Customer Reviews

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Labrador Retrievers, 2nd Edition

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4 star:		(1)
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Regardless of the title to the contrary, this is not a book for idiots, but rather a no nonsense nuts and bolts primer for the new caretaker of a the best dog breed yet devised by the Heavens; the Labrador Retriever. As someone who shares his house and life with four of God's single most nearly perfect craeature, I can testify as to the accuracy and relevance of all the information in this wonderful compendium. It is a literal treasure trive of data about how to raise and care for your new best friend, and it covers everything from potty training to kennel care.

As a personal note, it is improtant to remember how sensitive Labs are, that one never ever strikes one, and that gently scolding them will get you the reaction you want much more efficiently than would any unjustified corporal punishment. Just remember, friends, there are really no bad dogs; only ignorant and incompetent people trying in vain to train the dogs. What you need to avoid such pitfalls is all here! Enjoy!

Don't be misled by the title, this fine book is certainly NOT for idiots. It's for anyone who is interested in the most popular breed in the U.S. for companionship and many types of service. As a professional who works for an assistance dog organization, I have a keen interest in Labs, as do most of my co-workers. We all agree this book is a superb introduction to the breed; accessible and entertaining, loaded with interesting information presented in a fashion that educates without insulting the intelligence!

What can I say about this book? Except that it was very informative and that it was very fun to read. I learned ALOT from this book. I would definately recommend it to all my friends and would-be dog owners. I've read 3 books about Labrador Retrievers and if I had to choose only one...I would choose this book over all of them. Very pleased and worth what I paid for.

Before we actually started looking into a puppy, I wanted to know as much as possible about training them and how to deal with them. Even though some of the information in the book could easily be counted as applicable for most breeds, I loved the somewhat "different" and let me call it alternative approach of the book. It made me aware of some dangers and difficulties that are not mentioned in other books, eg food for puppies. Overall, a good book for the beginner!

This book was one of three that we purchased when we got our chocolate lab. We wanted specific information as we wanted to correctly and effectively train her to be a joy in our home. The book did offer alot of information...some of it was specific to labs, but in was mostly an "in general" dog training book. The biggest disappointment was that it offered no alternatives to clicker training. We weren't completely opposed to the clicker option, but would have liked information on other training methods. All the information on training our lab was focused on the use of a clicker. This book would be useless to someone who opted out of the clicker method.
Overall, the book did give good "baseline" information, but it left us hoping that one of our other books would be more helpful.

When we were researching which breed pup to get for the family I read many books from the public library. Once we agreed on getting a Labrador, I checked this book out a second time. This time reading and taking notes. When the pup arrived, I went online and purchased this book! I found this book to be extremely informative. It covers information to consider before buying the pup, questions for the breeder, possible warnings to watch for. The book lists items needed prior to the pups arrival, how to train your puppy up through adult. This is what I liked the most about this book, as I planned on training our dog myself. The guide was step by step from crate training to advanced obedience. There is so much information covered I can't put it all in this review. Our puppy is doing great and moving right along with his manners, tricks and obedience training! I love this book and would recommend it to a friend.

This book is a waste of money unless you know nothing about dogs. If you want pertinant information specific to the Lab, then look elsewhere. The words "Laborador Retriever" could be deleted and the name of any dog breed inserted.

So you want to know about Labs? Well, they're certainly the most popular purebreds, but what makes them so special? Inside this book, you'll learn about Labrador Retrievers, their history and personality as well as hereditary diseases and activities.

Unlike many Lab books out there, this is a pet guide, aimed at the first time Lab owner. It's not intended to be a guide to show dogs or pedigrees (why would you consider picking up an Idiot's Guide if you want that?) This book deals with all facets of Labrador pet ownership and contrary to the title, I don't think you're an idiot if you check out this book.

Be my guest to peruse through the book online here and enjoy. This book is the winner of the DWAA Maxwell Award for 2003 as the best pet breed book.