Lab Advice: Bark-less Dog

Question:
I have a 2 1/2 year old chocolate lab which will be 3 in June. He doesn't hardly bark at all unless he's playing or speaking for treats. We have is leash by the door and when he wants out, he will bump his leash. Is that normal? I thought he would be more vocal, especial if he needs out. Did I mess up in the training somewhere? Someone strange can come to the door and all he does is try to push is butt through to see who it is.
Signed, Anonymous

Answer:
Although it may not seem normal for a Labrador Retriever to be quiet, it is quite normal. Our Dakota is 3 years old and she hardly ever barks. When she goes out, she will brush her paw against the back door and the same when she wants back in. No matter what she wants in our house, she will always brush her paw against something to let us know what she wants. It is pretty funny actually because she will paw the air if she wants her stuffed duck from the top cabinet in the kitchen. She can't reach the cabinet so she just keeps pawing the air in the direction of the cabinet.

We have tried to teach Dakota to be more verbal about going out and stuff but even if she is going to explode, she would rather brush the door in a manic behavior then bark.

Does that mean there is something wrong with Dakota? Nope. Just like there can be quieter kids, there can be quieter dogs. It even isn't tied into the bloodline: you know how some kids in a family are loud and others are quiet. Well, Dakota and Cheyenne are full blood siblings and we can't shut Cheyenne up at times! *laugh* She barks to go out, when she wants something, or even when she is bored and wants attention. Not Dakota though.

I wouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. Your pup may not fit the "norm" for Labrador Retrievers but it is a true blessing to get one of the ones that rather be silent and cute.