For the novice labrador owner who probably needs at least as much training as the dog, this book is excellent. Written in a style that is readily accessible it is realistic about the trials and tribulations of having a new puppy. It is set out in a logical order, taking you through all the various stages of training the dog for the field and gives this novice the confidence to take on the responsibility of having a dog. I may not ever reach the absolute standards for a field trial but I am sure that with the help and advice of this book, plus that of various friends who have working dogs, I will end up having a sound companion in the field.
If I have any criticism of this book it is the photography - not the content, but the reproduction. Printing the pictures onto better paper stock would have improved them considerably. The ideal would have been colour pictures, but with a considerable cost increase, I assume.
All in all a book I can recommend for anyone taking on training a working dog for the first time.
As new dog owners, this book has been and I am sure will be absolutely fantastic. It has given us a great insight into what to expect upon the arrival of our Puppy as well as helped us prepare. On top of this the book will be in regular use throughout the our time with the dog due to the usful info on all stages of a labs life and the interesting medical section.
Carol Coode, a breeder of Labradors in Britain has produced a book that brings the reader up to date on the Labrador Retriever. At the time of publication, there was an approximate 10 year gap from the last breed book published. Ms. Coode provides an excellent overview of the dominant kennels breeding Labrador Retrievers in many countries. She also supplies chapters on the care and training of the Labrador Retriever.