http://www.labrador-retriever-dogs.org Labs Unleashed Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:27:22 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en The first rule anyone considering getting a Labrador is to carefully consider the breeder. This is so important as the time spent in advance will save much time and trouble in years to come. Avoid the Color Sale I am still amazed that from time to time I will ... http://www.labrador-retriever-dogs.org/labrador-retriever-puppies/know-thy-lab-puppy-breeder/ Those cute, adorable, fuzzy, warm chewing machines that we refer to as Lab puppies. If you have never owned a Lab, get ready for a wild ride. If you are a Lab owner, you know right where this is going and we hope to offer some tips to ... http://www.labrador-retriever-dogs.org/labrador-retriever-puppies/labrador-retriever-puppy-chewing/ Affecting over 12% of Labrador Retrievers that have been tested this serious health problem is not one that should be overlooked. Elbow Dysplasia Elbow Dysplasia is a term that is actually used for several distinct, inherited elbow abnormalities. A few of these abnormalities include osteochondrosis dessicans, and and ... http://www.labrador-retriever-dogs.org/labrador-retriever-health/elbow-dysplasia/ As a whole most Labs live a healthy life with minimal health problems. There are some serious genetic health problems that Lab owners should be aware of including Elbow and Hip Dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Muscle Myopathy, Megaesophagus and Hypothyroidism. Hip Dysplasia Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) results from ... http://www.labrador-retriever-dogs.org/labrador-retriever-health/labrador-health-problems/ It is probably a question every potential Labrador owner asks themselves when trying to find the perfect Lab puppy. “Does color make a difference?” As we all know the Labrador standard includes three distinct, acceptable colors for the breed. Here we will try to find if the ... http://www.labrador-retriever-dogs.org/labrador-retriever-training/black-chocolate-yellow-does-color-matter-for-training/ Link obedience to things your dog enjoys.  Be creative, have fun, but ask for something from him before he gets something from you. Say commands once.  Keep your commands short and your expectations clear. Follow through immediately.  If I say, "Sit," and then wait for five seconds to see if your dog ... http://www.labrador-retriever-dogs.org/labrador-retriever-behavior/six-simple-steps-for-a-better-behaved-dog/ Never approach a strange dog, especially one who is tied up or confined behind a fence or in a car. Don't pet a dog, even your own, without letting him or her see and sniff you first. Never turn your back to a dog and run away.  A dog's natural instinct is ... http://www.labrador-retriever-dogs.org/general-dog-information/avoiding-dog-bites/ Most puppies have a strong desire to investigate there surroundings, this is a totally natural behavior, but sometimes this can lead to problems.  For example, digging up your garden or chewing on your new slippers can be a problem.  For the pet, this is a normal thing, but it can ... http://www.labrador-retriever-dogs.org/labrador-retriever-behavior/labrador-retrieverdigging-and-chewing-problems/ Hip Dysplasia is an inherited health problem that many larger breeds are susceptible to. The Labrador is no exception and is another reason of why it is so important to know the bloodline of your Lab. The exact cause of Hip Dysplasia is believed to be attributed to ... http://www.labrador-retriever-dogs.org/labrador-retriever-health/hip-dysplasia-in-labrador-retrievers/ One of the first training lessons your Labrador Retriever should receive is how to properly heel beside of you. The first step of this process is deciding which side the Lab should be on. Some Labs will naturally want to heel on the left of you while ... http://www.labrador-retriever-dogs.org/labrador-retriever-training/training-your-lab-to-heel/