Taken from the Three Ridings Labrador Infomation Leaflet:
(adapted slightly for rescue dogs)
Getting a Dog is a serious thing,not to be taken lightly.A dog is not something that can be thrown out or disgarded when the novelty has worn off.He/She is a living animal which will need your care and attention for all of his life.
Deciding which breed to choose requires so research and then objective consideration as to which fits your lifestyle.
If you can digest all the information about the Labrador which is available to you and then still be of the opinion that one will fit your life style then you will be taking on one of arguably the best breed of dog in the world.
All we ask is that you look after him in a right and proper way and you wont have to wait till you get to heaven for your reward.
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The Labrador Loves to be with people and hates being left for long periods.
Puppies have sharp needle like teeth which can easily hurt very young children when playing
They can also be very destructive when left alone any lengh of time
(dont forget a shoe chewed up in the morning will have been forgotten by the time you come home )your lab is so pleased to see you,in fact its all he has thought of all the time your out and instead of a warm welcome he gets scolded for the chewed shoes ! :(
The Labrador is a strong Active dog and needs basic obedience training.
Puppies and dogs under twelve months must not be over excercised as this can lead to problems with the joints
An Adult Lab needs daily excercise equivalent to one hours free running or lead walking a day
Labradors are greedy dogs and can easily become overweight if not fed a balanced diet.
The labrador loves water and has a waterproof undercoat which should not be brushed out with excessive grooming.
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Reasons WHY I should have a labrador:
I'm on my own all Day when the family are at School/Work or I have time on my hands for a dog
My children are old enough to Know and respect What a puppy/Dog will need as a family member
I have a well fenced garden
I live in the country (or place where I can excercise my dog
I need and enjoy the Excercise
I have a full set of wet weather gear
I dont own anything breakable
Ive just lost My Old Dog
I Own a Dyson
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Why I Shouldnt have a Labrador:
There is no one at home ALL Day
I couldnt cope with a baby/young child and a dog as well
I dont have a garden or enclosed yard
I live in a high rise Flat
I dont like excercise
I dont like going out in bad weather
have lots of valuable ornaments/furniture
I dont like a dog thats smarter than me
I cant make long term commitments
I cant stand dog hairs around the place.
I dont own a Dyson
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Buying a PUPPY (not rescue dog)
Let the Buyer beware:
Beware of Puppy farmers or Puppy outlets
They have little or no knowledge of Labradors and no interest in the well being of the Breed.
Be Careful of amateur Breeders these are breeders that have bred a litter from a family pet with little or no experience of hereditary problems in Labs
Avoid Breeders who tell you Hips and eyes dont matter
Chocolate labs are very popular watch out for non Bona Fide Breeders who are only breeding to sell chocolates.
Be Very wary of adverts in the local paper Bona fide breeders rarely sell pups this way.
PAPERS: You should be supplied with 3 or 5 generation pedigree but these are not official papers If buying a pedigree puppy you need it to be KC registered if buying from a breeder.
Be prepared for some sleepless nights and for mess to clean up till the puppy is housetrained.
Labradors can live to 15 years a puppy bught for your 6 year old daughter/son may still be around for their 21st birthday ( if your lucky)
A some stage you may be faced with the heartbreaking decision of having your much loved dog put to sleep.
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If you are going to go for a puppy from a breeder we have a list of breed clubs for you to contact.