Labrador Training for Better Working Dogs

Labradors are among the more well-known type of retrievers, if not the one most heard about. These dogs were developed with retrieving during waterfowl hunts in mind. Up to now, labs still love water and continue to be natural swimmers even without Labrador training.

Labs makes an excellent pet, affectionate and loving, and they are good working dogs to boot. Two lines have been developed in the US: the field line and the show line, the last one being bred for conformation and temperament. In any case, many labradors over the years regularly make distinctions in both conformation and temperament.

The field line is meant for field and hunting ability. A big difference between the two lines is that field dogs show more drive and energy, but the show line has plenty of energy as well.

Currently, labradors are known for their skill at hunting and retrieving after the kill. Anybody observing them in activities that compose training Labradors sees that their inbred hunting and retrieving instincts intertwine with their intelligence. Their positive temperament keeps any of their impatience and displeasure in check. No wonder these dogs make great pets; when a random group of labs were given the American Temperament Test, more than 91% of the Labs passed.

Aside from the general retrieving and hunting work that labradors are able to fulfill in the field, their brand of work ethics and smarts have helped them rake in awards and recognition. The stories and anecdotes of labs who have rescued or saved their owners from various scenarios of extreme danger will not be forgotten anytime soon.

The versatility of labs (which still grows with training Labradors) make them highly favored assistance dogs, like sight dogs, hearing dogs, or a service dog for disabled people. Some labs can also be psychiatric service dogs! These last type serve their humans by reminding them it is time to take medication, or by acting as a brace when their humans feel dizzy.

Over the years, labradors have come to be known as effective visiting therapy dogs for the elderly residents of nursing and retirement homes. It has actually been shown that patients benefit a lot when they receive loving attention and affection from the dogs. To be good therapy dogs, any will need to be gentle, full of affection and allow cuddling and petting from a variety of people of different ages and sizes. The lab is among the most fitted for these requirements. In fact, close to sixty- to seventy percent of all guide dogs in the United States are labs, who have come to take a role that used to belong to German Shepherds.