Labrador Retrievers for Dummies

We bought this book just before we got our first lab and it has proved very useful, and is a good reference to go back to now we have our second lab. It gives you good information (that works!) on training labs, caring for labs, and making your lab part of the family.I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to owners of other breeds, but it's definitely worthwhile if you are getting your first lab, or want to learn about labs.

This is a wonderful book, and my *only* criticism is that every time I recommend it to a non-labrador-owning, non-dummy it takes a little explaining! This book is a great primer for all puppy owners of all breeds. I also love Joel's book, "Positive Puppy Training Works". As the director of a large dog training program, these are two of my favorite books to recommend to new owners. The management suggestions keep the dog out of trouble while you're busy installing the training. And the training instructions are very down-to-earth and easy-to-follow.Becky Schultz, Certified Pet Dog TrainerMinneapolis, MN

As a person who has had the distinct pleasure of sharing my house and my life with as many as six Labrador retrievers at a time over the last 20 years (I now have four), I am acutely aware of the wonder and awe associated with getting such a wonderful companion can be. yet, sadly, I am also aware of the profound ignorance many would-be labrador-people are regarding how to select, introduce, and socialize this new member of the family. In that sense, this book , along with a number of others such as Richard Wolper's "Family Dog", can provide the wary would-be initate with all of the essentails on how to successfully transform that cute little puppy into a happy, obdeient, and well-integrated member of the household. This book does offer one the expert advice one needs regarding the care and nurture of what has now become the single most popular breed in the United States, with information ranging from an impromptu history of Labrador Retrievers to such topics such as adoption options. The book also features a handsome 8-page color insert, and delivers to the prospective owner a wealth of facts and details regarding Labrador Retrievers. It provides essential and vital information regarding nutrition, socialization, and exercise, and offers some sage advice about how to find and select a reputable breeder. In addition, it also touches on aspects of ownerships such as common illnesses and chronic problems associated with the breed. This is a book I can heartily recommend!

As a Certified Dog trainer, I have read and own many training manuals and reference books. Joel Walton's and Eve Adamson's book is one of my favorites. Labrador Retrievers for Dummies is not just for Lab owners. It is a most wonderfully written *soup to nuts* owning, training and management "bible" for any dog breed owner. I suggest many books to my cients, this being one of the top three.Written so the average dog owner can clearly understand what owning/caring for and training a dog is all about,not only makes Labrador Retrievers for Dummies an enjoyable read, but makes training your dog EASY, POSITIVE AND SO REWARDING. There is no "behaviorese" to decipher and this book thoroughly enables you to understand how to turn you relationship with your pet into "only a good thing!"

My wife and I read this book before deciding we wanted a lab. It is well organized, follows a nice progression, and is very well written. Above all, Joel and Eve's love of labs shine through. At first I wasn't sure if I could trust a "Dummies" book, but this one at least is excellent. Joel espouses lure and reward training and he sold me on it via this book. If you believe in punishment training you may not enjoy the book quite as much. If you are considering getting a lab or have a puppy we found this book to be a great foundation. After reading this book, we wanted one of Joel's labs.