by Shelly Purucker

Created on: April 12, 2009   Last Updated: April 13, 2009

Labrador Retrievers are not only intelligent, fiercely loyal and worthy of bonding with more than just one person, they are dedicated to leadership skills which let training become a joy for the owner.

The urge to please is a priority with these canines, they will become quite docil in the later ages, but are commonly known to have the "terrible-two's" gene. My golden labrador allowed me to see just how much I was missed when entering our foyer one afternoon. I was home for a lunch break, mainly for her benefit, the mass of destruction was overwhelming to say the very least. She was fortunate that the home in which she resided did not burn to the ground, since the obvious was the electrical wires left dangling from a wall outlet. In addition to this freaky scene, the floor of this entrance, once covered with linoleum had seen a better display of shine. I was scared to think of the material she had digested, what had she done!? what should I do for her? the foyer remodeling would be thought about a later time. The peculiar look upon her face when she heard me gasp, left me wondering why I had not shown her just a little more affection that morning before I had left to work. Funny... how she was the one who should feel badly for the actions, yet I was the person who held the most guilt.

Keeping the companion happy is the gratification that sets well with this breed. Many people want this loyal champ because of the size frame they carry, choices of color,intelligence, and sociable attributes they hold. Watching our black Labrador tag behind the riding lawn mower and my husband, would bore most family pets, yet this track was a routine he loved. This male Labrador was inclined to spend a term of quality time with his master, no matter how boring it may have looked to his viewers.

With large paws, gentle strides and the eagerness to rescue a tennis ball any given time, the respect one receives from a Labrador is a large swell in the heart.

A lap lover they can be, as well as a runner on a midnight rendezvous into the creek that runs through your backyard. Loving these dogs is easy as they are not "yippers", nor neighborhood "bullies" they prefer your attention but they compliment your affections too. Respect your Lab to know the needs required for maintenance. Proper nutrition and routine health checks are a must. Your ageing Labrador will be graceful and just a bit slower when chasing that ball, but with love and patience you will be rewarded gratitude.

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