Labrador Training: Teaching Your Lab The “Leave It” Command

Training your Labrador Retriever to “leave it” is a must. The breed’s retrieving instincts sometimes kick in and result in inappropriate chewing, eating and all kinds of things. The command can also help stop your dog eating something that’s toxic or simply inedible.

All that’s necessary to teach the “leave it” command is treats and if you’re using one, a clicker. Try to keep the sessions at 5 to 10 minutes each to avoid boredom and losing focus.

“Leave it” command steps

There are a few steps to teaching the “leave it” command:

• Place a treat in one of your hands while your Lab is watching.


• Maintain your hand open so that the treat is visible.


• Say “leave it” and close your hand as soon as your dog tries to get the treat.


• After your Lab has resisted for a reasonable time give praise and the treat. Alternatively, you can keep a different treat in your other hand to give as a reward.


• If your puppy tries to get the treat anyway, wait until he or she is calm and retracts, and then give a different reward. If you’re using a clicker, this would also be the appropriate time to click.


• Avoid letting your dog get the treat, as this will only defeat the purpose of teaching the command. A couple of slips won’t affect the progress in training, but as with all the other commands, consistency is the key to success. If you’re not consistent, it is going to be difficult for your Lab puppy to learn what “leave it” means and training will take longer.


• Once your Labrador gets the hang of the command, it’s time to increase the time he or she has to wait. Do this by slowly adding a few seconds until your dog “leaves it” for minutes at a time.

Practice  with your Lab from different distances

It’s a good idea to practice the command with your Labrador puppy at different distances so that he or she obeys no matter how far or how close you are. Begin by placing a treat about 2 ft. away from your dog and say “leave it.” Keep your hand near the treat in case your puppy tries to get it. Give a reward (not the same treat you’re using for practice) and some praise to reinforce desirable behavior. Move the treat around (closer, to the side, farther away, etc.) a couple of times throughout the session.

Next, toss a treat near your dog, take about 2 steps back and say “leave it.” Keep a close eye on your puppy, as you might have to cover the treat with your foot if he or she tries to get it. Slowly increase the distance between you and the treat until your Lab obeys from across the room or further if you’d like.

Vary the objects for your Lab

Using treats to teach “leave it” is only required in the beginning. When your Lab obeys the command confidently, you can start substituting the treats with other objects such as toys, food, sticks, etc. This will ensure that your Labrador understands that the “leave it” command applies to everything.

“If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience.” – Woodrow Wilson

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Labrador Retriever As A Trained Attack Dog! Hilarious Dog Video!

This Labrador Retriever is trained as an attack dog…. or is he?

Will he hop and bite the padded arm like his training has taught him, or will something more hilarious ensue?

Watch and wait for the laugh-inducing conclusion that shows how great Labrador Retrievers really are at being guard dogs!

So hilarious!

Let us know what you think!

Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below!

Enjoy!

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Labrador News: Labrador Retriever Is American Kennel Club's 2013 National Agility Champion

Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoma

A black Labrador retriever named Henry is the American Kennel Club’s 2013 national champion agility dog. The Lab and his owner,Dennis Butler,  of Norman and Hubert Bereman of Oklahoma City.

The 8-year-old Labrador won the title last month at the American Kennel Club’s National Agility Championships in Tulsa.

The Labrador won the title last month at the American Kennel Club’s National Agility Championships in Tulsa. Henry, an eight year old Lab, competed against all breeds in five rounds in the 20-inch preferred class. This class requires dogs to navigate obstacle courses and jump 20-inch hurdles. The fewer errors the better. The courses include various jumps, tunnels, weave poles, teeters and other obstacles. It is designed to test the dog’s agility, speed, and discipline.

Henry is trained by Butler and his wife, Kris, owners of the American Dog Obedience Center in Norman.

“Henry is our first agility dog,” said Dennis Butler. He has been working with dogs for 30 years but only started agility training with Henry five years ago. “He is an athletic and high-drive animal, but he maintains that lovable Labrador personality.”

Butler has owned Henry since he was a pup. He was born from field trial royalty. His sire, FC AFC Fordland’s Bored Out Ford, was a 2011 inductee into the Bird Dog Foundation’s Retriever Field Trial Hall of Fame.

Henry originally competed in field trials, but on a whim the Butlers decided to see how Henry would perform on an agility course.

You can read the full story here.

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Labrador News: Hetty, The First Dually-Trained Assitance Dog, Honored

Tony Brown-Griffin’s Labrador assistance dog, Hetty, makes life possible and enjoyable for her. She suffers from life-threatening seizures and is also blind. This Labrador is the first dog trained as both a seizure detection dog and a guide dog. A service dog trained in two disciplines is no small accomplishment and a first in the field.

Tony was clinically diagnosed with epilepsy in 1995. She suffered up to 12 major attacks and as many as 40 minor attacks a week. She was constantly exhausted and in life-threatening situations. “Once I put my head through a glass shower screen,” she said. “Incredibly I wasn’t injured.” Her injuries included broken ribs, a fractured wrist and multiple bruises. She spent one summer in intensive care due to back-to-back seizure.  In her words: “I felt as though my life had stopped at 24”.

Tony and her husband Dan had a border collie named Rupert who would naturally alert Tony to a coming seizure moments before it happened, but the alerts weren’t regular enough. But this inspired Tony and her husband to see if Rupert could be trained. Once Rupert was trained Tony’s life changed dramatically for the better.

As if life was not bad enough, six years ago Tony became blind. When her seizure dog, Ajay, retired she knew she needed a dog that could assist with both disabilities.

Tony worked with Hetty, she knew instantly that this was the dog for her. We just clicked,” she said.

Hetty is always by Tony’s side and allows her to do the things she loves. “I go horse riding again thanks to her, and I take the girls swimming, too,” said Tony. “If Hetty starts wailing I’ll go over to be checked and then if I’m Ok, I can carry on.” With Hetty’s help, her daughters no longer have to witness her seizures. This is a great relief for Tony. “I’ve seen what it’s like for an adult to have a seizure and it’s not nice, so for them it would be terrifying.”

This Labrador continues to impress Tony and everyone she meets. Hetty’s impressive skills are being honored by the British Animal Honours 2013. “Hetty’s my best friend and savior in the form of a black ball of fluff,” says Tony. “It’s lovely she’s being recognized, she’s a superdog.”

You can read the full article here.

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Labrador Breeders: How To Select A Good One

Finding a reputable Labrador Retriever breeder can be challenging, but it’s worth it because you’re assured a happy and healthy Labrador puppy.

Five important tips to follow before choosing a breeder include:

Schedule an appointment with the Lab breeder

Responsible Labrador breeders are always willing to engage in an interview with people who are interested in acquiring a Lab puppy. Inexperienced or irresponsible dog breeders on the other hand, typically focus on selling as many puppies as they can without worrying whether they’re going to a good home or not. During the appointment, you and the breeder will be able to exchange questions and clear any doubts that you may have.

Ask questions about Labradors

Labrador breeders with a good reputation are open to any questions, as they have nothing to hide. Some important questions to ask during your visit include;

• Are you familiar with the Lab puppies’ ancestry?


• Were the parents screened for genetic health conditions such as hip dysplasia before being bred?


• Are there any health problems associated with the specific line of Labradors?


• Have there been any recent outbreaks of Parvovirus or other contagious diseases in the facility?


• Have puppies been born with any undesirable characteristics in the past?

Get a tour of the Labrador breeding facility

While you’re at the breeding facility, you should also ask for a tour of the place. Scan the environment for cleanliness and ensure that the dogs are all treated humanely. After all, you don’t want to support Lab puppy mills or irresponsible breeders. You may also want to ask things like; how much exercise do the dogs get, what type of food are they fed, and do the puppies receive any sort of training? 

Inquire about veterinary care

The ideal age to start housing Lab puppies is around 8 weeks old. By this time, they can get their first vaccination and deworming, but some breeders wait until 8 or 9 weeks of age to do this. It’s important to ask the breeder what the puppies have already received as far as veterinary care goes so that you know what to expect next. You can also ask to see medical records to confirm that the parents and puppies are up to date on vaccines, deworming, etc.

Ask about Labrador paper work

Each breeder has their own policies in regards to selling a Labrador puppy, which is why you should ask to see a contract before making a decision. Some breeders have a no return policy, while others make a lifetime commitment to the puppies that they breed. Certain breeders will also cover medical costs in the event that the puppy becomes ill during the first 2 weeks (or whatever the time frame) of being in his or her new home.

If the Labrador puppies are not yet registered with the AKC, the breeder must also provide you with the proper information so that you can register your dog at a later time. Without the AKC certification, you have no proof that your dog is in fact a purebred Labrador Retriever. 

My little dog – a heartbeat at my feet. ~Edith Wharton

 

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Labrador Retrievers And All About The Breed! Educational Dog Video!

Watch this video of Labrador Retrievers and all about the breed!

Interested in becoming a Labrador Retriever dog owner?

Watch this video to learn all about the breed, the size they’ll become and care when owning one!

Learn about the breed’s popularity, key issues with the breed and training techniques that will help make owning a lab go more smoothly.

Also learn more about differences within the breed that will determine the dog’s personality, family dynamics and other attributes.

Did you find this video helpful?

Share it with your friends who are planning to own one soon!

Enjoy!

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Labrador News: Yellow Labrador Rose Comforts Hospice Patients

By JEFF JARDINE The Modesto Bee

HUGHSON, Calif.

Nearly every day, Dr. Gary Pickell makes his rounds at the Alexander Cohen Hospice House.

So does his good friend Rosie.

They visit the terminally ill patients, about half of whom come to the 16-room facility to ease into eternity. Others are there to have their pain and other problems controlled and stabilized so that they can go home to spend their final days. And others check in to give their caregiver kinfolk a break.

The house serves about 700 patients each year.

Rosie is there for all of them. She’s an 8-year-old golden Labrador retriever and a full-time staff member.

“She works for food,” Pickell said.

With her photo ID “volunteer” badge dangling from her collar, Rosie brings friendship and joy to a place that, despite its cleanliness, classy decor and cheerful staff, cannot help but be cloaked in sadness. She makes friends easily and eases their pain in a way some medications cannot.

“She’s a pet therapist,” Pickell said. “She provides emotional support. Elderly people can be forgetful. They don’t remember me, but they’ll remember her. She’ll introduce herself and then go lie down. And while I’m doing my paperwork, she’ll go back and visit.”

Rosie comes from a line of downsized, calm goldens, a gift from a breeder in Escalon, Calif.

“For the first year, I had Rosie on a leash attached to my belt,” he said. “After that, she knew what she had to do.”

Which is to be there to be petted, and to be a distraction for family members there waiting for the inevitable.

“To take the edge off the emotional strain,” he said. “And with the patients, she helps them feel more in touch with nature. A few don’t like dogs, but very few.”

Helen Amarant of Atwater, Calif., and Rosie became fast friends when Helen’s husband, Joe, became a patient.

“I think Rosie liked me instantly,” Helen said. “We’ve always had German shepherds. I never met a dog I didn’t love.”

After her husband passes, she said, “I will still come back and feed her.”

Roxanne Poole, there last week to visit her mom, Shirley Turner, is another Rosie fan.

“She’s sweet,” Roxanne said. “She follows us around.”

Roxanne brings bacon-strip doggie snacks, making her one of Rosie’s favorites, as well.

“My dog’s going to be jealous when I get home, smelling you on me,” she said, talking to Rosie.

Oleta Woodside is a patient at the Hospice House. Oleta is 80 and quick to tell you she once reigned as Modesto, Calif.’s very first Miss Industry “when I was 21 or 22,” which would have been in the early 1950s.

“I represented Modesto to industry,” she said, her eyes suggesting she had drifted back to another era.

She also loves to talk about her 30 years as the Doll Doctor, designing and creating costumes and accessories for antique dolls in her Modesto shop.

“I did over 7,000 restorations,” she said. “For nine years, my sister worked with me, and we both brought our dogs to work every day.”

But now, in the Hospice House, she misses her cat, Marmalade, and dog, Molly, the latter a Maltese breed.

“I would love to bring them in here,” she said. “Molly was a rescue dog.”

Which makes Rosie’s visits so meaningful. She dropped in unannounced on Oleta earlier that morning.

“She got to share a little bit of my breakfast,” Oleta said. “But not too much. We don’t want her getting overweight. She’s a charming, delightful dog. I enjoy her friendship very much.”

A friend, indeed, and just what the doctor ordered.

Here’s a video of another Labrador therapy dog, Winnie. It’s delightful!

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