New Black Lab

• 10-11-2007 12:24 PM

  layck00 Joined on 08-15-2007 Posts 10 Points 0

  New Black Lab Reply Contact Hello!  I have written a previous post about my new dog and trying to get him accustomed to our three cats.  but now, i thought perhaps i'd ask for advice on all his other 'quirks'!  First, We just adopted Petey one week ago from the Humane Society.  He is a one year old black lab mix (perhaps Great Dane?).  The history we recieved from HS is that he doesn't not like cats, good with other dogs, cannot walk on a leash, friendly with other people and sleeps in the crate.  well, the not good with cats we are working on.  i think he is more just not used to cats.  He has been getting progressively better at walking past them and not giving chase.  The other quirks that i would like some suggestions on:  - for the one week we've had him, he's been exceptionally good at going into his crate and just chilling, which is where we put him when we go to work, when he goes to sleep, and also when we are in the house and can't keep a good enough eye on him to not eat the cats.  I realize it's quite a bit of time to be in the crate, but honestly, he is so calm in there and from the beginning didn't seem to mind.  However, in the last day or so, he has been resisting more and more going in there.  Last night, when we went to bed, he barked for about 30 seconds in the crate and didn't stop until i covered it with a blanket.  This morning, after i walked and played with him, I left him in the fenced in yard so that my husband could put him in the crate when he goes to work (about an hour after i leave).  Petey started barking at the cat thru the patio door right after i left so he had to come in and go into the crate.  Was he barking last night because he doensn't want to be in the crate and wants attention? and was he barking this morning because he didn't want to be outside alone and wants attention?  I'd like to eventually leave him out in the yard while we are at work so that he isn't in the crate all the time, but I don't want to drive our neighbors crazy with the barking either....  - I'm not sure how the previous owners thought Petey was good with other dogs because he constantly barks and sometimes lunges at other dogs when we go for a walk.  As soon as he spots another dog, he perks up and as we get closer, he starts to try to run towards it, barking.  I am able to get him back into a sit, but he still tries to stare and will still lunge if he feels any slack on the leash.  Even if he is in the back yard and sees someone walking by with a dog, he will bark from our patio.  How can I stop his reactions towards other dogs?  Some of these things, i imagine are just due to being in a new place and trying to test us (barking in his crate at night), but how do i curb this now so it doesn't get worse?  I am not sure how to correct his barking, or how to teach the 'Quiet' command.  Also, any suggestions for how to teach the 'Leave It' command?  Sorry this is quite a long post.  but thanks for any suggestions!

  Filed under: Advice, behavior, barking, training, obedience Post Points: 0

• 10-11-2007 1:35 PM

  In reply to layck00

  Maxs Mom Joined on 09-26-2006 Livonia, MI Posts 1,640 Points 100

  Re: New Black Lab Reply Contact I am not a trainer but I will lend you my views. First of all CONGRATULATIONS on your new dog! It sounds like you haven't had Petey very long and you still have quite the adjustment period to go through. At first he could have been just "lost" trying to figure out what was up, which is why he was quieter, now he realizes he belongs and he is trying to establish himself in your world. The crate is wonderful, do not give in to his barking. It's like a crying baby you don't always want to pick them up. Yes I think he wants to be with you and your attention, by putting the blanket on the crate you made it clear he was staying. Make sure the crate stays a positive place, he will probably love "his space". When he was barking at your door, it probably because the cat was on the other side. When I take one dog out and the others can see they bark too. That will probably settle as he continues to adjust. Barking at other dogs through his fence or picking up on walks with other dogs does not necessarily mean "agressive". It sounds like he needs manners. Dog walking takes some skill, especially with worldly distractions. I suggest a good trainer and classes. We did that with my dogs. It is fun, rewarding, educational and both of you will get something out of it. You will also see you are not the only one with difficulties, which I find helps me. I STILL have issues with my lab on walks with an approaching dog. She thinks EVERYONE is her playmate, we have been working on this for 3 years. I hate to admit that, she is wonderful every other time, but I find if there is an approaching dog, the other people usually cross the street so I don't get to work on it. sigh Training will help with the barking too. I personally do not "discourage" my dogs from barking (mine do not bark a lot though) I do redirect their attention and get them focused on something else. I want my dog to bark if there is an intruder around my house so I don't punish that behavior. If my dogs are in our back yard barking I bring them in to not disturb my neighbors. Usually when they do bark someone is walking past their house, and I personally see is as an announcement it belongs to us not you. (sorry my computer does not post new paragraphs this really is not a run on) You may want to keep a leash on him in the house so you can correct if necessary. For leave it, if my dog approached something I did not want them to have I would say "leave it" with a mild tug on the leash, if the dog did not listen I would be firmer. They usually catch on pretty quickly but you need to correct the unwanted behavior and reward the wanted behavior. I can't help with quiet as I have never had to teach that one. Another thing is l consider labs "high maintenance" (I have one) they are high energy, LOVE to work, need to work, need to be focused and need lots of exercise. I like to say they make good 3 year olds, they stay puppies a long time. Keep that in mind, make sure he is getting enough exercise, you can use mental stimulation too. Again find a good trainer. We do agility, obedience and Rally O with our dogs. They go for walks every day, swim, play at the park and go dock jumping. That keeps them happy. Do not fret, you both are still adjusting. Please post pictures! Oh by the way I have a horse named Petie! Ann & Art Maxine CGC, UADNJIII, DDNJ-r (11 yr old Golden) Belle NJP, NAJ, OJP, OAP, CGC, UAGI, UADSJ, UADJJ (5 Black Lab) Teddi UADJJ, UJJ, CGC (2 yr old Golden) Pete 14 yr old TB

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• 10-15-2007 12:09 PM

  In reply to Maxs Mom

  layck00 Joined on 08-15-2007 Posts 10 Points 0

  Re: New Black Lab Reply Contact Thanks for the great reply!  Since that one morning, Petey has not barked in the crate at all (knock on wood!).  I think he's come to realize that that really is 'his space'.  I am going to sign him up for some training classes next week to help with the walking.  The gentle leader works really well.... but i left it out yesterday after our walk and he chewed thru it!  so i have to get a new one today and will sign him up for classes while I'm at the pet store.  The only thing right now that doesn't seem to be progressing as quickly as i would like is the cat chasing!  there are moments of great when he totally ignores the cats, but then there are moments of my heels making burn marks around the house trying to pull back on the leash as he starts to chase.  sigh.  i know it will take time, and it has been less than two weeks, but i just want the magic solution!  Also, i would love to leave him outside during the day but 1. i know he will bark at the cats, which i don't think will be that bad as my neighbors all have dogs also and they bark sometimes also. 2. he loves to dig and eat the grass!  we already have bare spots all over the back yard from where he digs up the grass, chews it up, then spits it out!  i don't know how to make him stop doing this because he doesn't seem to really like playing with his toys unless someone is out there playing with him.  Anyway, the digging is a minor problem as he is so good in his crate.  but the cat chasing is driving me (and the cats!) nuts.

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• 10-15-2007 12:25 PM

  In reply to layck00

  Jewlieee Joined on 03-23-2007 MI Posts 5,949 Points 4,235

  Re: New Black Lab Reply Contact What kind of interactive mind toys are you giving him? If you leave him outside, try leaving him with a frozen or highly stuffed kong and maybe some other food/interactive toys to keep him busy so that he's not barking at the cats or digging. I hate to say it but he may just never like cats. My husky has never liked cats and while they live together, and he hasn't tried to kill the cat, she still chases the cat whenever she sees it. The cat has just learned to be cautious around the husky and stay out of her reach. You could try putting a bell on the dog so that he can never surprise the cat.

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• 10-16-2007 10:07 AM

  In reply to Jewlieee

  layck00 Joined on 08-15-2007 Posts 10 Points 0

  Re: New Black Lab Reply Contact yes, i have ordered a big Kong and also one of those holey-balls that I can put the Milk Bone treats in- hopefully will be here today or tomorrow.  I've also heard of freezing water in a milk jug, so as soon as I finish off the milk this week, i'll try that one too.  but he is not so good at playing by himself.  If i leave him in a room by himself, he plays with and chews everything except his toys. but if i'm in the room with him, he will just sit and chew his rawhide, not even curious about anything else.  He did pretty good with the cats this morning, he ignored one when i said leave it, and then looked and turned away from the other one under the table.  but i also had the gentle leader on him and he seems much more willing to behave when i have that on.  I'll have to keep working on it with him.  Unfortunately, i'll be going out of town this weekend and i don't know how much my husband will play with Petey (he's the cat lover) but as soon as i get back, i'll have to put Petey on a strict training regimen!

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• 10-16-2007 10:16 AM

  In reply to layck00

  layck00 Joined on 08-15-2007 Posts 10 Points 0	Re: New Black Lab Reply Contact Also, can anyone suggest some 'mental' games I can play with Petey?  i work with him every night with his Sit and Down, and sometimes shake, but i would like have some other sort of mental stimulation with him as the days are getting so short now it's hard to take him out for walks as often as i'd like to.  Thanks!
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• 10-16-2007 10:32 AM

  In reply to layck00

  Maxs Mom Joined on 09-26-2006 Livonia, MI Posts 1,640 Points 100

  Re: New Black Lab Reply Contact We did a lot of basic training around the house as we did what ever we needed to do. Heel command while walking from one room into another, then sit stay while I do whatever, if it takes me a while may be command the dog down, and back into a sit a few times but they have to stay where I left them. That way if I do not have the time to walk at least while I am working my dog is not idle. Young labs take so much, I do understand. Even on walks, don't just walk, throw some commands in there so Petey doesn't lose focus on you. I do a lot of speed changes, wait commands, down commands and I continue to the end of my leash, etc I don't know any tricks per se to tell you about. I may soon, I have friend who will come over and help us teach Teddi' tricks while she is recovering from her surgery. I want to teach her stuff to keep her mind busy when her body cannot be. Ann & Art Maxine CGC, UADNJIII, DDNJ-r (11 yr old Golden) Belle NJP, NAJ, OJP, OAP, CGC, UAGI, UADSJ, UADJJ (5 Black Lab) Teddi UADJJ, UJJ, CGC (2 yr old Golden) Pete 14 yr old TB

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• 10-16-2007 3:47 PM

  In reply to layck00

  oranges81 Joined on 10-13-2007 BC Canada Posts 2,317 Points 150

  Re: New Black Lab Reply Contact layck00: Also, can anyone suggest some 'mental' games I can play with Petey?  i work with him every night with his Sit and Down, and sometimes shake, but i would like have some other sort of mental stimulation with him as the days are getting so short now it's hard to take him out for walks as often as i'd like to.  Thanks! I've got a 1.5 year old black lab/border collie so my life is interesting.. Lol. Some games I play with Maze is Hide and Seek, or Find it. You start by placing a treat or their fav toy in front of them and say find it or seek or what ever your word is. And as soon as he finds it, big praises. Eventually you can hide the object anywhere in the house or out side and have him seek it out. Or there's Touch. You could teach him to close drawers or doors with his nose. You can teach a dog almost anything if he's smart enough. My problem is Maze is too smart but with a highly dominate personality and I can't keep up some days. Lol  I've also got 2 cats, a 6 year old grouch and a 6 month old kitten. As I said. my life is interesting.   ~Kitty Rest In Peace Crombie. You will be greatly missed - 07/25/2007 - 05/??/2008 -I may have ears and a tail but I'm still the person you used to know- He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. http://mazerunner.blogspot.com/

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• 10-16-2007 5:42 PM

  In reply to oranges81

  CoBuHe Joined on 08-03-2007 Southeast Texas Posts 1,045 Points 55

  Re: New Black Lab Reply Contact I just bought a great book by Kyra Sundance called "101 Dog Tricks"  It has tricks that range from easy all the way to advanced with detailed instructions to teach the tricks and pictures.  I would recommend this book to anyone looking for unique ways to stimulate their dogs mentally as well as a good way to bond.  Good luck and congrats on the new addition.  We need pics please. "I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive." Gilda Radner

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• 10-16-2007 8:20 PM

  In reply to CoBuHe

  oranges81 Joined on 10-13-2007 BC Canada Posts 2,317 Points 150

  Re: New Black Lab Reply Contact CoBuHe: I just bought a great book by Kyra Sundance called "101 Dog Tricks"  I  Good luck and congrats on the new addition.  We need pics please.   I had that book and another training book.. That my old yellow lab ate.. *blushes and scratches her head laughing*   Pictures would be good to!!  ~Kitty Rest In Peace Crombie. You will be greatly missed - 07/25/2007 - 05/??/2008 -I may have ears and a tail but I'm still the person you used to know- He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. http://mazerunner.blogspot.com/

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• 10-17-2007 9:55 AM

  In reply to oranges81

  layck00 Joined on 08-15-2007 Posts 10 Points 0

  Re: New Black Lab Reply Contact I'll have to check that book out.  i love being able to teach tricks and would love to see Petey be able to do all sorts of cool things!  are there any suggestions about working thru distractions?  When i am at home and working on his sit/stay, he is very attentive as soon as he sees the treat in my hand.  but when we are on walks, it sometimes takes many many attempts to get him to sit if he smell/hears/sees something else.  Or, if we are working in the house, if he sees a cat out of the corner of his eye, he sometimes hesitates or turns away from me.  Do i just need to carry treats with me everywhere for a while?  Another question-- i plan on taking Petey to a beginner training class, but for the time being, any suggestions on how to make him walk better?   I use a gentle leader, but even with that, he will pull, or paw at the gentle leader while on the walk.  The most annoying though, is when he gets behind or beside me and constantly rubs his head against my leg or behind my knee.  I feel like i'm always tripping over him, no matter how hard i try to keep him at my side or in front of me.   Thanks!  i love getting all the advice and tips!  And I'm working on getting some pictures--- I lost my battery charger!

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• 10-17-2007 11:55 PM

  In reply to layck00

  oranges81 Joined on 10-13-2007 BC Canada Posts 2,317 Points 150

  Re: New Black Lab Reply Contact Maze uses a gentle leader sometimes and I had to put mole skin along the band on her nose to stop her scratching.  You don't have to carry treats so much as maybe a fav toy of his. Something that will hold his attention. If necessery make your self more interesting then the distractions. Do a dance or funny noise. Lol. People will look at you funny but hey at least the dog is paying attention. As he gets older, he'll start to pay more attention to you.  ~Kitty Rest In Peace Crombie. You will be greatly missed - 07/25/2007 - 05/??/2008 -I may have ears and a tail but I'm still the person you used to know- He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. http://mazerunner.blogspot.com/

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• 10-18-2007 11:39 AM

  In reply to oranges81

  mudpuppy Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 5,639 Points 100

  Re: New Black Lab Reply Contact I don't think you're going to be able to get away with not walking a one-year-old lab mix just because it's dark outside. Get a lighted collar and a reflective vest and get out there. Also, try teaching him to fetch-- no better way to burn off energy. I'd suggest doing a fifteen minute fetch game before trying to take him on a leash walk. As to the lunging at other dogs, that's a common problem called leash reactivity. Check out the book "click to calm" for how to fix that.

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• 10-24-2007 10:34 AM

  In reply to mudpuppy

  layck00 Joined on 08-15-2007 Posts 10 Points 0

  Re: New Black Lab Reply Contact it's not that i don't want to walk him at all anymore, I would just like to cut down from three walks to two.  During the summer, it was still light until 9:30, but now, it's already dark by 6:30, so I just don't want to be out there when there are more cars but less light.  in the morning it's not a big deal because i get up early and there are no cars.  I also walk Petey after i get home from work, but I'd like to replace the before bed walk with some inside training or stimulation.   He seems to be getting *a little* better with not chasing the cats.  we can hang out comfortably in the living room and he won't jump up and chase a cat.  It's only when we are walking thru the house (with leash still on of course) that he kind of still wants to run toward the cats when he sees them.  other news- i bought Petey one of those big Hollee-Roller things (the rubber ball with big holes), and put a tennis ball in there.  Man, that has got to be the funniest thing i've ever seen.  he looks like a big black Tazmanian Devil when he get a hold of that.  I don't even have to throw it.  I just give it to him when we get out in the yard and he tires himself out running around and twisting his head and body just trying to get tennis ball out.  it's really hilarious.

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• 10-24-2007 4:15 PM

  In reply to layck00

  cakana Joined on 09-10-2007 Cathy in Northern CA Posts 7,049 Points 360

  Re: New Black Lab Reply Contact My lab has a super high prey drive and the behaviorist we met with said that giving her sort of a legal chase outlet, would help with that.  She showed us using a lunge whip how to give Sassy a really good workout without having to leave the home.  I bought a toy called the "chase and pull toy" http://www.dogwise.com/ItemDetails.cfm?ID=K9X109, and Sassy absolutely loves it!! ~ Cathy ~

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