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A breed that has become wildly popular and still hasn’t had the error of its name properly corrected, the Labrador is a brilliant companion for anyone. Originally from Newfoundland, the Labrador was named after a neighboring province because there was already a water dog named after Newfoundland; which Labrador retrievers are descended from. More accurately, they were originally used by Canadian fisherman and duck hunters before their popularity began to spread.
It really isn’t difficult to understand why the breed has become so well-known and sought-after. They are beautiful animals with fantastic personalities that can outperform in service positions, objective-oriented tasks, and their social skills are nothing to scoff at. Because of this, they are regularly recommended for newer owners looking for an accommodating, larger dog.
This article will not tell you about the ins and outs of the Labrador retriever, though we do have a wonderful guide to use as a resource. What we will be discussing is some helpful tips to ensure that you know how to adopt a Labrador retriever in Maryland and what to expect before bringing the dog home.
Labrador Retriever Adoption in Maryland
Whether you are in Baltimore or Boonsburo, you are unlikely to struggle to find a Labrador retriever. Purebreds with documentation may be difficult, though; if you have your heart set on a pedigree’d pup, you may want to skip the rescues and look for breeders. For those less picky about their pooches, you will have plenty of luck with a breed as common as a Labrador retriever.
It can still save you time to call ahead, check social media, or look for listings online or in your local paper. Just because a shelter has a dog with a breed and look that you approve of does not mean that their attitude, personality, and habits will fit your own.
Don’t go into a shelter that is closing in half an hour and expect to walk out with your dream dog. You will not have enough time to get a grasp on a canine’s personality, and you will be lucky to have enough time to fill out the appropriate forms. Instead, go early and take your time trying to assess which Labrador would fit your lifestyle, get along with your family, and so on.
A good way to determine a dog’s personality is to ask staff who deal with the dog every day about them. Even the most antisocial pooches in shelters will have some employee who is head over heels for the animal. Find that employee and ask them questions until they make an excuse to get away from you. It also helps to observe how the animal acts around you and the other dogs.
You cannot just walk out with your new friend, however. You will need to answer any questions the shelter may have, fill out paperwork (adoption contract, application, etc), and then you will need to cover the adoption fee. This can vary, and we will discuss what it usually looks like in a Maryland animal shelter.
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How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Labrador Retriever in Maryland?If you are going to get a Labrador retriever in Maryland, adoption fees average out to somewhere between $200 – $400. This does not include pet supplies, vet visits, and unforeseen events that can and will arise as you live with your new buddy. |
How Should I Train a Labrador Retriever?Training a Labrador retriever is much easier than other stubborn, less intelligent breeds, but you still need to maintain a positive attitude and refrain from scolding the dog. They will not immediately understand every command, and disciplining them harshly will make sessions unpleasant, slow-moving, and needlessly difficult. If you want to get your Labrador retriever to bark less at neighbors, noise, and the imagined sounds your dog hears in their dreams, consider our course on stopping barking. It will not only help your dog become quieter, but it will also teach you valuable tips that can be used in other areas of canine training. |
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Find the Right Labrador Retriever in Maryland for You
It can be very nerve-wracking when a person first gets a dog. All the unwanted thoughts of whether or not you are prepared, what you forget, and what may come up all come rushing back into the front of your brain. Remain calm, and follow these steps to ensure you have taken all the necessary precautions so these passing thoughts never materialize in your day-to-day life.
