The Complete Labrador Handbook: The Essential Guide for New & Prospective Labrador Owners (Canine Handbooks)

I got this book a week before I got my lab puppy. So much of the information is helpful about her needs, from bringing her home to things about her growth and health. I had already chosen her, and she chose me, before I knew she was coming home with me. Some of the paragraphs in the book seemed copy and pasted or duplicates, there is quite a bit of repetition which made me question the editing. If it was looked over again, and the writer included more about "hand biting prevention" or more material on training tips for the breed instead of the repetitive sections it would be the best book in the world for potential lab owners.

Full of wonderful information, however, not one color photo in the book. Seriously?

Loved all the information, needed to know what to expect from our charcoal lab puppy. It was very helpful

I bought this book and picked out our lab on the same day. I was hoping to get the time to read this before we pick our dog out, but that was not to be. I read the book after, and realized it is better for those who are still in the decision-making stage. It gives prospective owners great information on the background and temperament of labs, how to pick a breeder, what a breeder is looking for in a prospective owner, questions to ask of the dams and sires and puppies, what to watch out for and so on. I also bought a book on Labrador training for dummies at the local Barnes & Noble and prefer this one for training and for pet care. I was surprised to see some spelling errors and issues with sentence construction. I rated it three stars because I will not be referring to this one as a pet owner. It is great for those who are looking to get a lab, it is a life-changing decision after all.---------------------------------------------EDITIt's been 2.5 years now since we got our lab and I wanted to add that I didn't find any book useful for training. I watched all the Zak George videos on YouTube, he's amazing. And our family realized raising a well-behaved lab is a huge commitment - in terms of time, money, and patience. All of us do our bit to keep her engaged and happy. The first year was very challenging in terms of managing her energy but she mellowed out after turning 2, and now she's a good mix of couch potato and playful lab. (This might not apply to all, but was my experience.)

The book is excellent but the packaging was horrible I got a brand new book all bent up and destroyed.

This was well written and organized. It probably had more information that I or most owners wanted to know about all the medical conditions that might afflict your Labrador. Can’t fault the book for being too complete but not a book most will want to read cover to cover but more of a reference book.

Excellent book on Labs. Depicting a base of what to know before taking the step into "Labdem". Giving health and personalities, feeding, and all the other aspects of owning a dog. Clean and detailed explanations of each applications, with referrals. I am on my 3rd Lab, a yellow male at 8 weeks as I write this and what a dog he will be with the help of this book and "patience" :)

Very informative book, covering the history of the breed to bringing your new puppy home and everything in between.

I was sceptical about the merits of this book when bought in preparation for arrival of 8 week old black lab Loki. It’s actually a brilliant book/manual, very readable and loaded with really helpful and important info about every stage of your Labrador’s development and needs. It is permanently on our kitchen worktop and consulted almost daily. It’s pretty much the only book you’ll need to educate and support you in raising your new Labrador. It won’t stop your puppy chewing the bejesus out of anything she can get in her mouth, but then nothing will do that.

A nice book with lots of tips, but for me with a 9 week old puppy it didn't really tell me anything that either wasn't obvious or that I didn't already know. I was especially looking at biting and jumping and the book didn't provide any magic answers. It does make a good reference book though so I don't regret the purchase and I'm sure that over the coming years it will be get more use

A superbly-written comprehensive collection of advice, information and ideas about the breed and beautifully illustrated with lovely photographs. Plenty of research has clearly gone into this book with so many quotes from reputable breeders. As an Assured KC Breeder of Labradors I have already added this Handbook to my suggested reading list for prospective puppy families, and can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone interested in welcoming a Labrador into their family or those who already have one.

I loved this book. It has so much clear information about Labradors and the advice from breeders is great to read. It did feel a bit like it was just printed from the Internet in a way though, for instance, it included links to websites. Very thorough when it comes to all the illnesses to watch out for.

I already own a 12 year old Labrador but wanted an updated guide as we now have an 8 week old Lab puppy too. This book is excellent - really informative and full of sensible advice. The breeder tips in each section are interesting. Would recommend to all.