vc_rowvc_columnvc_column_text title=”Will my Labrador protect me? Are Labradors good ‘watch dogs?’”This is a question I often get from those who have never owned a Labrador—and even some that DO wonder why their dog won’t be a better “guard dog.” (some use the term “watch dog”) I’d love to change the vocabulary to say they are GREAT “watch dogs”. But not necessarily “guard dogs” and if they were, history may have placed them in the AKC “Working Dog” class where many guard dogs are who were BRED to do this job. Some of them will even kill and turn on their …
Can dogs eat graham crackers? Graham crackers are safe for dogs as a small occasional treat. But, they are high in sugar and salt, so can cause health issues if they become a regular snack. Graham crackers should not form a large part of your dog’s diet, as they offer no nutrition that isn’t already …
What class of dog is a Labrador Retriever? Labrador Retrievers belong to the sporting group of dogs, also known as gundogs in the UK. Breeds in this group share an original purpose as hunting companions. Both English and American strains of Labrador belong to the class of sporting dogs. Although many modern Labs are kept …
The best hunting dog breeds are bred to fit specific roles, but your choice of dog may also depend on the game you are hunting. Some people prefer Retriever breeds or Setters, but for others, Pointers or Spaniels will be right. Hunting in the modern day is more of a sport than a necessity, and …
Why do Labradors dig holes in your yard? This pesky problem can have a number of causes. Some dogs dig because they’re bored or anxious, but others may do it for a practical purpose, such as to hide food or to cool off in the dirt. Finding out why your Labrador is digging holes outside …
Every New Years that rolls around, we hear resolutions left and right for bettering ourselves, getting healthier, and making a change in our routines. “New Year, New YOU!”, we hear. But what if we looked outside of our own personal growth and betterment, and thought of what we could do to better take care of those that are completely dependent on the decisions we make for them? Of course I’m talking about our fur babies! Our pups completely rely on us to research nutrition, supplements, exercise, and health choices for them. They really have zero control over these things. We …
Can Labradors swim naturally or do they need to be taught? Not all Labs can swim, and some don’t even like being in water. But, if your Lab has positive experiences with water from a young age, they will likely love splashing about and swimming. Traits like their double coat, healthy facial conformation, and webbed …
Dog Christmas stockings come in lots of fun shapes and sizes, ready for you to fill to the brim with treats and toys that your pup will love. Christmas doesn’t just have to be about humans. Buying your Labrador, or any dog, gifts can be just as fun and rewarding. All of these products were …
Can Labradors sleep outside? If a Labrador has a warm, secure kennel where he is protected from poor weather, cold temperatures, and other animals, he can sleep outside. However, leaving a dog to sleep outside can leave them vulnerable to parasites like fleas and ticks. And leaving them alone outside for too long can cause …
Why do Labs have webbed feet? Labrador Retrievers have a membrane between each toe to connect them, giving them webbed paws. If you look carefully, all dogs have this! But it’s more prominent on some breeds than others. Labrador webbed paws are just one of the things that makes them such great swimmers, a role …
Why do black Labs have white on them? White mismarks on black Labradors are surprisingly common. They’re possible on purebred Labs, and aren’t necessarily a sign that your Lab is a mixed breed. White fur on a black Lab can also be a sign that your dog is getting older. Black Labradors with white markings …
The Shar Pei Lab mix, or Lab Pei, is a cross between two very different dogs. The friendly, active and outgoing Labrador and the loyal but more reserved Shar Pei. Like any mix breed, the outcome of this cross is uncertain. Shar Pei Labs tend to inherit a mixture of both parents’ looks and personalities. …
Can dogs eat marshmallows, or are they toxic? Are some marshmallows safer for dogs than others? The Labrador Site team takes a look at whether marshmallows are good for dogs, and how to keep your pup safe from potentially dangerous ingredients in candy. Store-bought marshmallow usually contains one of two ingredients that are unsuitable for …
Cool dog breeds are different to everyone. When we are young, often we assume that the “cool” things are the things other people are buying or wearing or selling on television. As we grow up, it becomes easier to realize that the whole concept of “cool” is a relative term. There’s what is cool for …
Lots of Lab owners tend to wonder, as they survey the drifts of shed hair that settle over their home every day, “why DO Labradors shed so much?” Labradors have dense double coats which protect them from harsh weather whilst working outside. Their coats shed so that old, broken and damaged hairs can be replaced. …
Finding Father’s Day gift ideas is simple and fun when the dad in question loves dogs! In fact, there are so many awesome Father’s Day presents from the dog to choose from, it can be hard to pick just one! Within this carefully curated selection of happy Father’s Day gift ideas for the dog dad …
The best Valentine’s Day gifts for dogs show them just how much you love them. Buying a gift for your dog is a great way to show them you care, and give them a fun treat. We’ve got over twenty five ideas for puppy presents. From tasty treats and luxurious leashes, to brilliant beds and …
Why do dogs suckle in their sleep? Sleep suckling is widely reported by dog owners, but we don’t know for sure why dogs do it. It could be self soothing, or a reflection of what they are dreaming about. Occasionally it is a symptom of an underlying health condition. In this article, we take a …
The best dog gifts make your pup’s special occasion just as wonderful for him as it is for you. Dog gifts can be so much fun to shop for and give. After all, when your dog really likes a new present, she sure shows it! The gift in question gets slobbered on, mouthed, chewed, shaken, …
In this article we are going to look at every aspect of enjoying Christmas with your Labrador. The holidays should be a fun time for the whole family, your dog included. We have got some fantastic ideas for theming your Christmas, with Labrador cards, decorations and gifts. There are some lovely pressies that the dog …
When a Lab looks much leaner than their pals at the dog park, their owner might worry “is my Labrador too thin?” Labradors’ overall body condition is a better indicator of whether they’re in healthy shape than their weight. If they have visible ribs or vertebrae, it’s possible they are too thin. A veterinarian is …
‘A Labrador Puppy For Christmas’ was written by our founder, best-selling author Pippa Mattinson. Pippa’s online dog training courses are available here. A Labrador puppy for Christmas? Your very own Christmas puppy? It’s that time of year again! What an amazing Christmas present a puppy would make. Wouldn’t it? Don’t worry, I’m not going to …
Dog quotes are almost as popular as dogs! Dogs and humans have lived together for thousands of years. So, it’s no surprise that there is a dog quote for every occasion in your pup’s life. But, with so many quotes available, finding the one that says just what you want it to can be hard. …
A healthy dog usually has a cold, wet, nose. But, why do dogs have wet noses? And what does it mean when a dog’s nose is dry and cracked? Or wet but warm? If you want to know how to tell whether your dog’s nose is healthy, and how to take extra care of a …
Homemade dog treats are fun to make, fun for your dog to eat, and often surprisingly simple to assemble. Some don’t need cooking at all, some just need a quick bake. Most are made using ingredients that are readily available from your local shops, or even that are sitting waiting in your kitchen cupboards. And …
The puppy vs dog debate can complicate things when you’re planning on getting a new addition to your family. Puppies tend to cost a little more, and their adult size, appearance, and temperament can be unpredictable whilst they are young. But, owners can control their training and socialization from a young age, knowing they have …
A memory foam dog bed is a great choice for old dogs, overweight dogs, and dogs with long term health issues or joint problems. The best memory foam pet beds will support your dog’s joints as they sleep. They keep your dog cool, and are easy to get in and out of. The size and …
vc_rowvc_columnvc_column_textBy this point you’ve probably read through various breeder websites, trying to educate yourself on the breed, finding a puppy, and what makes a good breeder. You’ve read over countless acronyms like OFA, EIC, PRA, CNM, TVD, and the list goes on… what do all of these things mean? What is important to test for? And most importantly, what does it all mean for your puppy? So let’s start with the basics. “Back in the day”, we all knew to at a minimum x-ray hips and check eyes before breeding our Labradors. The OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals- https://www.ofa.org/) works …
unionhilllabradors.com
