The Labrador retriever is essentially a creature that does not suffer from any specific behavioral problems, though as with all breeds there are always certain animals that will show some abnormalities including those related to their health and also behavior. Sometimes, these rather large animals will have problems related to their size including being too aggressive and often diagnosing the exact nature of such Labrador problems can be both confusing as well as difficult. Another common Labrador problem is that of chasing cats and smaller dogs, and this is an instinctive problem that should be addressed through providing adequate Labrador training to your pet at an early stage in his life.

To overcome such problems you may want to check out an expert behaviorist who can suggest possible methods to solve the problem, though if you choose to train your pet on your own be prepared to spend a lot of time in the training him and also exercise patience as well as be determined to teach your pet how he must behave in an appropriate and acceptable manner.
There are certain Labradors that can prove to be a handful and these pets will not easily learn to behave properly unless sent to a behaviorist. This and other Labrador problems such as having a pet that always seems to be dreaming can be reason for you to become worried, though in reality these can be overcome through proper Labrador training. A typical Labrador problem that many pet owners will have to deal with has to do with a pet that chews up everything he can sink his teeth into. Such a problem can arise when the Labrador is too energetic and it also occurs when having someone or something invade his territory frustrates the Labrador.

To overcome these Labrador problems, it would pay to talk to a veterinary behaviorist or provide strict Labrador training and also ensuring that you spend a lot of time with your dog in helping him release his energy in a more productive manner.
Typical of Labrador problems is that of chasing cats and since this is more of an instinctive driven behavioral problem it can best be changed through giving your pet proper Labrador training which may require spending a lot of time and being patient so that he is taught how to stop this instinctive reaction on his part. Another common behavioral problem that your Labrador can show is that of becoming destructive and this in turn is generally due to his becoming anxious about something. Because dogs have advanced hearing capabilities, they can become aware of things even before humans get wind of these things and thus your Labrador may behave in a manner that is incomprehensible to human beings and so, this is another common Labrador problem that pet owners will have to contend with.

It is also always possible to condition your Labrador to not become skittish when he hears various kinds of sounds and a simple Labrador training step you can use is to play recordings of certain sounds at low volumes and then increasing the volume gradually to make your Labrador get accustomed to these sounds. In fact, this is an especially useful way to becalm your Labrador who could otherwise become so nervous that you may even be forced into giving him anti-anxiety medicines to overcome his fears.

Labrador problems are generally not a major concern for pet owners and with timely Labrador training you can easily ensure that your pet behaves in an appropriate manner at all times. Besides consulting dog training books you could also read this article to learn more about common Labrador problems.

Whatever your dog preference is, you are sure to find terrier dogs among the candidates for a pal. You’ll get energy you want with little grooming and added wit.

Basically bred for hunting and killing vermin, Terrier dogs are now known to offer wide spectrum of features and characters that you might find lovable. They are not as cuddly as toy dogs (while there are some terrier dogs in the toy and companion dog brackets) and they may not be as intelligent like other breeds but they set off these lacks with various things that only they can offer.

Let us discuss in brief some of the terrier dog types that you may find interesting:

Less aggressive but definitely not timid. This best describes Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers. They are definitely alert and very spirited, but when the call for steadiness arrives, they are sure to show you some air of confidence and steady disposition.

This dog type too is gifted with intelligence which makes them very responsive with obedience training.

Parson Russell Terrier is a dog type that exhibits boldness, cleverness, affection and exuberant disposition. While many may find this a playful pal, it is still not advisable for everyone to take Parson Russell home. In fact, formal obedience training is a must for owners since this dog type is more likely to display mischievousness and too much playfulness that make this a very independent pet. For people with active lifestyles and those who can tolerate explorative disposition, this scamp is the best for you.

The Norwich Terrier, on the other hand, is a type of dog that resulted from breeding small Terriers with other smaller breeds, possibly Yorkshire Terriers. Maintenance of Norwich Terrier is minimal and they are content with modest living quarters. They have active disposition though and can be affectionate and fearless. Additionally, they are also known to display stocky and happy personalities which make them ideal pals.

Much like the Norwich Terriers, Norfolk Terriers are also well-spirited, fearless, charming and always ready for game. While both may have some similar physical characteristics, Norfolks can still be distinguished through their folds in the ears.

Basically workman-like dogs, Kerry Blue Terriers are excellent watchdogs and work well in farm settings. This dog got its name from its blue-shade coat color which was originally black during puppyhood.

Wire Fox Terriers are of great interest since they display power through its excellent endurance capabilities and speed. Alertness and quick movements are the dominant expressions of this dog type. It is advisable though that the owner trains this dog and should be given enough doses of daily exercises.

Meanwhile, Smooth Fox Terriers are the frolic and lively types of dogs that are ideal in both country and city living. Displaying intelligence and cleverness, this dog makes good trainees and must be well credited by that. They are also likely to show great affection towards their owners.

These are just some of the many terrier dog types that can be considered as your next pets. In general, this dog type has good dispositions and makes ideal home pets. While some may display obscure aggressiveness, this still does not negate the fact that most types have the capacity to develop affection and keen expression of their attachment to their owners. Be warned though that some dog types in this breed can be very playful and should be given enough amount of attention and time during obedience training and exercises.

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Various contentions have been put forward in the dog world by some, (eg those against mixed breeds), that ‘hybrid vigor’ is allegedly not possible (for example) when breeding labadoodles (ie mixed breeding of Labradors and Poodles) as it is alleged that hybrid vigor is only possible with mixed breeding of unrelated animals (eg horse and donkey). However, that it not correct.

For example, see http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/resources/publications/pdfs/ER-IS-03-01.pdf:

“What is a hybrid?

A hybrid is an organism resulting from a cross between genetically different parents. Hybrids can arise from crosses between closely related species (interspecific hybrids) or by crosses between different types (subspecies, varieties, cultivars) within a species (intraspecific hybrids).

Hybridisation occurs naturally, but it is also widely used in selective breeding programmes for both plants and animals. The mule is an interspecific hybrid between the horse and the donkey, bred to combine some of the favourable characteristics of each parent. Intraspecific hybrids often show ‘hybrid vigour’ (heterosis), growing more vigorously and yielding more than in-bredlines.”

Hence, laberdoodles are ‘intraspecific hybrids’ (ie are within species breeding) and do show hybrid vigor.

Also, see http://www.country-wide.co.nz/article/449.html:

Another important but often forgotten principle is what happens when you interbreed the first cross (F1) progeny. In essence if you breed (F1) sires and dams together, there will be less hybrid vigour in the progeny. Like wise hybrid vigour also drops if you breed back to either of the parent breeds.

Our Labordoodle puppies are F1 generation (ie first cross between Labrador & Poodle), maximising hybrid vigor (or heterosis), and minimising inbreeding depression, etc. And have purebred parents with champion bloodlines/pedigrees.

The F1 (ie first generation) of Labradoodle puppies have more hybrid vigor than the second or so generation, are less likely to be more variable then some other generations, and also have the least inbreeding depression.

Another interesting scientific point to note about our F1 Labradoodles is that research has shown that these have increased longevity or rates of survival (eg research has shown up to 4 years longer), due to the absence of inbreeding (such as that occurring in purebred dogs). And the same research has shown that the higher the rate of inbreeding (eg in purebreds), the lower or shorter the longevity or survival rates. This relates to the term known as ‘inbreeding depression’, and which is
described in more detail at inbreeding depression and inbreeding depression.

And this may be due to the benefits from hybrid vigour, especially compared to the negative effects known as ‘inbreeding depression’ present in purebreds.

Unlike some breeders, we can guarantee the genetics of the puppies are solely Labrador/Poodle, as the parents of our Labradoodle puppies are purebred, and with pedigree papers. And this also ensures that they are definitely F1 puppies.

The term ‘hybrid vigor’ is used in various fields, such as breeding livestock, rabbits, aquaculture, plants, cats, dogs, etc.

And rather than just us giving you our opinion etc re hybrid vigor, we thought you may like to read information from other sources. So that you can make an informed choice or decision.

So, below are some relevant extracts re hybrid vigor, and links to their sources:

From MSN encarta online:

‘hy-brid vig-or

improved traits resulting from crossbreeding: the increased growth, disease resistance, or fertility seen in hybrid species.’

From Encylopedia Brittanica online:

‘Increase in such characteristics as size, growth rate, fertility, and yield of a hybrid organism over those of its parents.’

‘Plant and animal breeders exploit heterosis by mating two different purebred lines that have desirable traits. The first-generation offspring generally show, in greater measure, the desired characteristics of both parents. Since this vigour may decrease if the hybrids are actually mated together, the parental lines must be maintained and crossed for each new crop or group desired.’

From Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary:

‘heterosis

the marked vigor or capacity for growth often exhibited by crossbred animals or plants — called also hybrid vigor’

From report by CSIRO:

“The benefits of hybrid vigor only appear in crossbred animals that have parents of completely different breeds.”

From a transcript of the Senate:

“veterinarians recognize the concept of ‘hybrid vigor,’ especially in first generation hybrids”

From United States Department of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, and County Governments Cooperating:

“The highest level of hybrid vigor is obtained from F1’s, the first cross of unrelated populations.”

“Hybrid Vigor - An increase in the performance of crossbred animals over that of purebreds, also known as heterosis.”

So, there should be little (if any) doubt that the first generation (ie F1) Labradoodles have the maximum hybrid vigor and the least inbreeding depression compared to other generations etc.

P.S. For the house train a dog tips please watch this video.

The Poodle is a hot favorite for many mostly because it is very docile animal, easy to train and even easier to exercise. However, there are many Poodle problems that you might encounter if the training you impart is faulty or the dog was rescued and had been badly mistreated when it was younger.

There are many ways that will indicate that your Poodle is not well adjusted to its environment. The most obvious is that it will bark incessantly when you have people visiting and you do not pay enough attention to it. These dogs suffer from separation anxiety and at the same time might feel threatened by the large crowd it finds around them. Some Poodles will act aggressive or go on a chewing rampage destroying everything that they can put their teeth on. These dogs too suffer from separation anxiety and the destructive behavior is to attract your attention towards them; particularly asking you not to leave them out of your sight.
Fear is one of the most common causes for all Poodle problems. This fear can be of many types. The Poodle might fear to be left alone or it might fear rough handling. At other times it might fear other animals or it might fear your strict attitude. Take a close look at what it might be scaring it before launching into a disciplinary action when your Poodle is exhibiting bad behavior.

Whatever it might be that causes your Poodle to misbehave, you need to know that it can be redressed with easy steps. The Poodle is a dog that responds very well to love and positive reinforcement. If you want your dog to behave better, all you have to do is praise it, reward it and be with it as much as you can.
Pay attention to the fact that sometimes – and this is as often as you will find it misbehaving or being aggressive – your Poodle is a spoilt brat. In other words, its tantrums and bad behavior are due to too much pampering and attention, which is causing it to become too demanding.
Poodle problems nay be caused by boredom. These animals love company and become very upset if they are neglected or kept aloof from you or the family they live with. A bored Poodle is simply dynamite. They will throw tantrums exactly as a small child will do to attract the attention of their parents. That means they will do everything that you will not want them to do – such as chewing everything that they find within their reach, urinating in your bed and shoes, etc.

The good news is that all these Poodle problems can disappear if you start paying attention to your dog. Avoid these problems by training the dog well from the beginning. In case your Poodle is from a rescue center, you will need to be very patient and kind with the dog to make it forget its traumatic past before it accepts you. You will need to have a lot of patience, while at the same time you will have to reinforce good behavior with treats and praise until your dog behaves properly.

When you are planning to go for Poodle training remember to use only positive reinforcement and praise. Before you buy those big and voluminous dog training books, read this article. You might find all your answers here.

Boxers are a superb all around breed. They are a distinguished canine and the coolest, most lovable dog out there! Okay, as a long time owner of Boxer dogs perhaps I’m somewhat biased.

It is a medium-built and strong breed that is so named because of its habit of standing on the hind legs to begin a fight and boxing with the front paws.

By their nature, Boxers are working dogs. Throughout history they have been used as:
- circus dog
- courier dog on the battlefields during World War I and World War II
- Fighting dog in the once popular sport of dog fighting.
- hunting dog
- police dog
- seeing-eye dog for the blind
- guard dog
The American Kennel Club (AKC) splits dogs into 7 groups:
• herding
• hound
• non-sporting
• sporting
• terrier
• toy
• working
And the largest breed registered in the working dog category is the Boxer.

No doubt the Boxer breed makes for great utility dog but the greatest advantage to owning one is that a Boxer can be your most outstanding companion on four legs.

Devoted and delighted owners of Boxers have come up with a long list of attributes and traits of their favorite pet. These include:
• Friendly
• Hearing dog
• Highly trainable
• Intelligent
• Intuitive
• Keen judge of character
• Loving
• Loyal
• Patient with children
• People dog
• Poor swimmer
• Playful
• Quick learner
• Self-assured
• Smart
• Alertness
• Boisterous
• Boundless energy
• Brave
• Canine clown
• Courageous
• Devil dog
• Devoted
• Dignified
• Exuberance
• Family dog
• Soulful
• Spirited
• Stoical
• Vigilant
• Working dog
• Wonderful pet

The Boxer’s history could be traced back to feudal Germany, where it was a small hunting dog that could strongly cling onto a bull, boar, or bear till its master arrived. It was also a utility dog for peasants and shop owners, and even a performing dog in circus.

The Boxer as we know it today is a bigger breed – a blend of the German Boxer with a taller, more elegant English import. The era of this modern Boxer began in the 1880s and became really popular in America in the late 1930s-1940s.

Within the canine world, the Boxer is a medium-sized dog standing at 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder for a full-grown female, and weighs around 50 to 65 pounds. The male is normally taller and around 15 pounds heavier.

It has a striking good look with chiseled head, square jaw and muscled body that make for a very handsome silhouette.
The ears are cropped and erect that enhance its hearing – the Boxer’s most developed sense. It is always alert and vigilant, a natural guard dog.

Its shortened muzzle makes hot and humid weather uncomfortable for the Boxer.

The coat is short, hard and smooth, and possesses a natural sheen that can be improved with rubdowns with a chamois cloth (especially after a bath).

The short coat does not protect him well from extreme elements of the weather. Therefore a Boxer should definitely not be kept outdoors. It is a definitely a housedog, sensitive to temperature extremes and does not enjoy the draft

Every dog, no matter the breed should be correctly house trained.
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House training puppies
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These articles are packed with practical advice