Bushriver

I somewhat agree. It can be very hard to get a start I. The dog world today. I've been lucky to find some very kind and encouraging people. I think those that are so against others wanting to breed are a bit insecure? In my opinion eventually the breeders that are passionate and doing the right thing will always come out on top on the end. Word of mouth will soon be the end of those that don't. Of course you want to find the best homes for your pups or dogs, but surely encouraging those that are keen to do the right thing can only end up being better for the breed. Fresh ideas, widening the gene pool, more friends with common goals?

Why are standards so general and open to interpretation? Why not have actual measurements and angles to work by? As mentioned above a "long" neck could mean anything. Breeders could end up with giraffe necks because that's what the standard says!?

I feel the responsibility lies with breeders mostly. They need to actually breed for the betterment of the breed, not to win in the show ring or appeal to the pet fashion at the time. That requires bravery and confidence. Judges also need to take some responsibility as they have a big impact on the changes in dogs, due to what is winning in the ring.

I think it's more importantly the individual dog that you choose as well as the breed. I couldn't go past a lab in your situation. I have five of them and they interact beautifully with my four children. My youngest child is only two and I can have the whole pack out playing with her within any of them knocking her over etc. Of course this has come through training and selecting the temperament that I like. Labs are also one of the breeds that genuinely enjoy children's affections.

Yes. I did send her back. Her breeder was very good about it, although she didn't think there was a problem, it's not something I was comfortable with. Especially as she was to be a show and breeding prospect, but even so, having her on the farm with all the dust and grass etc. would have been uncomfortable for her. Very happy with my new pup.

I can't remember answering g this question, but would it not just be that dominant will suppress recessive?

Well, he's decided just to do it on his own. Now trotting along (still needs work of course) on a loose lead and feeling happy about it all

Thanks everyone. I don't take him on long walks on leash as such. It's more on leash for training sessions, practicing circles and up and backs. We walk with the other dogs off leash around the farm. He is quite playful and energetic then so I might try some leash training with the other dogs creating a bit of enthusiasm. I love his laid back personality so I wouldn't change it for the world, but hopefully I can teach him to put on a show when needed!

I have them and have found them to be good quality.

Mr Casual.

Reading the loose leash thread has prompted me to start this one. My beautiful 14 week old lab has a gorgeous laid back nature which I really enjoy. However, I'm planning on showing him and he's quite lazy on the lead. He'll plod along but would prefer to walk! I'm trying to get him a bit excited and lure him with treats, which works to some extent, but would love any tips to try and put a bit more energy into his gait.

I would just avoid her if you can and ignore her if you can't. If your dogs are behaving you shouldn't have a problem. You just never know what's going through some people's heads?

Just research the breed a lot so you know all the right questions to ask and ask plenty of them. A good breeder with have a wealth of knowledge and should answer all your questions.

Sounds like you are doing a terrific job and have already gotten some great advice. The only thing I might add, is that you need to let go of feeling sorry for him. It will only reinforce his tension. Although he had an awful start in life he won't be able to move on if his humans don't. Forget about his past and just keep working with what you have now.

I think you will need to research breeders and contact them to tell them a bit about yourself. You will need to expect to wait awhile as very rarely there are just pups waiting around to be sold.

I could possibly help you. If you'd like to PM me we could discuss details.

We have our first show fast approaching and would love to know people's opinions on crates. I'll be taking a lab puppy, but will buy a crate big enough for him when he's fully grown. I have an old wire crate at home but it has seen better days. Brand recommendations would be great. Thanks.

Couldn't agree more. I love my dogs, but they are animals not humans and are treated as such, and I believe are much happier for it. Also can't stand the term fur baby!!

I'm not sure what the brand of the feeder is. I've had it for awhile. Feeding him is not a problem though, I can work around the gutsy eating. I was having a bit of trouble in training, in that he would see/smell the treats and loose all focus on what I was telling him. Like his brain could not function because there was food! The last few days have been much better though. The switch has just about flicked on id say.

Haha. Yes I guess it will make training easier once we get the hang of it and he realises where the treats come from and when.

Would you believe after all these years, I have my first really greedy lab pup. He will inhale his food and get really worked up about it (excited). He's only 11 weeks so still a baby. Through a lot of training he has learned some manners and I can usually give him a treat without him swallowing my whole hand! I feed him his kibble in a slow feeder or spread it on a mat so he has to eat it one by one, which works fine, but is there a way of actually changing his attitude towards food? Making it less important to him?

Hmmmm.... So I won't be paying the $5.50 a kg! Such a shame, it would've been great if only they were better priced.

The microchip will probably be your best bet. If they don't match, then yes, something is off. The other things could be explained within reason, but you should have been told all these things prior to buying your pup. Have you questioned the breeder? What did he say?

Yes it's not the nicest industry, but I have very few choices. I imagine it will be just as good if not better than the stuff I can get at the supermarket.