Labrador Retrievers For Dummies

by Joel Walton, Eve Adamson

Overview

You have a picture in your head. A picture of yourself with your practically perfect dog. You’ve 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 to

• Find out if a Lab suits your lifestyle
• Know what to look for in Lab pups
• Determine if a breeder meets high standards
• Understand health and nutrition needs
• Handle emergencies with a cool head
• Train your dog with the lure-and-reward technique
• Show off your Lab in competitions

You 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 more:

• Exercising your pup and older Lab
• Choosing the right veterinarian
• Exploring spaying/neutering
• Keeping your Lab beautiful with good grooming
• Helping your dog deal with divorce, a new baby, moving
• Managing barking and whining
• Housetraining your new puppy
• Traveling to dog-friendly vacation destinations
• Choosing a pet sitter or boarding kennel
• Volunteering your lab as a therapy dog

Labrador 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780764552816
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	01/28/2000
Series:	For Dummies Books
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Joel Walton is a professional dog trainer and Labrador Retriever breeder who has lived with Labs for more than 30 years.
Eve Adamson is a regular contributor to Dog Fancy and other pet magazines.

Table of Contents

Introduction.

PART I: Just the Facts, Ma'am.

Chapter 1: A Match Made in Heaven: You and a Lab?

Chapter 2: Finding a Lab to Fit Your Life.

Chapter 3: Getting the Lowdown on Labs.

PART II: Finding and Living with a Labrador Retriever.

Chapter 4: Choosing Your New Best Friend.

Chapter 5: Taking Care of Your Lab.

Chapter 6: An Ounce of Prevention.

Chapter 7: Helping Your Lab Deal with Changes.

PART III: Training your Lab with the MRE System.

Chapter 8: M Is for Management.

Chapter 9: R Is for Relationship.

Chapter 10: E Is for Education.

Chapter 11: Training Tips, Tricks, and Techniques.

PART IV: your Lab: A Member of the Family!

Chapter 12: Involving Your Lab in Your Life.

Chapter 13: Traveling with Your Lab.

Chapter 14: Keeping Your Lab — and You! — Healthy.

PART V: Showing Off and Having Fun.

Chapter 15: Having Fun with Agility Trials and Competitive Sports.

Chapter 16: Competing in Hunting Tests and Field Trials.

Chapter 17: Doing the Dog Show Scene.

PART VI: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 18: Ten Tips for Training Your Lab to Be a Great Pet.

Chapter 19: Ten Tips for Choosing the Right Trainer.

Chapter 20: Ten Ways Your Lab Can Make a Difference in the World.

Appendix.

Index.

Book Registration Information.