THE LABRADOR RETRIEVER
see list of breeders below
Dwight & Moose - helping Jean sell training kits at a sport show....one of numerous dog/handler teams you will see featured in the video....Moose is an accomplished duck hunter..
Jean Smith's Retriever Training Course
Teach Me Please Dog Series Inc.
P.O. BOX 1515
St. Helens, Or. 97051
1-800-833-1913
We recommend the following breeders:
located in Central Minnesota
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since 1963
located in Upstate New York
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Picking a Puppy by Jean Smith
When choosing a pup out of a litter it is often perplexing to know what to look for. This puppy test is something you could use to help selecting the right pup for you.
A healthy physical appearance is the first thing to consider. Of equal importance is the personality and temperament. Pups will display characteristics of dominance or submissiveness as early as 7 weeks.
When choosing a pup out of the litter take each one and place your hands all over him, stroking his head, muzzle, back, etc. to see how he tolerates this kind of handling. The pup may growl or bite or may exhibit just the opposite by rolling over on his back showing submissive behavior. Most pups will lick and do some wiggling.
Dominance is often a problem in an adult dog and you can test for this as early as seven weeks. Roll the pup on its side or back and hold gently to the ground until the puppy becomes calm. It depends upon how much the pup struggles that you can determine if there might be a problem.
Another test for trainability is to take the pup to a new area (where there are no familiar scents and away from the littermates) and do the following exercises.
1.
Be sure you have held or petted the pup so he has your scent and the sound of your voice then place him on the ground and back up while calling him to you by voice and clapping your hands. Try it several times to be sure his reaction is the same. If he comes in an agreeable manner – that is good. If he goes off in another direction or lies down in a fearful manner or aggressively pounces on you or eager to bite your hand – that would not be so good.
Be sure you have held or petted the pup so he has your scent and the sound of your voice then place him on the ground and back up while calling him to you by voice and clapping your hands. Try it several times to be sure his reaction is the same. If he comes in an agreeable manner – that is good. If he goes off in another direction or lies down in a fearful manner or aggressively pounces on you or eager to bite your hand – that would not be so good.2.Toss a puppy-size canvas dummy (a tennis ball could be used – hunting dogs should use the dummy) a few feet in front of him. If he goes after it and brings it back to you – that is perfect. If the pup is not interested in retrieving means you will need to spend more time teaching this skill. Many dogs become just as eager and competent retrievers even though they don’t start out with natural abilities.
Toss a puppy-size canvas dummy (a tennis ball could be used – hunting dogs should use the dummy) a few feet in front of him. If he goes after it and brings it back to you – that is perfect. If the pup is not interested in retrieving means you will need to spend more time teaching this skill. Many dogs become just as eager and competent retrievers even though they don’t start out with natural abilities.3.The last test is to see if the pup will follow you. Walk away without calling him and see how he follows. Good if pup happily follows with tail up.
The last test is to see if the pup will follow you. Walk away without calling him and see how he follows. Good if pup happily follows with tail up.When considering purchasing a Labrador Retriever puppy it is recommended to check out reliable breeders for the following reasons:
Hip Dysplasia is a condition often inherited and afflicts millions of retrievers. Breeders can provide a pedigree with a certification. Both the dam and the sire are required to be x-rayed and certified “clear” by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. So be sure to look for the OFA number on the pedigree.
Labradors also are at risk to develop an eye disease. Most responsible breeders will register with Canine Eye Registration (CERF) and receive a CERF number for the dog and will provide you with copies of certification for both the sire and dam.
Breeders understand the necessity of socializing the pup while still with mom. They do this by handling and spending time with each puppy.
A good book to read is - “Complete Labrador Retriever” by Helen Warwick.
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