shellbyville

Hi, was wondering if anyone has any suggestions about how to deter a dog from jumping fences. He is a labrador and can jump a fence at least 1.2m high! He has never actually jumped at my place, but went to a new home and I think wanted to come home so decided he would jump their fence and escape regularly. He is now back home with me as it didn't work out. They loved him and he was wonderful except he wouldn't stay in their yard! ;) So I don't know if I can rehome him until I sort out this fence jumping thing. Again he doesn't do it here, although we live on acreage and his kennel run is too high to jump! Any ideas?

It sounds like you are doing everything possible, as you have taken her to two specialists. I have labs, and had a young bitch that was intermittently lame for quite a few months, we were back and forward to the vet and could never really find anything definitive. My vet also thought it was the onset of OCD. However I took her to a chiropractor and he thought it wasn't in her elbow joint at all, but rather on the point of her shoulder. Possibly from running and slamming into one of our other dogs, and constant exercise just made it worse. I crated her and only walked her for toilet breaks, and we also did - ultrasonic therapy on her(I think that is what it is called). Using ultrasound waves over the shoulder. It took quite a while to fix, if I remember correctly after about 6 weeks she was much better. It was an aweful time because she had to be crated for so long and like your lab was only about 7 months old. It did work though and she was fine. I don't have her now, but I did have her until she was 2 years old and she never had any lameness again. However I did hip/elbow score her and her elbow scores were 1:1 which is why I rehomed her to a pet home.

I agree they are a bit expensive. I have labrador retrievers and have an old bath out the back of my house, with a hot & cold tap on the wall and a hand held shower attached. It does the job, although I have to lift the dogs in (except for 2 that absolutely love their bath and jump in on their own accord.) Also I have to bend down to bath them, my back kills by the end of bathing 6 of them! A hydrobath would be wonderful, but have way to many things to buy before that! A baby bath sounds the go then.

Hi, I think a 'Booster Bath' would be what you are looking for. They are made in USA, but I think they are sold in Australia as well. I googled 'Booster Bath' in Australia and found a few sights so give that a go! They look great and I think were about $300.

Just a bump to see how the lab is doing? Has the hook passed????

When I was young we had a German Shepherd and while out fishing with my father she swallowed the hook, line & sinker. Rushed her to the vet and they performed surgery and removed it. Apparently if it was just the hook it may have passed naturally, but because there was fishing line involved they operated as it could get caught! She was fine, and dad never took her fishing again. Sadly though she died from tick poisoning not long later. We had only recently moved from the city to the country and mum and dad had no idea about ticks. She was a lovely dog and we all really missed her.

Thanks for the advice 'kelpiesrule.' I definitely have to work at staying relaxed with him around other dogs, because I think I do tense up when other dogs come too close, which I probably do pass on to him. I am working on that though. I am surprised though by people who don't keep their own dogs close to them and let them come over to us. I did warn those around me that my boy was a little cranky with other dogs, but they would still let there dogs come just a bit too close for my liking. One guy even told me that my dog wouldn't growl at his bitch, and actually let her come right over and guess what...my boy did growl and wasn't impressed. Even though, he still let his dog on a loose lead walk over to mine :rolleyes: Never mind, it was a good experience though and I think he will only get better!

Hi, I had my first beginner obedience lesson last night with my lab boy! I showed him while he was younger and he had a few issues with other dogs. So decided to take him out of the showring for a while and signed up for an obedience class, as the shows were too far apart, and I think he needs regular contact with other dogs. He is 16 months old. It was fun, a lot of talking and not much actual practice, for the first night, but my boy wasn't too bad, he is great at the actuall obedience stuff, it is just keeping him from being distracted by the other dogs. He started the lesson a bit edgy and growled at a few dogs that came too close, but by the end of the lesson he was much more relaxed. So hopefully after 8 weeks he will be a much more social boy. I am hoping to go further and possibly trial with him, but early days yet! He does learn very fast and is very keen, it is just sorting out his crankiness with other dogs!

Sentinel Spectrum is more expensive because it does treat for fleas! I have found it to be a very good product. I don't use spot on treatments because my dogs love to swim and get wet, so found an oral treatment much more effective. I would use an all wormer that does tapeworm as well, it is just simpler and is one less tablet you have to give and remember!

Great photos. He looks quite pleased with himself doesn't he? I have had labs for a long time and have 5 here at the moment of different ages and have never had any pull things off the line. However our yard is almost an acre in size so dogs have plenty of running room and tend to not get bored. I also don't leave them out of their kennel runs when I am not home. They do spend lots of time outside though, while I am inside. I think habits like chewing and pulling clothes off the line are usually due to boredom and keeping themselves occupied! Very normal for any puppy and keeping the temptation out of the way is a good idea like you have done. However don't be surprised if he finds something else to keep him occupied. The orange barricade could be fun to pull and chew! Give him lots of stimulation by playing with him, training, taking for walks in different environments, perhaps a sand pit and/or wading pool! Good luck he looks like a lovely dog and will (or may ) eventually grow out of his mischievious ways.

I have 4 lab bitches and 1 lab dog. The girls are all fine, with strange dogs, a quick sniff and then friends. My boy on the other hand, who is only young, feels a bit threatened. So we introduce him to other dogs on leads (both of them) and within a few minutes he is fine. Then we can let them off and they play.

I have only had to use a boarding kennel once, as I have lots of family that look after my animals if I go away. However the time I did use a kennel, I asked if I could inspect the facility, which they allowed me to do. They showed me the sleeping kennels, runs for exercise, gave me the schedule (times allowed for exercise, on lead exercise etc.) I took my food for my dogs with written instructions on what they had and they were quite happy to stick with that. The place looked clean, other dogs looked happy etc, people were very friendly and didn't mind my 100's of questions. I didn't have much choice in kennels as I live in a rural area, so was just very glad that it was nice. It was also run by a vet, but I gave my vets numbers in case of emergency as well. It was comforting to know that the person was a vet though in case something terrible happened. When I picked up the dogs they were clean and seemed very happy and content, not stressed at all! So I would find a place in your area, and ask can you inspect it! You said you were going away mid year so have plenty of time to look at a few until you find one you are happy with. If they don't encourage inspections I would look elsewhere!

I agree with poppys mum, about introducing them while in a contained, calm environment. My dogs will only chase the cats if they run!!! So if you can get the cats to accept the dog and not be afraid of it, maybe they won't run, giving the dog something to chase, which to a dog is quite normal!!! I have 2 cats and 5 labradors and they all walk around outside together, they sniff each other and the dogs will give the cats the occassional lick, much to the cats disgust!! If the dogs run up to the cats when they are outside(5 labs running at you at once is quite disconcerting), my cats aren't afraid, so they don't run off, they usually just lay down and the dogs give them a sniff then go away, so the cat can hop up and go back to doing what he was doing.

I think my worst habit is: when training a young dog sometimes reinforcing bad behaviour because my reactions aren't quite fast enough. For eg. asking a dog to sit, they sit and then quickly stand again, I am a bit slow in rewarding actually while they are still sitting. I did recently get a clicker though and I think this has helped a heap. I also get a bit frustrated when I should remain calm. Especially trying to get a dog to stack quickly in the ring, I think my dog feels my tension and then becomes tense as well! I don't think I am too bad though, my dogs are pretty well behaved, know the basics and enjoy being dogs!!

I used to have a cheap vinyl treat bag, that attached with a safety pin and had velcro to keep closed and keep treats in. I loved it. Could wear it with anything, the dogs knew the velcro sound and sometimes in the ring I just opened the velcro to make the sound and they would stand up really well, especially when judge was just about to look or walk down the line. Sadly the dogs ate that one. So just this weekend went out and bought a black dog treat pouch and had the thing fall off the waistband of my trousers while in the ring. I wasn't impressed, paid $18.95 where with the cheap ones paid about $6.00. The thing that holds onto your skirt or trousers keeps coming off the bag!!! I actually just try to wear pants with pockets now, or a jacket with pockets, much easier. I will keep my out for the cheap vinyl one though or will probably make a couple myself!

I would go to the vets and get an antihistamine. I have had hives myself and it was the most uncomfortable, awful thing to have. We also had a dog have an allergive reaction to something, we never found out what it was, but assumed it was an insect bite, as most of her swelling was on her muzzle. We got antihistamines and it went down in a very short time and she was comfortable and happy in a short time as well. Hives are not nice and are very, very itchy. I would be off to the vets.

I always feed my puppies raw human grade mince, you can be sure it is fresher than pet mince with no rubbish in it. After they are a bit older I gradually put them on raw pet mince. It is a bit more expensive, but worth it with young puppies. Mine all did well on the human grade mince and I had with no tummy upsets etc and when I switched over to pet mince gradually, they didn't have any problems.

I sympathise with you over your Dobe having nasty rope burns. However if I have any type of worker come to my property, I don't expect them to look after my animals. It is my responsibility to look after my animals and make sure they are safe. We have kennels, so my dogs are locked in their runs when we are not home! I probably would have looked for an alternative to asking the tradies to lock your dogs away. Perhaps locking your dog in the laundry or sending him to a friend for the day! Anyway I am not meaning to judge you by any means, things happen and it is ashame we can't trust everyone to do what we would like them to. My husband is a tradie and I think it is unreasonable when people leave their dogs out when he comes to do work. He doesn't necessarily know the dog is people friendly, and we are in a rural area and a lot of farm dogs are very protective of their property. It doesn't take much for someone to either lock their dog in a safe place for the day. If my husband is going to a property it isn't his responsibility to lock someone elses dog away, before he can begin the work!!

I don't use frontline or advantage or anything like that on my dogs, but understand why people do use it! I have had to recently put tick collars on my dogs due to the huge number of ticks around at the moment, we also lost one to ticks. I hate using the collars as well because they do put poison on your dogs skin, and when I pat & play with my dogs I know I am coming into contact with the chemical as well, but what do you do? Use no chemical and risk the dogs getting a tick!!! I only use the collars while the tick season is bad and as soon as it cools down and ticks dwindle I will be taking them off! As for the OP's dogs reaction to the frontline, I think it is probably smell. I put frontline on my dogs once and got some on my own skin and it made me feel really weird (shaky, a bit panicky and generally unwell for awhile). I don't think dogs would relate a weird feeling to the actual applying of frontline, but maybe who knows!!!

I agree with what everyone has said so far. Research the breeds you think might be suitable, go to any shows/obedience etc so that you can to see dogs in action and also to talk to people about their breed. Just my opinion and because I am biased toward the labrador retriever, I think you can't go past a lab! A puppy does require some work, lots of consistent training, a lot of people get a dog or puppy and seem to think as long as they are fed and have shelter and lots of pats everything will be great. They also require lots of time and training. An older lab might be worth looking at. I rehomed an older male labrador (11 months old) to a family with 2 very young children (18 months and 3 years old) and the family absolutely love him and he is great with the kids! Very gentle and sweet, he did have lots of training with me before he went though! Labradors are very tolerant of children, but they can be boisterous as puppies. Saying that though any dog regardless of age & no matter what breed will always need to be supervised with kids, and any dog no matter what breed will require effort on your part, so that it becomes a joy to have in your household. Good luck finding a new family member.

I had a dog once that was very fussy & didn't eat very much for almost a week. I tried the Satin Ball recipe, which he loved. I did have a bit of trouble though getting him off the Satin Balls to normal food, which was kibble, raw mince, sardines etc. He never did really eat dry food, but did eventually take a liking to raw mince etc. I slowly weaned him off the satin balls by introducing other things to his diet a little at a time. It was a bit frustrating as all my other dogs eat anything and very quickly, while this little guy would eat his meal in time, I usually left his bowl with him overnight and by the morning his food would be gone (except for the dry biscuits).

I am so glad you enjoyed puppy preschool. I have owned dogs for years and didn't even know such a thing existed until a vet (not my own) that I had to take a dog to for some reason told me about it, because I had a young pup. My husband thought the idea was ridiculous (he is a farmer, very old school). I did end up going with my little lab pup and my 4 kids at the time and we had a ball. It was so much fun and very informative as well. I even managed to bring hubby along once and he actually did enjoy it. Especially when we did pass the puppy and you got to hold everyones pup of all different breeds, sizes ect. It was fun. Hope you keep enjoying it and your puppy has a ball!

Just wondering if anyone has tried 'clicker training?' What do you think of it? Do you find it effective? Would it be effective for showring training? Any info & opinions on the subject would be great!

Hi littlelabrador, congratulations on your new puppy. I have been reading this topic with interest, as I have labs as well. You have been given lots of really good advice. My advice would be sift through and find what works for you and your puppy, but whatever you do, be consistent with your training with the puppy. I have had puppies do everything yours does except the food aggression. The pups I have raised and bred have all been really good and will share their food with anyone!! Maybe being ill has caused this problem. I would feed away from anyone else and just keep praising her and rewarding any good behaviour with treats, make sure she doesn't snatch the treats from your hand, but gently take it. It takes time and a few 'uh uh's' but she will get the idea. My only advice with the food aggression is when you feed her make her sit and wait and not eat until you give the ok, then just stand beside her and praise her vocally telling her she is a good girl. Each time get a little closer to the bowl, always praising her, if she growls walk away. Try again next time, maybe over time she will be comfortable and let you touch her food. Something is obviously bothering her over the food thing, so take things slowly! But always feed her away from all other distractions, feed her where she is totally on her own, no kids, no cats, so she doesn't feel threatened or her food is threatened etc and maybe just you stay with her and praise her while she is eating and not growling! Nipping at your daughter is pretty typical behaviour but can be dangerous, so always supervise and let puppy know vocally (never hit) that the behaviour is unacceptable and if it persists take puppy away for a time out. I really hope you persist, labs are beautiful dogs and if you are consistent and remember any time you spend with puppy is training time, even just playing! You will have a lovely member of your family in time. It can be frustrating. There is also lots of good advice online and I do agree if you don't seem to be making any ground get some professional help, but I think you can overcome this.

I am pretty sure Lismore Veterinary Clinic run a puppy preschool. I went years ago with a little pup and took the family along. They were great it was run by both Vet nurses and the vet. It was really helpful with the basic commands and veterinary care side of things. They were very tolerant of kids (I have 4). Phone numer is 66220033. They only have classes for 4 week blocks. After that, there isn't much in this area as far as I know. I did want to go to beginner obedience, but the Lismore Kennel Club wasn't doing that as far as I know.