Lucky - Black Labrador Retriever

UPDATE:Lucky successfully completed his Level One Obedience Training and was promptly adopted by a very nice family with another black Labrador about Lucky's size. They consider themselves (in their own words) "lucky to have Lucky." A special thanks to the woman who relinquished him. It is sometimes too easy to pass judgement, but it takes a good person to do what is best for a dog.

I find great satisfaction in my work as a dog trainer in Denver, Colorado. There are many things about my job that make me feel like my time has been well-spent.

For example, helping a dog with severe behavior problems stay in its home makes my day worth the hours I spend on I-25. So does watching the human-canine bond grow between my clients and their dogs. However, one of the things I enjoy most is training a raw dog (that is, a dog that knows nothing at all) and watching him grow into a great companion animal for some lucky adopter.

Humans habitually precede verbal communication with a name, a relatively unique identifier that attracts the attention of the recipient; we do this with both humans and dogs. If you call a friend's name in a crowded room, the friend will look at you – as will your dog. However, more can be done with a dog's name. For example, retriever trainers teach their dogs to retrieve downed game when the dogs' names are called. This prevents every retriever within earshot from going after a bird when the command “fetch” is given.