Hi guys/gals.
My name is Jeff and I purchased Chewy (9 month pure black lab) when he was 6 weeks old. Like most new pet owners we spent alot of time together..at first. My Son was born 7/7/11 and Chewy on 8/1/11. As you can see ive got 2 very time consuming duties at home. Some think I am nuts for having a puppy with a child and they are right. My thinking behind it was once Chewy grows out of the puppy stage in a few years, he would be a great companion for my 2-3 yr old son. In the meantime, I thought Chewy would be a great companion to me, and he is.
Chewy digs and chews a lot. Anything in his path, he destroys. He is very very friendly and pretty smart I think. Sit,fetch,stay all came very natural to him at an early age.when i first got Chewy he went everywhere with me all the time for about 2 months. After a couple of months I got a new job and wasnt able to spend as much time with him but I still made it a point to take him places and run him atleast 2-5 days per week. I maintained this treatment for a while, but eventually ended up getting a different job. This time, i ended up trading in my truck for a fuel efficient car and spending alot more time at work and less with Chewy.
Today I went out to run chewy (the dog is a crazy good fetcher so "run" means launching a ball into big field 5-10 times and letting him go after it). I usually reward him with a small treat each time he brings it back. Chewy had a big tick between his eyes and it was WWII trying to get him calm for a minute just to get it. So bad, I almost lost my temper. Chewy is so full of energy ive been wondering if its my fault or just natural for a lab puppy to go 100mph.
His set up is as follows. He has a large lot to run on with an electic collar. He is very good about staying in the boundries and never gives me grief when putting the collar back on. He has a neat house that i built myself in the middle of his lot.
What can I do to calm him down? My own thoughts are to get back to playing with him 3-5 days per week instead of the 2 im at now. Also, i think getting him some toys on his lot would be great, but the crap i find in stores are destroyed in a day with him. Anyone know where t get some durable toys?
New Here. My Lab is out of control. Help please
Started by chewysbud, Apr 24 2012 09:57 PM
10 replies to this topic
#2
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Posted 24 April 2012 - 10:28 PM
We got our little Chloe when she was about 8 weeks old (she is now 5 months) and she also has a lot of energy. From what I've experienced and have read it is perfectly normal for labs to have more energy than the energizer bunny and go "100mph" 
Has his behavior has gotten worse since your son was born (congratulations btw) and your job and car changes? If so then I would find an in between from what you used to give him to what you give him now. Labs love destroying things and love continuous entertainment, so if you don't want to spend a lot of money but what to give him more toys to keep him occupied try bones. Chloe loves bones and the bigger ones take her longer to go through. Also she loves anything other than her toys (like sticks, rocks, boxes, plastic bags etc.) We usually designate certain boxes for her where she can't have others so she doesn't assume that every box that comes into sight is hers. We also crushed a gallon milk bottle and she has yet to destroy it completely but loves it. Try this new entertainment and see how his energy levels go (other than the natural crazy lab nature) so you don't stress yourself with all you have to juggle just yet.
Hopes this helps
Has his behavior has gotten worse since your son was born (congratulations btw) and your job and car changes? If so then I would find an in between from what you used to give him to what you give him now. Labs love destroying things and love continuous entertainment, so if you don't want to spend a lot of money but what to give him more toys to keep him occupied try bones. Chloe loves bones and the bigger ones take her longer to go through. Also she loves anything other than her toys (like sticks, rocks, boxes, plastic bags etc.) We usually designate certain boxes for her where she can't have others so she doesn't assume that every box that comes into sight is hers. We also crushed a gallon milk bottle and she has yet to destroy it completely but loves it. Try this new entertainment and see how his energy levels go (other than the natural crazy lab nature) so you don't stress yourself with all you have to juggle just yet.
Hopes this helps
#3
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Posted 25 April 2012 - 03:14 AM
Yes, lab pups are more than capable of 100mph at all times, I have even seen some going 150mph! Just look at the black lab in the photo below!
Buddy, our black lab went from that tree in the background over the fence stringer to where you see him in 1.5 seconds!
Now seriously, it sounds like you have a serious problem on your hands. To put it bluntly, your dog is bored. And when dogs get bored they will find their own entertainment, and I guarantee you it will be entertainment that you will not like.
When labs are young they require huge amounts of exercise. You are not giving your dog enough. A walk two or three times a week is simply not enough. Your dog needs either a 1 hour walk or 30 minutes of ball/frisbee every day! I know I have heard people say "well I don't have the time for that." Well you will have to learn how to make time or your problem will persist and most likely get worse.
Just exercise alone sometimes isn't enough. You have to include the dog's brain too. They like exercise that not only uses up their bountiful excess energy, but they like play that makes them think. One good way of doing this would be to make your dog sit and stay. Then throw the ball making sure he stays after the ball is thrown. Then say "OK". You can vary the amount of time from the time you throw the ball to the time you say OK from anywhere from 15 seconds to 1 minute. But in the beginning say "OK" as soon as the ball stops moving. This also is a method of working obedience training into playtime. Dogs love it.
Another thing about keeping your lab outside. They don't like it. Period. Labs are very family oriented. They want to be with their family at all times. Keeping your dog in the yard and taking him out only when you want to play with him is unacceptable. This can lead to anything from simple anxiety to full blown boundary aggression. And that will be much more difficult to break than the problems you have now. Labs do love to go outside for activities, but not to live out there. Besides, it gets cold in Missouri and snows. What do you do with your dog then?
If you are worried about your dog chewing up your house you should purchase a proper sized crate for him. This will not only prevent him from chewing up your house, but will also protect him from being injured while doing this unwanted activity. There certainly is more to owning a dog than to just bring him home and feed him.
A labs puppyhood can last anywhere from 24-48 months. After that they calm down and don't need such extensive exercise. The dog you see in the photo above is now five years old and is first now showing signs of being an adult.
As for toys, I recommend the harder Nylabones for chewing. When people get stressed they drink or take a tranquilizer. Dogs can't do this. To relieve stress they chew. Nylabones last longer than rawhides. Just make sure you DON'T get the ones with the bumps on them.
JK Industries make some darned good toys that last. PetSmart carries them. They make a large squeaky ball that lasts. But you should only take it out at playtime. If you leave a squeaky ball out all the time no matter who makes it will be destroyed. Kong toys are great for your dog too. They make a beehive shaped toy that bounces in all different directions when thrown and used like playing ball can be challenging to your dog too. You can also leave it with your dog at all times. Just make sure you get one that is big enough that your dog can't swallow.
Any questions?
Buddy, our black lab went from that tree in the background over the fence stringer to where you see him in 1.5 seconds!
Now seriously, it sounds like you have a serious problem on your hands. To put it bluntly, your dog is bored. And when dogs get bored they will find their own entertainment, and I guarantee you it will be entertainment that you will not like.
When labs are young they require huge amounts of exercise. You are not giving your dog enough. A walk two or three times a week is simply not enough. Your dog needs either a 1 hour walk or 30 minutes of ball/frisbee every day! I know I have heard people say "well I don't have the time for that." Well you will have to learn how to make time or your problem will persist and most likely get worse.
Just exercise alone sometimes isn't enough. You have to include the dog's brain too. They like exercise that not only uses up their bountiful excess energy, but they like play that makes them think. One good way of doing this would be to make your dog sit and stay. Then throw the ball making sure he stays after the ball is thrown. Then say "OK". You can vary the amount of time from the time you throw the ball to the time you say OK from anywhere from 15 seconds to 1 minute. But in the beginning say "OK" as soon as the ball stops moving. This also is a method of working obedience training into playtime. Dogs love it.
Another thing about keeping your lab outside. They don't like it. Period. Labs are very family oriented. They want to be with their family at all times. Keeping your dog in the yard and taking him out only when you want to play with him is unacceptable. This can lead to anything from simple anxiety to full blown boundary aggression. And that will be much more difficult to break than the problems you have now. Labs do love to go outside for activities, but not to live out there. Besides, it gets cold in Missouri and snows. What do you do with your dog then?
If you are worried about your dog chewing up your house you should purchase a proper sized crate for him. This will not only prevent him from chewing up your house, but will also protect him from being injured while doing this unwanted activity. There certainly is more to owning a dog than to just bring him home and feed him.
A labs puppyhood can last anywhere from 24-48 months. After that they calm down and don't need such extensive exercise. The dog you see in the photo above is now five years old and is first now showing signs of being an adult.
As for toys, I recommend the harder Nylabones for chewing. When people get stressed they drink or take a tranquilizer. Dogs can't do this. To relieve stress they chew. Nylabones last longer than rawhides. Just make sure you DON'T get the ones with the bumps on them.
JK Industries make some darned good toys that last. PetSmart carries them. They make a large squeaky ball that lasts. But you should only take it out at playtime. If you leave a squeaky ball out all the time no matter who makes it will be destroyed. Kong toys are great for your dog too. They make a beehive shaped toy that bounces in all different directions when thrown and used like playing ball can be challenging to your dog too. You can also leave it with your dog at all times. Just make sure you get one that is big enough that your dog can't swallow.
Any questions?
#4
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- Interests:Black Labradors! - Dolphins! Music, Walking and the great outdoors, Golf, Ufology, Reading, Photography, Cooking, the study of life after death (don't know what 'ology' that would be!) I'm married to Sylvia with 2 grown up children and am a Station Officer in Fire and Rescue. I'm 54. I'm a 1956 Aston Martin. I'm (so people tell me) still looking very good for my vintage (all me own - mostly brown - hair, and my original teeth!!) - As a 1956 model I'm still quite sporty, but the bodywork has seen better days, the piston rings are a bit worn and the paint job is a little dull!!.
Posted 28 April 2012 - 06:53 PM
I have high hopes for Jeff and Chewy - I think Jeff's heart's in the right place. With a bit of work and dedication - and with attention to Kurt's advice, I'm confident he'll be as good a dog owner as he is a father, and that Chewy and his son will form that unbreakable bond that those of us who have experienced it, are much the better for it.
I have a question for Kurt. What's your thoughts on Electric (shock) Collars? I'm not heaping further criticism on Jeff, I've never seen one - let alone contemplated using one, but have heard that they use fear and pain to train a dog - and so are not a good solution.
...by the way, the fence looks good, Kurt - I've been building a fence round my property this week too - but I think it's a little cooler here!
I have a question for Kurt. What's your thoughts on Electric (shock) Collars? I'm not heaping further criticism on Jeff, I've never seen one - let alone contemplated using one, but have heard that they use fear and pain to train a dog - and so are not a good solution.
...by the way, the fence looks good, Kurt - I've been building a fence round my property this week too - but I think it's a little cooler here!
...PHOEBE'S PET HUMAN
#5
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Posted 29 April 2012 - 03:22 AM
While I try everything to avoid the use of electrical collars sometimes you just can't put up a fence for practical reasons. So an electric collar is the next best thing. How these work is that a underground wire is buried and a electrical unit is attatched to it. The buried wire sends out a signal. When the electrical collar detects the signal, like when a dog is close to it, it triggers the collar to send a shock to the dog.
After a month or so by the power of deduction the dog learns the can't go past a certain point and in most cases the collar can be removed. Sometimes you have to put it on for maybe a week to remind the dog, but mostly once the dog learns where he can and cannot go there is usually no more need for it.
There are also shock collars for dogs that counter cruise. I have not ever used one, but in cases where the dog is very resistant to training and you have tried everything in the book to prevent the dog from counter cruising I can see where on may be used. You just put a sensor on the counter top and the collar on the dog and when the dog gets within 6 feet (2.5 meters) of the counter top it gets a shock.
I have a client that may need to do this. They keep their medications on the counter top. Their dog, a German Shorthair Pointer keeps getting on the counter and one evening broke open a bottle of pills and consumed them.
So off to the emergency vet clinic to have his stomach pumped. He survived without any harm, but the people claim that they MUST keep their medications on the counter top. I have shown them exercises to use to keep their dog from counter cruising, but I think they are not doing any follow through or practice of these exercises. So in order to keep the dog from being harmed by consuming their medications a electrical collar may be needed.
That photo was taken three years ago when Hurricane Ike came through and blew the old one down. Fo a couple of months all the dogs had the run of both yards! I enjoy building fences, I find it somewhat relaxing. That's red cedar pickets we are using. Bug proof and easily will last 25 years.
After a month or so by the power of deduction the dog learns the can't go past a certain point and in most cases the collar can be removed. Sometimes you have to put it on for maybe a week to remind the dog, but mostly once the dog learns where he can and cannot go there is usually no more need for it.
There are also shock collars for dogs that counter cruise. I have not ever used one, but in cases where the dog is very resistant to training and you have tried everything in the book to prevent the dog from counter cruising I can see where on may be used. You just put a sensor on the counter top and the collar on the dog and when the dog gets within 6 feet (2.5 meters) of the counter top it gets a shock.
I have a client that may need to do this. They keep their medications on the counter top. Their dog, a German Shorthair Pointer keeps getting on the counter and one evening broke open a bottle of pills and consumed them.
So off to the emergency vet clinic to have his stomach pumped. He survived without any harm, but the people claim that they MUST keep their medications on the counter top. I have shown them exercises to use to keep their dog from counter cruising, but I think they are not doing any follow through or practice of these exercises. So in order to keep the dog from being harmed by consuming their medications a electrical collar may be needed.
That photo was taken three years ago when Hurricane Ike came through and blew the old one down. Fo a couple of months all the dogs had the run of both yards! I enjoy building fences, I find it somewhat relaxing. That's red cedar pickets we are using. Bug proof and easily will last 25 years.
#6
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Posted 30 April 2012 - 03:12 PM
Hi guys/gals.
My name is Jeff and I purchased Chewy (9 month pure black lab) when he was 6 weeks old. Like most new pet owners we spent alot of time together..at first. My Son was born 7/7/11 and Chewy on 8/1/11. As you can see ive got 2 very time consuming duties at home. Some think I am nuts for having a puppy with a child and they are right. My thinking behind it was once Chewy grows out of the puppy stage in a few years, he would be a great companion for my 2-3 yr old son. In the meantime, I thought Chewy would be a great companion to me, and he is.
Chewy digs and chews a lot. Anything in his path, he destroys. He is very very friendly and pretty smart I think. Sit,fetch,stay all came very natural to him at an early age.when i first got Chewy he went everywhere with me all the time for about 2 months. After a couple of months I got a new job and wasnt able to spend as much time with him but I still made it a point to take him places and run him atleast 2-5 days per week. I maintained this treatment for a while, but eventually ended up getting a different job. This time, i ended up trading in my truck for a fuel efficient car and spending alot more time at work and less with Chewy.
Today I went out to run chewy (the dog is a crazy good fetcher so "run" means launching a ball into big field 5-10 times and letting him go after it). I usually reward him with a small treat each time he brings it back. Chewy had a big tick between his eyes and it was WWII trying to get him calm for a minute just to get it. So bad, I almost lost my temper. Chewy is so full of energy ive been wondering if its my fault or just natural for a lab puppy to go 100mph.
His set up is as follows. He has a large lot to run on with an electic collar. He is very good about staying in the boundries and never gives me grief when putting the collar back on. He has a neat house that i built myself in the middle of his lot.
What can I do to calm him down? My own thoughts are to get back to playing with him 3-5 days per week instead of the 2 im at now. Also, i think getting him some toys on his lot would be great, but the crap i find in stores are destroyed in a day with him. Anyone know where t get some durable toys?
Jeff,
It sounds like you have your hands full. Chewy sounds very typical of a lab. I have owned seven and have a five month old one now. And I have three grown kids. You noted that you run him 3-5 days a week. That is not enough for a young lab. Frequency, short time frames are best. You might try this, which worked and is still working for me: Try throwing the ball/dummy first thing in the morning about 10 minutes. Again as soon as you get home. Feed him. And again right before bed. Each time about 10 minutes or more if you have the time. He needs exercise constantly as well as the training. I literally have not changed yet when I get home and my pup, Ellie, is already dropping the dummy on my feet and barking. And maybe you, Chewy and your son go for a walk around the block with the stroller. Also change up the chew toys. They love the new stuff. Even plastic milk cartons, boxes, etc.
Good luck and remember, frequency is better than those long periods of exercise for young dogs while they are developing.
Larry from Dallas
LarryL from Dallas
#7
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Posted 30 April 2012 - 06:07 PM
Remember that if you exercise your dog and he is panting, wait at least one hour before feeding him so you don't run the risk of a stomach torsion. Those are pretty common in dogs with big chests.
#8
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Posted 30 April 2012 - 06:40 PM
Without digressing too much - my fence is made of pine, and is maybe less handsome than your red cedar pickets, but we don't have hurricanes to worry about! Today, I've been digging out the garden prior to laying paving slabs tomorrow - I'm sitting here with a nice muscle ache in my arms and legs. Job should be finished by Friday. And I love this sort of work too. Very theraputic - I can just drift off into my own little universe as I I'm working away....
I agree wholeheartedly with the above advice. I know people who have obtained 'high energy' dogs as pets, because they like the idea....but you have to do the legwork to keep these dogs content and in their element. If you don't, then they get bored and you've got trouble. It's a labour of love!
I agree wholeheartedly with the above advice. I know people who have obtained 'high energy' dogs as pets, because they like the idea....but you have to do the legwork to keep these dogs content and in their element. If you don't, then they get bored and you've got trouble. It's a labour of love!
...PHOEBE'S PET HUMAN
#9
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Posted 01 May 2012 - 12:41 AM
When you do your own work around the house such as building things don't you get a great sense of accomplishment? It's a reward in itself!
#10
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Big Black Lab
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- Interests:Black Labradors! - Dolphins! Music, Walking and the great outdoors, Golf, Ufology, Reading, Photography, Cooking, the study of life after death (don't know what 'ology' that would be!) I'm married to Sylvia with 2 grown up children and am a Station Officer in Fire and Rescue. I'm 54. I'm a 1956 Aston Martin. I'm (so people tell me) still looking very good for my vintage (all me own - mostly brown - hair, and my original teeth!!) - As a 1956 model I'm still quite sporty, but the bodywork has seen better days, the piston rings are a bit worn and the paint job is a little dull!!.
Posted 01 May 2012 - 01:21 AM
When you do your own work around the house such as building things don't you get a great sense of accomplishment? It's a reward in itself!
Very true, Kurt - standing on the finished paving will feel all the sweeter for me knowing that it's all my own humble work!
...PHOEBE'S PET HUMAN
#11
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Posted 03 May 2012 - 05:40 AM
See my photo to the left (my avatar pic) thats my Jake going 150mph around the garden.
He has so much energy but it is possible to give him enough excersize even in my lifestyle.
I have 2 young children 4 and 7 years old and work full time. Jake gets a long walk/run with me on a morning and then my mother who doesnt work now pops along and takes him out again at lunchtime.
By 4 in the afternoon Im finished and me and the kids and dogs go out on our bikes. Jake loves running along side! we keep stopping for the kids and the dogs have a little walk along before another bit run.
I cant play catch with Jake much as cant let him off the lead! however do this with a long rope sometimes.
This is enough to stay on top of things with him and he doesnt chew anything! apart from his favourite toy which BTW has lasted a whole MONTH now!! usually toys only last him ..... 10 minutes!
This is a fab toy, just cheap but very solid and has a bit of a taste to it as well. He LOVES it and I took it with him to the vets when he had to stay awhile for his op. He carries it on walks etc and loves it!!
You and your child can enjoy the excersize with Chewy. Thats the great thing - its not a chore its getting you out and excersize for you too, dogs and humans live in harmony helping each other!
He has so much energy but it is possible to give him enough excersize even in my lifestyle.
I have 2 young children 4 and 7 years old and work full time. Jake gets a long walk/run with me on a morning and then my mother who doesnt work now pops along and takes him out again at lunchtime.
By 4 in the afternoon Im finished and me and the kids and dogs go out on our bikes. Jake loves running along side! we keep stopping for the kids and the dogs have a little walk along before another bit run.
I cant play catch with Jake much as cant let him off the lead! however do this with a long rope sometimes.
This is enough to stay on top of things with him and he doesnt chew anything! apart from his favourite toy which BTW has lasted a whole MONTH now!! usually toys only last him ..... 10 minutes!
This is a fab toy, just cheap but very solid and has a bit of a taste to it as well. He LOVES it and I took it with him to the vets when he had to stay awhile for his op. He carries it on walks etc and loves it!!
You and your child can enjoy the excersize with Chewy. Thats the great thing - its not a chore its getting you out and excersize for you too, dogs and humans live in harmony helping each other!
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