Eva:
Have you ever owned a Labrador Retriever?

Audrey (shown with Nigel):
I have never owned a purebred Lab, but once lived with a Lab mix. Labs seem to have strong genes, and mixed breeds with Lab blood often look and act a lot like purebred Labs. You've no doubt seen people walking dogs that look a lot like Labs, but when you ask the owner, you find out the dog is only a Lab mix!

More about Nigel
Nigel's official name is Ninacorte's Nigel Tuff 'S Nails. He comes from a long line of American and English champion Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Nigel was born in November 2000, and is learning obedience and agility. He is a really wonderful dog!

Eva:
Where did the name "Labrador" come from?

Audrey:
The name "Labrador" as it refers to the Labrador Retriever comes from the area of Labrador on the eastern Canadian coast, near Newfoundland. Some historians believe that the Labrador Retriever was originally developed in this area of North America. The Earl of Malmesbury is believed to have named the breed around 1840.

Eva:
What would you tell a busy family of four (with both parents working) who wanted a Labrador Retriever?

Audrey:
A busy family of four with two working parents would have their hands full with a Labrador Retriever. Labs need lots of attention, training and exercise. It is possible for a busy family to have a Labrador Retriever, but they will need to make special accommodations for the dog. The Lab should spend three to five days a week at doggy day care, or have a pet sitter come in once or twice a day to take the dog on a long walk. Weekly obedience class should also be part of the dog's early training. At night and on weekends, when the family is home, they should spend as much time with the dog as they possibly can.

Eva:
What is the best home for a Lab?

Audrey:
The best home for a Lab is with a family that has the time and energy for one of these very active dogs. Ideally, someone should be home with the dog during the day, and should work with the dog to teach him basic house manners and obedience. An active family that likes to go hiking and camping on the weekends will enjoy having a Lab in their life!

see Audrey's other interview (Careers with Dogs)

see Audrey's other interview (Horses for Dummies)

The Rulers of the House
Sharon from Ohion says, "Here are the babies and the rulers of our house. Desi is a chocolate Lab who is 4 years old.Woody is a 6 month old Basset and learning quite a few tricks from his brother. They are joys to have around and give us lots of love..I couldn't live without them." See our other pictures of Labs and Bassets and try our coloring sheet too!!

Meet the Author
Deb Wood
author of "Help for Your Shy Dog"
hosted by Evamarie Spataro
see the interview, FREE excerpt, breed profile & coloring page
She spent two years researching scientific information about shyness, speaking with trainers and behaviorists, and talking with people who own shy dogs. She has created a practical "how to" guide to give owners of shy dogs the tools to help their dogs blossom. Get the tips on how to pick a dog and even deal with the "shy dog." Also see the breed profile for the author's dog, the Papillon with a fun coloring sheet too!!

Faces of Home Education Profile
"Lights! Camera! Guinea Pigs!
Films by Alyssa Buecker,
High School Homeschooled Filmmaker
hosted by Joanne Spataro, FreshAir TeenZine

Alyssa Buecker is an extraordinary teenager. She’s a very talented up-and-coming movie director, with a cast of unique actors. This home-schooler’s future as a director blossomed when she combined her love of directing and animals. Alyssa is the producer, editor, director, and writer for all her films! See a bit more on her unique films which have gained prominence at HBO, Nickolodeon and the Cannes Film Festival!!

Nature's Beauty Kit by Deb Carpenter
ABC of Natural Beauty Recipes
FREE beauty tips from
author Deb Carpenter

The Labrador Retriever Handbook
FREE Labrador Coloring Sheet

Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide
to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats
more Dog books
more Dog training books

Dogs on the Web
(On the Web Series)
by Audrey Pavia, Betsy Sikora Siino

The 500 best dog-oriented Web sites are located, their contents are summarized, and each is evaluated as both a canine resource and a Web site. Any software requirements are spelled out so that even a beginning Web surfer can find a wealth of information on favorite breeds or become involved in dog activities, including breed-specific clubs and real-life and online shows.

The Guinea Pig:
An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet (Owner's Guide to a Happy, Healthy Pet)
by Audrey Pavia

A book devoted to the joys of pet guinea pigs. Proves guinea pigs are playful and fun--they don't just sit there. A joy to read--especially for those of us who remember Audrey when she was the editor of Horse Illustrated. Engaging, informative, helpful text written by a true lover of animals. The illustrations are also lavish, helpful, at times hysterical and heavy on cute. Also has a big listing of books, clubs and a tiny website listing--still, very accurate.