Table of Contents
Part I: The World of the Labrador Retriever.
Chapter 1: What Is a Labrador Retriever?
The Sporting Breeds.
The Lab’s Physical Appearance.
The Lab’s Character.
Chapter 2: The Labrador Retriever Yesterday and Today.
The Lab in the USA.
The Lab Today.
Chapter 3: Why Choose a Labrador Retriever?
Are You Ready for a Dog?
The Lab as a Pet.
The Working and Field Lab.
If Labs Could Choose Their Owners.
Chapter 4: Choosing Your Labrador Retriever.
Breeder, Rescue, Shelter, or Free?
Choosing Your Lab.
Puppy Temperament Test.
Choosing an Adult Lab.
Part II: Caring for Your Labrador Retriever.
Chapter 5: Getting Ready for Your Labrador Retriever.
Basic Supplies.
Puppy Essentials.
Make Your Yard Safe.
When Your Dog First Comes Home.
Puppy-Proofing Your Home.
Pet Professionals.
Chapter 6: Feeding Your Labrador Retriever.
Feeding Your Dog.
Nutritional Building Blocks.
Reading Dog Food Labels.
Commercial Dog Foods.
Homemade Diets.
Seven Mistakes to Avoid.
Chapter 7: Grooming Your Labrador Retriever.
Brushing.
Bathing.
Other Details.
External Parasites.
Making Your Environment Flea Free.
Chapter 8: Keeping Your Labrador Retriever Healthy.
Preventive Health Care.
Problems That Affect the Lab.
Internal Parasites.
Emergency First Aid.
How to Make a Canine First-Aid Kit.
When to Call the Veterinarian.
As Your Lab Grows Older.
Part III: Enjoying Your Labrador Retriever.
Chapter 9: Training Your Labrador Retriever.
Understanding Builds the Bond.
Practical Commands for Family Pets.
Training for Attention.
Teaching Cooperation.
Chapter 10: Housetraining Your Labrador Retriever.
Your Housetraining Shopping List.
The First Day.
Confine Your Pup.
Watch Your Pup.
Accidents Happen.
Scheduling Basics.
Appendix: Learning More About Your Labrador Retriever.
Some Good Books.
Magazines.
Clubs and Registries.
On the Internet.
Index.
