My Dog Owns My Heart

I remember there was a time when I would sit up in the middle of the night crying my eyes out while listening to my young puppy whining every 5 minutes. The stress of owning a small Labrador Retriever puppy was getting to me and my thoughts wondered about how I could do such a thing to myself.

Fast forward 3 years and you will find a very content woman and dog owner. I can now look back on those days with a smile on my face. Yes, those days where difficult but they were the foundation on which to build my love and admiration for this dog breed.

Impressionable as Lab puppies may be in their youth, it is up to the human to lead it down the path that will make it the envy of the dog world. In those young days it is difficult to see that with consistent and persistent love and training, that precious little bundle of fur will one day become your best friend, your shadow, and the love of your life.

As I glanced into Cheyenne's eyes this morning, a wave of thoughts and feelings flooded my senses. She is much calmer today than she was just a couple of months ago. Still filled with loads of Lab energy, she is able to understand now when it is appropriate to use and when she needs to just follow my lead.

She has gone from my dog to my canine companion. My heart has never felt such a love before as she has now become the Labrador Retriever that all others stop, point to, and say "I want one exactly like that!"

She is no longer the puppy that made me pull out my hair and keep the tissue company in business... Yes, she is mine and my heart is hers... I now have the one I have always wanted!

Rain Won't Heal Dog Burned Grass

It has been raining non-stop for 3 days now and for some that would be depressing but, alas, I am a rain lover. The rain brings a clean feeling to everything around you and the growth that occurs from water is amazing; especially in the Spring.

Take for instance our grass - lush, alive, tall, green, yellow polka dots... err, yellow polka dots??

Yes, the greener our grass gets, the more predominant the yellow spots around our yard become. The markings left by dogs, especially large female dogs, during 10 months of a snowy winter pop up like an annoying mother-in-law in the Spring... they aren't so bad when you don't see them but then - BAM! - they not only visit but seem to multiply in the most annoying way!

That prompted a visit to our local pet supply store yesterday to check out the "urine supplements". Now, I am not one to give any medication to my beloved Labradors without having no other choice. I much rather give an herbal supplement or change their diet slowly but I have always been interested in these supplements and curious if they actually work.

Did we make a purchase? No, for a couple of reasons. First, I couldn't pronounce any of the ingredients on the bottle and that reminded me of an old ice cream commercial where they had people try to pronounce all the long complicated ingredients of their competitors. Second, both Lab Brats have already had stomach surgery in their short lives for ingesting a foreign material that came close to killing them. Do I really want to put some potential harsh ingredients, that I cannot even pronounce, into their sensitive stomachs?

So I will continue my search for a holistic treatment to help alleviate those ghastly yellow spots plaguing my beautiful lawn. Keep your paws crossed!

What is your take on "urine supplements" to stop your dog from burning your grass? Do you use them? What do you think about them? Do you have any recommendations to other dog owners?

Local Area Labrador Retriever Meetups

Question:
I regularly (daily in fact) check your website and will comment here and there BUT this question is about your lab get together that you have for lab and lab mix pups. I am just wondering if you can tell me or send to me what information you have on this. I would appreciate anything that you can share.

Answer:
Last year I created a local group called the Milwaukee Area Lab Meetup. The goal of this group was to get Lab owners and lovers together at least once a month to have a play date for the dogs while the humans socialized, traded stories and shared training secrets. It was a huge success and before long the group was so large in size that my schedule could not accommodate the group. So, I handed it off to another group member that has grown it beyond my wildest hopes and dreams.

Today the group is known as the Milwaukee Area Retriever (and large breed) Meetup. It has 202 Lab-loving members, has held 18 meetups so far and has helped raised money for a number of dog breed specific dog rescues. Although I am no longer the “Head Retriever” of the group, I am still a member and attend many of their events. It is a great opportunity to get together with other Lab and dog owners to finally have a place to boast about our dogs without someone thinking we are nuts for talking about the dogs more than most people talk about their kids. *wink*

To find out more about this specific meet-up group, please feel free to visit their group website at: http://www.meetup.com/milw-retriever/

You can also check out more dog meetups in your area by visiting: http://www.meetup.com/topics/pets/

5 Ways to Help Curb a Chewing Dog

Question:
We adopted a black lab 3 1/2 years ago. She is wonderful and only chewed the dinning room rug when she was a puppy. She is fully house broken and doesn't chew. She had full run of the house when we are not home. Well we just adopted a 2 1/2 year old chocolate lab. The first three weeks she was a lot like her older sister. No problems. Went to work, came home there was Nelly sleeping. Well now that she is comfortable we are realizing she has some separation issues. We might come home to destroyed kids toys and dog toys (stuffed). The other day we came home to bm & urine accidents. Another day pulled items off the counter. So I put her in a crate today (1st day of crate) came home to destroyed crate floor. I left her with a nylabone, a raw hide and a kong. I am going to try the banana/kibble. When we are home she is layed back and very relaxed. I'd like her to eventually be free in the house. Any suggestions for ''busy" toys and do you think that will help.

Answer:
Getting a Lab to be free in the house can be tricky as one solution does not fit all. If this were my Lab, I would do the following:

1) Take the dog for long walks several times a day. (2 is good – 3 is better) Just make sure it is always around the same time each and every day so you pup gets on schedule and knows when some much needed exercise is coming.

2) Have at least 1 major outside play sessions per day to tire the pup out.

3) Stimulate the brain when home by playing games of Find It. Labs are hunters and retrievers – let them use their skill on something other than your personal belongings and furniture.

4) Work on obedience training to not only curb bad habits but also build a relationship between you and the pup. The animal hierarchy needs to be addressed and you need to be in alpha control.

5) Use a wire crate and remove the bottom when crating or crate training your dog. Also use a frozen banana kibble treat in the crate when you leave. Note that you should use a black Kong for more aggressive chewers as these seem to hold up the best. Also, make sure you remove the pup’s dog collar to prevent her from getting it caught on the crate – which can lead to strangulation.

Training a new pup is a long process and consistent training is crucial – no matter what the age of your canine companion. You must remain diligent in your pack role and training at all times.

In our own house, nothing is free. Treats are given for good behavior and tricks. Meals are given only after they have shown us respect by sitting by their bowl and waiting for our command before eating. This type of hierarchy as allowed us to set boundaries. Each brat has only chewed one thing each in their entire lives… Dakota was her bed when she was a few months old and I left on business… Cheyenne was an extension cord when she was a few months old and we just put up the Christmas tree (she did not know it was off limits yet). Today they have full run of the house and nothing has ever been chewed and they stay off each and every piece of furniture!

Don’t discourage as it will take time but most certainly can be done! :)

On Puppy Socialization

All too often the Lab Brats receive such compliments as: "They are so well behaved." "What trainer did you use?" "They are just so sociable and calm." Well, yes, yes and yes again. They may be called the Lab Brats but that is due to their goofy nature rather than any social flaw. They are calm, stable, gentle, friendly, submissive, well-behaved and extremely respectful.

So, what caused them to become this way?

Our breeder enlightened us to the important of puppy socialization. That is to say that from a very early age (shortly after birth through today), our pups have been introduced to a variety of different people, places and things that may make other pups run with their tails between their legs if not introduced properly.

The AKC had recently released a "must read" article entitled "The Importance of Puppy Socialization" by Arliss Paddock, in which the author walks the readers through an brief introduction of newborn social behaviors, windows of opportunity, strategies, "100 people by 12 weeks", and a standard of care.

I found myself nodding along with the article and wishing that more Labrador Retriever dog owners would take the time to read it - especially during the early stages of their pup's life. The article itself mirrors the process by which Cricket Hollow Farm Labradors (breeder of the Lab Brats) own breeder follows on each and every puppy. This particular breeder has outlined the following information on their puppy page:

"We are careful about where our precious little ones are going. We do our utmost to ensure the babies will be all they can be, we start them off right by using the BioSensor method of neurological stimulation. We also socialize our puppies extensively to ensure they will be happy, healthy additions to their new families. We take special care in deciding which puppy goes where by use of extensive puppy aptitude testing."

So before the Lab Brats even came home, at 8 weeks old each, they had extensive socialization. Once they became part of our pack, we continued that socialization slowly but progressively.

That, coupled with daily training, bonding, and exercise, has produced highly social, well-behaved, thoughtful, intelligent and awesome family canine companions that continue to make us proud and add more joy to our lives every day.

Switching to Adult Dog Food

Question:
Our chocolate lab brothers are 12 months old. Do we continue with puppy food or begin to give them adult food? Do you think they are full grown or do they continue to grow until age 2? We neutered them at 8 months.


Answer:
Our breeder and veterinarian have both recommended that Labrador Retrievers be switched to adult food around the 1-year mark. They will continue to grow until age 2 but puppy food is too rich during their 2nd year of life. This is due to the growth phases in this particular breed and at age 1 they need less calories and a more stable and well-rounded diet.

Make sure that you gradually switch their food as to not upset their stomachs. To learn more, please read our Labrador Retriever Feeding Guide.

8 Paws of Life

Spring has sprung in our little area of the great Midwest! Alright, 50 degrees and a brisk wind out of the north wouldn't signify "Spring" to most but believe it or not, this is perfect Labrador Retriever weather!

For almost 6 months the Lab Brats haven't been able to properly stretch their legs and get rid of all that doggone energy. So, we bundled our human selves up as best we could and headed down to the local dog park.

Sure, there were loads of mud puddles that Dakota could have bathed herself in again but this time we walked with leashes in hand to keep them far away from the spa-like intrigue. Thank chocolate we did because there were mud pools everywhere! I even felt bad for one owner who continued to call her American Bulldog away from the largest mud bath only to have the poor pup waddle in and get stuck in the middle with no way out. (Alright, I admit - I laughed a bit but only because the dog was so cute and it wasn't us.)

It was amazing though to watch Dakota run with Cheyenne. Only a few weeks ago, Dakota almost died from ingesting a foreign material and that day she ran like the wind. She paid no mind to the cold wind on her hairless belly as as traveled all four corners of the dog park. She was free. She was healthy. She was happy. She was alive!

5 Reasons Dogs Won't Eat

Question:
My 9 month old female chocolate Lab has stopped eating for the pass 2 days. I don't know what to do or why she has stopped eating. Can you please [help] me?

Answer:
Every so often dogs will decide to stop eating for a variety of reasons.

1. The food bowl is not clean. If there is any bacteria or subtle scents coming from the bowl, then dogs may refuse to use that bowl. It is recommended that you use a stainless steel bowl as this is the most sanitary and is not porous.

2. The food is bad. Is it a new bag of food or a new brand of dog food? If so, your dog may not like it. If it is a new bag of dog food but the same brand, then it is recommended that you pick up a smaller new bag of that same dog food to see if the originating bag is contaminated with something. If it is a new brand of dog food then your pup may just not like the food at all.

3. The pup is pregnant or in heat. Although you have a young pup, is there a chance she may be pregnant? Pups in heat or pregnant can go through times of refusing to eat - which is normal for a few days here and there.

4. There is a bowel obstruction or digestive disorder. Is your pup still eliminating? Does your dog still take other food such as treats or human snacks? Is it vomiting? If your dog is even refusing the most delicious of treats and/or not eliminating, then there may be a bowel obstruction or it may have a digestive disorder. In this case, it is recommended that you get the pup to a vet ASAP.

5. The pup is just being stubborn. Have you brought a new person or animal into the home recently? Have you changed anything about the pup? Has the pup been through any trauma lately? If the answer to any of these is yes, then your pup may be going through emotional distress as it is unsure of its environment. Changes in lifestyle or routine can easily disturb a pup and cause it not to eat.

In the end, you know your pup the best and can best determine if your pup has a serious problem or not. My overall recommendation would be to call your vet if you notice any behavioral or physical changes in your pup. The veterinarian's office will give you free health advice over the phone and provide a more specific list of recommendations based on their past experience with your dog. If your dog has gone more than a couple of days without food, I would definitely seek professional assistance.

Best of luck and please let us know how it goes!

Hesitant to Alter Pup

Question:

Have you neutured them? Their coat is beautiful and shinny and they are not overweight. My mom is hesitant is neutering our female pup.

Many thanks.


Answer:

Yes, both of my Labrador Retrievers were spayed at the age of 6 months old. This did not have any negative effect on them at all. In all honesty, it is wise to neuter or spay dogs as it reduces the risk of reproductive system cancers and other diseases linked to the reproductive organs. As you can see in our dogs, their being altered in no way made them unhealthy or fat.

We had chosen not to breed our dogs because the risk of them being taken early from us was too great of a risk. The Lab Brats are our family and their health is the most important thing to us.

I highly recommend you read this article About Spaying and Neutering Your Labrador Retriever.

It is a personal decision that every responsible pet own must make. However, if your mom is not going to breed your pup because she wants to breed the pup responsibly (to better the line of the Labrador Retriever) then she is best to speak to your local veterinarian in regards to pros and cons of altering your pup.

The Old Dakota

It is my pleasure to announce that the old Dakota is back and better than ever!

Dakota's stitches came out last Friday and she is now on 100% solid dog food. Of course, we are still feeding her a little less than normal but we most definitely don't want to push her stomach too far too fast.

Dakota has had a couple of bouts of vomiting in the middle of the night but that was due to overfeeding too quickly. So, the "puppy feeding schedule" of small meals 4 times a day will continue for the next week or so. After that, we will move her to 3 meals a day and finally back to her twice a day feeding schedule.

Again, the Lab Brats family wants to thank each and every one of you for all your warm wishes and doggy prayers. When we needed support, you were there. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and, of course, if you ever need us we are only an email away!

Lab smiles and warm hugs!

Love This Site...

I just wanted to comment on how much I love this site...I even have it as a link on Facebook.

We have two lab-babies and I am hooked! Miss Seneca is almost 10 and she is a springer spaniel-black lab mix. Miss Sawyer turned 4 last week and she is a yellow lab...here is their picture; so tired after opening Sawyers birthday gifts that they had to find a bed...thankfully the "special blanket" was out for them!

As I was looking through your photos, I noticed the chuck-a-duck. They both play non-stop with nylabones; but THAT is Sawyer's all-time favorite toy - she will play fetch and catch with them all day...even throwing them in the air to catch herself! We have all of them...duck, beaver, pig, porcupine, squirrel, etc...large and small.

Thanks again for all the great lab stories and advice...
d


Yes, Dakota loved her "duck" (chuck-a-duck) until Cheyenne came around and they were so aggressive in their tugging that it would last about 30 minutes. So, we have not had another one in the last 3 years but it was a blast while it lasted. :)

Thank you for following the Lab Brats... I am sure they will provide me with many more stories and much more advice for other Labrador Retriever owners in the years to come. *laugh*

Getting a Discount on Vet Bills

You want what is best for your pet but with the current economy, it is important to keep as much of your hard earned cash in your pocket. So how do you cut costs on your vet bill without sacrificing the care of your beloved canine companion?

A well hidden secret all comes down the business sense. Given that I am a small business owner, a simply thing came to me when I was ready to pay Dakota's huge vet bill for recent stomach surgery.

Upon leaving with my beautiful Lab, I was greeted with my outstanding bill. It was a whopping $1,302.90! When I first heard the amount, I thought I may need stomach surgery!

Then I remembered something... all businesses tack 3% on their bills! Did you know that every business has a 3% per transaction fee that they must pay to the credit card processing companies every time you use your credit card or debit card to pay for something at that business? This is how they are able to process credit card transactions.

So, I put away my credit and debit cards when the bill came due and calmly asked the lady if they pay 3% per credit card transaction. Upon confirmation, I smiled and said "Let's make a deal! Would it be possible for me to pay by check or cash and get a 3% discount on my bill considering you do not have to pay a transaction fee for cash transactions?" Her response: "Sure! Not a problem"... and my $1,302.90 bill was discounted by $39.00 to $1,263.81!!

We have even used this "let's make a deal" with our local domestic control office when applying for the Lab Brats' new county dog tags - it saved us $0.70 for the two tags. Now some of you may think that is chump change but that can really add up when you have one or more pets and especially if you have such big ticket expenses such as animal emergency visits or surgeries. Hey! $39.00 is still $39.00!

The trick is to use this new gifted information when doing business with privately owned companies or non-profit organizations as they are able to strike such deals. Remember, it never hurts to ask - the worse they can say is "no". *wink*