Welcome to The Labrador Club

Responsibilities

Responsibility of Ownership

Before any puppy is taken home the responsibilities of owning that puppy from puppyhood to old age must be taken into consideration. 


When you decide to own a dog, you accept responsibility for him. His health and welfare depend on you. It is your responsibility to know the needs of your dog and to act accordingly.


However, a dog owner has a responsibility to himself as well as to his dog and it is important to know what is involved. Think carefully about it and speak to others in similar circumstances to your own. How do they cope? What are the possible problems? Have you thought about any changes you may have to make to create the best home for your dog?


This could include consideration of the potential disruption to your family and its effect on them. Have a discussion with them before, not after, you acquire your dog. The family must be aware that there will be extra responsibilities, and they should be prepared to share, or at least, accommodate them. Your neighbours must also be considered. Most neighbours will be tolerant of a quiet well-mannered dog, but it would be wise to check occasionally whether your dog is causing any concern. If there is genuine cause for complaint, you must do something to rectify the situation. On the other hand, a neighbour might enjoy the company of your dog and would welcome the invitation to borrow him if he needs the excuse to go for a walk. Because above all, you have a responsibility to another living thing - your dog. Currently, canine behaviourists suggest that 5 hours is the maximum time that a dog should be left alone on a regular basis.

   

The law requires of you that you supply your dog with adequate food, shelter, and exercise. This applies throughout New Zealand but there may also be Local By-Laws which you must observe.


Registration



Puppies must be registered with the local Council at three months of age and annually thereafter. They must also be microchipped by five months of age or at first registration.


Good Dog Ownership requires:


  • Dogs being under control in public places – particularly beaches.
  • Picking up faeces (if your dog fouls an area)
  • Thoughtfulness of anyone affected by your dog and being thoughtful and caring of your dog’s needs.

Responsibility of the Breeder


The Labrador breeder of today holds the future of the breed in his hands. The decision to become a breeder will mean considering many factors and should always be done in consultation with the breeder of your puppy. Breeding is an absorbing, time-consuming and expensive hobby. Breeders spend a great deal of time studying pedigrees and other dogs. This is done to decide which dogs and bitches will best complement each other and improve their stock. The true breeder is rarely properly compensated for his time and expense. The reward is the contribution made to the improvement and prosperity of the breed.

De-Sexing


Castration and spaying are the common terms used to describe the surgery performed

on a dog or bitch, rendering them unable to be bred from. In both cases, the operation is irreversible, and consideration must be given to the correct age to de-sex. 


Castration – is an operation performed under general anaesthetic on male dogs, whereby the testicles are surgically removed. Once this has been done, no more testosterone, (the male hormone), is produced. Although it may take three or four weeks to eliminate the hormone already in the body, thereafter there will be a marked decrease in the dog’s sexual activity.

Many breeders and Veterinarians recommend that a male dog is desexed at about 12 months. By then his bone growth is complete but he has not yet developed some of the less desirable traits of an entire male. Desexing helps to reduce the desire to wander, repeatedly marking territory by urinating, and the likelihood of aggressive behaviour to other males. 

Recent research indicates that desexing at an early age may affect the development of the correct bone length and substance. Talk with your veterinarian and breeder as to when will be the correct time for your circumstances.


Spaying – is an ovariohysterectomy performed under general anaesthetic and means that the ovaries and uterus and surgically removed. Your bitch with no longer come into season or be able to become pregnant. It also eliminates the risk of a uterine infection which can be fatal. Some research also indicates that this procedure should not be performed at an early age. Again, talk to your vet or breeder about the best age for the surgery.


Neutering does not make a Labrador fat but, their metabolism will slow down very slightly. It is advisable to reduce the food intake slightly, and it is essential to see that they still have plenty of exercise.

Taking on an Older Labrador

This chapter has been devoted, mainly, to advising a new owner how to begin living with a Labrador puppy but not every new owner buys a puppy. Sometimes, it is an older dog which goes to a new home. The reasons for an older dog being placed in a new home are many and varied but, as in the case of puppies, it is a traumatic time for your new companion. Kindness, patience, and firmness will be required in teaching him what you expect of him. Do not be afraid to have rules and to expect them to be obeyed but enforce them kindly and your dog will soon feel secure and happy in his new home.