The Great Labrador

The Labrador Retriever’s keen sense of smell and ability to train have earned him a place in many police and military forces around the world. During World War II, Labrador Retrievers were used throughout Europe to scout fields for undetected land mines. They were credited with many finds and exhibited a stick-to-it-iveness not found in other breeds that were tested for the job. They have also been trained as messengers to cover terrain that is all but impassable by man.
Many municipalities currently employ the services of skilled Labrador police dogs. They are primarily called upon for scent-discrimination details, such as tracking criminals in buildings or detecting hidden narcotics, weapons, and bombs. Once a substance has been detected, the dog does not retrieve the material unless specifically ordered by his master, but rather indicates the location to his trainer. This is to insure against possible injury to the dog.

Humane society has oodles of ‘doodles 

More than three dozen goldendoodle and labradoodle dogs will be available for adoption, beginning Sunday at the Oregon Humane Society. Continued…

More than three dozen Goldendoodle and Labradoodle dogs given to the shelter this week by an overwhelmed breeder have found homes thanks to overwhelming interest by the public, the Oregon Humane Society said. Continued…

PORTLAND - Forty dogs are waiting adoption after an overwhelmed breeder decided to surrender the canines before winter weather arrives. Continued…

Breeder surrenders 40 dogs 

An overwhelmed dog breeder in the St. Helens area surrendered more than three dozen Goldendoodle and Labradoodle dogs to the Oregon Humane Society on Thursday.
Source: www.katu.com

Their pet projects pay off 
Affairs of the heart usually dont mix with business.
Source: www.projo.com

Labrador Retriever Coat Color Inheritance

There are three acceptable coat colors in the Labrador retriever: black, yellow (with variation from fox-red to light cream), and chocolate. Black is the most common color, but the numbers of yellows and chocolates are on the rise.
Coat color is determined by the type of genes received from each of the parents. Black is the dominant color genetically. Simply put, if there is a black gene present in the dog’s makeup, the dog will be black. A yellow coat is produced when a dog receives a recessive gene for this color from both of its parents. In the absence of a dominant black gene, the recessive genes can be expressed. Because of this, a black dog can produce yellow or chocolate offspring if it carries both a dominant black gene and a hidden recessive.
The chocolate color is also a recessive, but many variables come into play regarding the inheritance pattern of this color. The recessive chocolate factor can be carried by both black and yellow labradors. There may also be a crossover or modifying effect involved with the chocolate recessive, because in several generations of breeding chocolate to chocolate a breakdown in pigmentation, eye coloring, and overall coat color often occurs.

HuntersCreek Retrievers Championship Labradors Offers Personalized In-Home Dog Training 

HuntersCreek Retrievers offers Championship AKC Labrador Retrievers for the Field and Family. With clients worldwide Hunters Creek labradors have become known for their exceptional pedigree, confirmation and trainability. Now offering In-Home Dog Obedience and Retriever Training, get 50% off an initial training evaluation through Spring 2006. Yes, anyone can enjoy owning an elite Chocolate, Black
Source: prweb.com

How to Stop A Dog Fight

labradors usually will not start a fight, bit if another dog starts one your dog will certainly defend himself. Stud dogs often fight one another, and some dogs become jealous of their owner to the point of fighting any dog that comes near the house or car.
It is dangerous to try stopping a dog fight. While fighting, the dogs are emotionally out of control and may bite a person at this time. It is no use shouting at them to stop and you should not try to separate them, as the dogs are generally stronger than you are. The most effective way to stop a fight is a pail or two of water dumped on them or best of all a hose with spray nozzle attached and the water turned on full force.
Since fights often happen near the house, it might be wise to keep a hose in readiness if you have the bad luck of possessing any dogs that do not get along together. labradors are not at all of mean temperament, and they are certainly not bred to be fighters. However, certain dogs (male or female) may form dislikes and it is usually rather hopeless to attempt reconciliations and more practical to prevent encounters which can lead to fighting.

Helping with the loss of a pet 

When Anne Moore’s dog, Maggie, died she turned to BitterSweet Animal Hospice for help. The Marin County woman didn’t know what to do when her beloved bull mastiff-Labrador mix was diagnosed with cancer.
Source: www1.pressdemocrat.com

Guard cats on Angels Camp’s payroll 
The city of Angels Camp has put a lot of animals on staff over the past few years to perform duties that might otherwise require expensive and extensive labor or chemicals.
Source: www.calaverasenterprise.com

Feeding Your Older Lab

Keep in mind that as your Labrador ages, he will need less food to maintain a constant weight. With elderly dogs it is important to cut back on the amount of protein (particularly meat) that is ingested, because high levels of protein can put a strain on the kidneys.
Overweight dogs should be brought back into their ideal weight, primarily through gradually increasing the amount of their daily exercise. Cut back on the number of calories in the dog’s diet by substituting low-calorie fillers such as grated carrot or apples, unsalted popcorn, or low-fat cottage cheese for a portion of their meal.
Underweight dogs can be brought up to a good weight by adding high-calorie boosters to their meals, such as an occasional raw egg, cheese, or hamburger. Such caloric supplementation may also be needed during the winter if your Labrador is kenneled or worked outside much of the time, and during peak working periods when extra calories are burned. A high-calorie supplement can be purchased from your vet, pet stores, and online catalogs.

Brief dogfight erupts at PETCO 

A Glenwood Springs Police officer was flagged down in the parking lot of PETCO after a brawl broke out between a Labrador retriever and a pit bull.
Source: www.glenwoodindependent.com

Innu launch probe into burn victim’s wait time 
The Innu Nation has launched an investigation into why it took so long for a critically burned man to get medical attention earlier in the week.
Source: ca.news.yahoo.com

Aussie game charts: October 16-22 
Battlefield 2142 knocks Pokemon out of top spot; new Splinter Cell game debuts strong.
Source: www.gamespot.com

Choosing Healthy Treats For Your Labrador Retriever

Put table scraps where they belong, in the garbage, not in your dog’s food bowl. Many people think that giving your Lab that nice chunk of fat from their sirloin will add luster to his coat. While it may put joy in his heart, it may also give him loose bowels. An occasional veal bone, if very sturdy (a knuckle, for example), can give him a tooth cleaning and some jaw exercise, but be careful, since most bones are constipating as well as dangerous (an ingested splinter of bone can be fatal).
Nylon or rawhide “bones” are safest. They are available in most pet stores, groceries, supermarkets, and online. If you want to give your dog more than his everyday food (even though dogs generally do not get bored with their meals, unlike humans), try small amounts of fruits, cereal, and vegetables. They do not upset the intestinal tract by their oiliness or indigestibility, and actually promote effective digestion. You may also try well-trimmed (no visible fat) bits of meat. However, a dog raised on snacks of sirloin tips will not take kindly to a change to vegetables, so pursue this course with considerable caution.