persephone

sometimes, yes- other times, they will deliberately stop being complete and utter fools, and realise that sitting quietly gets them some praise/attention Well, that's how it happens here

Ok Taken this bit to quote...whilst just doing the dishes I was thinking.... Humans do something for another human to PLEASE the recipient of whatever is being done. Fine... How do we KNOW the recipient is pleased? They smile, they say ,thankyou, they may hug us, or jump for joy.... all very visible signs which are the 'giver' /doer's' REWARD Is this then SO different from a dog sitting quietly, because it thinks that by doing so we will say "good dog", or pat it, or some other tangible reward? ..........thinking.... but cannot find the right word combinations *goes back to thinking*

Hmmm.. So- a dog doing something for praise (ie: owner is pleased, and communicates this thru praising the dog) where does this fit? I once had a dog who, at 3 years would only work sheep because she was told- because it was what I wanted her to do. She wouldn't do anything off her own bat... just what she was ordered to. no more, no less. Provided commands were given for every action, she was a very handy dog (for me only) left to her own devices, or without direction.. no response, no 'instinctual herding/chasing'... I chose to believe then, that she did it to please me- altho I guess it was both to avoid any harshness, and to gain praise This was a looong time ago- when I was fresh out of school...

OK. Sooooo It is YOUR JOB to now convince him ,that by doing as you ask- he gets to play with his own fantastic, super duper ball with squeaks, or treats, or ropes or whatever he absolutely adores!!! When he learns that, by pleasing you, he gets a REWARD of ball play to the max, then he will be willing to 'earn' his obsession..his focus will be on YOU, as provider of balls and excitement!! Honest- this can only be remedied by YOUR being the more exciting option!

yep... keep him on a lead!! Only run him free where there no other dogs. Teach him "give". Use his ball as a reward for excellent behaviour- including recalls, tricks, etc. Always pack a ball into your bag when walking him.. a squeaky one ,maybe- or one of the tug attached ones :D That way , you have something to offer him when he does return..NEVER chase him!! By the way--- he's not 'bad'...just very smart!!

Was he indoors or out whilst you were away? Sounds as if he was badly scared by something... IMO, you would be better to NOT fuss over him , especially when he is acting fearful- as this rewards him for being that way :D Just go about your daily routine... and reward him for good 'brave' behaviour Don't force him indoors, either...

and , you say she is still bouncy and drinking, and comfortable otherwise? Think about it..... is she doing EXACTLY the same as on eating days? Playing.... the way she is lying down... the way she drinks.... all fine?

Just noticed she is "still doing number twos" A kind neighbour couldn't be feeding her ??? Maybe?? Whilst it's odd behaviour- as long as she is PERFECTLY normal except for the eating, I wouldn't panic...

Stop trying to tempt her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If she is bouncy ,and drinking,and toileting... leave her be. She will eat when she's hungry :D If, however she is looking longingly at the food- but is unwilling to eat- or any other odd behaviour- then vet ASAP. Our working dogs will often not eat for a couple of days- if it's hot weather, or they are working very hard and long... they will drink only, until they are ready.

which is really tricky when there are young kids The adults may well be doing all the right things at the most appropriate times- but little kids cannot get the timing right, OR understand the reasoning behind it

Indeed

Young labs can be a handful The ones I've known can be very full-on,and need a lot of firm calm training . Labs can be an ideal dog for kids to have around- because of their low body sensitivity, and general lack of concern for loud noises, fast movements etc. However, these very traits can make training interesting

ABDL- it may be possible to'fix'- altho why would you want to further stress out the old lady of the house, and put BOTH dogs under pressure? Just totally separate them at feed time- they can eat in peace, and you don't have to worry. Make sure tho- that bowls are picked up,and scraps scrounged, before dogs are let back together

Easy- feed them in different rooms- or one outside ,one inside. It's not worth the risk by feeding together.........

I wouldn't be feeding raw carrot if he has a sensitive stomach... Do you use probiotics?

Chicken can one of the worst carriers of bacteria- I rarely use it. Try them on lamb/beef/roo. No need to use chicken at all, IMO.

So sorry,calsonic- that's a friend thru all your growing -up time gone Take care- he was obviously much loved.

I don't know- sorry, not a technical bone in my body All I know is on my camera there is a button up near the viewfinder- press it and the screen is either in use or dark.Only time i use it is for awkward macro shots ...

I agree with the fact that personal professional help is urgently needed here. Contact the person recommended to you, and get this problem resolved with someone expert in the field.

I have a finepix- and use the zoom a lot, and flash occasionally.. a set of (rechargable) batteries lasts me about 10 days.. and that is taking up to 30 photos every day!! What I DON"T use on my camera is the viewing screen! That uses up power quickly. I use the optical viewfinder for both composing and viewing photos. You may want to change the rechargeables you use... I use VARTA ones. For non- recharge ones- i use the coppertop batteries

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO not the cobs I have seen a few dogs with blockages caused by indigestible corn cobs :cool: Have also seen a couple of favourite labs years ago- deliberately fed them,by a sick person, and then die from resulting obstruction/infection

Would the breeder take the pup back ? *dons flame suit* If it were me- I would probably be returning this dog to the breeders,. Sounds like a lot of work and bills ahead- and if you are having doubts already..... then make your decisions quickly. Either you decide, as 'bell' has done with her rescue girl, to get vet work done, and also get in professional help for behavioural issues-- or- you decide to return the pup.

SO glad the tests had good results !!

RIP Mawson- You did the right thing for your boy on all counts ,,, so sorry you only had him a short time.

Oh I'm sorry she is sore- but glad you found out now, before doing things to try and correct her unwillingness. maybe that's why she doesn't want the lead on,too- she associates it,and the walks, with being sore? Hopefully with the anti inflamms, she will improve. The allergies are a bummer Did the breeder say why she was selling this pup? Have you spoken to them about the health problems? IF you are still going to obedience- make sure you let them know she is sore in front!! Also- adjust her exercise accordingly. Hopefully you can come to an arrangement with the vet- time payment or something... as Xray will give you a MUCH better idea of what's happening inside those joints.You may have decisions to make... so sooner would be better than later