Jack,
My female Lab is almost 6 years old. She has come on heat and I have never seen her this heavy before? She has been leaving “puddles” of pink fluid where ever she lies down. She is so heavy that it is dripping on her tail and as she wags it.... it is just spraying everywhere. The whole back of her is getting covered in this discharge
Is this normal?
She is not spayed. I bought her from a breeder 3 years ago and she has never been touched by a male dog.
Can you help?
Regards
Marcus
Hi Marcus,
You should see a vet as soon as possible and get a professional examination and opinion. Most likely your female Lab is suffering from open pyometra, and her womb has been infected by bacteria. The pink fluid is probably pus that is produced inside the uterine tubes.
If I am right, and you don't go to the vet, the toxins from the bacteria get into the bloodstream to damage the kidneys and other organs. Your Lab will get septicaemia and will start vomiting more and more often, and she will not eat.
The only treatment of pyometra is surgery to remove the womb and ovaries (spay).
Other causes may be pancreas infection, cystitis (inflammation of the urinary bladder), or vaginal infection. Make sure that the vet rules out infections.
Hope your Lab will recover soon!
Warm regards,
Jack Vanderwyk,
LabradorNet
Monday, January 26, 2009
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Labrador suffering from Kennel Syndrome
Hello,
I purchased a 2 yr old female lab who has had next to nill for human contact and she is a sweetheart!! How do I help her overcome kennel syndrome?
I have looked all over the internet, I really really want to help her over come her fear to everything, every one. All my other lab kids are suck ups and you can see she loves the attention and wants it, but is scared to death of it at the same time.
I am trying to slowly expose her to things that she should have had as a puppy but I am limited on having company to help socialize her to humans.
Any advice?
Thanks,
Trixie
Hi Trixie,
I wrote an article about Kennel Syndrome, I hope it’s helpful to you.
Good luck!
Jack Vanderwyk,
LabradorNet
I purchased a 2 yr old female lab who has had next to nill for human contact and she is a sweetheart!! How do I help her overcome kennel syndrome?
I have looked all over the internet, I really really want to help her over come her fear to everything, every one. All my other lab kids are suck ups and you can see she loves the attention and wants it, but is scared to death of it at the same time.
I am trying to slowly expose her to things that she should have had as a puppy but I am limited on having company to help socialize her to humans.
Any advice?
Thanks,
Trixie
Hi Trixie,
I wrote an article about Kennel Syndrome, I hope it’s helpful to you.
Good luck!
Jack Vanderwyk,
LabradorNet
Monday, December 15, 2008
Another destructive Labrador
Dear Jack,
My brother has a yellow Labrador who's 6 months old now, and he's wrecking my mother's place. My mother is living elsewhere and my brother works during the day, so the dog is alone from early morning till late afternoon. The dog wrecks furniture and doesn't seem to be housebroken. I must say that my brother doesn't take the time to walk the dog properly in the morning, even when it is his day off. I've talked to him about getting a crate, but my brother says the dog is used to his freedom now and cannot be in a crate without going beserk.
Please tell me what you think.
Thanks,
Jenny
Dear Jenny,
Another sad case of thoughtless people who acquire a dog without knowing the consequences. The dog's behaviour is not corrected, so he will keep on doing this, unless your brother spends more time with him and teaches the dog which behaviour is desired, and also teaches him how to behave in a crate. If nothing changes, the dog will probably be sold, and again and again, and will end up in an animal shelter. And it's not the dog's fault, but human lack of interest. You can find all kinds of information about raising puppies on the internet, so it's not difficult to be prepared before you even seriously think of acquiring a puppy.
Coming back to your question: first of all it's cruel to leave a 6 months old dog alone from early morning till late in the afternoon, if he's in a crate or not. If you're brother isn't able to come home around lunchtime, to walk the dog and keep him company for a while, he should find someone who is willing to do that for him and the dog.
Your brother needs to spend more time with the dog, on a regular basis. He needs to take the dog for a walk every morning, about an hour will do, so he will just have to get out of bed earlier. As soon as he comes home from work, he needs to walk the dog again, and not just for a minute or two. When the dog reliefs himself during these walks, he needs to be rewarded, so he'll learn that this is the desired behaviour.
A crate is a must if you're not around all the time to correct the dog's behaviour. Buy a crate that is big enough for an adult Labrador and take a couple of days off to teach the dog that he needs to be in his crate when you're not available. Don't respond to his protests and - when you're sure that he has done all his pees and poops - never let him out of the crate as long as he is protesting. Reward him when he stops protesting, and gradually teach him that the crate can be fun, for instance by giving him treats or a big bone while he's in the crate.
Once you can pay a hundred percent of your attention to the dog while he is out of his crate, you will be able to correct his behaviour, so he will learn quickly that it is not allowed to foul the place or wreck it. And when the dog has passed his puberty phase and knows how to behave, you can get rid of the crate, if you must. You will however probably find that the dog has grown fond of his crate.
Good luck!
My brother has a yellow Labrador who's 6 months old now, and he's wrecking my mother's place. My mother is living elsewhere and my brother works during the day, so the dog is alone from early morning till late afternoon. The dog wrecks furniture and doesn't seem to be housebroken. I must say that my brother doesn't take the time to walk the dog properly in the morning, even when it is his day off. I've talked to him about getting a crate, but my brother says the dog is used to his freedom now and cannot be in a crate without going beserk.
Please tell me what you think.
Thanks,
Jenny
Dear Jenny,
Another sad case of thoughtless people who acquire a dog without knowing the consequences. The dog's behaviour is not corrected, so he will keep on doing this, unless your brother spends more time with him and teaches the dog which behaviour is desired, and also teaches him how to behave in a crate. If nothing changes, the dog will probably be sold, and again and again, and will end up in an animal shelter. And it's not the dog's fault, but human lack of interest. You can find all kinds of information about raising puppies on the internet, so it's not difficult to be prepared before you even seriously think of acquiring a puppy.
Coming back to your question: first of all it's cruel to leave a 6 months old dog alone from early morning till late in the afternoon, if he's in a crate or not. If you're brother isn't able to come home around lunchtime, to walk the dog and keep him company for a while, he should find someone who is willing to do that for him and the dog.
Your brother needs to spend more time with the dog, on a regular basis. He needs to take the dog for a walk every morning, about an hour will do, so he will just have to get out of bed earlier. As soon as he comes home from work, he needs to walk the dog again, and not just for a minute or two. When the dog reliefs himself during these walks, he needs to be rewarded, so he'll learn that this is the desired behaviour.
A crate is a must if you're not around all the time to correct the dog's behaviour. Buy a crate that is big enough for an adult Labrador and take a couple of days off to teach the dog that he needs to be in his crate when you're not available. Don't respond to his protests and - when you're sure that he has done all his pees and poops - never let him out of the crate as long as he is protesting. Reward him when he stops protesting, and gradually teach him that the crate can be fun, for instance by giving him treats or a big bone while he's in the crate.
Once you can pay a hundred percent of your attention to the dog while he is out of his crate, you will be able to correct his behaviour, so he will learn quickly that it is not allowed to foul the place or wreck it. And when the dog has passed his puberty phase and knows how to behave, you can get rid of the crate, if you must. You will however probably find that the dog has grown fond of his crate.
Good luck!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Getting used to the crate
Dear Jack,
I just recently purchased a male yellow lab. I went out and bought a crate for him to sleep in. However, every night he cries and howls very loudly about having to stay in there. Right now, the crate is at the opposite end of the house as our bedroom. Would it calm him to move the crate to our room? Would this necessarily be a good idea? I realize it is just something he will have to get used to, but I didn't know if one spot was particularly better than the other.
Thank you for your time.
Shelli
Hi Shelli,
1. Yes, it would calm him of you moved the crate to your room.
2. No, I don't think this would necessarily be a good idea, because you would be rewarding undesired behavior.
3. Yes, he has to get used to it.
In my house the crate is in the living room. As long as I can keep an eye on my puppy, so I'll be able to correct him if he's doing something wrong, the puppy is out of the crate, unless he needs to sleep. When I'm busy and can't pay attention to him, the puppy goes into the crate.
It's important that your dog doesn't experience the crate as some kind of punishment. At daytime you can train this, by letting the dog in his crate, petting him and giving him some food. Let him stay in the crate for about 10 minutes, but NEVER let him out while he's crying and howling! Either you let him out before he starts doing that (and reward him for this excellent behavior), or you let him out after he stops crying and howling (and then reward him for his excellent behavior). This is what you have to accomplish:
1. CRATE = FUN.
2. Howling doesn't pay off.
3. Being quiet means reward.
Good luck!
I just recently purchased a male yellow lab. I went out and bought a crate for him to sleep in. However, every night he cries and howls very loudly about having to stay in there. Right now, the crate is at the opposite end of the house as our bedroom. Would it calm him to move the crate to our room? Would this necessarily be a good idea? I realize it is just something he will have to get used to, but I didn't know if one spot was particularly better than the other.
Thank you for your time.
Shelli
Hi Shelli,
1. Yes, it would calm him of you moved the crate to your room.
2. No, I don't think this would necessarily be a good idea, because you would be rewarding undesired behavior.
3. Yes, he has to get used to it.
In my house the crate is in the living room. As long as I can keep an eye on my puppy, so I'll be able to correct him if he's doing something wrong, the puppy is out of the crate, unless he needs to sleep. When I'm busy and can't pay attention to him, the puppy goes into the crate.
It's important that your dog doesn't experience the crate as some kind of punishment. At daytime you can train this, by letting the dog in his crate, petting him and giving him some food. Let him stay in the crate for about 10 minutes, but NEVER let him out while he's crying and howling! Either you let him out before he starts doing that (and reward him for this excellent behavior), or you let him out after he stops crying and howling (and then reward him for his excellent behavior). This is what you have to accomplish:
1. CRATE = FUN.
2. Howling doesn't pay off.
3. Being quiet means reward.
Good luck!
Dwarfism in Labrador
Dear Jack,
My brother's female had a litter of pups about 6 weeks ago and one of the pups is believed to be a dwarf. My husband and I are going to give this pup a loving, caring home. We'd like to know what can and needs to be done to make sure that he gets the care he (we've named him Hunter) needs. I've called my vet and she is doing research on this before we bring the pup to her, but we'd like to do our own reading as well. I've been searching for info regarding this for a couple days now and am not having very good luck. Your web page is great and covered just about everything, except for dwarfism. I have found a great page regarding dwarfism in German Shephards but would like to find more info about this condition in labs.
Do you have any info on this or could you point me in the direction of a web page that might be able to help us out?
I really appreciate your time.
Linda
Dear Linda, I have written an article on dwarfism in Labrador Retrievers, you'll find it here.
My brother's female had a litter of pups about 6 weeks ago and one of the pups is believed to be a dwarf. My husband and I are going to give this pup a loving, caring home. We'd like to know what can and needs to be done to make sure that he gets the care he (we've named him Hunter) needs. I've called my vet and she is doing research on this before we bring the pup to her, but we'd like to do our own reading as well. I've been searching for info regarding this for a couple days now and am not having very good luck. Your web page is great and covered just about everything, except for dwarfism. I have found a great page regarding dwarfism in German Shephards but would like to find more info about this condition in labs.
Do you have any info on this or could you point me in the direction of a web page that might be able to help us out?
I really appreciate your time.
Linda
Dear Linda, I have written an article on dwarfism in Labrador Retrievers, you'll find it here.
Too lenient
Dear Jack,
We have a 9 months old chocolate lab. She is very energetic, intelligent and knows almost all the basic commands, but she will only do them when she wants to and there is a treat involved. Even the trainer said that she must have been the alpha dog in the pack.
One of her behaviorial problems is pulling grass while playing in the back yard. She does this when we are with her, while playing fetch. She sits down and starts pulling grass like crazy, then looks at us and wants us to chase her. She knows that she will be punished for it, but still does it. Other problem is when we take her for a walk, she pulls the leash. It is getting very hard to control her as se is getting very strong. If you have any ideas, suggestions we would certainly appreciate it. Thank you.
Derek
Hi Derek,
Seems to me your dog is the alpha dog in your pack (of humans) too. Seems to me you haven't been consistent enough, you've been too lenient. I'm sure you'll find all the information you need about training your dog on our web site, so I will restrict to some general advise. Using the short leash - using it a lot - is very important in this stage. A gentle leader might not be a bad idea. Don't put her into a position in which she's able to be disobedient, don't put her into a position in which she can make you chasing her. She will always win this game, unless she's on the leash. Your dog must know it's no use trying to be (or become) the alpha dog in your pack. Be consistent and your dog will feel safe. She will know exactly what she can do, and what she can't do. Right now her limits are not clear to her, which causes her bad behaviour, and she's trying to shift the limits that are clear to her. Like you said, you've got yourself an intelligent dog!
Good luck!
We have a 9 months old chocolate lab. She is very energetic, intelligent and knows almost all the basic commands, but she will only do them when she wants to and there is a treat involved. Even the trainer said that she must have been the alpha dog in the pack.
One of her behaviorial problems is pulling grass while playing in the back yard. She does this when we are with her, while playing fetch. She sits down and starts pulling grass like crazy, then looks at us and wants us to chase her. She knows that she will be punished for it, but still does it. Other problem is when we take her for a walk, she pulls the leash. It is getting very hard to control her as se is getting very strong. If you have any ideas, suggestions we would certainly appreciate it. Thank you.
Derek
Hi Derek,
Seems to me your dog is the alpha dog in your pack (of humans) too. Seems to me you haven't been consistent enough, you've been too lenient. I'm sure you'll find all the information you need about training your dog on our web site, so I will restrict to some general advise. Using the short leash - using it a lot - is very important in this stage. A gentle leader might not be a bad idea. Don't put her into a position in which she's able to be disobedient, don't put her into a position in which she can make you chasing her. She will always win this game, unless she's on the leash. Your dog must know it's no use trying to be (or become) the alpha dog in your pack. Be consistent and your dog will feel safe. She will know exactly what she can do, and what she can't do. Right now her limits are not clear to her, which causes her bad behaviour, and she's trying to shift the limits that are clear to her. Like you said, you've got yourself an intelligent dog!
Good luck!
Destructive labrador
I have a 13 month old female yellow lab that I love to pieces except she is very destructive. She has eaten 2 keys off of the computer keyboard, tearing off the wall paper in the family room and has started eating the dry wall. We can't keep her out of the ashtrays and she has destroyed all my coasters. When is she ever going to stop chewing everything? During the day when we are at work she stays in her kennel. So all this goes on while we are sitting in the room with her. I have a babygate up to keep her in the family room. I have bought several bottles of Grannick's Bitter Apple Cream and applied to everything in the room. That hasn't stopped her. She has been to basic obedience and even graduated but she is more than a handful when she is awake. What if anything can I do?
Thanks
Gail Anne
Hi Gail Anne,
You love her to pieces and I think that's part of the problem. Obviously your dog doesn't respond to "NO!!!" the way she should, and there might be several reasons why.
1. Maybe you're not using "NO!!!" every time she does something wrong (or is about to do something wrong); maybe you sometimes say "STOP IT!", "DON'T!", "CUT IT OUT!" or whatever.
2. Maybe you're begging her to stop whatever she's doing. Maybe you're not commanding her. Maybe she senses your uncertainty or even your helplesness.
This is what I would do: I would excersise the dog as soon as I came home from work - out of the kennel, into the car, straight to the fields. There I would play with her - a lot - I would let her run until all her bottled up energy was exhausted. Back home she would have to behave - the family room is not a play ground. Right now it seems to me that everything your dog does in the family room is WRONG, so you can never reward her for good behavior, which is the key of dog training. Once she's really exhausted, she will probably lie down at your feet or in the kennel, and then you will be able to reward her excessively. That should do the trick (eventually), together with your firm and convincing and consistent "NO!!!" Initially I only would let the dog out of the kennel when I was 100% able to keep an eye on her all the time. Your dog is very intelligent and she probably thinks that the only way she can draw your attention is to do something wrong. You have to break through this pattern. You have to create situations in which she can be a good dog and she gets all your attention.
Good luck!
Thanks
Gail Anne
Hi Gail Anne,
You love her to pieces and I think that's part of the problem. Obviously your dog doesn't respond to "NO!!!" the way she should, and there might be several reasons why.
1. Maybe you're not using "NO!!!" every time she does something wrong (or is about to do something wrong); maybe you sometimes say "STOP IT!", "DON'T!", "CUT IT OUT!" or whatever.
2. Maybe you're begging her to stop whatever she's doing. Maybe you're not commanding her. Maybe she senses your uncertainty or even your helplesness.
This is what I would do: I would excersise the dog as soon as I came home from work - out of the kennel, into the car, straight to the fields. There I would play with her - a lot - I would let her run until all her bottled up energy was exhausted. Back home she would have to behave - the family room is not a play ground. Right now it seems to me that everything your dog does in the family room is WRONG, so you can never reward her for good behavior, which is the key of dog training. Once she's really exhausted, she will probably lie down at your feet or in the kennel, and then you will be able to reward her excessively. That should do the trick (eventually), together with your firm and convincing and consistent "NO!!!" Initially I only would let the dog out of the kennel when I was 100% able to keep an eye on her all the time. Your dog is very intelligent and she probably thinks that the only way she can draw your attention is to do something wrong. You have to break through this pattern. You have to create situations in which she can be a good dog and she gets all your attention.
Good luck!
Housebreaking puppy
Dear Jack,
We're glad to welcome an 8-week-old Chocolate Lab into our home. He comes from a breeder who only has one bitch and therefore does not have overcrowding conditions for new puppies. We've had him for about a week, and have been following your advice since a few weeks before his arrival. When we're at home, we watch him very closely to avoid "accidents", and take him outside every 30 to 45 minutes to do his business. When he does do his "thing" outside we praise him lavishly (even provide treats when he does number 2).
What I would like to know is, how long does it usually take to effectively housebreak a puppy?
Thanks in advance,
Daniel
Hi Daniel,
You're doing just fine. Your puppy is learning, be patient. Most puppies are house-broken after two months of training, some later, most of them earlier than that. Accidents happen, no matter how old the dog is. If your puppy isn't house-broken after two months of potty-training, you should consult a vet. It might be a medical problem.
Good luck!
Labby
We're glad to welcome an 8-week-old Chocolate Lab into our home. He comes from a breeder who only has one bitch and therefore does not have overcrowding conditions for new puppies. We've had him for about a week, and have been following your advice since a few weeks before his arrival. When we're at home, we watch him very closely to avoid "accidents", and take him outside every 30 to 45 minutes to do his business. When he does do his "thing" outside we praise him lavishly (even provide treats when he does number 2).
What I would like to know is, how long does it usually take to effectively housebreak a puppy?
Thanks in advance,
Daniel
Hi Daniel,
You're doing just fine. Your puppy is learning, be patient. Most puppies are house-broken after two months of training, some later, most of them earlier than that. Accidents happen, no matter how old the dog is. If your puppy isn't house-broken after two months of potty-training, you should consult a vet. It might be a medical problem.
Good luck!
Labby
Using your lab male as a stud dog
Dear Jack,
I am a sophomore in the School of Veterinary Medicine. I have a 19 month old pure Chocolate lab male that is intact. I have had some people interested in him breeding their bitches. I would like to know exactly what I should get checked out on him. I know his hips need radiographed and he needs an optho exam, but I don't know at what age. I have talked to a few professors, and they don't know what the breeding groups are requiring. Please let me know or tell me where I can find it.
Thank you,
Gary
Hi Gary,
I don't know too much about the situation in the states. What I do know is this: Right now (19 months) is the perfect time to have your dog checked. Your dog has to be checked, but you should require (and check) that the bitches to be bred are checked also. You don't want the puppies of your beautiful lab to turn out bad, do you? Bad puppies cause a lot of sorrow and pain, and besides it would give your dog a bad name.
What has to be checked? Where I live there are three different check-ups, for both dogs and bitches: CHD (canine hip dysplasia), ED (elbow dysplasia) and the eyes (PRA, RD, MPP, PHTVL/PHPV, Cataract, Hypoplasia/Micropapil, CEA, Entropion, Ectropion/Macroblepharon, Distichiasis, Lensluxation and PED). All these are heritable diseases. I think the American Kennel Club (AKC) is the right place to go to if you want to know more about the requirements in the US.
Good luck!
I am a sophomore in the School of Veterinary Medicine. I have a 19 month old pure Chocolate lab male that is intact. I have had some people interested in him breeding their bitches. I would like to know exactly what I should get checked out on him. I know his hips need radiographed and he needs an optho exam, but I don't know at what age. I have talked to a few professors, and they don't know what the breeding groups are requiring. Please let me know or tell me where I can find it.
Thank you,
Gary
Hi Gary,
I don't know too much about the situation in the states. What I do know is this: Right now (19 months) is the perfect time to have your dog checked. Your dog has to be checked, but you should require (and check) that the bitches to be bred are checked also. You don't want the puppies of your beautiful lab to turn out bad, do you? Bad puppies cause a lot of sorrow and pain, and besides it would give your dog a bad name.
What has to be checked? Where I live there are three different check-ups, for both dogs and bitches: CHD (canine hip dysplasia), ED (elbow dysplasia) and the eyes (PRA, RD, MPP, PHTVL/PHPV, Cataract, Hypoplasia/Micropapil, CEA, Entropion, Ectropion/Macroblepharon, Distichiasis, Lensluxation and PED). All these are heritable diseases. I think the American Kennel Club (AKC) is the right place to go to if you want to know more about the requirements in the US.
Good luck!
Labrador chewing arms and jumping up
Dear Jack,
My husband and I have an 11 month old, male, chocolate lab who has been somewhat aggressive--mostly on walks, but sometimes in the house too. He will jump up and show his teeth and try to get a hold of an arm (and has bruised me on a couple of occassions). He has done this both on and off of the leash. He has been through a couple of obedience classes and can respond to basic commands, but just seems to "flip out" to the point where we don't know what to do.
We have tried using Bitter Apple to deter the behavior and also a slap under the chin, which were both recommended by our trainer here, but we continue to have the problem and are becoming more concerned. Today I purchased a harness type collar that goes around his mouth and neck, and we are going to try this instead of his choke collar, with hopes that we gain more control.
Rookie is otherwise a wonderful and loved part of our family, but we need to find an alternative or an end to this behavior. I always say that he is not aggressive, but he seems to be working hard to prove me wrong! Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Rookie's Frustrated Owners in Ohio
Hi, Rookie's Frustrated Owners,
You say you want to believe that Rookie is not aggressive, and I do agree. I "see" a very enthusiastic young fellow, grabbing your arm because he wants you to play with him, or because he wants you to pet him. Doing this he kind of "smiles" at you, showing his teeth, but I can't see any aggression in this behavior. Sure it's rough behavior, but that's what dogs do if you let them. I'm not too keen on the use of Bitter Apple and other sprays to change a dog's behavior. A firm and consistent "NO!" should do the trick (in the end), while Rookie needs to learn that there's a time and a place for everything (structurize his daily life). Jumping can be a real problem, and I found a solution. Way before they reach me, I hold up my knee in front of me. They jump, feel the knee in their chests, and it doesn't feel good, so most of them will only try once or twice. NEVER USE YOUR KNEE AS A WEAPON! Hold it still in front of you before the dog is within your reach. If he's too close and the movement of your knee might hurt him, it's too late to use your knee. Say "NO!", or turn around.
Good luck!
My husband and I have an 11 month old, male, chocolate lab who has been somewhat aggressive--mostly on walks, but sometimes in the house too. He will jump up and show his teeth and try to get a hold of an arm (and has bruised me on a couple of occassions). He has done this both on and off of the leash. He has been through a couple of obedience classes and can respond to basic commands, but just seems to "flip out" to the point where we don't know what to do.
We have tried using Bitter Apple to deter the behavior and also a slap under the chin, which were both recommended by our trainer here, but we continue to have the problem and are becoming more concerned. Today I purchased a harness type collar that goes around his mouth and neck, and we are going to try this instead of his choke collar, with hopes that we gain more control.
Rookie is otherwise a wonderful and loved part of our family, but we need to find an alternative or an end to this behavior. I always say that he is not aggressive, but he seems to be working hard to prove me wrong! Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Rookie's Frustrated Owners in Ohio
Hi, Rookie's Frustrated Owners,
You say you want to believe that Rookie is not aggressive, and I do agree. I "see" a very enthusiastic young fellow, grabbing your arm because he wants you to play with him, or because he wants you to pet him. Doing this he kind of "smiles" at you, showing his teeth, but I can't see any aggression in this behavior. Sure it's rough behavior, but that's what dogs do if you let them. I'm not too keen on the use of Bitter Apple and other sprays to change a dog's behavior. A firm and consistent "NO!" should do the trick (in the end), while Rookie needs to learn that there's a time and a place for everything (structurize his daily life). Jumping can be a real problem, and I found a solution. Way before they reach me, I hold up my knee in front of me. They jump, feel the knee in their chests, and it doesn't feel good, so most of them will only try once or twice. NEVER USE YOUR KNEE AS A WEAPON! Hold it still in front of you before the dog is within your reach. If he's too close and the movement of your knee might hurt him, it's too late to use your knee. Say "NO!", or turn around.
Good luck!
Labrador puppy digging holes
Dear Jack,
My 14 week old lab bitch is a good dog so far. She is good tempered, she knows the "sit, stay, come, and down " commands pretty well and does well on water and land retrieves. Lately, she has developed the habit of digging holes when she is left alone on the tie out . Any solutions? I have not really disciplined her for this because I thought this was "puppy behavior".
Thank you, Vince
Hi Vince,
Well first of all it IS puppy behavior. Your lab will be a puppy at least until she's 9 months, she'll probably be mentally adult when she's 2 years old, maybe even 3. Labs grow up slowly, while they are very intelligent. You should disciplin her for this behavior though, and the only way you can do that is to catch her in the act. If you don't, she might develop this behavior as an act of boredom and it might even become compulsive.
Good luck!
My 14 week old lab bitch is a good dog so far. She is good tempered, she knows the "sit, stay, come, and down " commands pretty well and does well on water and land retrieves. Lately, she has developed the habit of digging holes when she is left alone on the tie out . Any solutions? I have not really disciplined her for this because I thought this was "puppy behavior".
Thank you, Vince
Hi Vince,
Well first of all it IS puppy behavior. Your lab will be a puppy at least until she's 9 months, she'll probably be mentally adult when she's 2 years old, maybe even 3. Labs grow up slowly, while they are very intelligent. You should disciplin her for this behavior though, and the only way you can do that is to catch her in the act. If you don't, she might develop this behavior as an act of boredom and it might even become compulsive.
Good luck!
Labrador "escapes"
Dear Jack, Jasmine, my 18 month old black lab keeps escaping our house. Every time we open the door she tries to push past us to get out, and if she does it is extremely hard to get her to come back in. She won't come when we call her and she gets into the lake and teases us [I am serious] to come in the water to get her. The funny thing is that if I take her to the lake, she is obedient, and comes when I call. So, how do I keep her from escaping? If she is out on my terms, she is wonderful, but if its on her terms, Forget about it.
Sincerely,
Mary
Hi Mary,
Well, Jasmine sure is an intelligent dog. She knows when she escapes you can't effectively punish her for this behavior, because she creates a large enough distance between the two of you. I don't know the situation at your place, but I would keep her on a long leash while she's near the door and attach the leish to something in the house. This way you can punish her when she tries to escape. Right now she knows: escaping is BIG FUN!! What you have to do is to make sure that escaping is no fun at all, and that she's having a great time on normal walks. I had the same problem with Bandy, a regular guest. Until one day he tried it again (I didn't notice this) and I accidentally closed the door pretty hard when he was stuck in it. He had a bit of a fright and never tried it again. Now he waits - far away from the door - until I open the door completely, go out myself, and call him. Then he rushes through the doorway. So maybe a little "accident" like this one might work wonders? If this happens, never comfort the dog. Just pretend nothing has happened.
Keep me posted!
Sincerely,
Mary
Hi Mary,
Well, Jasmine sure is an intelligent dog. She knows when she escapes you can't effectively punish her for this behavior, because she creates a large enough distance between the two of you. I don't know the situation at your place, but I would keep her on a long leash while she's near the door and attach the leish to something in the house. This way you can punish her when she tries to escape. Right now she knows: escaping is BIG FUN!! What you have to do is to make sure that escaping is no fun at all, and that she's having a great time on normal walks. I had the same problem with Bandy, a regular guest. Until one day he tried it again (I didn't notice this) and I accidentally closed the door pretty hard when he was stuck in it. He had a bit of a fright and never tried it again. Now he waits - far away from the door - until I open the door completely, go out myself, and call him. Then he rushes through the doorway. So maybe a little "accident" like this one might work wonders? If this happens, never comfort the dog. Just pretend nothing has happened.
Keep me posted!
Bathing and leash training
Dear Jack
I have a 8 week old black lab, his name is Riggs. He just had his second bath and grooming, I understand him being scared and this is a new thing to him especially the grooming but why does he act like I'm trying to kill him? I try my best to make it as comfortable as I possibly can for him.
I was also wondering when would be a good time to start leash training? I was told to let him run around the house about 5 to 10 minutes a day so he will get use to a leash. Is this a good idea for a dog this young.
Any information you can give would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Miles
Hi Miles
He's 8 weeks old and had his SECOND bath? I think you're overdoing it. I have an 8 year old lab and he hasn't had his second bath yet. Never smells, never has any skin problems, fur is as shiny and black as can be. I let him swim in fresh water, that's all. See, if you wash a dog, you remove natural sebum from the skin, and the dog will have less resistance against deseases. Of course, if the dog has been rolling in rotten fish and smells like hell, you should wash him. Otherwise don't. Grooming is very important. If you do it right, your dog will love it, because it resembles the licking of his mother. You start petting the dog, using long strikes from head to tail and speaking encouraging words. Let the dog know you love him dearly. Then start using a soft brush, same long strikes, same sweet words. If Riggs has to get used to that and doesn't like the petting, stop it after a minute or two. Next day you start all over again, first petting him with your hands, then with the soft brush. You've got all the time in the world, so don't rush it. After a couple of weeks Riggs will beg for it, I'm sure, unless he has a kennel syndrome.
It's okay to get your dog used to the leash, but don't turn it into some huge drama. He will resist, but you will look the other way as if nothing is going on. You're not doing this, he is. Soon enough he will know he's quite comfy as long as he stays with you, as long as the leash is slack. Don't overdo it; 5 to 10 minutes a day will do.
Good luck!
I have a 8 week old black lab, his name is Riggs. He just had his second bath and grooming, I understand him being scared and this is a new thing to him especially the grooming but why does he act like I'm trying to kill him? I try my best to make it as comfortable as I possibly can for him.
I was also wondering when would be a good time to start leash training? I was told to let him run around the house about 5 to 10 minutes a day so he will get use to a leash. Is this a good idea for a dog this young.
Any information you can give would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Miles
Hi Miles
He's 8 weeks old and had his SECOND bath? I think you're overdoing it. I have an 8 year old lab and he hasn't had his second bath yet. Never smells, never has any skin problems, fur is as shiny and black as can be. I let him swim in fresh water, that's all. See, if you wash a dog, you remove natural sebum from the skin, and the dog will have less resistance against deseases. Of course, if the dog has been rolling in rotten fish and smells like hell, you should wash him. Otherwise don't. Grooming is very important. If you do it right, your dog will love it, because it resembles the licking of his mother. You start petting the dog, using long strikes from head to tail and speaking encouraging words. Let the dog know you love him dearly. Then start using a soft brush, same long strikes, same sweet words. If Riggs has to get used to that and doesn't like the petting, stop it after a minute or two. Next day you start all over again, first petting him with your hands, then with the soft brush. You've got all the time in the world, so don't rush it. After a couple of weeks Riggs will beg for it, I'm sure, unless he has a kennel syndrome.
It's okay to get your dog used to the leash, but don't turn it into some huge drama. He will resist, but you will look the other way as if nothing is going on. You're not doing this, he is. Soon enough he will know he's quite comfy as long as he stays with you, as long as the leash is slack. Don't overdo it; 5 to 10 minutes a day will do.
Good luck!
Labrador tearing cushens and pads apart
Dear Jack,
I have a 6 month old black lab. He is wonderful and very responsive to all of our training. However, I have a problem with him. We keep him in a large crate during the day when we are at work. We make certain that he has a durable toy or rawhide chew to keep him busy through out the day. He loves his crate and goes right in on his own every time. We'd like to make him comfortable in there, so we have purchased several nice pet cushions and pads for him to lay on. By the time we come home from work in the evening all of the padding is torn out of the cushions and/or pads. He only does this while we are away at work, not in the evenings or on the weekends. Is there anything I can do to prevent him from constantly tearing these pads apart?
Thank you for your help! Michelle
Hi Michelle,
I'm afraid there's nothing you can do to prevent your dog from tearing these nice cushions and pads apart. A dog likes to make his own bed and these materials are perfect for that purpose. Besides, he may be bored. And then there's dog adolescence. I would say: no more cushions and pads, instead I would give him an old blanket (or even two). The rawhide chews are okay.
Good luck!
I have a 6 month old black lab. He is wonderful and very responsive to all of our training. However, I have a problem with him. We keep him in a large crate during the day when we are at work. We make certain that he has a durable toy or rawhide chew to keep him busy through out the day. He loves his crate and goes right in on his own every time. We'd like to make him comfortable in there, so we have purchased several nice pet cushions and pads for him to lay on. By the time we come home from work in the evening all of the padding is torn out of the cushions and/or pads. He only does this while we are away at work, not in the evenings or on the weekends. Is there anything I can do to prevent him from constantly tearing these pads apart?
Thank you for your help! Michelle
Hi Michelle,
I'm afraid there's nothing you can do to prevent your dog from tearing these nice cushions and pads apart. A dog likes to make his own bed and these materials are perfect for that purpose. Besides, he may be bored. And then there's dog adolescence. I would say: no more cushions and pads, instead I would give him an old blanket (or even two). The rawhide chews are okay.
Good luck!
We can't hug on the couch!
Dear Jack,
I have a 6 ½ month old lab named Max. We tried to get him into training before six months of age and they would not accept him, because he was under six months. So far we have been doing well on our own. He walks on a leash very well, understands "NO!", sit, stay, lay down, shake, speak, and has had no problem housetraining. However, he has a couple of habits we can't seem to brake. Max loves people and when someone comes to visit, he gets so excited that he doesn't always listen to us because of the distraction, and has a habit of jumping up on people or climbing on to them when they sit on the couch. At 55-60lbs, this is not an acceptable behavior for him. He is very affectionate but doesn't realize his size. Do you have any suggestions on how to get him to listen to us during this time, and to stop him from jumping and climbing on my house guests? Secondly, sometimes when my husband and I try to sit on the couch together, hold hands, and/or hug, he tries to get in there with us by climbing or jumping on us. However, when we are in bed at night, it doesn't seem to bother him. It is just when we are in the main living area that he seems to almost be jealous of us. I wonder if he is feeling, left out. If so how can my husband and I hug, or even sit on the same couch together without having to fend off our loving lab?
I thank you, my husband and my house guests thank you for any assistance you can give me.
Michelle
Hi Michelle,
Both problems you described have only one cause: Max doesn't know he is the lowest member of the pack. You - and your friends - have to act like the leader of the pack, or at least like higher members of the pack, to make him understand his position. If you don't do that, the problem will only get worse. Right now he probably thinks he's an equal member. Democracy is a good thing, but not for dogs. Max can't speak your language, you have to speak his. In other words: be tougher and become the pack leader!
Good luck!
I have a 6 ½ month old lab named Max. We tried to get him into training before six months of age and they would not accept him, because he was under six months. So far we have been doing well on our own. He walks on a leash very well, understands "NO!", sit, stay, lay down, shake, speak, and has had no problem housetraining. However, he has a couple of habits we can't seem to brake. Max loves people and when someone comes to visit, he gets so excited that he doesn't always listen to us because of the distraction, and has a habit of jumping up on people or climbing on to them when they sit on the couch. At 55-60lbs, this is not an acceptable behavior for him. He is very affectionate but doesn't realize his size. Do you have any suggestions on how to get him to listen to us during this time, and to stop him from jumping and climbing on my house guests? Secondly, sometimes when my husband and I try to sit on the couch together, hold hands, and/or hug, he tries to get in there with us by climbing or jumping on us. However, when we are in bed at night, it doesn't seem to bother him. It is just when we are in the main living area that he seems to almost be jealous of us. I wonder if he is feeling, left out. If so how can my husband and I hug, or even sit on the same couch together without having to fend off our loving lab?
I thank you, my husband and my house guests thank you for any assistance you can give me.
Michelle
Hi Michelle,
Both problems you described have only one cause: Max doesn't know he is the lowest member of the pack. You - and your friends - have to act like the leader of the pack, or at least like higher members of the pack, to make him understand his position. If you don't do that, the problem will only get worse. Right now he probably thinks he's an equal member. Democracy is a good thing, but not for dogs. Max can't speak your language, you have to speak his. In other words: be tougher and become the pack leader!
Good luck!
Is it sex or is it dominance?
Dear Jack,
We have a one year old chocolate male named Duke. A couple of days ago, we adopted a 2 year old black female from a neighbor. Both are spayed or neutered. However, since we've had the female, the young male will not leave the female alone. The poor thing can't get a moment's rest. She does instigate it sometimes, but the male keeps trying to get on her. How long will this last and is there anything we can do? We keep getting onto the male, but he's only doing what's natural to him. What do we do??
New Mom, Kansas
Hi New Mom,
The problem you described has nothing to do with sexuality, but with dominance. Once it is settled who's top dog around your place (which will be very soon if you don't interfere), this problem will have solved itself. Read the article
Take care!
We have a one year old chocolate male named Duke. A couple of days ago, we adopted a 2 year old black female from a neighbor. Both are spayed or neutered. However, since we've had the female, the young male will not leave the female alone. The poor thing can't get a moment's rest. She does instigate it sometimes, but the male keeps trying to get on her. How long will this last and is there anything we can do? We keep getting onto the male, but he's only doing what's natural to him. What do we do??
New Mom, Kansas
Hi New Mom,
The problem you described has nothing to do with sexuality, but with dominance. Once it is settled who's top dog around your place (which will be very soon if you don't interfere), this problem will have solved itself. Read the article
Take care!
Labradors mild shedders?
Dear Jack,
I have a male black lab that is 7 months old. Kody is a fantastic dog, a great companion and is rarely not right at my side whenever I walk around the house or yard. This is my first lab and what a difference in breed he is from previous dogs I've owned. (it's been a learning experience to say the least) I have a couple of questions for you. He is missing one of his main adult molars. The vet told me this sometimes happens but I have to wonder? I have never heard of this and find it very troubling. Is it not there, Has it not come in yet,...did he tear it out while chewing up the handle on one of my best screwdrivers? Is it hereditary? Maybe you can shed some light for me. Also I was under the assumption that labs were mild shedders. Kody hasn't stopped shedding since we brought him home. Is this typical and is there something we can do other than brushing him often to slow the hair loss?
Thanks for the service you provide.
Kevin
Hi Kevin,
Yes, your vet is right, sometimes dogs do miss a main adult molar. It might even be hereditary, and then again it might not.
LABS MILD SHEDDERS??? O.M.G.!!! Who told you that? Besides brushing Kody often, you could give him an adult's dose of vitamin B and a teaspoon of peanut oil twice a day.
Take care!
I have a male black lab that is 7 months old. Kody is a fantastic dog, a great companion and is rarely not right at my side whenever I walk around the house or yard. This is my first lab and what a difference in breed he is from previous dogs I've owned. (it's been a learning experience to say the least) I have a couple of questions for you. He is missing one of his main adult molars. The vet told me this sometimes happens but I have to wonder? I have never heard of this and find it very troubling. Is it not there, Has it not come in yet,...did he tear it out while chewing up the handle on one of my best screwdrivers? Is it hereditary? Maybe you can shed some light for me. Also I was under the assumption that labs were mild shedders. Kody hasn't stopped shedding since we brought him home. Is this typical and is there something we can do other than brushing him often to slow the hair loss?
Thanks for the service you provide.
Kevin
Hi Kevin,
Yes, your vet is right, sometimes dogs do miss a main adult molar. It might even be hereditary, and then again it might not.
LABS MILD SHEDDERS??? O.M.G.!!! Who told you that? Besides brushing Kody often, you could give him an adult's dose of vitamin B and a teaspoon of peanut oil twice a day.
Take care!
No time for puppy
Dear Jack: I am getting a new lab puppy at the age of 7 or 8 weeks when they are born. I am not sure how to accomplish house training. I am taking a week off from my job when I get the new puppy to begin the process. I would like to crate train but my problem is that I work an 8 hour day like most people. I have read that a puppy that young cannot control the bodily functions until older so I don't know if I should leave him in his crate that long until he is older. He will be staying in my utility room with a gate across it but do I put him in his crate while at work at that young age or should I put papers on the floor in the utility room and let him stay out of the crate. I know this will hinder my housetraining if I do it that way. My husband may be home on some days and could let him out of the crate but I can't rely on that every day. Getting somone to come to my house and let him out of the crate during the day is not an option. Any suggestions on how to accomplish housetraining under these circumstances would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Mitzi
Hi Mitzi,
Sorry, I have only one answer, and you won't like it: call the breeder, say you're far from ready to raise a lab puppy - any puppy - and ask him if it's okay to get back to him as soon as you or your husband can spare the time - at least 6 weeks - to raise a puppy. Can't understand why the breeder didn't check these things before he decided to sell you a puppy.
Mitzi
Hi Mitzi,
Sorry, I have only one answer, and you won't like it: call the breeder, say you're far from ready to raise a lab puppy - any puppy - and ask him if it's okay to get back to him as soon as you or your husband can spare the time - at least 6 weeks - to raise a puppy. Can't understand why the breeder didn't check these things before he decided to sell you a puppy.
Lab fouls room during the night
Dear Jack, I've been looking for months for an information source and finally found it with yours! Cocoa is the name of our 5month old Chocolate lab. She is a typical funloving and playful Lab puppy, and training is going pretty well. We have now had her for close to 2 months (we imported her, so she had to be 3 months before she could be exported). My question is this: Cocoa's housetraining is going well, and she toilets during the day outside, no problem.We keep her inside at night in the laundry,for safety mainly - we live in Asia , and dogs of pedigree here are prone to getting stolen. The routine is to take her last thing before bed outside for a pee, then bed. She normally will "go" and then we take her to her bed. I have been putting newspapers down in her room, and she is still using it overnight - sometimes just to pee, sometimes both. Is she going to grow out of needing this?, or should I just stop putting paper down?? - as when I take her outside first thing in the morning, of course she's already been inside!, and doesn't want to go.What should I do? Look forward to hearing from you.
Suzanne & Cocoa.
Hi Suzanne, Housetraining is a lot easier when the dog has one place or room - a crate for instance - which he sees as his den. The place he sleeps during the day time, his safe spot. Obviously Cocoa thinks of the laundry as a place that is not her den, and she is too young to realize the laundry is part of her territory. Maybe you should put a crate in a place in your house where she can see you and feel part of the family. You should let her rest there when she's tired (several times a day) and let her sleep there at night. Soon this crate will become her nest, which she will not foul, unless she's not well and her cries for help aren't heard.
Good luck!
Suzanne & Cocoa.
Hi Suzanne, Housetraining is a lot easier when the dog has one place or room - a crate for instance - which he sees as his den. The place he sleeps during the day time, his safe spot. Obviously Cocoa thinks of the laundry as a place that is not her den, and she is too young to realize the laundry is part of her territory. Maybe you should put a crate in a place in your house where she can see you and feel part of the family. You should let her rest there when she's tired (several times a day) and let her sleep there at night. Soon this crate will become her nest, which she will not foul, unless she's not well and her cries for help aren't heard.
Good luck!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Welcome to the LabradorNet Help Desk!
Many years ago, when I founded LabradorNet, I started a column called "Dear Labby", where people could ask all kinds of questions about their Labrador Retriever - anything about health, behaviour, breeding, training, etc.
Recently, when I restarted LabradorNet after four years, I found out that the concept of "Dear Labby" has been hijacked by many people, so there's no point in starting an umptieth one.
However, I'm happy to open this LabradorNet Help Desk to answer all your questions about the Labrador Retriever in general and your Labrador Retriever in particular.
I might use the questions and answers to write articles about the subject, which will be published on the LabradorNet website.
Anyway, you're welcome! Shoot!
Jack Vanderwyk,
LabradorNet
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