rooster78 Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 Hi I am soon to be a first time Lab owner. Could you recommend a good book on Labs that covers the basics of training, character etc. I have borrowed some books from the library and spoken to some friends with Labs also. Thanks for your advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erny Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 (edited) Are you a "first time lab owner" (ie had a dog before but this is the first time it's a lab) or a "first time dog owner"? Can you give us some idea on your background as far as "dog knowledge/experience" is concerned - this will help others suggest suitable books for you. Edited January 9, 2007 by Erny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Working_Setters Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 (edited) Before I could recommend any books I'd need to know what your goals are for the dog, as IMO most of the good books are subject specific rather than breed specific. Do you want a well behaved and socialised pet? Or are you wanting to participate/compete in one or more of doggy games available? In either case, my advice would be to find a local dog club in your area. Most run some form of "puppy class", which includes a lot of socialisation with other pups and their owners, some good advice on the animal husbandry needs of your dog, and an introduction to the basics of obedience training. Courses generally run one evening per week for approx 6-8 weeks, with a cost of $60-$120. Books are certainly helpful, but IMO there's nothing better than some guidence from experienced dog people to get you off on the right track, that's why I'd recommend a local dog club. ETA : Welcome to the wonderful world of dogs and to DOL. There are a lot of experienced dog people on here and if you have specific questions regarding training/behaviour, you'll generally get some informative replies. They won't necessarily all agree with each other, and you'll need to decide which approach works best for you and your dog - but that's dog training LOL. Edited January 9, 2007 by Working_Setters Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Working_Setters Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 (edited) Forgot to add - The book I recommend to new puppy owners is "How to Help Gun Dogs Train Themselves: Taking Advantage of Early Conditioned Learning - by Joan Bailey". SEE HERE. However the advice isn't Lab specific, rather it's applicable to all gundog/retriever breeds, also there is a focus of preparing dogs for field/retrieving work, but IMO it's still an excellent book for gundog/retriever breed pet owners. Edited January 9, 2007 by Working_Setters Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rooster78 Posted January 9, 2007 Author Share Posted January 9, 2007 Hi - thanks for you comments. I am a first time dog owner. I grew up with dogs but they were farm dogs and I was young when they were trained. So the first time I've owned a dog and its a Lab. I spoke to the breeder last night and got very excited - I can pick him up on 25th February. I don't intend to show him. I just want a happy, friendly well trained dog. I live in the suburbs with a decent backyard. I want to be able to open the garage door or the front door and not bolt down the street like some do. I intend to take him to puppy classes to help with training and socialise. I will ask the breeder lots of questions before I take him but I want to assure her that I will be a great owner! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erny Posted January 10, 2007 Share Posted January 10, 2007 "How dogs learn" by Mary Burch and John Bailey "The Culture Clash" by Jean Donaldson. "Don't Shoot the Dog" by Karen Prior "The Other End of the Leash" by Patricia McConnell These are just a few, for starters. None of these books relate specifically to Labradors, but relate to dogs; dog behaviour; and your influence on dog behaviour in general. IMO, having an understanding in this regard is a necessity borne from merely owning a dog and I expect you will enjoy reading them as well as take benefit from having done so. "How sweet it is when the strong are also gentle" - Libbie Fudim is another book that has been recommend although I confess I have not read it myself so must refrain from comment there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haven Posted January 10, 2007 Share Posted January 10, 2007 "How sweet it is when the strong are also gentle" - Libbie Fudim is another book that has been recommend although I confess I have not read it myself so must refrain from comment there. Is that actually a book? How sad that I have that quote in my sig and I didn't even know that Second "How dogs learn" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miranda Posted January 10, 2007 Share Posted January 10, 2007 (edited) "How dogs learn" by Mary Burch and John Bailey "The Culture Clash" by Jean Donaldson. "Don't Shoot the Dog" by Karen Prior "The Other End of the Leash" by Patricia McConnell Erny, I'm starting training with ADT this Sunday, which of the above books do you think would be the most helpful as an adjunct to the training? Sorry to hijack your topic rooster78 Edited January 10, 2007 by Miranda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erny Posted January 10, 2007 Share Posted January 10, 2007 Erny, I'm starting training with ADT this Sunday, which of the above books do you think would be the most helpful as an adjunct to the training? The books listed are not so much about "How to Train your Dog" as they are about how to understand your dog, be leader (essential for most applications, whether that be obedience training; specialty training or whatever) etc. etc. I think all of them would provide value to anyone. There are some things in "The Culture Clash" that I don't 100% agree with as there may be with the others as well. But like all things, it's a matter of taking it all in, making your own evaluation and working with what suits your own dog best. I'm not a fan of "How to Train your Dog" type books. IMO the contents are too "static". It's not as though the author can watch what's happening and make necessary adjustments on-the-spot should the method/s given be less than suitable for certain dog individuals. Enjoy your training, Miranda ..... have fun, and don't forget to take along your dog's favourite motivator for use as a reward in between exercises. Which Centre is it that you'll be training at? Perhaps I'll see you there some time? :D I apologise for the hi-jack too, Rooster78. Hope you don't mind. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rooster78 Posted January 10, 2007 Author Share Posted January 10, 2007 The more chitchat the better I say! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miranda Posted January 10, 2007 Share Posted January 10, 2007 Enjoy your training, Miranda ..... have fun, and don't forget to take along your dog's favourite motivator for use as a reward in between exercises. Which Centre is it that you'll be training at? Perhaps I'll see you there some time? ;) My dog's favourite motivator is food, he is the most food orientated dog I have ever owned, but also the most eager to please. We are going to Boronia, we have our introductory session this Sunday afternoon :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrsdog Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 Not for training, but every Lab owner would have to read "Marley and Me" by John Grogan. "Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog". This is just such a wonderful book and just happens to be about a golden labrador. In fact, I would recommend this book to everyone who has ever owned a dog. Put it well down the list but one day you will just have to read this. Noels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lablover Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 Good suggestions. Mrsdog, I think I must be the only person who did not particularly enjoy Marley and me. Marley simply sounded like an untrained labrador, and also near the end of the book, Marley sounded in great pain (generalised arthritis, HD?), and no mention was made of long term veterinary care. It mad me angry. And sad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erny Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 "How sweet it is when the strong are also gentle" - Libbie Fudim is another book that has been recommend although I confess I have not read it myself so must refrain from comment there. Is that actually a book? How sad that I have that quote in my sig and I didn't even know that Second "How dogs learn" Ooops! I must have misread it as being part of another post by you Haven, in another similar thread (from a while ago) and thought you were recommending it as a book. Think I must have been ready for a "nanny nap" at the time I wrote here. Thank goodness I didn't end up professing to have read it!!!!! Ok guys ..... forget "How sweet it is when the strong are also gentle" as a book, but remember it as a nice quotation and as being Haven's signature. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Working_Setters Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 Think I must have been ready for a "nanny nap" at the time I wrote here. I prefer to call them "Power Naps" and remind my OH that "they could save your life", according to the TAC, after I wake up from a snooze. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ainsley Posted January 13, 2007 Share Posted January 13, 2007 Hi rooster78 Like you, I had dogs as a child, and have chosen a Lab for my first dog as an adult, so I am still "learning on the job" so to speak. My boy is now 19 months old and just the joy of my life! I did so much research, and tried to do everything you are supposed to etc etc, but here are some things that, in hindsight, I could have done perhaps at an earlier age, that I am only dealing with now because it has become obvious he needs it (if that makes sense) 1. Take your pup (once vaccinated appropriately etc) to as many different places and to meet as many different people as possible. My boy still gets incredibly over-excited at new places. He is really good with familiar places, but cannot contain himself in unfamiliar places...wants to run off and jump all over strangers, that sort of thing! 2. sort of the same thing, but with strange people coming to our place. We don't really get many visitors, which I think is the problem. I think if we had gotten him more used to visitors earlier, we would not be having to be making such an effort, now. But hindsight is a wonderful thing! It is only a minor problem, and will soon be overcome. I would also like to say to remember that Labradogs are intelligent, energetic and mischievous, especially when young, and I have heard of alot of people who get rid of them when they are about 1 year old, because of percieved 'naughtiness'. This can be overcome. You just need to be patient and persistent, and not too precious about anything they might be able to chew! (mine has chewed the door-jam and knobs on drawers! I didn't think of that!) They are actually really easy to train if you are consistent and persistent. At puppy pre-school, the instructor always used Samson as the demonstration dog, because he is smart and motivated by food rewards and she could rely on him to perform! Even my four year old has him under control, and she weighs half what he does! It is so cute! Anyway. Have a great deal of fun with your new Labradog...they are great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kamuzz Posted January 13, 2007 Share Posted January 13, 2007 I would also like to say to remember that Labradogs are intelligent, energetic and mischievous, especially when young, and I have heard of alot of people who get rid of them when they are about 1 year old, because of percieved 'naughtiness'. This can be overcome. You just need to be patient and persistent, and not too precious about anything they might be able to chew! (mine has chewed the door-jam and knobs on drawers! I didn't think of that!) They are actually really easy to train if you are consistent and persistent. At puppy pre-school, the instructor always used Samson as the demonstration dog, because he is smart and motivated by food rewards and she could rely on him to perform! We have had the privilege of fostering a couple of Labs who were dumped or surrendered for exactly that reason. And they are such lovely dogs too. Denise from Paws always says that you should remember a Lab doesn't necessarily get his brains before 2 :D Good luck with your new puppy and don't feel bad about posting lots of questions here. The people are really helpful, even if things do get a bit heated at times. I've learnt so much reading DOL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pawpaw Posted February 4, 2007 Share Posted February 4, 2007 The breeder who we got our lab puppy from gave me the name of a book which thought you might be interested in. The only thing is the bookshop may have to order it in as it sells quite quickly. It is After you get your puppy by Dr Ian Dunbar. He has also written various other dog training books. Happy training. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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