Labrador Retriever History in a Nutshell

Myths and Facts about the Lab

Labradors are thought to have originated in Newfoundland. Labrador means worker in Portugues and Spanish; it doesn't refer to the breed's origins. In 1903 The Kennel Club (England's AKC equivalent) recognized the Labrador Retriever as a breed. In 1917 the American Kennel Club officially recognized the Labrador Retriever. In 1931, the Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. was formed. This club organizes field trials and is responsible for maintaining the AKC Labrador Retriever breed standard (this refers to what the hypothetical "perfect" Lab would look and act like). Since 1991, Labrador Retrievers have been ranked as the most popular dog breed in the U.S. (but check out the rescue links on the home page; Labs are still abandoned).

Did you know most guide dogs and search-and-rescue dogs are Labradors? This is the breed that does it all. Cherished for their retreiving ability, Labs found their place with hunters. But they have expanded their list of job duties to include just about anything you can think of. Many dogs have given their lives in the line of duty and companion-only Labs have instinctively saved their humans in emergency situations. Actually, my dog Kira has already proved her heroism in two separate occasions. Helping humans just seems to be innate to a Lab!!

This is Scout at a large family gathering. This gave him the chance to get used to being with alot of people, food, and noise. It also gave me the opportunity to let him know how to behave in this kind of situation. Well-behaved Labs are more welcome in any situation. Train them early while they are easy to manage. Jumping should never be allowed or encouraged, as an adult Labrador could easily knock over a child, small adult, or elderly person and really hurt them. However, most Labradors are EXCELLENT dogs to have around any age of child (don't forget to teach your child how to treat the dog).

Facts and Fiction:

Labradors are working dogs and can't be truly happy without a job to do. ---This isn't all true. Labs take their jobs of being a family dag very seriously. Also, training them is a job. You can even have fun with it and teach your dog all sorts of tricks.

Labradors jump excessively ---There is some truth here. Labs are the very definition of happiness. When they see you, they want to jump up and say, "Hey, so glad you're here!". So, don't train your dog and he will greet you the best he knows. Instead, try teaching him to sit when he sees someone new and to wait to be petted.

Rescued Labradors are "damaged" ---Not true. Labradors are a very people-orientated breed. While it will take a neglected Lab a while to realize you are keeping him for good - you will be rewarded with an extremely loyal (and grateful) dog.

Labradors don't feel pain ---Now this just makes me ANGRY. Yes, Labs are hardy and pretty tolerant of discomfort, they feel EVERYTHING. However, I have seen kids pull and tug on Kira (before I could put a stop to it) without her even flinching (a plus if you have small children). However, positive reinforcement is a much faster and reliable method of training then trying to beat your dog into submission (if you throw your shoe at your dog, don't be suprised to find it shredded later, they don't understand). Besides, Kira gets the most pitiful and ashamed look on her face with just one "No" from anyone (Scout is a little less dramatic).

Labradors are born knowing how to swim ---They can do so instinctively, but you must slowly introduce your Lab to water (never force him). If you make it an unpleasent experience, he may have an aversion to water the rest of his life.

(Generic Myth Here) Crate training is cruel ---actually crates mimic the den setting that dogs instictively like. Also, they provide your beloved pooch with his own "private" space. Your crate should not be used as punishment. Crates also provide him with a safe place where you do not have to watch him to make sure he's not chewing on the electrical cords. Also, puppies and dogs instictively do not soil their den, so proper crate training aids immensely in housebreaking. Open crates (like wire versus plastic) are best since the dog can see all around the room, which helps keep him from feeling isolated.

A dog is either friendly or unfriendly; his personality is set ---Most aggression/shyness problems are actually owner problems. See a professional for a fearful or aggressive dog since these problems can lead to biting. Your dog MUST be socialized. Introduce him to EVERYBODY/THING you can (make sure he's cleared by the vet 1st). The more things you show your dog are alright, the fewer things he has to be nervous about. Your dog is relying on YOU to show him how to act and if you have a Lab, he will be VERY eager to please you.

Labmommy@att.net
Questions? Comments? Training problems? Want to know a good book to read about basic or advanced training? Want to know more about competitions (agility, tracking, field trial, hunting...)?

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