Socialising Your Labrador

 

 

Early socialisation is essential to owning a well adjusted dog.

Once your puppy has completed all their vaccinations, they are then able to enter the big wide world. It is also important to have control of your puppy. Pre school is an excellent way to socialise your puppy, meeting and greeting similar age and size dogs and available in most areas through your vet or dog training club.

General obedience is a progression from Pre school. Obedience classes are for both you and the dog. You learn about respecting each other and the correct ways of training and control. A Labrador is naturally protective and you should not show any sign of aggression. You have the responsibility to the breed to ensure you have control at all times. An uncontrollable dog can be dangerous and with incorrect or no training, is no fault of the dog.

All dogs love to please, so make training an enjoyable time for both of you. Reward and praise your puppy as much as you can when they do good. A small piece of food always works. Puppies are sensitive, a firm “NO” will suffice and your puppy will soon learn the difference between the good and the bad. They are smart!

If you encourage any training to be fun, your puppy will look forward to it.

Introduce a lead for Pre School and Obedience. A soft collar with a strong good quality leash. Some breeders introduce pups to collars before homing which makes the transition slightly easier before you walk on the lead.

A reputable breeder will ensure the early stages of socialising has taken place with interaction of people and handling of puppies between 6 and 8 weeks old.

Remember all Dog Breeds love Routine Whatever their Environment Is.

A Labrador Puppy

 

So you’ve decided you’d like a Labrador puppy.

Seek out a reputable breeder who is preferably affiliated to the Labrador Breed Club or NZKC. Try to see as many adult Labradors as possible and ask for information on the breed and any questions that you may have.

Male or Female?? Remember females come into season on average twice a year and this lasts for about 3 weeks. She will spot bleed and will need to be kept away from all male dogs. If she is a family pet at least think seriously about having her spayed. Males on the other hand are in season all year round. From about the age of 10 months they can detect the scent of a female, they can go off their food, start to wander if they are not well contained and will howl like a lost soul.

When visiting a breeder, check to see the condition of the adult dogs. Are they clean and healthy and their living quarters comfortable and clean ?. Ask questions – about health, hip and elbow scoring, pedigree certificates and number of litters from each bitch.

Puppy Checklist

• Reputable Breeder                                                Fresh Water
• Health Checks                                                         Vet Check
• Secure Fenced Area                                             Worming Programme
• Warm Dry Sleeping Area                                    Soft Toys
• Good Quality Food                                               Loads of LOVE

The first night/days may be a little trying as the wee one adjusts to their new surroundings. Be patient. Your puppy has just left behind their siblings and mother. You may have a bit of unrest in the household so try to stay cool, calm and collected, give reassurance and things will come right.

Exercising a Labrador puppy should be kept to a minimum for the first 6 months and then slowly increased in moderation. Too much exercise while their bones are still growing can have painful results.

Labradors are renowned for being loyal family members, they love to be with you, snuggle up in front of the fire, sit on the couch with you ( if you let them ) , and as a rule they love children ( especially young ones )

All good breeders will be there to support and help you. Make contact with them if you are unsure what to do at any time. They will be more than willing to help because after all they have bred your puppy and will always be interested in the puppy’s welfare.

There is nothing more impressive than a proud, well socialised, controllable Labrador.

Maisie

I have loved getting all your photos, and keep sending them – because I will always be your mum

Paws for You – Rea xxx
 

15 August 2011

• saying “nah” 6 times too often
• running off when I know I’m in trouble
• leaping at passer’s by thus curtailing my freedom walks

• My new Mum’s darling
• Loved to bits
• I will try to not lunge at people and cyclists as soon as I possibly can
• I sleep all night
• My Mum has to get me up in the mornings as I like a lie in (she’s very happy with this bit)
• I eat everything and am getting strong.
• My coat’s glossy
• A dear wee pup who everyone (even passers by) say is gorgeous.

Benson

 

Benson James Noone was officially 12 weeks old on Thursday. And what an active wee boy he is. Although he is no longer that wee anymore already being bigger than my aunties bison and cousins Schnauzer.

This week has been filled with firsts. He had his first shower, which he didn’t actually hate and was a very very good boy. He went in the water for the first time, didn’t swim but he got his belly wet. He went on the lead for the first time, not really sure who was walking who in that situation. He also found his voice which everyone here is so thrilled about (NOT), especially with his constant need to vocalise everything on his mind.

Benson has also decided that if he is going to be living here full time he needed to be more helpful around the house and now helps out with the chores. Loading the washing machine, he hasn’t seemed to have grasped that you put the dirty clothes into the washing machine and not take them out of it. Folding of towels and sheets, he has found that first you need to stretch them with a little game of tug and war before you do any folding. The removal of laundry off the line, although apparently it being dry is really just an option and not a necessity. And of coarse Gardening, in which he has taken on himself the redesigning of mother’s garden including the removal of plants where he’s fit, the pruning of any overhanging shrubbery and the digging of holes in preparation of future transplants.

After getting his injections early at 10 weeks, Benson was cleared for walks at the parks which has really been a life saver with at points Mother and I considering changing his name to Cerberus as he was the puppy from hell, just so much energy ! Now that he can go for walks, he has his moments but generally is a lovely, cuddly boy. Although he is finding it a little scary out there in the big bad world and doesn’t stray far due to all the noise cars, sirens and terrifying bicycles.

Milo has taken Benson under her wing in recent weeks and is really wonderful and extremely tolerant of him, especially with his new found entertainment of biting her tail and hanging off her neck. Even then she is often found cleaning him from head too toe. He is used to the car completely and is very confident in the back although he still likes to cuddle into Milo’s belly from time to time. He is adjusting to his cage and doesnt cry nearly as much.

Overall, Benson is a growing puppy with way too much energy but we love him more and more with each passing day, even though he makes us want to tear our hair out sometimes. I have attached a couple of photos for you.

Hope all is well with you and the girls and you are enjoying your new found freedom.

Kind Regards,
Samantha Noone

What is a Lab ??

 

 “A moment later the stevedore appeared on deck leading by a leash one of the most handsome dogs ever seen in Maryland.   He was jet-black, sturdy in his front quarters, sleek and powerful in his hind, with a face so intelligent that it seemed he might speak at any moment.  His movements were quick, his dark eyes following every development nearby, yet his disposition appeared so equable he seemed always about to smile.

 

‘He’s called a Labrador – finest huntin’ dog ever developed’ Lightfoot said.”

Care and Training

Although the Lab is the epitome of family dogs, he needs a fairly active household to satisfy his need for exercise and work.  Daily walks, romps in a fenced yard and games of fetch keep his  mind and body in shape.  Unless these needs are satisfied, the Lab may become a wanderer, a digger or a chewer.  First off, the new Lab puppy should be leash trained and taught to sit on command to prevent him jumping on people in his desire to say hello.  The pup can also be taught early to shake paws and to fetch;  his soft mouth and innate desire to retrieve can provide hours of play.  Later on, the pup can learn to put his nose to use and find things that have been hidden from him.

A fast-growing Lab pup reaches almost adult weight within six or seven months and can be a handful to train if left to his own devices ’til then.  He is exuberant, a trait that can get him into trouble with other dogs and with the neighbours who do not appreciate his antics.  Therefore, early training is essential; if you wait too long, his rambunctious character and strong body will be difficult to manage, especially for those who have not previously had the pleasure of owning such a dog.  To avoid training problems and grease the skids of your relationship, take your Lab pup to puppy and basic obedience classes to teach manners, and keep up this good citizen training for the life of the dog.   (NZKC and EUKANUBA offer a Canine Good Citizen certificate for those who are interested.)

All members of the family should participate in the training at home.  If Mum or Dad allows the dog on the sofa when Mum’s not around, the dog is going to be either confused or sneaky, so consistency between family members is necessary.  Discipline should be gentle – no screaming at the pup or smacking with a newspaper, as these reactions to misbehaviour are counterproductive.  Labs are generally eager to learn, so firm but gentle guidance and discipline pay off in a strong bond with family members.

Feeding a Lab pup is more difficult than buying a premium food and letting him eat his fill.  As a fast-growing breed subject to hip dysplasia, the Lab puppy should be fed a diet prepared for large-breed puppies or regular adult dog food of less than 25 percent protein to help avoid joint problems that can occur when puppies grow too fast.  Offer him food two or three times a day and take away what he doesn’t eat in 10 minutes.  Teach him to sit before putting the food bowl on the floor to avoid his jumping at the dish and spilling the food.  Some Labs are taller or heavier than the preferred standard size.  Most labs have a tendency to become obese, so their diets must be closely controlled.  Owners who use treats to train must be careful to cut back on regular meals to avoid unhealthy weight gain.  Older Labs enjoy the couch and the fire;  if fed too much, or not given enough exercise, they will fatten up rather quickly.

Health

Labs are prone to hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip joint that ranges from mild to severe and can cause such disability or pain that major surgery is necessary.

Dysplastic dogs usually become arthritic.  With so many Lab puppies produced each year, it is important to buy from a breeder who x-rays breeding stock for hip dysplasia and only uses those animals with an OFA or PennHP clearance for breeding.  Screening tests on breeding dogs cannot prevent the development of disease in offspring, but it lessens the odds that hip dysplasia will be a problem.

Labs are also prone to several eye disorders, including progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts, and epilepsy.  All Lab breeding stock should have an eye test each year and be registered free of eye disease by the Canine Eye Registry Foundation.  Purchasing a healthy Lab pup can be a bit difficult, but the research to find just the right breeder and puppy is well worth the trouble.  The well-bred Labrador Retriever is one of a handful of wonderful family dogs for a broad spectrum of lifestyles and living situations.

A Lab can do field work (for real or in trials and tests), obedience and agility competition, or therapy dog work at local hospitals or nursing homes with owners who are looking for just a bit more than a companion dog.  All in all, the well-bred Lab can be the perfect family dog.

 

Puppies for Life

 

HAWKSHEAD LABRADORS – PUPPIES FOR LIFE

Dam:                    
Rea “Hawkshead Velvet Sash” and Sasha ” Taprue Black Velvet”
Sire:
Rocky ‘Flagstaff Black Bear”
Bloodlines:
Lymington, Sarasota, Flagstaff, Amvikal, Kahilani, Follytower

Bridget’s details
Member NZKennel Association 098324
Member Canterbury Labrador Association
Hip Scored -criteria 6 or under on any hip
Elbow Scored – 0 and 1a
Eye Certification – all clear
Registration Papers
Worming from 4 weeks old
Vaccinatons at 6 weeks old
Raised in kennels from 4 weeks
Socialised and disciplined from 4 weeks
Hunting and family pet backgrounds
Dominant black breeding
Air Nz Cargo $184 inc gst to North Island
Raised on Hills Science Diet Puppy

Hawkshead Labradors are renowned for their personality, their temperament and all round good nature to adapt to any given environment. Puppies raised on 2 acres with free range lifestyle, thus enabling them to be dogs, to explore and encounter different textures, smells and surfaces from 4-8 weeks.

Enquiries are most welcome and for further details please do not hesitate to contact Bridget on (03) 4436183 or Mobile: 021921561
bridget.jones@xtra.co.nz
www.hawkshead.co.nz

Duffy goes to WellyWood

  

But guess what? We wouldn’t trade him for the world!  

Skellys – Wellington 

Hawkshead Labradors – Wanaka – Bridget Jones – Registered Breeder

03 443 6183 / 021 921561   bridget.jones@xtra.co.nz

  

Wined !!

The first of the WINTER RED series got off to a great start at Hawkshead Lodge in Wanaka  on Wednesday night  May 25th.

Rosa started off the evening with a glass of SYN – sparkling Shiraz- from Coonawarra in Australia ( home of Penfolds Grange)

I introduced Rioja, Montepulciano, Vins de Languedoc; Chateau Paul Mas up against D’arenburgs The Stump Jump ( Grenache Shiraz Mouvedre Blend), Bordeaux ( entre-deux-mers) up again Martinborough’s Te kairanga Runholder; Merlot Cab Franc blend, along with a wonderful range of Gibbston chedddar and Whitestone Brie and Blue cheeses

14 people gathered to hear about the various regions and discuss the differences between 6 very different wines and after learning how to swirl sniff sip and swallow we discussed the various merits of the wines, and also the group started to recognise the diferent smells of the varietals displayed.

All in all a great time was had by all and we look forward to the next one in our winter series.

Rosa Stackhouse – Miller – Wine Educator

Wine Appreciation, Enlightenment & Wine Tours – Central Otago

www.wined.co.nz

Thank you – Thank you….

It is always lovely to know you have contributed in such a way you can be proud of !!

”Dearest Bridget”,

We are just wanting to let you know how much we appreciate all the work you put into your beautiful gardens to make our wedding day the most amazing day we could ever have imagined. The stage you set for us was just perfect from the carpet of leaves for the isle to the stunning drinks table and not to mention the amazing view and everything in between!  We hope you enjoyed being apart of our day as much as we enjoyed having you part of it. We can not thank you enough for all your hard work in keeping the grounds so perfect then allowing us to drive over it with our big fat V8 wedding cars. They certainly completed the picture for us and we are truly thankful. Our guests loved the setting and the bridal entrance we keep reliving over and over with Grandad leading his granddaughter down the zig zag garden path and through the tussocks. It was everything we had dreamed of. Lucky for us on the day we had a magnificent Autumns day the sunshine and amazing clouds which made the Autumn colours shine. We could not have asked for anything better and would not change a thing!! Thank You Thank You Thank You!! Big Hugs Lana & Reece Cameron! xx

A Beautiful Autumn Wedding

There is no reason why we can’t marry once the leaves fall, the days are clear and when the evenings are crisp.

An Autumn Wedding took place in the gardens of Hawkshead on Easter Saturday, both local Wanaka families – with there loved ones and friends.

A warm sunny day, a carpet of autumn leaves, candelabra’s and hand picked vibrant autumn leaves used as confetti.

The Autumnal feel carried through with champayne and photography on the lawn of the lodge after the ceremony with the outdoor lounge boasting an open fireplace.

Congratulations to Lana and Reece – thankyou for choosing Hawkshead for your Wedding Venue.

« Previous Page — Next Page »