aussielover

I think you would do better with a soft temperament dog that is pretty easy going, it sounds like the labrador was too much for you, the breed is generally highly energetic and intelligent and needs strong leadership and lots of mental stimulation. It sounds like you want something more relaxed? I think something along the lines of a Cavalier or Pug would probably be most suitable. Cockers may also be suitable.

I'm sorry but this made me laugh so hard

JRT? Beagle?

How do you normally train? Maybe look into drive training? I've started to look into it and have been really impressed with what I've seen.

I think Mindy would have to disagree with you on that one PF To prolong the "happiness" created at eating time, I recommend you get a Kong and stuff it with apple and a bit of peanut butter- your dog will have heaps of fun trying to get the food out. Also stock flavoured ice blocks are a lot of fun, as are bob a lots or kong wobblers. Bones are great as well, my dog gets a bone everyday and the smaller ones (lamb shanks, lamb necks etc) last her around an hour.

Crates have the advantage of being a small space where the dog is not likely to want to toilet in. Put the crate next to your bed and you should hear your puppy move around/scratch cry to get out if he needs to go to the toilet. That way you can get up if you need to, but you don't have to wake a happily sleeping puppy. My dog no longer sleeps in her crate now that she is toilet trained, but it does come in handy if you want to compete or travel with your dog.

Got any links to scientific studies in this? I can't see why a Labrador would have a unique digestive system. Most dogs, given the chance, will gorge themselves. Fact is that most dog owners won't let them. No links but my husband was told at Sydney Uni, when he was doing vet science and my friend was told the same thing at Murdoch. A number of vets have told me this. It is not the digestive system it is in the brain. There are no anatatomical or physiological differences in the labradador that make them more predisposed to becoming fat. They simply love their food and have a very high food drive.

Sadly I think many labs are overweight due to overfeeding and under exercising. They are meant to be an athletic breed, capable of working all day. If you see a lean, fit lab you will know what I mean. They are not meant to be barrels on legs I think a lot of people don't realise just how much exercise they need, hence have boisterous, overweight dogs. I guess a lot people don't care about the excess weight as well because it makes the dogs more sluggish and therefore appear to need less exercise.

That is so sweet. Misty is just the cutest thing! And she looks very spoilt and very, very loved!

Apart from the large kibble, what breeds wouldn't benefit from these suggestions? I am a bit skeptical about these breed specific foods. Are dogs really that different to require special breed specific diets? (aprt from dogs with medical conditions of course)

How about the "donate to xxx for his expensive diet food" seems like a bit of a contradiction to me....

I am naughty and give my dog occaisonal snacks from whatever I am eating (she particularly likes banana bread ) She is very active though. Sometimes, if its like half the banana bread, then I'll cut back her actual meals a bit to compensate. Its all about balance.

All the young standard poodles I know are extremely active, high drive and vocal. One of them plays with my young lab and the two of them are as mad as each other. The difference is that my dog doesn't bark during play (where as the poodle does) though perhaps this is a training issue. The two std poodles we see at agility are extremely vocal and drivey dogs. I really think a standard would have the same exercise requirements as a Lab, GSP or any other active gundog. I guess it also depends on the individual- perhaps you could ask the breeder for a more laid back pup? The lagottos I've met seem more relaxed.

GSD's are not all DA! My dog plays with quite a few of them and they are happy, friendly dogs. And DA dogs are dangerous if they are not managed correctly. I think they are a danger to other dogs and also possibly people who try to break up a fault, should one start. I don't think they should be put down, as long as the owner can manage them. And yes, it is idiotic to let your dog approach another at the vet (yet i see people do it almost every day!).

The first behaviours you described sound entirely normal :D My lab also does this, she is rather a hyper thing though... The bolded bit though sounds a bit abnormal and perhaps it is something you should get checked by a vet. Generally things like you have described are vestibular or involve the cranial nerves and/or brain or the eye muscles themselves. I would defintiely raise my concerns with a vet. Maybe take a video of him doing it and show it to them if he doesn't do it all the time?

roasted/mashed pumpkin can bulk up a meal and is low fat. It is tasty for dogs as well. If your dog likes carrot and apple you can bulk out the meal with these too. Raw meaty bones are good, although the marrow can be fattening. Diet foods like Hills R/D are good for some because you can feed the same amount (so you won't feel as guilty I suppose), there is just less calories per biscuit. Personally I would just feed less of whatever you're giving now.

pre-cut cabanossi all the way!!!! - it is cheaper than most equivalent weight dog treats (a $3.99 packet will last me around 4-5 days, even longer if I bother to quarter the slices). You can cut into quarters if you want really tiny pieced too- if you're concerned about weight or cost. I (well, Mindy does) also like twiggy sticks.

My lab Mindy has large muscles in her hind legs which "stick out". They look like lumps but being bilaterally symmetrical I think they are just muscle enlargement (of the Biceps femoris). I am not sure if this is normal? She is very fit and otherwise healthy- she has shown no signs of limping or exercise intolerance. She does agility training weekly and receives around 3 hrs of exercise a day (combination of free running, swimming and leash walking)as well as extra training and play at home. I haven't seen any labs that have had this before. She has no other clinical signs.

Maybe put a coat on her so she doesn't get so cold at night?

my girl used to suckle in her sleep when she was a baby, but she has stopped doing it now and pretends to eat in her sleep! I know what labradors dream about now...

How do they have kennel cough? Do vaccinations not work properly? Vaccinations do not necessarily prevent KC. If they have been vaccinated they can have reduced symptoms. There are also a number of strains of KC so it depends whether the vaccine has covered these.

Exactly. While it is a training issue- it is certainly not worth "furious" - as he had not been trained otherwise ;) he's a teenager- and he needs educating as to when & where to do certain things ..and that is the owner's responsibilty Imagine how the person getting peed on felt ;) Whilst it is not a nice habit, getting mad at him won't help. Yes, issue a correction, but in a calm manner- as others have suggested, knocking him off balance and a firm no.

It is not a typical presentation of a thyroid disorder... However, you can still get him tested just to be sure. There are hair follicle disorders but they are rare and require all endocrine causes to be ruled out and a biopsy to diagnose.

I wouldn't worm a sick puppy without checking with the vet first.

Hehe, Mindy does this too! Glad to hear she is doing better. Mindy had blood in her faeces on a few occaisons as a puppy- nothing more serious than colitis each time. One time she seemed quiet and in pain so we took her to the vet then but she recovered with some antibiotics and i/d only. I would take her if she seems quiet or stops eating. Give her a bland diet for the next few days. Hills i/d is good but if you don't have that you can give some boiled chicken and rice. Perhaps the new food didn't agree with her?