LABRADORs are relatively large with males typically weighing 27 to 36 kg (60 to 80 lb) and females 23 to 32 kg (45 to 70 lb). Their coats are short and smooth, and they possess a straight, powerful tail like that of an otter. The majority of the characteristics of this breed with the exception of color are the result of breeding to produce a working retriever.

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

Training Labrador Tips #1

Fearful Dog - How I Handled Dog Fear of Water
by Rena Murray

Let's face it. Some dog breeds we just automatically expect to love the water, especially a Labrador Retriever. That was my general expectation for the beautiful, black Labrador retriever puppy a close friend gave me for my twenty-first birthday. Although a rescued dog, her assertive dog behavior was already evident by nine and ten weeks of age, not at all like a fearful dog. Who would have suspected dog fear of water?

Of course, as an experienced obedience dog trainer and dog owner, I know better than to assume that just because I have a certain dog breed, it is going to be or not be a certain way. Each and every dog has its own personality, wonderful points, and quirks. You have to feel each dog out and take the time to see what are the best training techniques for your specific pet so that your dog can have the best life possible for him … and for you.

My Labrador retriever puppy was beautiful but high strung and fiercely determined. In all things, she was absolutely one hundred percent one way or the other. There was never an in-between with her. If she didn't like it, she was going to show teeth, buck, the whole bit! She was not at all like the mellow Labs with which my friend grew up, the gentle ones who eagerly went duck hunting with her father and retrieved Frisbees from the lake… the personality expectation my friend had of this gift. My pup was uniquely individual.

My pup seemed absolutely fascinated by the running water in my shower. I introduced her slowly. I took my time putting drops on her to help her get used to the idea that the water would not hurt her, and to make it fun. This kind of slow, patient, systematic introduction is very important and usually highly successful.

Pups need baths, though. So I repeated the slow process, easing into the pleasure of the water … when without warning, she went into a complete panic mode! I quickly held her up by the scruff of the neck to calm her down.

Dog behavior tip in handling panic or tantrum -- Remember, mama dog says "stop" or "cool it!" She does not coo, "It's okay, baby." Mimicking mama dog's way of taking control makes the pup feel more secure and calms her down. The soft approach does not provide leadership, and confident leadership is what a scared dog or child needs to snap out of a panic state.
The bath took a very long time. The pup had several panic attacks. However, I had to follow through. Unless you want your dog to fear water forever, you have to stay there until you accomplish your goal. If they leave a situation in a fearful state, they will revisit it with that same level of fear.

Your mental state is very important, too. You must stay calm, authoritative, and fully in control. It all gets back to the calming effect of confident leadership. You must step up to the plate and provide that for your dog.

Three months later, my Labrador retriever puppy had learned to accept her monthly bath. She was not happy about it, but she acquiesced and was no longer terrified. She respected water, but no longer displayed strong dog fear of water.

About the Author
Ask Dog Behaviorist – Dog Obedience Trainer, Rena Murray, at the Fearful Dog Behavior Solutions site for a PRIVATE COACHING SESSION


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Labrador Breed Profile

Labrador Breed Profile
by Paul Johnston

Origin:
The origins of the Labrador are rather obscure but two types of dog were known in Newfoundland - a large heavy dog used to pull boats into land and a lighter, smoother coated variety used by fisherman to retrieve game and fish. They were both known as Newfoundland dogs and it was not until 1812 that the larger breed was known as Newfoundlands, and the smaller as the lesser Newfoundland or Labrador. In 1814 Labradors were taken to England where, in a book 'Instructions to Young Sportsmen', the breed was described as 'by far the best for every kind of shooting'.

Personality:
An adaptable and devoted companion with a kindly nature, Labradors easily adopt the role of children's playmate or elderly persons pet. The keenness to learn and willingness to please make the Labrador an ideal choice as a guide dog for the blind. The puppies are placed with a family for the first 12 months of their life and then return to the Guide Dog School for an intensive training course. After graduation the dog is matched with a compatible owner and devotes itself to the safety of its owner.

Trainability:
The excellent sense of smell possessed by Labradors, coupled with their eagerness and agility, makes them suitable as bomb detection or drug sniffer dogs. These dogs are trained to detect certain substances and, by their behaviour, alert their handlers. To the dog it is all one big game of 'hide and seek', although in the case of bomb detection dogs they save many lives.

Physical characteristics:
The tail is very thick at the base, of medium length and gradually tapering to the tip, densely coated with short, thick hair giving a characteristic 'otter' tail. The head is broad with medium sized brown eyes expressing intelligence and good temper and ears hanging close to the head.

Colours:
Although the Labrador is commonly referred to as the 'golden' Labrador, the colour is officially called 'yellow' and ranges from light cream through to a red fox shade. Other permissible colours are black, liver or chocolate.

Coat:
The coat is a distinctive feature - short, dense without wave or feathering and with a fairly hard feel and a weather resistant undercoat.

Height:
A strongly built dog with a broad and deep chest, the normal height is 56 - 57 cm for males, and 54 - 56 cm for females.

Lifespan:
12 - 14 years

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