Eve Adamson

Article / Updated 06-06-2023

Adopting a Labrador Retriever from a rescue organization is a great way to find a lovable companion. Many Labrador Retrievers are waiting patiently for new homes in breed rescue programs. Many of these dogs are adult dogs who are wonderful, devoted, well-trained family members who just got the short end of the bone for one reason or another and no longer have a place to go. An older Lab can be the ideal dog. Older Labs generally require far less work than puppies and are likely already trained in good behavior. Sure, an older Lab may not have the lifespan ahead of her that a puppy would, but the years she does have left can be filled with joy for both of you. Please consider adopting an older Lab who has lost her home. Labrador Retriever rescuers — all of whom are volunteers — love the breed and are committed to finding appropriate homes for Labs found at shelters or abandoned by individuals who can no longer keep them. And all too often, Labrador Retriever rescuers take in dogs that have been cruelly treated or otherwise neglected. If you're interested in adopting an older Labrador Retriever, consider contacting one of the following organizations: Labrador Retriever Club, Inc.: The club's Web site includes a page of links to Labrador Retriever rescue groups from all over the United States. Petfinder: This national online database of pets that need homes lists Labrador Retriever and other breed rescue groups from coast to coast. The Petfinder Web site also allows you to search directly for a Labrador Retriever by zip code — although most of the hits you'll get will be Labrador Retriever mixes. Internet Search: Try doing an Internet search under the keywords Labrador Retriever rescue. Like adopting through a shelter, expect to fill out a detailed application and answer a lot of personal questions. Remember rescue workers want to ensure that the dogs are going to be going to a great home. They may even want to come to your home to make sure that is suitable for a Labrador Retriever. After the Labrador Retriever enters rescue, the group assigns the dog to a temporary home — or what rescuers call a foster home. While there, the dog receives any necessary medical care and is observed, so that any deficiencies or behavioral problems can be identified. The rescue group then takes steps to deal with those issues. Before you take on a rescued Lab, spend some serious time getting to know the dog. Work with the rescue group to determine whether you and your potential pet are a good match. If the dog seems to have serious problems, enlist the help of a good canine behavior consultant. Be persistent. A good rapport can be an important step in overcoming problems.

Article / Updated 05-31-2023

Your Lab loves to eat! As a responsible dog owner, your job is keep your Lab at a healthy weight. This list is a group of healthy additions you can add to your Lab’s high-quality dog food. Limit the eggs and oil to no more than once a week — and only for active Labs who aren’t overweight.) Small pieces of raw or cooked carrots Small pieces of raw apples One or two tablespoons of plain, nonfat yogurt Half of a cooked egg One teaspoon of canola oil

Article / Updated 05-31-2023

If you’re considering hiring a dog trainer because your Labrador Retriever just isn’t behaving the way you expect, use these guidelines to find a good trainer who uses positive methods and can help you establish effective communication with your Lab: Ask for recommendations from friends, neighbors, and relatives who have friendly, well-behaved dogs. Ask the opinion of pet professionals, such as veterinarians, vet techs, groomers, boarding kennel managers, humane societies, and rescue groups. Call the Association of Pet Dog Trainers at 1-800-PET-DOGS to ask for the names of dog trainers and canine behavior consultants who use positive training methods, such as lure-and-reward and clicker training. Expect a good dog trainer/canine behavior consultant to understand how dogs learn and to communicate with you — in terms you understand — about how to manage and train your Lab. Ask about experience and ask for references. And check them! A good dog trainer/canine behavior consultant will have extensive experience educating owners and their pets. Ask about correction styles. A good dog trainer/canine behavior consultant doesn’t advocate or use physical punishment (shock collars, choke chains, prong collars, leash jerks, or hitting). Expect fun! A good dog trainer/canine behavior consultant gives you the feeling that training will be fun for you and your Labrador!

Article / Updated 05-31-2023

Understanding the anatomy of a Labrador Retriever will help you know your dog better and talk more specifically with your veterinarian. This figure gives a complete outline of your Lab’s body parts:

Cheat Sheet / Updated 05-31-2023

If you’re looking for a qualified dog trainer to help out with your Labrador Retriever’s behavior, follow some recommendations to find the right fit for you and your Lab. To keep your dog in good shape, try adding some healthy food alternatives to your Lab’s high-grade dog food. Get to know your dog better by studying the body makeup of a Labrador Retriever; your knowledge will also help when you’re talking to your veterinarian.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-26-2022

Prepare your home for your shih tzu’s arrival by purchasing some essential (and fun!) dog supplies. Keep your shih tzu happy and healthy by having emergency contact numbers handy and feeding your dog healthy treats in moderation.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

If you thought there was just something about the Shih Tzu's temperament that makes it a great furry friend to have around, you aren't wrong. Shih Tzu have been bred for generations to be the ultimate companion dog. Here are some of the reasons why those magnetic personality traits make your Shih Tzu simply irresistible. Shih Tzu are devoted Above all, a Shih Tzu is devoted, wholly and completely, to you and your needs. Sure, sometimes he likes to play with a toy or romp around the living room, but you can't ask for a better listener, lap warmer, or sympathetic furry ear. Your Shih Tzu can sit at your feet for hours gently snoozing, but he doesn't forget to occasionally gaze up at you in adoration. If you want a dog who does his own thing and only occasionally bothers to notice you, this breed may not be the one for you. But if you desire a pet who thinks it's all about you, then this is your dog. Shih Tzu are tranquil You've heard of those yappy little ankle-biting lap dogs, right? Well, the Shih Tzu isn't one of them. Calm and self-possessed, the Shih Tzu watches and waits. Sure, he may bark at the delivery guy when he comes right up to the door, but he's not bred to be a watchdog. Your Shih Tzu is too focused on you to worry about anybody else who may be walking by outside, and if somebody else comes in the house, your Shih Tzu thinks it's obvious that this new friend has arrived for the sole purpose of petting and loving him. Sure, exceptions do exist, and you'll find some dogs who bark a lot, especially among dogs who were never properly socialized. Some people talk more than others, and some Shih Tzu bark more than others. But in general, this dog isn't yippy or suspicious. Shih Tzu have a sense of humor Part of being a good buddy is having a sense of humor, and your funny little Shih Tzu quickly discovers how to make you laugh. Whether he's flipping his stuffed mouse toy into the air and then spinning around to see where it landed, pretending to play fetch then darting just out of reach when you try to take back the ball, or gazing at you with an expression so serious and concerned that your bad mood dissolves completely, your Shih Tzu brightens your day and puts a smile on your face. Who can resist that? Shih Tzu are adaptable As devoted as Shih Tzu may be, they also adapt well to new owners. Don't be offended. It isn't that your Shih Tzu doesn't worship you. It's just that he loves everybody else, too. Anyone willing to feed, pet, groom, and love a Shih Tzu becomes that dog's new best friend. This factor in their behavior makes considering an older Shih Tzu for adoption an excellent decision. Shih Tzu don't waste away pining for a former owner and ignore you. And an older dog may already be housetrained (not a bad bonus, eh?). If you have a warm lap and a treat to share, your Shih Tzu will adapt just to his new home. Shih Tzu are a bit arrogant How can something so little and sweet also be so high and mighty? If your ancestors lived in the Imperial palace, you'd have a pretty healthy self-concept, too. The Shih Tzu reveals his natural arrogance in the way he stands, moves, and looks around with his flat little nose in the air. He may even look down his nose at someone he isn't quite sure deserves his attention — but probably not too often. Consider him a benevolent king. And don't worry if you're not ancestry. Your Shih Tzu doesn't mind. He loves you just the same, and he's royal enough for both of you — he just has to show you who runs the castle once in awhile.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

If your small dog collapses and stops breathing, you have no time to lose. You can perform CPR on your pet, preferably while someone else transports you both to the emergency vet clinic. Ask your vet to show you how to perform CPR on a small dog during your next vet visit, before you ever need to do it. If you haven't had any instruction and find yourself in a position where you need to perform pet CPR, here are the basic directions: 1. Put animal on his side, being careful not to overextend his neck. 2. Check for foreign objects in his throat, swiping with a hooked finger to remove anything blocking his airway. 3. Gently pull your pet's tongue forward so it's even with his teeth (to prevent the tongue from slipping back into his throat) and close the dog's mouth. 4. Exhale gently into the dog's nostrils, hard enough that you can see his chest expanding. Doing so makes his chest inflate. 5. Take your mouth off the dog and let him exhale naturally. 6. Repeat, giving one breath about every two seconds, checking for breathing after every four to five breaths. If your dog starts breathing, stop breathing for him. If your dog's heart isn't beating (you can't hear a heartbeat when you put your ear to his chest), begin chest compressions as follows: 1. Place the dog on a firm flat surface on his right side. 2. Cup your hands and put them on both sides of the rib cage at the level of the dog's elbows (above the heart.) If the dog is a puppy or a very small dog (less than ten pounds), use your thumbs instead of your hands). 3. Squeeze on both sides of the chest and then release. A squeeze and release should take about one second. If your pet isn't breathing and doesn't have a heartbeat, you can do artificial breathing and chest compressions at the same time. Give one breath for every three to five chest squeezes.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

While Labrador Retrievers tend to be healthy, some genetic disorders do occasionally occur. These are some of the more common genetic disorders in Labrador Retrievers: Hip dysplasia: This is the most common orthopedic problem in Labs (and in many larger dogs). Although not congenital (it isn't present at birth), hip dysplasia is probably due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. If your dog develops hip dysplasia (the condition can be seen on an x-ray), she may suffer no symptoms at all. Or she may eventually experience severe pain and even lameness. Some Labs require no treatment, but if your Lab develops hip dysplasia and does require treatment, many excellent management strategies, treatments, and surgical options exist. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): This degenerative eye disorder eventually results in your dog becoming blind. A board-certified canine ophthalmologist can examine your dog's eyes if you suspect she is having any vision problems. If you buy your Lab from a breeder who is diligent about eye testing, you probably won't encounter PRA. PRA is a genetic problem involving a recessive gene. If a puppy receives the gene from both parents, she will develop PRA. If she receives the gene from only one parent, she will be a carrier and should not be bred to another Lab that is also a carrier. The location of the gene that involves PRA has been determined in Labs, and a blood test has been developed to determine whether a Lab is affected, a carrier, or clear. Epilepsy: If your Lab has epilepsy, that means she will have seizures. Epilepsy can be due to environmental or genetic factors and will probably show up relatively early if inherited. Seizures can be frightening for your Lab and for you. The most important thing to do for your Lab during a seizure is to keep her from hurting herself. Talk to your vet about the best strategies for managing seizures if your Lab has epilepsy. Depending on the frequency and severity of the seizures, your vet may recommend medication.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

If you're moving to a new home, one of the best ways to prepare your Labrador Retriever (or any dog) is to keep everything as normal as possible. Take a break from moving preparations to engage in your normal grooming, training, and play sessions. Busy as you are, continue to feed your dog at the normal times, keep his water bowl full, and take him on his walk. Keep bedtime about the same if you can. Even if your Lab seems healthy, take him to your vet for a checkup a week or two before you move, and make sure he is up-to-date on all his vaccinations, tests, and heartworm pills. (You may even need a health certificate when moving from one state to another — check with your vet.) While you're there, ask your vet about anything that should concern you about moving with a dog. He or she may have some additional suggestions that will apply to your individual Lab and situation. He or she may even be able to recommend a good vet in the area to which you're moving. Practice stress management for yourself! If you're getting too stressed out, your Lab will think something's wrong. He'll worry. Really! Labs are perceptive, and if you're suffering, your Lab will suffer right along with you. Enjoy stress-reducing walks in the fresh air with your Lab. Take time out to just sit on the couch for ten minutes and pet your Lab. Remember, the more organized you are and the more you plan ahead, the less everyone in your family — your Lab included — will feel the strain. Continue to take your Lab to different places. Socializing and traveling with your Lab (both locally and on longer trips) will make the move much easier on him. If you haven't been taking him to various locations and introducing him periodically to new people, it's time to start. Ideally, you will begin training him in various locations and getting him used to riding in the car at least several months before the move. Make it as important a part of your moving plans as changing your phone service or booking the moving van. A Lab who's a veteran traveler will take a move to a new location in stride, especially if his routine remains relatively intact and you remain relatively calm about the whole affair. If your Lab is feeling good about the move, he'll be a source of comfort to you when you get to your new destination, too. Exciting as moving can be, it sure is nice to have a familiar and well-loved friend along! When you're giving away stuff you don't use so that you don't have to move it, make sure you don't toss any of your Lab's things into the giveaway pile. Your Lab's doggy den, dog dishes, chew toys, retrieval objects, and even bedding — no matter how old and ratty they're getting — will be sources of comfort and reassurance for your Lab in your new location.