[Jacque]

Hello. I am planning on getting a lab pup soon (waiting for the right chocolate lab) and wanted suggestions and/or books on the method of obedience training, house breaking, etc. that works best for these dogs as different breeds tend to respond better to different training styles. I want to get a head start and have good idea of what I'm doing before we get our new furry pal home. Also, has anyone seen a difference in training or loyalty between genders of these dogs? I haven't decided between male or female yet. And finally, are there any good tips as far as selecting a certain pup out of a litter? Thanks for your help!! I will post some pics as soon as we get him/her home.

-Jacque

 

[lkb987]

Always reward them with affection or a treat when they do something good. If they jump on you make sure you tell them no and to scold them. I think in my opion a male can be a little bit more watchful, but gender doesn't matter. I think that it doesn't matter which puppy you get out of a litter as long as it is healthy and has no problems like dislocation of bones from being born.

 

[lkb987]

The genders are equal in loyalty I think.

 

[Clanceycanuck]

Just wanted to say Welcome !

 

[rayluckgoo]

I think males tend to be a bit more demonstrative in their adoration of us...so it depends if you want to be openly adored or subtley adored! and of course that's just my experience over the years. As for advice about picking from the litter, I think I'd shy away from any truly shy puppies and remember that the overly active ones might stay that way! Have fun!

 

[jaw111]

Welcome and good luck finding your pup

 

[Tanya]

don't go by generalities on genders as there are as many exeptions are there are rules. Once you have a litter picked out (or two) go with the SPECIFIC puppy that meets your needs. Especially as you are already limited on color. The breeder who has been with the pups for 8wks should be able to let you know which puppy is the best fit for your needs (in fact alot of good breeders limit the choice to a few pups person or pick the puppy for the family themself as THEY know which pup would do best in what environment).

So find a good breeder, tell them what you want in a dog (they will ask you!) and let them recommend the best pup.

 

[Canyon Labradors]

Your breeder should help you find the right pup.

Here are a couple of books I like:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1577790766/?tag=yahhyd-20&hvadid=57086347511&ref=pd_sl_36s4q2u1t1_e

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1577790766/?tag=yahhyd-20&hvadid=57086347511&ref=pd_sl_36s4q2u1t1_e

http://www.amazon.com/Labrador-Retr...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245521583&sr=1-1

 

[BucksMom]

wecome and good luck

 

[SeaWolfLabs]

My breeder chose 2 of my labs for me and did an excellent job.
Work with a reputable breeder and allow him/her to choose for you. They really do know those puppies and can match them better than anyone else.

Good luck and good for you, for getting a head start.

 

[danerm]

I have a 9 week old yellow lab, or white haha. But i used clicker training so far and it seems to work great. Labs are really treat driven so i doesnt take long for them to catch on. At 9 weeks he already knows sit and lay down and now we are working on ringing a bell to go outside. As for companionship according to sex they are all the same. Labs are companions, my friends have both male and females and both sexes never leave their sides. This dog will stick with you till the end. Good luck

 

[javasmom]

My brother was a breeder of chocolate labs, so when I was ready to start looking for one I went to him for advice. He told me to pick the fattest, laziest one!! lol Also, not sure how accurate it is, but he said that females tend to wander less than males do, so if you plan to let the dog off leash then maybe a female would be better. Needless to say, I picked the fattest, laziest little girl of the litter (out of 8 females and 2 males) and I got the best puppy. She has the funniest, sweetest temperment, loves to play and is very mellow and she does not wander (she's only 6 months old, but she hasn't wandered yet!). We have a lot of land and she loves to explore it, but she always stays within sight of us and has good recall already. So, whether it was good advice or what, it worked for us!!! We got a great little girl.