog be more secure, knowing there is a strong hand taking care of the big decisions and safety of the family.

Training a puppy to do tricks can be learned by reading books, from the Internet, or in a class specifically designed to help you. Labs can generally learn to sit, play fetch, shake “hands” and roll over with a minimum of effort, because they are smart and willing to learn and please. Retrievers have excellent noses and can be trained to find lost items; and retrieve them (hence the name). You can learn to train the dog tricks either with food rewards or affection rewards, both bringing the results you desire within a relatively short period of time. The affection/praise system of training might be desirable in Labrador retrievers simply because of their propensity for becoming overweight. Labs tend to load the pounds on if their diets are not strictly maintained, so food rewards should be closely monitored.

Consistency is a big part of teaching a dog tricks. Firm, patient instructions and discipline given without a raised voice is an important tool. Frightening your dog will certainly not make them learn any faster; it will simply confuse them and make them insecure. You want the dog to respect you and bond with you and your family, so patience and consistency is key among all family members. If you are not at home, you want the comfort of knowing that the dog will respect everyone in the home, so it is important to let every family member be a part of teaching the dog. Familiarity and respect will come to your dog with even exposure to everyone in the house, so go on family walks and play in the park. Teaching your dog to fetch a tennis ball is great exercise for him, and a valuable opportunity for him to bond with you and the whole family.

Full Grown Black Lab

It isn’t something you see everyday, a dog that nearly dwarfs his dog trainer, but that is what happens when you look at Giant George. The Great Dane is so big that recently, the Guinness Book of World Records awarded him the title of Worlds biggest dog. His dog trainer, George Nassar is ecstatic.

Big George has been submitted to the competition before, always losing out to Titan, another large dog pup that seemed to be nearly ¾ of an inch taller than Giant George. After some wrangling, Guinness officials sent officials out to meet with Giant George and owner George. After the official measurement, Giant George was proclaimed the winner.

So just how big is Giant George? From paw to shoulder, he measures in at a whopping 3 foot seven inches! When you add in his weight – a stunning 250 pounds, what you end up with is one big dog.  So big he dwarfs not only his competition, but also practically his owner.

According to research, Giant George is simply head and shoulders taller than typical members of his breed. Average Great Dane males typically measure between 30 and 34 inches and weigh between 120 and 200 pounds. These measurements are slightly less for females who typically grow to an average height of 30 inches and a weight of 115 pounds.

Labradors can get quite large

So how tall does a Labrador retriever get? Usually, Labradors grow to be about 55-60 cm, or as much as 25″ tall. This makes them quite a bit smaller than Giant George, but they can still be pretty big dogs. They usually weigh in at anywhere from 55-75 lbs!

Dog owners typically consider the size a dog will achieve at full height before settling on a breed of their own. If you are considering adopting a dog, be sure to consider not only the animal’s growth potential but also your ability to care for an adopted dog. If you live in a small house or apartment or don’t have access to an exercise area, you may want to consider sticking with a smaller breed.

The question becomes, just how big is your dog? From miniature poodles to great Great Danes, dog owners have a preferred size. So? Can you hold FiFi in your hand or does your puppy need a bed of his own? Tell us how big your Labrador is. Give us your Lab puppy stories, and tell us how big Labs get.

Ear infections are easy to detect. It is a good idea to visit your vet the first time you suspect a problem. Your dog may continually attempt to scratch their ear, or shake their heads violently in an attempt to ease the discomfort an infection can cause. There may be a foul odor, wax build up or a brown or yellowish discharge coming from the ear. The normal pink coloration of the ear may look red and irritated. Any of these signs are good indications of infection, and if left untreated, an ear infection can cause serious damage.

Yeast infections, mites, allergies, excess moisture and foreign substances can all contribute to infections. Labs also love water, and when water seeps into their ears, it causes a breeding ground for germs. You should routinely check and clean your labs ears. Your vet can demonstrate the proper way to clean and maintain healthy ears, and suggest a good cleanser that is safe for your lab.

Although you can purchase medication from your vet or pet store, you can also make your own cleanser using a few common ingredients. This formula is from “Woodhaven Labs”, and the “We Love our Labs” website.

Purple Power Ear Solution

16 oz. bottle of Isopropyl alcohol

4 tablespoons Boric Acid Powder

16 drops Gentian Violet Solution

Just combine all ingredients in the alcohol bottle and shake well.

At the first sign of an infection:

Treat 2X daily for the first 2 weeks, then treat 1X daily for the next 1-2 weeks, and as a preventative use once a month. Just fill your dog’s ear with the solution and gently massage the medicine in the ear. Use cotton balls to clean out any dirt, or discharge from the inner ear. Make sure that the cotton ball doesn’t go any further than the part of the ear canal that you can see. Fill ear with this solution a second time without massaging it in. This solution will stain your carpet, so make sure to use it in a tiled bathroom or outside to minimize any damage. You may also need a helping hand with this task. This is probably not going to be very comfortable for your pet who may already have some pain and discomfort due to the infection.

Remember if you have any questions, or your lab does not seem to be improving, call you veterinarian. The health and well-being of your dog may depend on it.

There are three requirements set by the GDA (Guide Dogs of America) that are essential for a dog to qualify: willingness, health, and temperament. There are three breeds that meet these standards – the Golden Retriever, the German Shepherd, and the Labrador Retriever. However, the GDA uses more than 70% Labrador Retrievers for their programs. This is because Labradors show the most proficiency in learning the complicated commands of being a guide dog. Also, because of their loyal and obedient nature, they are the best dogs to keep their blind owners from harm.

Carting

Using Labradors in the sport “Carting” has been growing in popularity, because of their ability to obey and remember commands simultaneously. Carting, also known as “dry mushing”, is a recreational sport in which a dog pulls a cart filled with weight, firewood, passengers, or farming supplies. This sport is sometimes used for fun, or to keep working dogs in optimal condition for other services. It is frequently used for practical application as well, such as transporting farm goods, medicine, or other supplies from places inaccessible by other vehicles. A properly trained Carting Labrador Retriever can haul up to three times its weight in cargo.

Therapy Work

Labrador Retrievers have a wonderful temperament for working with medical patients in positive therapy. A friendly, patient temperament is the primary requirement for a dog to be considered for a therapy dog. Therapy dogs provide affection and comfort for the elderly, trauma victims, and many other medical patients. Since Labradors have a gentle, loving nature towards people, they provide the ideal standards to be a therapy dog. Studies have shown that patients involved with therapy dogs experience reduced stress, lower blood pressure, and raised spirits. Though there is no scientific data to support it, many hospital attendees will attest to the positive effects of having a loving dog, such as a Labrador, in a hospital environment.

Hunting

The Labrador Retriever, as its name suggests, is an excellent hunting dog because of its ability to find and retrieve fallen or injured game. In colonial times, hunters often pursued their game in heavily wooded or marshy areas. Having a reliable retriever dogs was essential, since the dog could easily find and bring the fallen game back to the hunter. With the Labrador Retriever having a water-resistant, ice-resistant coat, as well as an unparalleled sense of smell, these dogs became reliable companions for colonial hunters. Even in the present day, they are a very popular breed for both recreational and professional hunting.

Detection

Detection dogs are used primarily by law enforcement to detect substances such as explosives, human scent, illegal drugs, or other scents indiscernible to human senses. Because of the Labrador Retriever’s excellent sense of smell, they make very reliable detection dogs. After the collapse of the Twin Towers in New York City on 9/11/08, many Labrador Retriever Rescue Dogs assisted in seeking out people trapped under the debris. Without a Detection dog’s keen sense of smell, rescue workers would have a lot more difficulty locating people who were trapped or unconscious.