| Over the past few years, Labrador retriever puppies | | | | gets older. |
| have become one of the most popular dog breeds in | | | | No matter which approach you take in training the |
| America. The AKC (American Kennel Club) lists this | | | | puppies, it is important that all members of the |
| breed as the #1 registered dog breed for 2008 and | | | | household follow the same routine. There must be |
| 2009. This breed is recognized as an excellent hunting | | | | consistency in what is taught or the dog will be |
| dog as well as a loyal family pet. | | | | confused. For instance, if one person does not allow |
| Labrador retrievers did not actually originate in | | | | the dog to sit on the couch but another person does |
| Labrador as their name suggests. Their roots trace | | | | allow it, the dog will not know what he is supposed to |
| back to Newfoundland in the early 1800's when small | | | | do. As they are so intelligent, this conflict may actually |
| water dogs were mixed with the large Newfoundland | | | | lead the dog to sneaky behavior. The best approach is |
| breed. The result was a dog called the St. John's | | | | firm yet gentle training. This will create strong bonds |
| water dog which evolved into what we know now as | | | | with everyone in the family. |
| the Labrador. It became readily apparent that these | | | | Lab puppies love to eat and some grow rapidly. But a |
| dogs were great hunting dogs with their speed, | | | | fast rate of growth makes them susceptible to hip |
| capability of swimming and their retrieving instincts. | | | | dysplasia, a joint problem of the hips. To help combat |
| There are three main colors recognized in the breed. | | | | this it's recommended they be fed a diet low in protein |
| These are black, chocolate (brown) and yellow. Many | | | | (food with 25% protein or less) and a formula that's |
| feature white markings and some yellow labs have a | | | | designed specifically for larger dog breeds. Labs are |
| lot of white to where they look almost entirely white. | | | | also prone to obesity as they age. Carefully monitoring |
| Puppies grow quickly and often reach their full size by | | | | diet and providing ample exercise will help hinder this |
| the time they are 7 months old. Females can stand up | | | | trend. |
| to 23 inches and weigh as much as 70 pounds. The | | | | As stated, labs learn easily. And they love to please |
| males weigh up to 80 pounds and may reach 24 | | | | their masters. Not only are they terrific hunting |
| inches high. | | | | companions and great family pets, they're also |
| These puppies are trainable but are extremely active | | | | commonly used as search and rescue animals, |
| and full of energy. They are very playful and have | | | | narcotics detectors for law enforcement and guide |
| rambunctious natures which can be exhausting to their | | | | dogs for the blind. |
| owners. This is why starting them out with training at | | | | Bringing a lab puppy into your home is equal to adding |
| an early age is so vital. The two things you will want | | | | a new family member. With plenty of affection, proper |
| them to learn early are to sit and not jump up onto | | | | training and the right care, these dogs will be lifelong |
| people and to walk on a leash. Any money spent on | | | | loving and loyal companions. |
| early obedience classes will be well worth it as the lab | | | | |