Dog's Name & Age:
Boy & Girl (7yo) followed by a special fellow that we loved for 13 years
In a Word, My Labrador Is...
Smart, playful, loyal, love water, energetic, instinctive retriever.
Best Characteristics of the Breed
Love people, easy to train.
Most Challenging Characteristics of the Breed
Prone to ear infection if they swim frequently.
When, Where and How I Got My Labrador Retriever
First one from a breeder that was recommended. Got him for a duck hunter, he came from field & show champions. He traveled thru several states in air cargo and was such a sweet thing when delivered to my arms. I had a couple of dogs before but this but never one that captured my heart like this. He was so handsome and willing to learn, probing black eyes and a quick learner. We placed his dog carrier in our living area for his safe place. We wanted to be close to him so gave him a shoe box to sleep close to us while watching tv. Played w/ him rolling a tennis ball down the hall for him to retrieve.
I'd Describe My Dog As…
Now it is a bit different for Boy & Girl. We have acreage now and there is wildlife. Housebreaking? not a problem with these two who were country born. They used to get tossed on my lap while I was lounging on the sofa, what fun! The first "city" dog was house trained w/ newspapers on the hard kitchen floor with a piece of plywood for a barrier. Pretty easy in all cases. B&G are very good about asking to go out, I really do not remember having to potty train them so it was not a problem.
My dogs and all Labs like lots of exercise. They really enjoy regular walks with me. If you are in the country they will seek any available water or snow for a swim or roll. Sometimes it is not the cleanest thing for your house, so you will have to decide how to handle it.
My first dog who lived in the city was trained to not bark and if he did bark on occasion, it was intended to alert us. The country dogs bark more but much of it is necessary, I do appreciate them keeping bears and cougars away from the house.
My Labradors have been the best dogs ever. They love to play, retrieve sticks or anything else, go for a long walk with you and one other thing I love is that when we are walking Boy goes out ahead of me but keeps coming back, I feel that he is checking on me and that is a comfort being out in the bush. We trust each other.
Advice
- If you are wanting to add a dog to your family go to a pet store and look at different breeds, get an idea about dog sizes and how you feel about them. Labs are pretty gentle, you could say...they will love you to death... My son & daughter-in-law got a Lab for their family on the third try.
