I’ve lived with a lot of Labs over the years from puppies into adulthood, and there are some things that every one of them has in common when it came to bed time. They leave fur everywhere, they chew the corners, they rub against the sides, and they occasionally spontaneously take their bed or blankets …
A black spot on a dog’s tongue is often nothing to worry about. A single flat dark patch or several freckle like splatters of black, are common in some breeds. These spots are normally just a part of the coloring or pigmentation that they were born with. Just like the shade of their fur, paws, …
The best dog crates are sturdy, durable and come in a range of sizes and shapes. You’re able to find one that fits your dog’s build, breed and the space in your home or vehicle that they need to fit into. I have used a variety of dog crates over the years and my firm …
Games aren’t just a great way of entertaining bored dogs. They exercise their bodies and brains, and even teaching your kids to play safely with their big, bouncy friend. Today I’ll share the best games to play with your dog. These activities will build a more positive structure to the way you interact with each …
The best chew toys for puppies are tough, safe and non-toxic. They have enough give to protect your puppy’s teeth, but are strong enough not to break down into smaller pieces your pup could swallow. And the best of all have an added interest factor to help make them more attractive to your teething pup, …
Indestructible dog beds are designed to stand up to aggressive chewing, scratching and shaking. They are strong, durable and tough, yet still give your dog a comfortable night’s sleep. And ideally are washable too! My favorite beds in terms of destruction resistance are the raised or elevated dog beds. The metal frame and tightly stretched …
To stop a dog from chewing you need to understand what is motivating them. Although mouthing and gnawing is normal, especially in Labradors, it can last for much longer than early puppyhood teething. Destructive chewing is best avoided by reducing boredom, treating any anxiety problems, providing appropriate toys, and preventing very young dogs from having …
All dogs can get over-excited, or upset at times, whether they are puppies or adults. So knowing how to calm a dog can be a big help to any dog parent. If you feel like you’re living at the mercy of a hyper puppy, take comfort in the fact that dogs learn fast. Most young …
The best raised dog beds are light, easy to lift and construct. Their structure is durable, strong and resistant to chewing too. They have a metal frame with a tough suspended waterproof fabric cover. The way your dog lays down is much more like a human hammock than a bed, which helps to keep your …
Raw feeding for dogs is a carnivorous, naturally based diet centred on whole animal feeding, from the meat to the bone. Yet it is also a surprisingly controversial topic. I have been feeding my Labs, Spaniels and Terriers a raw diet for years now, and as yet i’ve not suffered the broken teeth or impaction …
Labradors shed a lot, especially at when the seasons change. But dealing with your Labrador shedding is not as bad as you might think, if you have the right tools and a good routine in place. I quickly brush my Labs once a week with a slicker or pin brush, and then give them a …
Dog pools are a natural, healthy and fresh way to keep your pup cool in the hot summer months. The best dog pools are relatively small, shallow enough to play in but not so deep as to risk an accident. And they have incredibly durable walls. They are easy for your pup to climb in …
All dogs need grooming, but you’d be forgiven at first glance for thinking grooming your Labrador will be a quick job. After all, Labradors have a wonderfully easy looking coat. It is short, dense and very waterproof. No tangles to comb out of ears, or fur balls to gather around their legs. But Labradors shed …
Dog recall training is the process of getting your dog to return to your side when you call their name or blow a whistle. But the process is helped a lot if you have a dog that doesn’t run away as soon as you let them off leash. Racing off into the distance, so far …
Labs sleep a lot, and although all new dog owners expect puppies to nap frequently, they are often surprised by how much adult dogs sleep during the day too. Young puppies can sleep for up to 20 hours a day, but grownup pups aren’t that far behind with an average of around 12 hours of …
Every puppy I have crate trained has loved their cosy den. They voluntarily go there to sleep, chew a toy or simply have a little respite from the rest of the bustling household. It provides your puppy a peaceful haven where he can’t be stepped on or poked, and gives your children a break from …
It is absolutely possible to train a dog to come when you call every single time. It’s not a quick process and you will need to work at it, but I believe that any dog owner can achieve the perfect recall given time and the right instructions. Which is what I’m going to share with …
Jumping up is a common problem for owners of any dog breed. And your friendly pup is no exception. You’ve been embarrassed too many times by mucky paws on your friend’s clean clothes, and knocking people flying as they greet them at the dog park. Today I’ll share step by step positive training instructions that …
The best dog brush for your pet will keep coat tangle free, last a long time, be nice to hold and kind to their skin. Not every brush suits every type of fur equally, of course. For my Labradors I have a selection of grooming tools, and the one I pick up depends on the …
Two very different types of Labrador have developed over the last fifty years. English Labs tend to have broader heads, thicker tails, a barrel chest and a healthy helping of enthusiasm for greeting every person and dog they meet. American type Labs are slimmer built but turbo charged, with a high prey drive, determination and …
This is a complete guide to the miniature Labrador. It will help you to understand how Labradors are bred in smaller sizes, and why breeders have made the choice to shrink them down. We’ll look at the differences between full sized and mini Labs, the ethics of breeding them to be shorter, and help you …
Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, known for their loyalty, intelligence, and friendly nature. However, like all dogs, Labradors are susceptible to various health issues, including chronic valve disease, which is a common cause of heart murmurs in this breed. This is referred to by Labrador breeders as TVD or Tricuspid valve dysplasia. Chronic valve disease is a condition that affects the heart’s valves, which control the flow of blood through the heart. The valves can become thickened and deformed over time, causing them to leak or not close properly, or regurgitate blood …
Being bitten by a tiny 8 week old puppy is surprisingly painful. It is also very upsetting. After all, we generally don’t bite our friends! Puppies start teething at 3-4 months old. Puppies do bite because they are teething, but they also bite in play. And biting tends to start in earnest once the puppy …
The three main Labrador colors are black, chocolate and yellow. These colors come in few different shades, some through breeding darker tones to deeper hues like with the red fox Lab, and others through genetic differences like dilute genes. Dilute genes make the typical Labrador Retriever colors more pale, giving you charcoal, silver and champagne …
There are many things to consider before taking on the responsibility of a Labrador puppy. Price is just one of them. And Labrador Retriever price is more complicated that just the purchase price of a Labrador puppy at $800 to $1200. You also need to consider the impact of a Labrador puppy on your home …
Dogs are often referred to as man’s best friend, and for good reason. Not only do they provide companionship and unconditional love, but they can also have a positive impact on our mental health. In fact, research has shown that owning a dog can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as improve overall well-being. Here are some ways that having a dog can benefit your mental health. Reduced stress and anxiety Spending time with a dog can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. Dogs have a calming effect on humans, and studies have shown that petting a dog …
One of the latest case studies on canines is a research study conducted by the University of Helsinki in Finland, which found that dogs can detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in human sweat samples with a high degree of accuracy. The study involved training dogs to identify the scent of the virus in sweat samples collected from COVID-19-positive patients. The study found that the dogs were able to identify the virus with an accuracy rate of 94%, which is similar to the accuracy rate of PCR tests. The research team believes that this could be a useful tool …
Tough dog names aren’t just perfect for guard dogs, they can be a cool way to name your cute pet puppy too! Today I’ll share a selection of bold, fierce and fabulously furious ideas for your new bestie. Whether he’s a badass Bulldog, yappy Yorkie or cheerful Chihuahua, I hope you’ll find your perfect fit. …
Dealing with a puppy crying can be incredibly stressful and upsetting. And even embarassing if you have close, grumpy neighbors to contend with. But puppies need to communicate their feelings to their family. And crying or whimpering is a small puppy’s way of telling you they are sad or lonely. Fortunately, there are lots of …
Labradors and French bulldogs are both popular dog breeds, but they have very different personalities and characteristics. Labradors are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, while French bulldogs are known for being more laid-back–but very, very independent. But is this the breed for you? Here’s some things to consider. And the differences between the two breeds. One of the main reasons why Labradors are often considered better than French bulldogs is their intelligence. Labradors are highly trainable and can be taught a wide range of commands and tricks, making them ideal for families who want a dog that can …