If you are looking to adopt a Labrador Retriever, you probably are already fully aware of the scary number of Labradors there are out there in need of new homes. When people ask about us and our program, usually the first thing they ask is WHY or HOW there are so many Labradors in need when they are such amazing animals. Its become so common of a question, that we have basically summed up our thoughts on the situation in one line.

     "Uneducated people buying that cute puppy they saw on the Cottonelle commercial."

As funny as it sounds, or ridiculous to think that someone would actually purchase a puppy because of how cute it was rolling that toilet paper down the hallway, it ACTUALLY happens. Reality is, that (yes, adorable) little stinker would have that roll of toilet paper in shreds and strewn about your entire house in about 10 seconds flat.

People do not understand that like children, dogs are not born full trained and ready to please. They require the same careful attention, training and patience. Specifically Labradors, because of their energy and intelligence level. Labradors are are a highly intelligent, athletic and an active working breed. They are not bred to be displayed as lap dogs, wearing designer duds, too good to walk outside without their Poochey Shoos (no, I did not make that up, its real.. go ahead, Google it.) on.

Labradors are not dogs that can be left to their own devices. They require an ample amount of exercise, training, and attention for them to be happy. A solid balance of exercise (such as walks and fetch) and mental enrichment (obedience or therapy dog training) for them to stay out of trouble and on track. Crate training should be a very important role in the training of your Labrador.

Labradors are companion dogs in the truest sense. They thrive around and must be with their people a majority of times. Denying a Lab interaction with people is quite simply denying them part of their livelihood. This means, purchasing or adopting a Labrador and making them an outside animal is the absolute lowest, cruelest thing you could do to it. If your family member has allergies, or you don't like the dog hair or dirt your Labrador tracks in, DO NOT GET A LABRADOR! We have a strict, no tolerance policy when it comes to this. Our rescued Labradors are family pets and INDOOR animals. We are diligent in following up on this even after the adoption.

Labs are bred to be a versatile and loyal companion and working dog. They have high retrieving drives that help them excel in the field, great athleticism that can be shown in agility trials, high intelligence helping to make them great search and rescue and/or companion animals, and temperaments so gentle and loyal, they are great family pets.

Labradors (as with other dogs) can and WILL get destructive when they are bored. Remembering that a tired dog is a good dog will ensure a great and lasting relationship with your Lab. Utilizing that crate when you are unable to supervise them or be with them, will not only ensure their safety, but the safety of your home and personal belongings.

Labs, as well as many other larger breed dogs, are prone, both genetically and environmentally, to a number of joint and ligament disorders. Among those disorders are elbow and hip dysphasia. Please do your research now on it, so you are aware if your Labrador develops this disorder. There are plenty of ways to try to prevent it, such as, keeping your Labrador lean (a healthy 5lbs under is better than 5lbs over), properly exercising your Labrador (at appropriate ages for different exercises) and annual checks.

If you are considering getting a Labrador or any other dog for that matter, you must recognize the financial and time commitment a dog requires. They can live upwards of 15 years, and needs to have time dedicated to them.

In a nutshell, PLEASE do your research before even thinking of adding a Labrador to your family. Please read as much as you can, ask around and then read some more.

The following section is a compilation of quotes from experienced Labrador owners. Even if humorous, there is truth to it, so please enjoy, but also take to heart the following advice.

"A bored lab is a BAD lab!" and "Consistency!!!" - Krissy,  Illinois

"Invest in a never-ending supply of patience...especially during the puppy months (years for some)." - Ray, Illinois

"If you work hard enough and are consistent enough, you can teach them almost anything...except calculus maybe." - Jennifer, New York

"A lab owner must have a sense of humor!" - Jill, Maryland

"I would also want to emphasize how important it is to keep them on lead when they are not in a fenced-in area. Too many unfortunate accidents happen when people trust their dogs to stay within the bounds of an unfenced yard." - Jill, Maryland

"Never trust a quiet house." - Meghan, Northern California

"If you keep them busy, you keep them happy!" - Meghan, Northern California

"Never underestimate the amount of hair a lab can shed... vacuum more than you ever think you would need to!" - Meghan, Northern California

"Everything you hold dear should be put up.. high...before the lab comes home. Chances are, the lab will also hold it dear...in his mouth." - Puck's Mom, Texas

"Keep a hand towel with you. Drool is appreciated only by you, and not your guests." - Covey Texas

"Crate, crate, crate!" - Covey, Texas

"Exercise them first, then do your work." - Covey, Texas

"I think the biggest thing that worked with us and Oop as a baby is if we didn't want her to get to it, it was put behind a closed door or way up out of her reach. That went for EVERYTHING. Oop did not chew one single shoe, remote control, set of eyeglasses, paper, NADA. She always had a ton of toys and basically I feel that we set her up for success. She can't get into it or wreck it, if it's not there." - Jennifer, New York

"No more sleeping in late." - Jen, Colorado

"Supervise your lab as you would your 2 year old!" - Jen, Colorado

"The only safe place for food in the kitchen is out of reach, whether it's in the oven or your tummy." - Celmo, Pennsylvania

"There is no such thing as a typical lab." - Celmo, Pennsylvania

"Lastly, if there is water in it, it's a water bowl even if it flushes......" - Celmo, Pennsylvania

"If s/he cannot be supervised, s/he needs to be in a crate. Crate training is a must!" - Rebecca, Alabama

"A chuck-it is a must...and don't mind the scars..." - Jay, Pennsylvania

"Wet dogs love sand and mud." - Tricia, Ontario, Canada

"Be understanding, you are their guardians and they depend on you." - Lisa, Alberta, Canada

"If you adopt a yellow lab, buy a lot of light clothes. If you adopt a black or chocolate lab, buy a lot of dark clothes. If you adopt both, buy a lot of patterned clothes!" - Jill, Maryland

"Never shave a lab!" - Kris, Connecticut

"Invest in obedience training, you will be glad you did!" - Kris, Connecticut

"Labs won't hold a grudge, but their feelings do get hurt. " - Shelly, North Carolina

"Always ask your husband if he's already fed the dog before you get suckered into dinner, round 2." - Shelly, North Carolina

"Labs don't know the difference between nice furniture and dog beds, so only allow access to the ones you don't mind covered in fur." - Shelly, North Carolina

"Most definitely patience! Oh, and get a bigger bed cause it is hard to fit everyone in a queen-size bed!" -Tracey, Texas

"It's never too early or too late to teach your dog manners." - Poppy, New Jersey

"Welcoming home a puppy means never being able to use the bathroom in privacy again!" - Poppy, New Jersey

"No matter what mood you come home in or how bad your day has been you will always feel like you are loved unconditionally...of course you will always feel like you are loved more if you have full kong in your hand!" - Poppy, New Jersey

"A ten minute walk is NOT sufficient exercise." - Andrea, Florida

"Consistency is key to training." - Andrea, Florida

"Teach early, teach often." - Andrea, Florida

Stay tuned for more tips, to be added weekly!