Training A Labrador Retriever Puppy

Training a labrador retriever puppy can begin almost as soon as you bring him home. Like a child, he will learn best through games. Play with your puppy often and get down on the floor with him sometimes if you can. This will create a bond between you that you can build on through training. At around eight weeks your puppy will be able to start to learn to retrieve objects, bring them back to you and let them go at your feet. This is the "fetch" game that he will love all of his life.

To teach this exercise you will need to keep him on a 10-foot lead. Do not use a stick but take a toy that he knows or a soft ball. Make sure it is too big to be swallowed. Wave the toy around his head to get his attention and then throw it about 5 feet ahead. Do not throw it too far. If he comes to the end of the lead suddenly, he could be hurt. Use his name, so your command is "Prince, fetch!"

Follow as he runs to the toy and if he picks it up, give him some encouragement - not too much praise, he is not done yet. If he doesn't take it in his mouth, shake it in front of him until he does. Then walk back to where you started, encouraging him to follow you. If he drops the toy be sure to make him pick it up again. When he arrives back, prise the toy out of his mouth with the command "Out!" Then you can give him lots of praise.

Make sure that this remains a fun game and not a trial for him. He will slowly come to understand what you want and how to get the most praise from you. When he becomes good at retrieving without you having to move out towards the toy, start to throw in different directions.

Labrador retrievers are great swimmers but they do need to learn to swim and develop strength in the swimming muscles. Do not throw or force your puppy into the water. A puppy of around three months old can be encouraged to go into a pond or lake and will soon realize what to do. Wading in with him will help him get started, as will seeing other dogs playing in the water.

If you live near the ocean he will come to love swimming in the sea but for a young puppy big waves can be dangerous. Choose a sheltered bay and have him play in shallow water at first. Do not throw objects out into deep water. Distances can be deceptive and you may throw it so far that he cannot swim back. If he becomes exhausted, he will drown.

It can also be dangerous to let a puppy swim in your pool. If he goes in alone when you are not watching he could swim until he is tired and then be unable to climb out. So when you are training a labrador retriever puppy to swim, be sure to only let him go in places where he can easily get out of the water when he is ready.

Labrador Retriever Fleas

When you own a labrador retriever fleas are sure to be a problem in summer. Fleas are to be found everywhere that your dog wants to go, so he cannot avoid bringing some of these unwanted guests home from time to time. One or two fleas will not be a problem. They will not bother your dog too much and you will probably not even be aware of them. But sometimes you will get an infestation in the house and that is when you will need to take major action.

Fleas are nasty parasites that bite, itch, suck blood and can pass on other parasitic infections such as tapeworms. Dog fleas will not take up residence on a human but they will be happy to bite you and your family in passing, whenever the dog is not around. If your dog has an infestation of fleas you will see him scratching a lot and you may notice the fleas on his body or in his bed. As soon as you have them in your carpet or upholstery you will probably start to get small bites, often around the ankles.

The first thing to do is to treat your labrador retriever. Buy a flea spray or powder and apply it according to the instructions. You will need to use plenty but be sure to do it safely. The product can irritate soft tissue so you will need to cover your dog's eyes, nose and mouth while you do this. You may need to use some protection for yourself too - check the label.

The easiest way to apply flea spray or powder is to have two people: one holding the dog's head and the other applying the anti-flea product. This needs to be done slowly and thoroughly, starting at the head and working down to the tail and legs. Apply it against the grain of the coat so that you get in under the hairs.

If you are not able to rid your dog of all the fleas this way, you can take him to a groomer for treatment. They will probably use a bath treatment which you could also try at home.

Fleas do not breed on the dog but create a breeding colony someplace. The dog's bed is a favorite place. So you need to spray that thoroughly, as well as any other place that he sleeps. If they have gotten into the carpeting and furniture, you can either spray that too or use an insecticide bomb that you can get from hardware stores that will fumigate the whole house. You need to leave the house for several hours if you use something like that and make sure that all food left in the house is in sealed containers. These products can kill other creatures as well as the fleas, such as pet fish. Read the instructions very carefully.

After treating the living fleas you must also think about the eggs they have left. You can get products to prevent these hatching and to be sure you can treat the dog and his bed again after a couple days.

You can have your dog wear a flea collar whenever he is outside to help prevent fleas. You can take it off when he is in the house if you like. You should remove a flea collar any time that it gets wet - for example in rain, or if the dog takes a swim. The product can irritate the dog's skin if wet.

With a labrador retriever fleas may be unavoidable at times but they are always treatable.

Labrador Retriever Coat

A labrador retriever coat is not generally difficult to care for. A labrador has short thick hair that is easy to groom by daily brushing or with a hound glove. The oils in the coat keep it naturally free of most dirt as well as keeping water from reaching the skin. Labrador retriever shedding is not excessive, although they do lose their undercoat once or twice a year. You will not need to trim the coat either. Show dogs are occasionally trimmed but this is just to tidy them up for the judges.

To maintain a healthy level of oils in the coat it is best not to bath your labrador retriever too often. Of course occasionally he will need it, after a long roll in the mud or worse, or simply because over time the oils in the hair can become rancid which gives him a strong doggy smell. But often after a muddy walk you can just wash the legs and paws. If you have a yellow labrador you may notice more frequent discoloration from grass stains or other dirt, and you may be able to sponge this off without bathing him. Chocolate, black and silver labrador retrievers do not show the dirt so much.

When you bath your dog use a very mild soap such as you can get from the veterinarian or a dog groomer. Do not use anything designed for humans as this will dry his coat far too much. Work the water into the skin through the dense hairs. Be sure to dry him very well afterward. Remember that with the soap and your washing, the water has reached the skin which it does not do when he goes for a swim. With his skin wet he cannot just shake himself dry, and he may catch a chill if left that way.

As with all dogs, the labrador retriever coat is an indication of the dog's general health. If you notice any change in the appearance of his coat, such as it becoming dull, look carefully at the skin for signs of parasites, skin disorders or other irritations. Sometimes dogs develop skin problems because of allergic reactions to additives in their food. If this seems minor you could try changing to additive-free dog food. If the irritation is more serious or the dog is constantly scratching or biting his coat and skin, take him to the veterinarian, as this could have many different causes.

Another sign of possible problems is loss of hair in excess of the normal shedding. If you see patches of hair loss this could be caused by a hormonal imbalance or an infection such as mange. Again, consult your veterinarian in this aspect of labrador retriever coat care.

How To Remove Ticks From A Labrador Retriever

It is certain that you will have to know how to remove ticks from a labrador retriever if you own one. Any dog that spends much time outdoors is certain to get some in its lifetime and you cannot keep a big dog like a lab indoors all summer. You can get tick prevention products including sprays and these can help, but most dogs will still pick up the occasional tick.

Ticks are less common than fleas and less irritating for owners but they can be more dangerous. In some countries they can carry disease including Lyme's disease which can be very serious in both animals and humans. There are many species of tick and these vary in different parts of the world.

Ticks are not stupid - they spend the summer hanging out in all the places that dogs love to go! They cannot jump or fly but they will crawl up trees and bushes and drop on the dog as he investigates around the trunk. You are most likely to find them in places where there are a lot of animals, for example in areas grazed by deer, cattle or sheep, or where many other dogs are walked. They are not so likely to frequent your backyard, although it is possible.

You can check for ticks when you bring your dog home, since they will often walk around on the dog for a while before picking their target spot. They like warm areas where the skin is thinner, for example the groin and around the ears, but they may bite anywhere. They are black and very small until they bite, so it can be hard to see them on the dark coats of most labrador retrievers.

A tick will gnaw its way into the dog's skin to suck blood. Since the head is always buried in the skin, it is important to remove the tick carefully so that the head does not break off and remain there to cause a possible infection or abcess. Take tweezers and grasp it as close to the dog's skin as you can. Then gently pull upward. Do not twist the tick as that is more likely to tear its body. You can use tick dip or alcohol to disable it first if you like, but that should not be necessary.

Never try to burn the tick with a match, cigarette lighter etc. This will not help you to remove it and you may cause burns to the dog's skin.

It is normal for a thick red mark to remain on the dog's skin for several days after removal but if the area becomes infected or if your dog seems at all sick, consult your veterinarian for antibiotics or other treatment. You can also consult your veterinarian if you need more help with how to remove ticks from a labrador retriever.

Hip Dysplasia In Labrador Retrievers

Hip dysplasia in labrador retrievers is common enough to be a recognized hazard with this breed. It is not known whether it is genetic or environmental. Most people believe that the puppy was born with it. Breeders usually have their breeding dogs checked by orthopedic veterinarians but the problem still occurs so some breeders claim that it is caused by a puppy that is too heavy for its legs being over-exercised or under-exercised.

Hip dysplasia is a malformation in which the ball at the top of the thigh bone does not fit correctly into the socket of the joint on the hip bone. Whether or not it is genetic, it does not usually cause problems until the puppy grows. If it is severe an older puppy may develop problems. In a less severe case it will only become apparent in the adult dog or may not cause any pain until old age when arthritis tends to develop.

Symptoms of dysplasia center around patterns of movement or posture. These include:

- limping

- using both hind legs together like a rabbit when running

- always sitting or lying with legs straight out instead of close in to the body

- swaying back end when walking caused by loose hip joints

- not jumping up at you, not jumping onto furniture, and not getting into the kind of rough play that you would expect of a young dog.

Your dog can have some of these symptoms and not have hip dysplasia, but any sign of pain when walking, running or jumping should be checked by a veterinarian, who will take x-rays. If dysplasia is found, you will probably be referred to a pet orthopedic surgeon and there will be various options.

If surgical treatment is needed, it can either be performed very early as a preventive measure, or postponed until the dog is older. Some dogs will suffer a little as puppies but then seem to grow out of it and have no problems until old age. However, if your dog is in pain or is not willing to exercise, surgery will probably be recommended. Surgical treatment can involve grafts onto the hip socket, repositioning the socket, cutting away the ball at the top of the thigh, or total hip replacement. The options depend on your individual dog and its age.

Remember that the important thing is whether your dog is in pain. Even if the x-rays show quite severe dysplasia, your dog may be able to manage it without symptoms or restrictions. Some people avoid surgery for their dysplastic dogs by giving nutritional supplements similar to those taken by human arthritis patients. Planned exercise programs, acupuncture and chiropractic treatment can also help. It is important to make sure that the dog does not become overweight, which will worsen the condition. Hip dysplasia in labrador retrievers requires careful management if surgery is to be avoided.

Labrador Retriever Care: Paws

One aspect of labrador retriever care that needs regular attention is the feet and paws. Like most large dogs your lab will want to be outdoors a lot of the time and at any opportunity the dog will be into thick brush and bushes where he can pick up thorns, cuts, burrs or small stones in the pad of his paw. So the pads need checking after most long walks. It is important to instill this as a daily routine when the dog is young, otherwise you will have difficulty when there are any foot problems because the adult dog will not like having his paws inspected if he is not used to it.

You can probably easily remove most foreign objects from the pad and paw using sterilized tweezers. Clean the area with a mild antiseptic afterward, and if there is a cut or abrasion, limit him to shorter walks until it has healed so that he does not pick up an infection.

If a thorn or other small irritant remains unnoticed in the paw, it may become infected and painful. If you see that the dog is limping, this could be the cause. Look also for cuts. If there is no sign of a cut and no swelling or redness but the limp continues, you should check with your veterinarian as your dog may have injured a bone or tendon in the foot.

Pain and sudden limping while you are out walking may be caused by an insect bite or sting. In this case take the dog home and apply ice to minimize swelling. The pain will soon pass but if the dog stepped on the insect he may not be able to use that foot normally for a few days. When treating stings, watch for any breathing difficulties as this can be the first sign of an allergic reaction.

You will not normally need to trim your dog's nails if he is active and getting plenty of runs. Hard and rough ground will keep them short. However if the nails grow too long they can affect the way the dog walks, causing possible problems in the joints. So when dogs are less active due to old age or health problems they may need to have their nails cut occasionally.

You can buy dog nail clippers online or at a pet shop or grooming parlor. There are different sizes for different sized dogs and you will want a medium or large size. Having his nails trimmed is painless for the dog just as it is for us, if it is done correctly. However you do need to get it right so it is a good idea to have the veterinarian or parlor show you how to do it the first time. If you cut the nails too short there may be bleeding. Apply pressure with a cotton swab for a couple minutes to stop the bleeding and then treat with a mild antiseptic.

If you live in a colder area you should take care in winter because the dog's paws can be damaged by the chemicals used to melt snow on the sidewalks and roads. If this is allowed to remain it can cause acid burns to the dog's pads. He may try to lick it off in response to the pain and of course this makes the situation worse as he gets it on his mouth and possibly into his digestive system. So wash his paws thoroughly with warm water as soon as you reach home. Then apply petroleum jelly to soothe and protect the paws. If these chemicals are a regular problem in your area you can buy a protective cream that you can apply before you take the dog out.

Giving regular attention to his paws as part of your labrador retriever care routine will keep your dog's feet healthy and prevent most common problems.

Labrador Retriever Ear Problems

In the labrador retriever ear problems are quite common and you should give some attention to your lab's ears and also his eyes. After a long run or an expedition into the undergrowth, check your dog's face and ears for thorns and scratches. Treat any cuts with a salve to prevent infection. If your dog is pawing at his face then there may be something in his eye or ear. Using a flashlight you may see something in the ear that you can remove, but if you do not see anything or if you cannot easily and safely remove it, you will need to take him to the veterinarian.

Ear problems may be the cause if your dog is always shaking his head or rubbing his head against the ground. Frequent scratching around the ears and abrasions caused by scratching may mean he has fleas, so check for this first. If the dog is producing excessive ear wax or if his ear smells badly then there could be an infection. The same is true if he will not let you touch his ear or if his ear is red or swollen. These inflammations can have many causes including parasites or bacteria, and it is important to have the problem diagnosed by a veterinarian so that the proper treatment can be given. You may be given ear drops to apply to the dog's ear and possibly antibiotics to add to his food.

From time to time you will probably want to clean your labrador retriever's ears. You can take care of the buildup of wax and dirt that normally accumulates in the ear by washing with a cotton ball dampened with warm water. You can also buy special creams for cleaning a dog's outer ear from grooming parlors, veterinarians and pet shops, but avoid getting anything that will be too oily and attract more dirt.

Be sure not to push anything into the ear canal while cleaning the dog's ears. This can cause the dog a lot of pain and can also damage the inner ear. Only clean the outer part that you can easily reach. If you think the dog's ears are blocked, take him to the veterinarian who will wash the ear out thoroughly. The veterinarian's office may be able to show you how to do this at home if your dog needs it often.

For the eye, do not use cotton balls which can shed irritating filaments into the eye. Instead use a clean lint-free cloth dampened with warm water to wipe away any discharge that collects in the corners of the eye. If the eye seems red, swollen or irritated, if the dog blinks a lot, has excessive discharge or tears, or if one eye looks different than the other, consult with your veterinarian. Eye infections can become serious so it is important to have the problem diagnosed quickly.

Labrador retriever ear problems and eye disorders should quickly be treated to keep your dog happy and healthy.

Taking A Labrador Retriever In The Car

Taking a labrador retriever in the car can be a lot of fun. It is great not to have to leave your pet behind when you take a trip. Most dogs like traveling provided they have the chance to get used to it when they are young. So if you have a puppy, don't be afraid to take it in the car. A young puppy can travel in its crate and you can protect the seat for an older puppy or dog with a blanket.

Start with short trips and train the puppy or dog to lie on the back seat. With a puppy it is better to have another person in the car at first to prevent him jumping on you as you drive. Even with a well-behaved dog, keep in mind that the first time you drive alone with him in the car, he may think the empty front seat is for him! Do not be tempted to let him stay there because it seems easier. Stop the car and have him go back as soon as you can.

If you have a station wagon you will probably want to order a grille to keep the dog in the back. This saves you having to worry about him while you drive and stops kids playing with him and encouraging him to misbehave in the back of the car. Traveling this way is also safer for the dog if there is an accident and means that he will not fly forward and perhaps injure you if you have to stop very suddenly. The local dealer for your brand of car will be able to advise you on purchase and fitting.

For longer trips you should plan on stopping every two hours or more in a place where you can give the dog some exercise and let him relieve himself. Take water that your dog can drink during these breaks. Labrador retrievers can easily dehydrate. When you stop the car it is better to keep him on the leash even in places where you don't have to. Dogs can be harder to control on unfamiliar territory and you probably don't want to stop for very long. These breaks will be good for you too, so make the most of them.

If you are planning to take your labrador retriever on vacation, you should make reservations ahead of time to be sure of finding a hotel or motel that will take pets. Check carefully because some hotels will only accept small dogs. Most hotels publish this kind of information on their websites.

Some dogs get sick in the car so it is better not to feed your dog just before you leave. If you take your dog in the car often, then he is likely to grow out of this soon. If not you can ask your veterinarian for medication for the dog before any long trips.

Keep the windows open slightly while you drive to give the dog fresh air. Two inches is enough. Do not have the windows open all the way, the rush of air can be bad for the dog's eyes, ears and throat. Never leave a dog in a parked car on a sunny day. Even if the temperature outside does not seem dangerously high, the car can become like an oven in a very short time and the dog may die. Opening windows is not enough to prevent this. So if you are going someplace that the dog cannot go, be sure to have a good leash that you can tie him with outside the car. A little preparation makes taking a labrador retriever in the car a very enjoyable experience.

Feeding A Labrador Retriever

Feeding a labrador retriever comes down to three questions: what, when, and where.

What to feed your dog is probably the most significant decision you can make on his behalf. A good diet is vital to a dog's health and lifespan just as it is for a human. However, they have very different nutritional needs than you and me. A dog needs a diet that is high in protein with some carbohydrate, fat, vitamins and minerals. Select nutritionally complete dog food products and you will have no difficulty supplying these needs.

It is best to give your dog a mix of semi-moist and/or canned dog food and dry food. Never use canned as the only dog food. It does not give the dog's teeth enough exercise, contains undigestible additives and has a high water content that means you are not getting much for your money and will lead to frequent urination. This can make a puppy difficult to housetrain. Canned food should only be a small part of the diet, around 25%. It is better to buy canned food that is specifically formulated for the age and type of dog.

Semi-moist food does not have the high water content and it can be much better value for your money but again your dog's diet should not consist only of this. Dry food is also required for the sake of your dog's digestion, teeth and gums. If you read labels and take advice from your veterinarian or breeder it should be easy to work out a good ratio of dry to semi-moist or canned food.

When to feed your dog will depend on its age. Young puppies, like babies, need frequent small meals, four or five a day. After four months old you can reduce to three meals a day at around the same times that you would feed the family. At nine months change to morning and evening only, and when the dog is a year old you can start giving him just one large meal a day, usually in the evening, plus some kibble in the morning.

Many labradors will eat as much as they are given so be careful not to over-feed your dog. How many calories he requires will depend on age and level of activity. Requirements can vary widely in two dogs of the same age, if one is much more active. So you may need to experiment a little. A correctly-fed dog will be well-toned with a shiny coat and some flesh over the ribs and hips but not plump.

Set aside a place for feeding your dog and keep to it. Dogs like to enjoy their food alone and in peace. Having people around will make them anxious that their food may be snatched away and they are likely to eat too fast and digest it poorly. This results in the food being vomited up and eaten again, which is not pleasant to watch but normal for the dog. So feeding a labrador retriever is best done in a quiet corner of the house, not right next to your dining table at family mealtimes.

Boarding Labrador Retrievers

Boarding labrador retrievers or most any other kind of dog is usually seen by owners as the final option when all else fails. If you can, you would probably always take your dog with you on vacation or on a long trip. But sometimes it is just not possible. If you are traveling by air, going on a cruise, or visiting someone who is allergic, you may not be able to travel with your pet.

Your first choice in this situation will probably be to leave your dog with a friend, neighbor or family member that he knows and who is happy to take care of him. This can work out very well. Be sure to give your friend all the supplies that the dog may need and leave written instructions. It is pointless to spend an hour explaining all about feeding, medication, walks and all the other things that your friend needs to know. At least half of what you have said will be forgotten within five minutes of you leaving. So write it down and be sure to include details of pet insurance and the phone number for the veterinarian's office.

If you do not know anyone who would look after your dog, you may be able to find "dog fostering" in your local area. This is just like leaving the dog with a friend except that you do not know the person. The safest way to do this is through a recommendation. Always visit the person with your dog several times and watch how they interact.

If you prefer to send your labrador retriever to a commercial boarding kennel or have no other option, then your first point of contact will be the breeders who sold you the dog. They may have facilities to take your dog back on familiar territory temporarily. If not, they can probably recommend a good commercial kennel that is suitable for labrador retrievers. If you went out of your local area to buy the dog, try asking other dog owners for recommendations. Lab owners will be the best people to ask, or owners of dogs of a similar size and temperament.

Good kennels will be members of the American Boarding Kennel Association or a similar organization if you are not in the USA. You can check the organization's website for affiliated kennels in your area.

Keep in mind that labrador retrievers are very people-oriented. Your dog will miss you and the staff probably will not have time to provide the attention that he is used to. He will probably be glad of some familiar possessions including his own toys and maybe some old clothes that carry your scent. Visit the kennel a couple of times to be sure it is clean and safe and seems welcoming. Ask about lighting, ventilation and heating for indoor areas, exercise arrangements and what you will need to bring for your dog.

When you visit, the kennel may not allow you to see the dogs. This is to avoid exciting and upsetting them. You would probably be happier if you could see a collection of well cared for pets but when your own dog is there you probably would not want him constantly disturbed by strangers. Ask to see an empty kennel in that situation, so that you can see that they are secure and have a solid divider to separate the dogs. A wire fence is not enough to stop aggressive animals injuring each other.

Leaving your dog will be difficult for both of you, even if it is just for a few days, but it will be much less stressful for you and your dog if you have taken the time to find the best kennel in your area for boarding labrador retrievers.

Teach Your Dog Not To Bite Furniture

by Rachel Tiang

1. Biting and chewing is a natural process for puppy or dog, we as owner need to understand that and provide sufficient chewing toy for them.

2. Start early is good as biting is a process of teething, teaching the puppies what is allowed and what is not at an early stage is very important.

3. Never try to stop a puppy's biting by hitting the puppy. Say "No" when he start to bite on your shoe or furniture. Pass him a chew toy and praise him or reward him when he does the right thing.

4 . Make him understand that biting on furniture will result in bad consequences such as you leaving him or put him in the crate let him associate treats with a chew toy.

5. Some toy manufacturing company has come up with better chew toy idea which called Active Toys. This include the Amazing GoDogGo that allows your dog to play fetch on his own. Also, the infamous Kong and snack activity balls which allow your dog to seek out food in an active way and Hide-a-toy plush toys where smaller toys are hidden inside one larger toy. Keeping your dog busy by using these toys will often prevent chewing on your furniture.


About the Author

Rachel is a long time dog owner/lover. She is an expert in dog training, dog grooming, dog's diet and dog's psychology for several years. Recently a new member has been added to her family, a Miniature Schnauzer. She has decided to start sharing her experiences as the training starts. If you'd like to know more please visit http://www.rachelanddogs.com