HPK's Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where do pointing labs come from?
Pointing labs come from a percentage of the entire lab population. It is believed that the pointing trait is passed on through a recessive gene that was acquired through outcrossing during the origin of the breed.
2. Is it important that both the sire and the dam point if you expect their offspring to point?
Absolutely! The sire and dam both must possess the desired recessive gene for the odds to be increased that it will be manifested in the off spring.
3. How important is multi-generations of pointing in a lab pedigree?
Each generation of pointing in the pedigree indicates a pattern of success in passing along the trait. However, it is more important to verify that both parents of the puppy point than unverifiable information on what happened five generations ago.
4. How many pups will point out of a litter?
Good breeders ask for feedback on their pups; however the reality is that only about half of their clients respond. This makes this question impossible to answer. Nature has the final say in any breeding and no matter what the trait, pointing, retrieving, etc; there can be dogs that do not receive these skills. You increase the odds by choosing proficient parents. The other variable is training and development. All puppies are purchased with high expectations and these should be based upon the skill level of the sire and dam and the training and development time the purchaser is willing to invest.
5. At what age do pointing labs point?
The demonstration of the point can vary greatly from dog to dog. The range is as early as sight pointing at 8 weeks and as late as scent pointing at two years of age. Encouragement and opportunity can affect this greatly.
6. How do you train a pointing lab?
We recommend that you train the pointing lab as you would any other retriever with the addition of the "whoa" command until bird work begins. The general order of training is obedience, retrieving, and bird work in the field. When bird work begins you then change to a traditional pointing dog approach. This entails a planted game bird and a check cord on the dog to prevent catching of the bird. The dog is praised when he points and steadied with the "whoa" command, or returned to place and made to stand after a flush.
7. What training books do you recommend?
Water Dog, Game Dog, Gun Dog by Richard Wolters; The Shooting Labrador Retriever by Mike Gould; Speed Train Your Retriever by Larry Mueller; Training Retrievers by Tri-Tronic; Training the Pointing Labrador by Julie Knutson.
8. Are pointing labs also good duck dogs?
Absolutely! These dogs are simply labs that point instead of flush upland birds. All of the traits that have made labs the number one breed in American, retrieving land and water, companionship, intelligence, are present in a well bred pointing lab.
9. Can pointing labs be family companions and effective hunters?
Absolutely! The versatility of the pointing lab from upland bird hunter/pointer, to waterfowl retriever, to family pet is what makes these dogs unique. In many cases this scenario represents a typical hunting season day in a pointing labs life.
10. How important is order of "pick" for a puppy?
In reality, it is not very important. Most puppies are chosen at 6 to 8 weeks of age. This is too young to be able to predict what this dog will ultimately become. Appearance is the number one selection factor and features will change, the smallest pup can turn out to be the largest, etc. Personalities change the moment they leave the litter. Dr. Carmen Battaglia, Ph.D., canine behaviorist, said "what a dog ultimately becomes is 35% genetic and 65% other." Dr. Battaglia defines other as environment, nutrition, training, and socialization.
11. Does the color of the dog make a difference?
The color of a pointing lab makes no difference in ability. Due to supply and demand the color can make a difference in price.
12. Is there a difference in ability or trainability between males and females?
The gender gap in labs regarding trainability is very small. The important factor is their position in the pecking order of the litter. Example: the Alpha dog, regardless of gender, will be the most difficult dog in the litter to train. There is no discernable difference in companionship, hunting ability, or trainability between the genders. I would give the edge to the males in endurance.
13. Are pointing labs the best dogs for all upland bird hunting?
No! Pointing labs are close thorough hunters that rarely range beyond shooting distance. There are climates and cover that require a different type of dog than a pointing lab. To be fully appreciated the pointing lab needs to be considered for its versatility as an upland bird hunter, waterfowl retriever, and full time best friend.
14. Is shipping by commercial airlines harmful to the dog?
Dogs instinctively view closed in areas such as doghouses or airline crates as "dens" or safe places. When pre-conditioned to a crate an airline trip can be less traumatic than a long car ride.
15. What is the American Pointing Labrador Association?
The APLA is the only legitimate pointing lab association providing public testing and dedicated to the promotion of pointing labs. The APLA was formed in 1991 and currently has members scattered across the United States. They conduct pointing lab tests each spring and fall in many different states.