Hi, I've just got back from seeing a friend's Labrador, and since I'm not really familiar with this breed, I'm wondering if anyone can help.

With my dogs, I teach them (when they are puppies) to follow me when we go for walks. I have a large private field, that is secure, so I know they are safe. I use long training leads/treats/toys etc.; and when I'm comfortable, I let them off occasionally. They always 'follow me' (eventually) even though they may run ahead or lag behind some times.

But I'm wondering, from what I saw today, the Lab (although it is aware of the owner) seems to leave it 'very late' and is not that worried about losing sight of the owner or getting too far away from the owner. Is it because the dog's nose/eye sight is just soooo good, that IT KNOWS it can detect the owner eventually?

Or maybe it's just so distracted by other things?

I would love to hear from lab owners (or anyone experienced in labs) who have their dogs off leash - also, i'm not talking about training 'off-leash heeling' - just natural 'going for a walk'.

Thanks

It isn't so much that a lab is any more independent or smarter than other dogs, it's kind of a genetic thing. Labs are hunters/retrievers. They work distances away from their handlers. The beautiful thing about Labs, they love to do what they are trained to do. The bad thing about a lab, if you don't train it to do "something", it will find something to do on it's own. That often times isn't a good thing.

DFrost

thanks, that does make a lot of sense...

My dog will roam away from me when he's off-lead but only a certain distance. He's aware of where I am and if I move away...even sneakily...he comes running.

 Quote: david c.frost

IThe bad thing about a lab, if you don't train it to do "something", it will find something to do on it's own. That often times isn't a good thing. DFrost

So true!