Labradors are a well known breed and popular as pets as well as being used as working dogs. They come in three colours – yellow, chocolate and black and are intelligent, gentle animals.
Pets
Because they are not aggressive by nature, Labradors are popular as family pets. They love attention and are generally tolerant of small children clambering over them and stroking their ears. Of course a close eye should be kept on the dog and children taught to treat them with respect. If a Labrador is trained properly, a family can enjoy years of fun with him. They are a playful breed and love to fetch balls and engage in tug-of-wars. Be warned that they always win due to the incredible strength in their jaws.
Retrievers
Due to their strong retrieval instinct and gentle mouth, Labradors are ideal for picking up dead or injured game and bringing it to their owners. Even when not trained as gun dogs, the instinct is strong and they find sticks, balls, soft toys and other “game” and bring them to their owners.
Labradors respond well to training and many hours go into teaching them to be guide dogs. The first year of their life is spent with someone who walks the puppy frequently and exposes it to roads, traffic, malls and any situation where there are crowds. They generally wear a specially marked harness on these walks so the public is aware it is in training. These dogs become close companions to their blind owners and know that when their harness is on, they are at work.
Disability Dogs
In a similar fashion to guide dogs, Labradors have been trained with great success to help the disabled. The training is often adapted to meet the needs of a specific disability. These amazing dogs have been trained to push the correct button in a lift, to take washing out of a machine, to alert the person when the doorbell or phone rings and even take the phone to them if needed. They can also signal an emergency if a smoke alarm or similar is triggered. Without them, life would be more limited and their owners value the independence the dog affords them.
Search and Rescue
Labradors are one of the top breeds used in search and rescue. Their superior scenting ability qualifies them for the work along with their size and agility. They work with a handler and many hours are spent in training to teach the dog to climb through small spaces, avoid broken glass, manage ladders and search sites of devastation due to earthquakes, avalanches and similar. These animals are dedicated to what they do and will persevere, even in extreme terrain or weather conditions.
Sniffer Dogs
Many international airports use Labradors as sniffers – dogs that can identify the scent of drugs, explosives and prohibited food items. They are trained to indicate a find by placing a paw on the affected baggage or sitting down next to the person concerned. They are normally rewarded for a positive find and to them it is a game and something they enjoy doing for the approval they get.
In short, Labradors are faithful and loving dogs, wonderful companions, and whatever their position in life, they are sure to be loved in return
