The average Labrador Retriever lifespan is 12 to 12.5 years. Although a recent study suggests chocolate Labs live shorter lives averaging 10.7 years, significantly less than black and yellow Labradors. Factors influencing lifespan in Labs include diet, healthcare, management and inherited diseases. Changing these factors can enable you to help your dog live longer. Contents …
vc_rowvc_columnvc_column_textMany people ask me what age they should spay/neuter their dog. DO NOT pass by this blog…it could mean life or death for your animal if you don’t know the facts. Many of you know that we recommend against spaying or neutering at an early age. Most pets are spayed and neutered at or before 6 months of age. Below is an extremely educational, and emotional, video from Dr. Becker, a widely known veterinarian, on the truths about de-sexing your pets. It is incredibly worth your time as a responsible and passionate animal-loving pet owner to watch this very moving video …
Big dog names are a classic way to name your giant puppy. But they are also a fun way to find a unique name for a smaller dog. A majestic name can match the enormous attitude of your personality packed pupster, or elevate your diminutive dog to unexpected levels. These awesome big dog names range …
Your new black puppy deserves a name as awesome as they are. My Labrador and Cocker Spaniel mad family have named a lot of black dogs over the years. Our preference for puppies of any fur color is short, snappy human names. Our black dog names have included Jack, Ted, Tig and Molly. All traditional …
Your Goldador has a noble heritage and a modern purpose. Originally two intelligent, trainable hunting breeds, the cooperative Golden Retriever Labrador hybrid surged in popularity just a few decades ago thanks to service dog charities. In fact, the first Goldador I met was a seeing eye dog puppy, being socialized by a family friend. Goldadors …
The best boy dog names have that feel good factor. But it can be challenging to come up with original ideas for your new puppy. And to get your family members to agree! Why not get everyone in your household to write their favorite names down on a piece of paper, and stick it to …
Ireland is an incredible place. From the metropolitan cities to the open landscapes, it’s always been one of my favorite regions to visit. I spent some of the most memorable days of my childhood there, messing about in boats and chatting with the friendly locals. Irish dog names are a lovely way to give a …
The Cocker Spaniel Lab mix is a designer dog that has been around for a lot longer than that term has been popular. They are almost the antithesis to the modern trend for hybridization, combined historically by gamekeepers wanting an all purpose hunting and retrieving companion for long days out in the fields. And these …
I used to put myself under an insane amount of pressure when I named new pets. And puppies were the worst. Well, obviously, no, puppies are the best. But the weight of the world can feel on your shoulders when making such an important decision. But slow down, it’s not actually such a struggle when …
Dog names that start with D are fabulous choices for people like us who love a bit of alliteration. Doug, Dana, Darrell or Denise the dog? Denver, Driscoll, Doc or Dodo the dog? Using the first letter to launch your puppy name search makes so much sense, and it’s a trick I use for plenty …
There is no shame in realising you can’t afford to keep your dog, and looking for a safe and ethical way to give them the life you aren’t able to right now. Price rises, income drops, medical bills and job losses feel like they’re rife at the moment. No one brings a pet into their …
I grew up with Jack Russell Terriers and Labrador Retrievers. My rural homelife brought into stark contrast the ways in which these breeds have very different personalities, and jobs to do. When working our Labs sat beside pegs, or retrieved over long distances. They were patient, confident and focussed. The Terriers scrapped through the undergrowth. …
Sharing is caring right? Well not always. There are plenty of human foods that are not good for dogs, and some that are positively dangerous. The internet is awash with articles entitled: “can dogs eat (insert the food of your choice here)”. From the everyday to the bizarre it seems that we are driven to …
I was so surprised the other day when my puppy had made yet another puddle (new to housetraining) and I told her ‘no no’ and wagged her finger at her. Her response was a sit down and hang her head. She may not have been feeling guilty but she certainly looked as though she was! So what’s going on? Here, she is most likely reacting to your body language and the disapproving sound in your voice. It’s unlikely that guilt came into it, in fact, unless you actually caught her in the act of making the ‘puppy puddle,’ she would’ve …
This is a rather uncomfortable subject to take on, but my husband and I have been involved in professional dog breeding and AKC exhibiting of Labradors for the last four decades, along with our local dog club, involvement in consulting on dog legislation with our local Representative, and several dog clubs. During that time, since we breed labradors, we really never went through a ‘recession’ and we’ve had people travel from all over the country to get our pups. One of the uncomfortable things that I have both observed and gotten proof of from our state, is that there are …
I’ve lived with a lot of dogs in my life, from hounds to labradors and even a terrier. All of them seem to have one thing in common about the enjoyment of rolling in something that smells disgusting. It might be fox scat, something dead or something completely unidentifiable. Every single dog I’ve ever had has followed this pattern, apparently, when they roll in things that smell remover revolting to us humans. There are several options put forward by behavioral experts for this one. No definitive answer is really possible. But there are many possible reasons. When wolves are observed …
Question: I have an intact male who is five years old and we live in the countryside so he mostly walks off-leash. When we go out for our first morning walk, one of his first jobs is to find a secluded place and relieve himself, but as soon as he’s done so he stretches out his body with his back legs, exuberantly gravels up the earth in long channels scratching it up with his claws as soon as he finishes his job, he joins me and continues his walk. What is he doing and why? Answer: dogs know that they …
Country dog names come in two general categories – those inspired by the country music industry, and those that give a nod to deep South ranch life. These ideas really lend themselves to puppy names, because the associated words tend to have clearly enunciated letters, and stand distinctively apart from your usual doggy commands. Dog …
The best puppy toys for Labs and other large breed dogs have to be really tough to last more than a few weeks. Good puppy toys are not cheap, and most puppies are very hard on their toys. Puppies like to chew on materials with different textures so you’ll need to buy several different types …
The best homemade dog shampoo will keep your dog’s coat fresh, skin in top condition, and your bank balance in the green. A DIY dog shampoo is a great way to avoid abrasive or potentially irritant ingredients. Homemade dog shampoo recipes make up lovely organic, natural, and wholesome coat care solutions. Why Should I Use …
The white Labradoodle is a Labrador Retriever and Poodle mix dog, with a chalky coat. White Labradoodle puppies inherit their snowy fur from the Poodle parent. This coat color isn’t caused by the albinism gene, and your pale Labradoodle puppy will have dark irises, eye rims and claws. White Coats and Important Jobs? The Labradoodle …
Labs and Rottweilers are both high energy breeds that need plenty of exercise and thorough training. If you are not sure which breed will suit your family best, then the most important factor for you is going to be temperament. Differences in coat, color and size are likely to be a lesser consideration. I’m not …
I’ve always gravitated towards Southern culture. And not just because I’m obsessed with the music. Insanely high levels of hospitality, perfect manners and unique food just scratch the surface of the great South. The best Southern dog names give a shout out to our favorite region. From epic singers to stunning locations, rural ranch work …
P is the perfect first letter for a puppy’s name. That’s because P dog names begin with a hard, distinctive sound that will help to catch your pup’s attention. It’s not the first letter of any common canine commands, and yet it isn’t over used or too popular either as a dog name starter either. …
We are so grateful for our dear friends, Bud and Alice Roberts, to guest write another blog post for us on resource guarding. You can read Part 1 here! As they’ll explain below, Bud and Alice have many years of experience in the dog training world, including in Bud’s military career and in their spare time working with rescues. Their wisdom is invaluable to us, and truly, we trust them implicitly with any training questions we come across. This post was mainly to help people know what kind of training to do early on in puppyhood to prevent resource guarding …
I was once accused of being cruel for running with my Labrador. That’s right, the claim was totally sincere. My companion announced that running deprives dogs of sniffing opportunities, and chances for a casual doggy chat with other curious canines. And was therefore deeply, fundamentally unkind. Honestly, I couldn’t have disagreed more. A tricky situation …
I love dog names that have an official slant to them. Something short, snappy, formal and tough in tone. Chief, Sarge, Sabre. Dao, Glaive or Marshal. Military dog names range from popular weapons to battles, vehicles and even through the ranks. Whether you are a military history buff or a modern tactician fan, dog names …
The Terrier is a feisty dog with a diverse history full of digging, chasing, rushing about and working in a gang. Depending on their modern purpose, they can also be extremely loyal and protective too. The Labrador Retriever, whilst it has split into two types in modern times, is a rather more reliable character. Outgoing, …
Being unique is not an impossible dream. But truly creative dog names don’t come from your standard quirky baby naming books. They have origins in something else. Unique dog names have a basis in the extraordinary or unusual. The only way to truly individually name your pet is to start from a premise that other …
The Springador is a medium sized, energetic, mixed breed dog. It’s a cross between a Labrador Retriever and an English Springer Spaniel. The Springador will often have a black or brown coat with some white markings and the ones I have known have all had a friendly, outgoing nature. Contents In the UK Springadors are …