How to Start a Business Breeding & Training Labrador Retrievers

Dog owners choose Labrador Retrievers as the top choice among breeds in the United States year after year. Labs are family friendly, easy to groom, sturdy, relatively free of health problems, eager to learn, affectionate, sociable and loyal. Labrador Retrievers are also fairly large dogs, averaging 21 to 24 inches tall, and they can weigh up to 100 pounds, so good training must be an integral part of owning any Labrador Retriever. A breeder who offers this training, in addition to healthy pups, will have a distinct business advantage over other breeders.

Things You'll Need

  • Kennel
  • Exercise yard
  • Training equipment
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Instructions

  1. How to Start a Business Breeding &Training Labrador Retrievers

    • 1

      Get your breeding dogs from a reputable breeder. Although this may prove more expensive, a good breeder has taken the time to make sure that the puppies that are born to his dogs are free of genetic and personality defects. They will make good pets and will produce good pets for others to enjoy.

    • 2

      Take the time to get to know Labrador Retrievers. Though the Labrador Retriever is a breed with many valuable qualities, they can be hyperactive and destructive as puppies. Make sure you know and understand the various stages of a Labrador Retriever's development so that you can apply good dog obedience techniques at the proper time and in the proper way. Read books on the breed and talk to others who have experience with them. Get as much information as you can on what to expect from them, how to train them and how to breed them. Contacts with other Labrador owners will be valuable when your dog is ready to begin breeding.

    • 3

      Get educated as a dog trainer. Though many dog trainers are self-taught, it is helpful to get formal education as a trainer. Some community colleges offer courses on dog behavior and training, and private training schools can also help you to get formal certification by the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers. This certification will assure potential clients that you have the knowledge necessary for successful dog training, and it will allow you to charge top prices for your skills.

    • 4

      Secure a suitable property for dog breeding, selling and training. You will need a place to kennel the dogs and puppies as well as a fenced area to allow them to get exercise. Provide kennel areas that are easy to clean and free of any dangerous material. Design a training area to work with clients and their dogs.

    • 5

      Get to know a good veterinarian. You will need the services of a veterinarian for the pregnant bitch, for delivery complications and for vaccinating the puppies before they go to new owners. Try to arrange for special pricing for breeders for these services.

    • 6

      Learn good business practices. There are many books and videos on the market to help you learn the basics of good business management, from advertising and controlling expenses to bookkeeping programs and tax matters. Make sure you are familiar with these concepts so you can head off problems before they occur.