Labrador Retrievers for Dummies

by Joel Walton, Eve Adamson

You have a picture in your head. A picture of yourself with your practically perfect dog. Youve always preferred big dogs, and your ideal dog is sturdy, strong, and energetic. At the same time, you envision a dog who is gentle and completely in tune to your needs, your whims, and your every move. That perfect dog is likely a Labrador Retriever. After all, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in the United States, according to American Kennel Club registrations. Labs are beautiful, friendly, adaptable, easygoing, brave, loyal, dependable, and intelligent. What could be better?Labrador Retrievers For Dummies is a useful guide to have if you're thinking of getting a Lab or even if you already own one. Perhaps you're just curious about this popular breed. This handy reference is for you if you want toFind out if a Lab suits your lifestyleKnow what to look for in Lab pupsDetermine if a breeder meets high standardsUnderstand health and nutrition needsHandle emergencies with a cool headTrain your dog with the lure-and-reward techniqueShow off your Lab in competitionsYou can live a fulfilling life with your Lab by making sure she is socialized, healthy, and well trained. What better task for humans and dogs than to be great companions for each other? However, you may need some help in knowing how to get the most out of your relationship with your Lab. This friendly guide offers that help with the following topics and your pup and older LabChoosing the right veterinarianExploring spaying/neuteringKeeping your Lab beautiful with good groomingHelping your dog deal with divorce, a new baby, movingManaging barking and whiningHousetraining your new puppyTraveling to dog-friendly vacation destinationsChoosing a pet sitter or boarding kennelVolunteering your lab as a therapy dogLabrador Retrievers are big, energetic, and sometimes boisterous (especially as puppies), and they don't take care of themselves. They need you. Don't let them need you unless you're ready to be needed.

Genres: Dogs, Nonfiction, Animals

258 pages, Paperback

First published September 28, 2000

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up Labs for Dummies a few days after I took my yellow Lab puppy home. I had a couple of dogs growing up, but this was the first time that I was solely responsible for a pet. I was nervous, but this book taught me everything I needed to know! I feel much more comfortable in my parenting skills after learning from this how-to.

[Valerie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

My newest enjoyment - not much literary work, but a great pleasure read for my current personal interest...

[Lindsay Pate · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, informational read. Definitely written "for dummies", I was wanting more new information. I found myself confirming much of what I already knew.

[Paul Partlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good general review of how to raise a lab. Though I would recommend additional resources if you're looking to train tricks beyond sit, down, and come.