A Few Facts
About Labs
- Labradors say I Love You with their big soft eyes, & display affection by wanting to come and lie down beside you
- Labs bond not only to individuals but to the whole family making them a great dog for your home
- The Labs size and strength make it a very versatile breed ideal for assisting people in everything from search-and-rescue to being a special needs dog
- The oldest living Lab was called Adjutant, born in 1936, and lived for 27 years and three months. He was the 7th oldest known dog in history, regardless of breed
Food. Love.
Training
Labradors are an especially active breed, so meals need to be planned. Always wanting to please, to train your Pup use positive reinforcement with treats and rewards. Your loving direction will curb unwanted exuberance
How to Train?
Set boundaries for your Lab early as they’re naturally high-energy and boisterous and won’t naturally outgrow this temperament till a year old or older
How to Walk?
Labs are a high-energy breed & so need to work off that energy to stay calm. Once they are over 6 months old, daily walks of around 30 minutes should be planned. Labs are also made for water so swimming is great too
Swimming?
Labs have webbed feet, a double layered almost waterproof coat, and big tail suited to water activities. If you’re close to water or the beach let them enjoy it, they’re made for it
How to Play?
Plan out inquisitive play for your Lab and you will continue you develop intelligence and keen instinct. Use colourful, noise-making and textured toys and see how your Lab reacts
How to Groom?
If your Lab gets dirty wash them down, use a dog-shampoo as necessary. Note, Labs have a double coat with the lower coat almost impervious to water
Brushing?
Your Lab should have their coat brushed once a week except during their twice a year malt when they should be brushed daily
How to Treat?
You can treat your Lab at any time. However if using treats for training, this treat will be consumed a lot. Best to choose a natural treat.
How to Feed?
As a larger breed Labs need plenty of food. Check the directions of your Vet or reputable dog food brand. A general feeding guide is: Puppies 4 times a day; Age 3-6 months 3 times a day; Age 6 months-older twice daily
History
While we now know the Labrador Retriever, Labradors or Labs for short, as great companions and family dogs with gentle disposition and loyalty, they were originally used as Sporting Dogs, to hunt game birds and waterfowl.
While the Labrador’s exact origins are unknown, they were first called a St. John’s Dog or lesser Newfoundland dog. Newfoundland, near Canada, was settled by English fisherman as early as the 1500’s and the original St. John’s dogs helped retrieve fish from hooks & lines. In 1887 the Earl of Malmesbury, England, first used the term Labradors to describe the dogs.
Labradors almost became extinct a few times in the past and the St. John’s dogs that Labs came from are now extinct in Newfoundland. If you’ve owned a Lab you know how great it is that Labradors survived to be enjoyed as our companions today.
Frequently Asked
Questions
When can My Lab Come Home?
Your new Yellowdog Lab is able to come to your Forever Home from the age of 8 weeks.
Is there a Hip & Elbow Score?
This important aspect of your Lab is scored from the Parents, not your Puppy.
What Transport Options are Available?
Of course your Yellowdog Lab can be collected. Yellowdog also can arrange transport for your Lab Australia-wide, either by Jet Pet or Dog Movers. These are great, safe and reliable transport solutions for your Lab.
Is Vaccination & Micro-Chipping Provided?
Yes! Your Yellowdog Lab is vaccinated and micro-chipped at 6 weeks old all according to the law.
What do We Feed our Pups?
A proven, well rounded diet is used for our Labs. Maxi Starter is used at around 3-4 weeks of age. Maxi Puppy Active is used at around 7-8 weeks of age. Royal Canin is used through adult-hood.
Are Registration Papers Provided?
Yes! Yellowdog provides you with all the necessary papers. All paperwork is lodged when the whole litter is sold and available usually around 6-8 weeks from the date of lodgement.
Is My Lab DNA Tested?
Yes! All Yellowdog Labs are DNA tested and cleared by parenting or through the DNA.
Is Hip & Elbow Dysplasia Hereditary?
Yes, hip and elbow dysplasia is hereditary, passed on to puppies. Note, my personal opinion follows: I believe that even healthy puppies can still be diagnosed with hip and elbow dysplasia depending on the the way they are raised. For example over-feeding, running on hills, stairs and soft sand, and jumping from heights like from ute trays, can all bring on the condition. This type of treatment and activities should be avoided till your Lab's bones and ligaments mature.
What About Follow-Up Vaccinations?
Follow-up vaccinations at 10 weeks and 14 weeks are needed. This is your responsibility, and something you must ensure you do.
Is My Lab Tick & Flea Treated?
No. There are no ticks or fleas in our area and so we do not add this treatment to Yellowdog Labs. Please speak to your local veterinarian to determine what is best for your Lab in your area. Make sure you know if these threats exist in your area!
Is My Lab Toilet Trained?
No. That is your responsibility. We recommend training your Pup using positive reinforcement with treats and rewards.
How do I Pay for My Lab?
You must make an initial $500 deposit via bank transfer. The remaining payment is to be made on pickup. If your Lab is being delivered to you via arranged transport, payment must be made in full before transport is arranged. Note, your puppy will not leave Yellowdog until payment is made in full.
When Does My Puppy Sleep?
Puppies can sleep up to 20 hours a day and will rest when they need to.