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SEARCH YOUR SOUL !!! You have the desire, but have you soul searched
and asked yourself if you are REALLY ready to take on all of the
responsibilities of dog ownership?
Are you prepared to take on a new family member? One who depends
upon you for everything? Will you be able to provide it with adequate
companionship, nutrition, exercise, grooming, veterinary care and training? Do
you have a fenced yard? Do you have a stable home life? Are you anticipating any
life changes which might cause you to consider giving up your dog? Are you
prepared for this 10 - 15 year committment?
A LABRADOR IN YOUR LIFE...
ARE YOU SURE THIS IS THE BREED FOR YOU? Are you familiar with the
less desirable nature of Labradors? They chew, dig, eat a reasonable
amount of food, and have a good amount of energy.
Have you read at least two books on Labradors or at least on rearing
a puppy? If not, perhaps this would be a good idea before you make
the committment.
HAVE YOU SPENT TIME WITH ADULT LABRADORS? A cute fuzzy Labrador
puppy is cute for about four weeks...it then becomes an endless
amount of adolescent Labrador energy. The adolescent period of a
Labrador lasts about two years! If you know an adult Labrador
personally, ask its owner if he/she remembers the damage the dog did
as a puppy, and how much training did it take to make that dog a
well behaved pet.
ARE YOU FINANCIALLY CAPABLE OF CARING FOR A LABRADOR? Labradors eat
about three to six cups of high quality dog food each day,
Veterinary care, crates, a house or a bed, equipment, supplies,
toys, and any of the dozens of "extras" that come along with dog
ownership.
HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT ADOPTING AN ADULT LABRADOR? There are many
Lab rescues across the country, and many breeders often have adults
available for placement.
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED COLOR AND SEX PREFERENCES? Very often we hear
that people think that females make better pets. In the Labrador
breed this simply is NOT true. Labrador males are silly,
affectionate, and love you with every cell in their body. It is the
females who are more reserved in their nature, although the
differences are hardly noticable. The male Labrador is larger and
takes slightly longer to mature, but they make WONDERFUL/SWEET pets.
No labrador of either sex is loyal or protective... they'll go home
with anyone, and make terrible guard dogs, except that they are a
reasonably sized dog, which often is enough to deter someone from
wishing to enter your yard.
You have no doubt heard of MAJOR differences in temperament, medical
problems, and activity levels of the three colors in Labs. Now that
all of the 'experts' have filled you with their prejudices, you
should hear the truth. Basically, the coat colors in Labs are
similar to the hair colors in people. I am sure you know some dumb
blonds, some ill-tempered red-heads, and some smart brunettes, but
I'll bet you also know some very smart blonds, very sweet red-heads,
and some really dumb brown hair folks.... Don't you love how people
generalize?
SEARCH FOR A REPUTABLE BREEDER There are many places on the Web to
learn what makes a breeder 'reputable'. Use your head. Learn what
makes someone a reputable breeder. Find out what the "standard of
practice" is for a reputable breeder. Fight the impulse to get a
puppy from someone who "always" has puppies available. That should
speak volumes to you. No reputable breeder "always" has puppies
available. A well-bred puppy is worth the wait. Most breeders have
lists of reservations that are well filled BEFORE the litter is due.
Attend dog events. Responsible breeders participate in dog shows,
obedience trials, hunt tests and working tests. When approaching
exhibitors at shows, introduce yourself, and tell them that you are
looking for a puppy. Many exhibitors are preoccupied when waiting to
go in the ring, so understand if they appear rushed, and ask you to
talk to them as soon as they have completed their event. Once
they've completed with whatever event they are involved in, they
will be open to assist you with your search for a puppy. Be
aware...most reputable breeders sell their puppies on a LIMITED
REGISTRATION to prevent the improper breeding of their puppies. Do
not be 'put off' by a breeder who tells you that they only sell
puppies on a limited registration. In fact, you should consider that
this breeder has only the best interest of the breed in mind when
selling on this basis.
JOIN YOUR LOCAL LABRADOR CLUB. Your education in Labrador ownership
will need not end with the purchase of your puppy. A Labrador club
is a great way to meet people who love your breed, know it well, and
can assist you in many ways with your puppy and adult Labrador. The
small membership fee/year is well worth what you will get out of the
club.
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We hope that when you do find a puppy, that it is the perfect match
for both you and your family.
Good luck in your search.
copyright - Blue Knight 9/98
Diane Welle http://www.geocities.com/HeartlandPlains/5404