■ Join an Agility class or musical freestyle group.
■ Discover what interests Buddy and include that in his training as an activity and a reward; for example, keep interest high for a dog that likes to play catch by sometimes rewarding a good stay position by tossing him a ball.
Make sure your adolescent Lab has plenty of toys to gnaw when left alone. Since young Labs feel the need to exercise their growing teeth and jaws, they need plenty of interesting, satisfying chew toys to prevent damage to other objects such as walls, floors, furniture, and so on. Toys that hold and intermittently dispense food are excellent and can keep a dog occupied chewing for hours (see page 78). If you use two or three food-dispensing toys and vary their contents, Buddy’s interest in the toys will remain high.
Adopting a mature Lab can be very rewarding.
Adult Dogs
Adopting a mature dog can be very rewarding. Some mature dogs adapt to new owners more quickly than others, but most form strong new loyalties within two or three months. Adults demand less time and energy than pups or adolescents, and may already be quite well trained; however, even if your new Lab has very good manners, you’d be wise to take him through a positive-motivation obedience course (see page 59) to ease his adjustment.
Adult Labs may be rather set in their ways, but patient training can change that. Some behaviors are more durable than others; for instance, house soiling and aggression toward people or animals are problems that may require assistance from a professional. Ask your veterinarian for a referral to a trainer experienced in working with difficult behavior.
Caution: Don’t let Buddy play with too many friends at one time; it’s fun, but it can be dangerous for a mob of dogs to wrestle.
To Breed or Neuter?
Unless Buddy is part of a well-planned breeding program, neutering is the most logical option. A neutered dog is usually more steady because no fluctuating sex hormones take over control of the dog’s brain. Neutered dogs also tend to live longer because they are protected against cancers and diseases that attack the reproductive system.
Neutered males do not tend to fight with other dogs as intact ones do, saving injuries and social embarrassment. Spayed females, obviously, do not become pregnant. Pregnancy and reproductive disease are far more serious health risks than spaying. Some spayed females experience urinary incontinence because of hormone imbalance, but this problem can be corrected with medication.
A mother Labrador nurses her litter.
Where to Find a Lab
All Labs are not created equal, so buyer beware! Quality may vary tremendously from source to source and price does not always accurately reflect a dog’s value. Learn all you can before you select a dog. Information is your ally.
Breeders
There are knowledgeable breeders for whom Labradors are their life’s passion and who breed primarily to produce increasingly better dogs. Unfortunately, not all breeders are concerned with quality. There are disreputable people who cash in on breed popularity, producing pups with unsound bodies and temperaments. How can you sort the good breeders from the not so good? It’s actually easier than you might think.
A reputable breeder’s dogs will be certified clear of serious joint and eye defects and will have proven their quality in the field and/or show ring. The dogs’ ancestors will also have worked and/or earned titles in competition.
Reputable breeders will ask potential owners many questions about home, family, lifestyle, and other pets before agreeing to place a dog with them. They will offer a written contract spelling out the responsibilities of buyer and seller, including a provision arranging the fate of the dog should the placement not work satisfactorily. An experienced breeder will send home pages of instructions with each dog placed and will maintain contact with buyers, offering help and advice throughout the life of the dog.
The reputable breeder’s dogs are carefully bred, healthy and sound, immunized, well groomed, and socialized. When you obtain a dog from a reputable breeder, regardless of the price tag, the dog is a bargain.
Breed Rescue
Labrador breed clubs organize volunteers to rescue Labs from homelessness, neglect, and abuse. Responsible breeders who support these efforts often chair the rescue groups, and volunteer much private time, money, and kennel space to help the dogs.
Lab Rescue takes in dogs of all ages, but usually has fewer pups than adults. If you are a little flexible about the age of your new dog, Lab Rescue may have the perfect Lab for you (see Useful Addresses and Literature, page 142). Dogs placed by Rescue are neutered, and many receive rehabilitative training and care before they are ready for new homes.
Rescue Labs may or may not come from titled ancestors, but adoptive owners are treated the same way as buyers for show pups. If you adopt from Rescue, be prepared to answer personal questions about yourself, your home, and your family. Rescue groups want what’s best for the dogs, and volunteers will do all they can to make certain a new home works out right.
Shelters and Pounds
Many stray or unwanted Labs sit in shelters awaiting adoption. Sometimes, well-loved dogs are rehomed through shelters; others end up there when irresponsible owners tire of them. Some have been abused and neglected by the time they are dropped off at the “pound.” Although some shelter dogs bounce back easily from earlier hardship, others have behavior problems that will require time and training to correct.
Most shelter dogs make wonderful companions once they learn to trust new owners. Though they may require extra patience and care at first, most shelter adoptees give back a thousandfold in devotion to a loving family.
What Influences a Dog’s Temperament?
Environment
Early life experiences affect a dog’s ability to trust people and handle stress. A good environment is one that provides positive social experiences and teaches a pup to make friends with people and animals. Quarters should be kept clean and the pup’s mind stimulated with toys and household sounds, sights, and smells. Positive socialization enables a pup to confidently adapt to new situations.
Heredity
Most people realize that
