Labrador Retriever (Comprehensive Owner's Guide) [Hardcover]

Margaret A. Gilbert (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2003 | Series: Comprehensive Owner's Guide

This book is for every owner of a Labrador Retriever. The Lab is the most popular dog in the world, gracing the homes of pet owners, sportsmen and show-dog aficionados alike. Few pure-bred dogs compare to the Labrador Retriever in personality, talent and dedication. For such a common canine, the Labrador is uncommon in its superior ways and abilities. This book provides the much-needed factual information about Labrador Retrievers and their ancestry, character and standard, as well as the proper selection, feeding, training, health care and behavior. The new owner will welcome advice about preparing for the pup’s arrival, housebreaking and preventing puppy problems.

In addition to an extremely authoritative text, this book features over 135 photographs in full color that are as informative as they are attractive. Helpful hints and important information are highlighted to provide easy access to everything the reader needs to know about life with a Labrador Retriever from puppyhood to the senior years.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 158 pages
• Publisher: Kennel Club Books (September 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593782047
• ISBN-13: 978-1593782047
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,381,284 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Sorry but..., January 21, 2005

By 

Snookfish (Seattle, Washington) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Labrador Retriever (Comprehensive Owner's Guide) (Hardcover)

I'm sorry to say this, but this book is absolutely useless. There is a HUGE and very detailed section on the origins of the breed (who cares) and after that, there are very few actual facts in the whole book.

The writing is very condesending (pg. 20 "The Lab is no lap dog...he's too big to sit on your lap while you're reading...") I mean, is this something that you need an expert to tell you? The author also makes several attempts to insert humor anywhere she possibly can, which makes reading it even more tedious. (pg. 40 "Buying a puppy...is one instance in which you actually DO get to choose your own family!") Give me a break.

The section on training wastes about 10 pages discussing the importance of training. After that, there are maybe three or four actual tips about HOW to train. Another useless chapter.

The pictures are nice and plentiful.

Overall, if you have never had a dog and know absolutely nothing about owning one, you may want to check out this book before you get one. If you have had any experience at all with dogs and you are looking for some real training help or breed information, I definitely suggest looking for a more informative book. I highly recommend "How to Talk to Your Dog" by Jean Craighead George for general tips on communicating and training your dog.