Kids 2

The test today was the Madison Children's Museum on a Saturday.

As we were leaving the house we questioned our sanity. A four-year old, a two-year old and a eleven month old puppy in a building full of kids. What were we thinking, we have a difficult time with one dog.

This endeavor went like all the others. Buddy behaved well and the kids played well with others. The distractions were plentiful: babies, children, balls, stuffed animals, children, plastic food, high pitched voices, children, and crying kids (ours when we had to leave). Buddy received TLC from the kids at the museum and their parents had an opportunity to explain how a "service" dog can help people.

Many adults were interested in the OccuPaws experience and puppy training. One person today asked about the fifty percent of dogs that do not make it through training. He was interested in adopting a "dropout".

The two questions we get asked most often are (1) How can you give him up? and (2) How did he get to be so calm? The answer to the first question varies depending on our mood, but the common theme is that it will be difficult. The answer to the second question is breeding, training, and training. We always mention that Buddy is an "English" style lab that has been consistently trained.



"English" vs "American" Labrador. The difference between the two have to do with the purpose behind their breeding - rather than where they were bred.

The "English" Lab was bred to conform to the breed standard. They are a medium-sized but somewhat stocky dog with a broad skull and a calm temperament. These are the Labs you will see in the show ring.

The "American" Lab is breed for their field and bird hunting ability rather than the breed standard. They vary quite a bit in appearance and often do not have the calm demeanor that people have come to expect from a Labrador Retriever.