Sam_Gledhill

Hi everyone It's been a while now since I've posted to DOL but the good news is that Louie has turned out to be a wonderful puppy. Emma and I are like proud parents. We've never had even a hint of a second thought and we often comment to ourselves about how lucky we are to have such a wonderful addition to our home. Nearby to our house is a massive, wdie open park where we love to take Louie (10months - Labrador) for a run around. If there are no other dogs we let him off the lead and he is really good at staying within a reasonable distance to us and we get a chance to practice a few obedience things such as retrieves, "come", heeling - that sort of stuff. The only problem arises is if there are other dogs around. Quite naturally, Louie is extremely keen to go and visit and intoriduce himself, but I'd prefer it if we waited for us to tell him it was OK, instead of just charging off at a million miles an hour! I am reluctant to call him back and penalise him becuase I don't want to un-train his recall. Does anyone have any tips on how best to prevent my dog running away when he is off-leash. I know that keeping him on-leash is the most sensible, but it really limits his ability to chase balls or frisbees or all of the other really fun "park" stuff! I'd like to one day be able to walk around the park with him off-leaseh without the concern that he is about to bolt off. Thanks in advance, Sam.

Hi All, I don't have a problem, but I thought you might like to hear a funny thing that my 16wk old labrador "Louie" gets up to. It seems he has developed a rather strengthy obsession with sock. My wife and I often come home to find 6 or 7 or more socks on the front lawn or in his bed. He has access to indoors during the day and any sock (or rolled up pair) is obviously fair game. What is unusual is that he has only got interest in socks - clean or dirty - but no other clothing type. He doesn't go near towels, shirts, undies, jeans - only socks. He doesn't destroy them either - in fact they barely get slobbered on - just looked at and sniffed as best I can tell. Seeing as it is not causing too much strife, we haven't been particlarly worried about it - it does make him all the more endearing though!

Hi Annie - Slightly unrelated but of interest to everyone reading this post - what sort of breed do you have? And could we look at some photo's. Better to post them now while Charlie is still looking his "puppiest"!! Good on you for seeking advice instead of carrying on uneducated and potentially harming your dog. I agree that you should probably not leave him in the car - especially in the heat, but I also know that you are aware of this. I've noticed that sometimes a new member might post something and then cop an ear-bashing for asking a question that they have real concerns over. From first-hand experience (not on this forum) there is nothing worse than seeking out some helpful advice and getting abused for the effort. To all of the other posters on this forum - remember that we are all human and we all learn from what we read on here - there is no need to be abusive! Thanks, Sam.

Yep, my little Lab, Louie - Snores like a trooper! But as for for fussy eater - well he is a lab remember!

Thank-you all for your advice and reassurance. This web-site is fantastic! Just a quick update on Louie - he wolfed down his dinner last night and then slept soundly overnight without incident (no vomit, no poos). This morning he's as lively as ever and wolfed down his breakfast as well! I guess we just wait now. Wow - I never figured I'd be so affected by this puppy - there are so many things that we can get wrong! I don't remeber it being this hard the last time I had a dog - maybe that's the joy of parenthood eh? Then again, who'd trade it? He's such good company and so smart! In just a week he's mastered "come" and "sit" - not bad for an 8-week old I rekon! Anyway - thanks again to all for your reassuring words and great suggestions. I'm sure I'll see more of you as my dear little Louie gets himself into another mischief! Cheers, Sam. P.S - I've attached a photo for you all to see as well - just in case!

Thanks for your help Candice and ShoeMonster - I'll certainly get Turkey necks next time! As for the other chicken necks I've got here, well they might just go into the bin!! Thanks again, Sam.

Hi All, My Vet told me that it is a good thing for puppies to chew on a chicken neck from the deli. This is meant to a) keep him entertained for a short period b) keep his teeth clean and c) stop him chewing non-edible things. Well, My 8 week old Labrador (Louie) decided that he liked the chicken neck sooo much that the greddy little so and so ate the whole thing down in one bite! Does anyone know if this is going to have ramifications in the next day or two - I called the vet and she didn't think it would be too much of a problem, but I'm wondering if anyone else has any experience with the same thing? Cheers, Sam.