[nagdu] Why Labradors?

[Julie J.]

I think because they are as close to a one size fits all dog that you can 
get. Labs are also the most common pet dog in the U.S.  they are generally a 
healthy dog, are bred to work with people, are easy going, adaptable and are 
easily accepted in public.

I think one reason that owner trainers choose different breeds than labs is 
because their breed of preference isn't widely available through an 
established program.  My next guide will be a Doberman. If Dobermans were as 
available as labs at the various programs, I don't know that I would have 
still chosen to have my dog privately trained.  Certainly the choice of 
breed is just one of many that owner trainers have to make, but it is a 
pretty important factor.

Julie




-----Original Message----- 
From: Raven Tolliver
Sent: Sunday, September 15, 2013 11:22 AM
To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nagdu] Why Labradors?

Hi,
I am wondering why the majority of dogs trained in most guide dog
programs are labrador retrievers. What is it about that breed that
makes them dominate in the guide dog field?
I notice that in other service dog areas, this breed is not used as
often. And when people train their own guide dogs or have them
privately trained, it seems that labradors are rarely chosen. What
advantage do guide dog programs feel labradors have over other breeds
like the golden retriever, German shepherd, doberman pinscher, or even
the Australian shepherd.
When I asked a GEB instructor why they didn't pass more goldens
through, they said it was because a lot of goldens (their goldens
anyway), didn't have the confidence it took to be a guide dog. They
were not confident enough to make independent or executive decisions.
Also, I have heard that German shepherds are more sensitive to
corrections, and also require more of a routine. They do not adapt to
new environments or change as well as other breeds.
Do you guys find this to be true? What do you think?
Thanks.

--
Raven

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