Dog Training

[dyehard]

You guys have probably figured out that I have a 6 month old black Lab Retriever. I have a love/hate relationship with him. I'm not really a dog person, but I do like animals in general. The problem with having a dog is that he is so big and still growing. We have a small yard with an in ground pool and a playgym for the kids. We also love to entertain friends all through the summer with cookouts and pool parties. So the dog crap in the backyard is pretty shitty. Also, he loves to chew, obviously. We no longer have a canopy swing because Rosco chewed all the cushions. We have tried to kennel train him, but he occasionally still has accidents in his cage. Also, with 3 5 year olds, and a new born in the house, we can't let him run free in the house unless we are watching his every step...and we are only willing to do that for 10 or 15 minutes. Also, we don't trust him for fear that he will have an accident in the house or run over one of the kids. I think it is unfair for him to be caged up for a large majority of the day.

I think it was Holly that said she was a Dog Whisperer, errr, dog trainer. I'd like to at least make an effort to see if we can turn him into a nice pet that we can trust and enjoy, especially for the kids.

So what things can we work on? Thanks in advance.

[DaDragonLady]

Actually it was me and Tracy discussing dog training. Labs are great dogs and good with the family BUT they need training and attention... Is there a PetSmart near you?? (do a google search for dog obedience in your area) You or wife really need to take dog to class - it will make you accountable. If you just try to train dog on ur own, u most likely will not do well. I have taught dog obedience and STILL take my pups to a class... I like the accountability and the "competition" when u show how well u did ur "homework"...
Post if a class is not feasibility and we can talk about what to teach & how... BUT I highly recommend a class - Labs are very trainable, but can't be neglected...

[Masao]

http://wolf.ok.ac.kr/~annyg/english/e5.htm

[PaintedHeart]

Labs are high energy, please pay attention to me now kind of K-9's. Scott has a list of what our, just turned 1 year old has eaten around here since he arrived at 9 months old. He really has come around and only occasionally gets into trouble now. I feel we've transformed him in 3 months from the dog that on his first day he ripped the screen door off of the back porch and peed all through the house. He did pee allot the first couple of weeks and anytime we raised our voices, but seems to have gotten over that now. He really wants to please us. We still got a ways to go, car chasing, human handler dragging down the streets, but in the upcoming better weather, I feel we can get that tackled.

Potty patrol, Scott does daily. We've got two dogs, in a postage sized back yard, so that seems to work best. Then when it is playtime no one is tromping through stuff or picking up toys that have rolled through...I think the lab is going to really love your pool. That will be another issue you will face in the near future, time to start planning if he's allowed in or not!

There is nothing wrong with crate training, if that is what fits your lifestyle, he has a home that is what counts the most. My last lab was crate trained for I could not trust him home alone. I had a pet sitter that would stop by midway through the work day to walk him. Then we moved to OH with a fenced in backyard and that became his crate! The exercise was what he needed!

I took my last lab to doggy school, he was so out of control, I knew I needed help. Petsmart has a good program, I've not heard anything negative about it. Give it a try to get ahead!

A few more months should help in his maturity level, but he will need exercise!

[dyehard]

http://wolf.ok.ac.kr/~annyg/english/e5.htm

If it were not for your customs, I would say you are sick. But in Japan, I know it is a delicasy. However, I feel you are way out of line with this post.

Great way to make an impression with your 4th post. You sir are a class act.

[Masao]

However, I feel you are way out of line with this post.

It is always good to have a backup plan.

[J4bberW0cky]

It sounds like a crappy time to have a dog like that. Not good for the dog, or you. I'd strongly suggest getting rid of it before it's formed strong attachments and while it's still young (and therefor marketable).

[Chipless Wonder]

Labs are high energy, please pay attention to me now kind of K-9's. Scott has a list of what our, just turned 1 year old has eaten around here since he arrived at 9 months old.

Here is a partial list of the things around our house that Kemper has eaten and/or destroyed in the three months he's been with us.

16 tennis balls
2 horse balls
Several other balls
Countless stuffed animals
Red blow-up gizmo
Grille
Grille cover
Wooden deck
Landscape timbers
Many trees and bushes
2 food bowls
1 heated water bowl
2 door mats
Wooden bench
Wooden zebra
Bird ball
iPod earbuds with optional volume control
12" outdoor thermometer
Plastic foot stool
Screen door
Cushion strap on lounge chair
Strap from dog blanket
Large root ball from an unknown plant
1 paver patio brick

We still love all our animals though!

[Motwgtsyw]

Here is a partial list of the things around our house that Kemper has eaten and/or destroyed in the three months he's been with us.

16 tennis balls
2 horse balls
Several other balls
Countless stuffed animals
Red blow-up gizmo
Grille
Grille cover
Wooden deck
Landscape timbers
Many trees and bushes
2 food bowls
1 heated water bowl
2 door mats
Wooden bench
Wooden zebra
Bird ball
iPod earbuds with optional volume control
12" outdoor thermometer
Plastic foot stool
Screen door
Cushion strap on lounge chair
Strap from dog blanket
Large root ball from an unknown plant
1 paver patio brick

We still love all our animals though!

Bloody hell


Was thinking of getting Trudy a dog - might just have a re-think Maybe a goldfish instead!

[dyehard]

Here is a partial list of the things around our house that Kemper has eaten and/or destroyed in the three months he's been with us.

16 tennis balls
2 horse balls
Several other balls
Countless stuffed animals
Red blow-up gizmo Scott...TMI.
Grille
Grille cover
Wooden deck
Landscape timbers
Many trees and bushes
2 food bowls
1 heated water bowl
2 door mats
Wooden bench
Wooden zebra
Bird ball
iPod earbuds with optional volume control
12" outdoor thermometer
Plastic foot stool
Screen door
Cushion strap on lounge chair
Strap from dog blanket
Large root ball from an unknown plant
1 paver patio brick Wat????

We still love all our animals though! Want to love 1 more?

Anyone ever use "The Perfect Dog" trainer?