How to Adopt a Labrador Retriever in Wisconsin

The Labrador retriever is a popular breed due to its versatility. Labradors make amazing service animals, skilled hunting dogs, and loving companions. They’re well known for getting along great with kids and thus being fantastic family pets.

They’re also a great choice for Wisconsinites who love the outdoors. Labrador retrievers are capable swimmers who can enjoy Wisconsin’s many lakes with you; they’re also athletic enough to keep up during hikes, jogs, or bike rides.

Of course, it’s still important to do your research on this breed; it’s true that all dogs are amazing, but not every dog is the best fit for every person. However, if you know a Labrador is right for you, then it’s a great idea to adopt one! Adopting a dog not only provides a home for a dog in need, but it also creates more space in shelters for more dogs to be saved.

If you’re interested in adopting a Labrador retriever and are curious about the process, then stick around. We’ll go over what the adoption process looks like, how much adopting a dog costs, and the best practices for training your rescue dog.

Labrador Retriever Adoption in Wisconsin

There are several animal rescues based in Wisconsin, and every one of them will have slightly different practices when it comes to adoption. However, they do all have one thing in common, which is that adoption starts with an application, which you can find on most rescues’ websites.

Even if the rescue doesn’t currently have any dogs you’re interested in, you can still submit an application. Once you’re approved, the rescue will have your information on file, which can streamline the adoption process once they do have a Labrador retriever available.

Some rescues are very strict about finding the perfect match for their dogs as they don’t want to see any dogs returned to the shelter. This means you may be rejected for a dog you like. Don’t fear, this doesn’t necessarily mean you aren’t eligible for other dogs.

In order to determine that perfect match, rescues may ask for references and even veterinary records. They’re also likely to do a home visit and a meet and greet before all is said and done. Of course, not every rescue is this strict. Some rescues move hundreds of dogs every month, and you can literally walk in, fill out an application, and take a dog home the same day.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Labrador Retriever in Wisconsin? You’d be surprised to find out just how vast of a difference there can be in pricing from shelter to shelter. Some shelters price their dogs as low as $75, but we’ve seen others as high as $900. Still, you’re more likely to pay anywhere from $200 to $600 for a rescue dog in Wisconsin. Numerous factors contribute to such great price discrepancies. Puppies almost always cost more, and senior dogs are often the cheapest. Occasionally, shelters will host events where they lower adoption fees. Sometimes, senior dogs or dogs with disabilities may be offered for free to the right home. Smaller shelters that are not as well-known and thus do not receive as many donations may price their dogs higher to make up for it. Some shelters will also price especially desirable breeds (like dachshunds or doodles) higher in order to lower the costs on dogs that have more trouble finding homes.

How Should I Train a Labrador Retriever? Labrador retrievers are often recommended to first-time dog owners because they are considered easy to train. That said, you’re still likely to run into some challenges during the process. Using positive reinforcement training techniques will help you overcome these challenges. Positive reinforcement helps you modify your dog’s behavior without the need for physical punishment. Instead, it works with a dog’s own motivations so that they want to obey. Oftentimes, these motivations are food-based, but many Labradors love to play fetch, so throwing a ball can also be a reward for good behavior. The great thing about positive reinforcement is that it is effective while also being completely humane. If you’d like some help training your future Labrador retriever, check out our online dog training classes. Dog Training with Dog Academy

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Find the Right Labrador Retriever in Wisconsin for You

Labrador retrievers are quite popular, so it’s not impossible to find them available at local animal shelters. That said, it can still take time to find the right dog for you. If you want to speed up the process, go online and submit applications at all of your nearby shelters. This way, once they have a Lab you’re interested in, you’ll be one step closer to bringing home your new best friend.