tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203586202024-03-07T11:59:41.609-06:00The Labrador Brats Dog BlogOur Chocolate Labrador Retrievers: the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly, the brats, the princesses.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger501125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358620.post-4473910479409641912009-06-12T17:23:00.002-05:002009-06-12T17:26:20.391-05:00We've MovedThe blog has been our own domain!<br /><strong><a href="http://dogblog.8pawsup.com">The Lab Brats Dog Blog</a></strong><br /><a href="http://dogblog.8pawsup.com">http://dogblog.8pawsup.com</a><br /><strong><a href="http://dogblog.8pawsup.com">Go there now!</a></strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358620.post-10292665289210252282009-06-10T07:37:00.005-05:002009-06-12T17:23:51.763-05:00We're Moving!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.8pawsup.com/images/labhat.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 303px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.8pawsup.com/images/labhat.jpg" border="0" alt="Yellow Lab Riding in Jeep" /></a><br />I know I have been quiet lately and I promise you that I have a very good reason. You see, there is so much that can be done with the Lab Brats blog the way it is. So, I have been thinking long and hard about it and have decided that in order to make the blog grow and become more of a community, it needs to move to it's own home.<br /><br />Right now the Lab Brats Blog uses Blogger hosted on my own domain but the limitless Wordpress has so much more to offer all the wonderful readers of this blog.<br /><br />So, I will be moving the blog within the next week. What does that mean to the loyal readers? Well, I won't be updating the blog in the next few days and instead spending my time to move almost 4 years of blog posts over to its new home.<br /><br />In the meantime, you will not lose out on the life of the Lab Brats - I will do as my forefathers have done and keep a written copy until it can be properly published to our wonderful dog loving community!<br /><br />Lab smiles!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358620.post-63714867831983218502009-06-08T06:50:00.000-05:002009-06-08T06:50:00.279-05:00July 4th Labrador Shirts Sale<div id="post_message_1964147669"><div align="center"><a href="http://www.8pawsup.com/cgi-bin/store/cpshop.cgi/july_4th_labs" target="_blank"><img src="http://8pawsup.com/images/DD4thJuly.jpg" alt="" onload="NcodeImageResizer.createOn(this);" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.8pawsup.com/cgi-bin/store/cpshop.cgi/july_4th_labs" target="_blank"><b>Patriotic and 4th of July Labrador Shirts and Gifts</b></a><br /><br />What is more American then apple pie and Labrador Retrievers?<br />Well, we don't have the apple pie but we sure have these Patriotic Labs and Summer Fun Labs!<br />Perfect gifts to show your American Pride, celebrate the 4th of July, or show your love of Summer.<br /><br /><b>July 4th Sale!</b><br />$5 Off $50+ Coupon<br />Coupon Code: MOUSEROBOTS<br />Expires: Jun 10, 2009<br /><br /><a href="http://8pawsup.com/store/labrescuecharities.html" target="_blank">10% of all profits from our store go to LEARN to help Labs in need!</a><br /><a href="http://www.8pawsup.com/guarantee.html" target="_blank">100% Satisfaction Guaranteed!</a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358620.post-65721204630273120652009-06-05T08:08:00.003-05:002009-06-05T08:20:39.830-05:00Happy Anniversary Lab Brats Mommy & Daddy!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hazeleyes7/1729221505/"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2225/1729221505_2ca6b9b9ea_m.jpg" border="0" alt="Dakota & Cheyenne Laying in Sunspots" /></a><br />Dakota here! <br /><br />Mommy is taking the day off from blogging today because her and daddy are celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary today! Now, I don't really know what a "wedding anniversary" is but they said it is something dogs wouldn't quite get - something about love and the government. If you know our daddy, once you mention the government he can go on talking for hours and become not his normal happy self. (so please don't tell daddy we mentioned the government or it might mean less cookies for a couple of days)<br /><br />Since mommy left the computer up and running, we thought we would pop on and update her dog loving readers. The only thing we didn't figure is how difficult it would be to type of a Mac keyboard. We are just so used to a PC that our nails keep hitting the wrong keys (please don't tell mommy our nails are too long or she will threaten to cut them again and we DON'T want that!).<br /><br />Hmm - seems we are wasting precious sunspot time to write this... this is taking way too long... how does mommy do this?! I mean... sunspots are our life! Come on now! I... must... leave... I... just... can't... <br /><br />Oh heck - I'm outta here! Wait for me Cheyenne!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358620.post-39464179173374809592009-06-02T09:03:00.003-05:002009-06-02T09:18:28.890-05:00Free $10 off Holistic Select Coupon!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hazeleyes7/1729288045/"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2074/1729288045_e936fe6e60_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Eagle Pack just mailed us a <span style="font-weight:bold;">$10.00 off Holistic Select Dog Food coupon</span> for 30 lb. or 33 lb. size.<br /><br />Since we switched over to Nature's Logic, we don't need the coupon and will mail this coupon to the first person to <a href="http://www.8pawsup.com/contactlabbrats.html">email us</a> with the correct answer to our trivia question:<br /><br />Question: How much did Dakota weigh when she was 7 months old?<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">(Hint: the answer is somewhere in the Lab Brats dog blog)</span><br /><br />Good luck!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358620.post-45378029228301090832009-06-01T08:30:00.002-05:002009-06-01T08:40:23.452-05:00Travel Tips for Pets<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvReMo5fPNdK6efOzLVH20tgUC0cwoB87T8qh2En6FQLTqJKldj5-NSg8TYcqVTKQLCgpKJSrJgLeK-gBmuDMkvswa4ivwN6XyX_lJfNiUbzQ6YAeI_hiKFHM8jnjlg5QMoLgf/s1600-h/SuperStock_1444R-260587.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvReMo5fPNdK6efOzLVH20tgUC0cwoB87T8qh2En6FQLTqJKldj5-NSg8TYcqVTKQLCgpKJSrJgLeK-gBmuDMkvswa4ivwN6XyX_lJfNiUbzQ6YAeI_hiKFHM8jnjlg5QMoLgf/s320/SuperStock_1444R-260587.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342353417446160626" /></a><br />It is no shock for me to say that the economy isn't as good as it used to be. Money is tight and instead of taking vacations, people are starting to take "staycations".<br /><br />A staycation (or stay-cation, or stacation) is a period of time in which an individual or family stays at home and relaxes at home or takes day trips from their home to area attractions... the thing is, how to do this while taking care of your pets at home?<br /><br />The AKC has created a wonderful <a href="http://www.motel6.com/i/cobrand/akc_brochure.pdf" target="_blank">Pet Travel Tips and Hints Brochure</a> to help pet owners travel with their furry companions - even when it is just the next state over. It includes dog water safety, shopping with pets, traveling by plane or car and even lodging tips.<br /><br />If you plan on traveling this year, it is definitely a handy guide to keep on hand whether you are a seasoned travel or planning your first road trip.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358620.post-70125262484367718842009-05-28T09:01:00.003-05:002009-05-28T09:15:54.958-05:00Lab Lover Organic T-Shirts & More!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.8pawsup.com/"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dXNWv1IUUn1DwCKmyY_aCnybFnyLSNIfwUwOqDyNNyodYS5amu3WygsusVc6zrXXhSTeoJknS8GCpBbO3Ftybpf7fRXJdUDE0PRjMapNkVSDNNEZp8ZYzVL0mHD3pWvAOIMj/s320/383571443v2147483647_240x240_Front_Color-Pacific.jpg" alt="Obey the Lab Dark Organic Tee" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340875690179154642" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">8PawsUp Expands to Brand New Line of Organic Clothing for Labrador Retriever Dog Lovers</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">8PawsUp.com expands its line of Labrador Retriever dog lover T-shirts to include a brand new line of eco-friendly organic T-shirts, baby shirts and kids tees.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</span><br />PRLog (Press Release) – May 28, 2009 – MILWAUKEE, WI – 8PawsUp.com announces the launch of its expanded line of Labrador Retriever dog breed lover t-shirts, with a new line of organic shirts added to their already extensive selection. These T-shirts and infant bodysuits are 100% organic ultra-fine ring-spun cotton. This new line of organic products includes <a href="http://www.8pawsup.com/cgi-bin/store/cpshop.cgi/organic_tee">Organic Cotton Tees</a>, <a href="http://www.8pawsup.com/cgi-bin/store/cpshop.cgi/organic_mens_dark_tshirt">Organic Men's Dark Tee</a>, <a href="http://www.8pawsup.com/cgi-bin/store/cpshop.cgi/organic_mens_fitted_dark_tshirt">Organic Mens Dark Fitted T-Shirts</a>, <a href="http://www.8pawsup.com/cgi-bin/store/cpshop.cgi/organic_mens_shirt">Organic Men's Shirts</a>, <a href="http://www.8pawsup.com/cgi-bin/store/cpshop.cgi/organic_womens_dark_tshirt">Organic Women's Dark Tee</a>, <a href="http://www.8pawsup.com/cgi-bin/store/cpshop.cgi/organic_womens_dark_fitted_tshirt">Organic Women's Dark Fitted Apparel</a>, <a href="http://www.8pawsup.com/cgi-bin/store/cpshop.cgi/organic_womens_shirt">Organic Women's Shirts</a>, <a href="http://www.8pawsup.com/cgi-bin/store/cpshop.cgi/organic_fitted_shirt">Organic Womens Fitted Apparel</a>, <a href="http://www.8pawsup.com/cgi-bin/store/cpshop.cgi/baby_organic_tshirt">Organic Baby T-Shirts</a>, <a href="http://www.8pawsup.com/cgi-bin/store/cpshop.cgi/baby_organic_bodysuit">Baby Organic Bodysuits</a>, <a href="http://www.8pawsup.com/cgi-bin/store/cpshop.cgi/organic_toddler_dark_tshirt">Organic Toddler Dark T-Shirts</a>, <a href="http://www.8pawsup.com/cgi-bin/store/cpshop.cgi/organic_kids_dark_tshirt">Kid's Organic Clothing</a>, <a href="http://www.8pawsup.com/cgi-bin/store/cpshop.cgi/organic_toddler_tshirt">Organic Toddler T-Shirts</a>, <a href="http://www.8pawsup.com/cgi-bin/store/cpshop.cgi/organic_kid_tshirt">Organic Kid Shirts</a> and <a href="http://www.8pawsup.com/cgi-bin/store/cpshop.cgi/tote_bag">Reusable Green Tote Bags</a> with beautiful artistic designs help show your love of chocolate, black and yellow Labrador Retrievers while remaining comfortable and eco-friendly.<br /><br />“The love of Labradors is a personal one for me and finding quality Lab lover T-shirts and gifts was always difficult. That is why I offer hundreds of unique Labrador Retriever dog breed designs with to convey the love of this dog breed from purebreds to rescues and everything in-between. Expanding my product line to include eco-friend products such as organic shirts and recyclable tote bags is just another way for us to provide high quality products that our customers will love while doing our part for the planet,” says Shannon Steffen, 8PawsUp owner and Graphic Designer.<br /><br />At 8PawsUp.com, customers can view hundreds of Lab lover designs on a variety of products including sweatshirts, men’s clothing, women’s apparel, kid’s gear, mugs, bumper stickers, fashionable totes and so much more. Show your love today with <a href="http://www.8pawsup.com/">http://www.8pawsup.com</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">About 8PawsUp.com</span><br /><br />8PawsUp.com is a small, privately owned company that creates and sells original Labrador Retriever dog breed art and designs on quality apparel and gift items through the Internet. It is the goal of the company to deliver creative products that celebrate the love of this specific dog breed for Lab lovers and families. To date, the company has sold merchandise to customers in all 50 states online as well as International sales to Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Taiwan, Turkey and more. Visit <a href="http://www.8pawsup.com/">http://www.8pawsup.com</a> for more information.<br /><br /># # #Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358620.post-9017334326505909672009-05-27T07:35:00.003-05:002009-05-27T07:45:25.962-05:00Win Free Dog Stuff Contests!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpFBl7Ke3fmaEC2VHuFqRI2rhmPdfzajcnL7H0VsaeDD4cBhjKDmAX9cN79X3PJ3-e0SybmjpLRBoE_f7wk6H2E0LBcVDQFoHMWKG3xIdRb9gLhDYnDvR1ZFKMbu0_soTAzuT/s1600-h/breedGame_main_d.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 172px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpFBl7Ke3fmaEC2VHuFqRI2rhmPdfzajcnL7H0VsaeDD4cBhjKDmAX9cN79X3PJ3-e0SybmjpLRBoE_f7wk6H2E0LBcVDQFoHMWKG3xIdRb9gLhDYnDvR1ZFKMbu0_soTAzuT/s320/breedGame_main_d.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340483427875467154" /></a><br />Normally emails for contests and such end up in my spam folder but seeing as <a href="http://www.dogster.com" target="_blank">Dogster.com</a> is on my "safe" list, they just sent me a list of a number of contests going on right now that are giving away some great dog prizes.<br /><br />1. <a href="http://www.dogster.com/contests_fun/furminator/dog" target="_blank">Enter daily for your chance to win a FREE FURminator deShedding Tool!</a> The FURminator deShedding Tool reduces shedding up to 90% by removing the loose hair & undercoat without cutting. <br /><br />2. <a href="http://www.greenies.com/en_us/showusyoursmile/default.aspx?CSID=795" target="_blank">Win FREE Greenies!</a> Show off your pet's healthy smile and you could win a year's supply of GREENIES®! Simply upload a photo of your dog or cat at www.GREENIES.com to enter. <br /><br />3. <a href="http://www.dogster.com/games/dog-breed-photo-game/contest.php" target="_blank">Win a FREE Dyson vacuum cleaner!</a> How well do you know dog breeds? Play and win!<br /><br />4. Here's your chance to <a href="http://www.flappydogtoys.com/campaign_flappydaymay/entercontest.html" target="_blank">win a FREE Flappy Dog Toy!</a> Loved by dogs of all sizes for its awesome in-your-face action, Flappy will become your dog's favorite toy. We make 'em for dogs to shake 'em!<br /><br />Good Luck!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358620.post-64944268282819600352009-05-22T07:59:00.003-05:002009-05-22T08:12:52.863-05:007 Hot Weather Tips for Dogs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hazeleyes7/1729185969/"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2364/1729185969_cd1536b600_m.jpg" border="0" alt="Chocolate Lab Puppy in Kiddie Pool: Dakota" /></a><br />With the warmer weather coming, it is time to remind fellow dog lovers and owners to keep these hot weather tips in mind so that you and your canine companion can have fun in the sun:<br /><br />1. Make sure your dog has had its yearly exam for confirm good health. Include heartworm and flea/tick control to your summer shopping list.<br /><br />2. Never leave your dog alone in a vehicle! Heat stroke can be fatal - even with the windows opened. It doesn't take long for your car to become a furnace - even in the shade.<br /><br />3. Carry a gallon of cold water when you travel with your dog. The fresh water will help him/her stay cool during your adventures outdoors.<br /><br />4. The best time to play is during the cool morning hours or late in the evening after the sun has set. Not only is the can the air become too hot for your pooch but the ground as well. Paws can burn easier than most dog owners understand.<br /><br />5. Bringing your pup to the beach is great - as long as there is a place for the dog to cool off in the shade. Bring plenty of fresh water and beach umbrella or two if there are no lining trees or shade.<br /><br />6. If you keep your beloved canine companion outdoors, make sure there is plenty of fresh cool water and shade. A proper doghouse is usually best but it is even better to bring your dog inside during the hottest times of day to keep him or her cool.<br /><br />7. When opening windows in your house, make sure that there are no unscreened windows or doors in your home that your pup can jump through and fall. Open windows can allow in fresh breezes but also sounds and smells from outside that can attract your pup to an open window or door.<br /><br />For more information on how to keep your pet safe and healthy during the summer, visit <a href="http://www.aspca.org/pet-care">http://www.aspca.org/pet-care</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358620.post-40737811272804355312009-05-20T09:48:00.005-05:002009-05-20T09:59:18.250-05:005 Days Into Dog Food Switch<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mgu1tYFnht_uGci0pbDwFvQJnUiv3OjZ98oav44s5yPQCIsZFVcPCikOkrya1h0nWCD7p28SEKOX_0xBVqQxZCJ1VIYF5kZrFsprbmZOClK_pBWNOzPpC6wRU_5voe22RLyX/s1600-h/dog-food-served.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mgu1tYFnht_uGci0pbDwFvQJnUiv3OjZ98oav44s5yPQCIsZFVcPCikOkrya1h0nWCD7p28SEKOX_0xBVqQxZCJ1VIYF5kZrFsprbmZOClK_pBWNOzPpC6wRU_5voe22RLyX/s320/dog-food-served.jpg" border="0" alt="3 Cartoon Dogs with Food"id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337920052546889474" /></a><br />It has been 5 days since we started the <a href="http://dogblog.8pawsup.com/2009/05/need-better-dog-food.html">dog food switch</a> over to <a href="http://natureslogic.com/" target="_blank">Nature's Logic Dog Food</a> and here's what we noticed:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1. White, formed and almost powder-like stools</span> (very good sign of a high quality dog food - means they are digesting it very well and getting all the nutrients they need from it)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2. Less stools</span> (again, good digestion)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3. Less scratching and gnawing at the paws</span> (Cheyenne was going to eat her paw off before but it has decreased)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">4. More energy</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">5. No more gas</span> (Yay!! Cheyenne used to scare herself with her "gassy" episodes)<br /><br />Again, this is just 5 days into the process of switching to a better quality food after having bad reactions to their normal Eagle Pack Holistic brand dog food. It is going to take a few weeks to see how well they do on this new dog food but the signs are encouraging.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358620.post-3552252260026873992009-05-18T07:57:00.006-05:002009-05-18T08:08:02.023-05:00Need a Better Dog Food<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://natureslogic.com" target="_blank"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhziFMebdc22ZA61YQuFtc0em2h_xeatVgrBpKJchW5XNmOFS-DALx6PtP8WPAJAvLzS5GMv5hSJnha0CVdfJenYfstsyiUN-kc6r3mbaSIm1h0sjN66fkLrBaIITAj9GUj2kCO/s320/DOG+Dry+Chicken.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337149432760591586" /></a><br />For years people that been asking me what I feed my own Labrador Retrievers. They have always had shiny coats, healthy skin, hardly any allergies, clean ears, good joint support and the list goes on. However, a few months ago that changed.<br /><br />We noticed a slow progression of deterioration for all of the above over a period of several weeks. At first we shrugged it off to seasonal allergies but as Dakota’s eye discharge got worse and Cheyenne began to gnaw off her paws, we knew something was just not right.<br /><br />It was a trip to our local pet food store this weekend that a light went on over my head and the “ah-ha” moment started.<br /><br />Per the store clerk, another company recently purchased Eagle Pack and Wellness dog foods. Now, I cannot find any information on their websites or the ‘net to confirm or deny this statement but he stated the exact time when I started to noticed a difference in the health of the Lab Brats.<br /><br />So, we began looking over the shelves of holistic dog food. We know how to read the labels and we know what is most important but most of the dog foods were loaded with fillers, synthesized vitamins and nutrients and loads of ingredients we couldn’t pronounce. Needless to say, it was making our heads spin to find the right one.<br /><br />That was when a woman from <a href="http://natureslogic.com" target="_blank">Nature’s Logic Dog Food</a> came over. She noticed our frustration and after asking a few questions about the Lab Brats, showed us her product to see if it was what we were looking for.<br /><br />Yes! This was exactly what we were looking for! Just a comparison on the ingredients highlighted the huge difference between the foods:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Other “Natural” Dog Food Example</span><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">INGREDIENTS: Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Flaxseed, Tricalcium Phosphate, Eggs, Peas, Carrots, Lecithin, Choline Chloride, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Biotin, Riboflavin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Dried Kelp, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Taurine, Potassium Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Artichokes, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Tomato, Blueberries, Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale, Parsley (Note: This particular natural diet has 43 total ingredients; about 19 recognizable food ingredients and about 24 chemically synthesized vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Nature’s Logic Dog Food Example</span><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">INGREDIENTS: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Chicken Heart, Egg Product, Animal Plasma, Flaxseeds, Montmorillonite, Cottage Cheese, Brewers Yeast, Cod Liver Oil, Egg Shell, Apple, Suncured Alfalfa Meal, Tomato Powder, Parsley, Blueberry, Cranberry, Apricots, Spinach, Artichoke, Broccoli, Carrots, Pumpkin, Kelp, Chicory Root, Rosemary.</span><br /><br />You have to remember that when a dog hunts in the wild, they eat everything they catch – the entire prey. However commercial dog foods fall extremely short in their ability to match the quality of food found in the wild.<br /><br />We are currently on a slow dog food transition to <a href="http://natureslogic.com/products/dp_dry_bee.html" target="_blank">Nature’s Logic Dry Kibble – Beef</a>. It will take a while to fully transition and see the full effects but I can honestly say that I have never, ever, seen my Labrador Retrievers react to food like that – they can’t get enough. Sure, Dakota normally drools like Niagara Falls when food is around but with this food, it turns into a monsoon! I can’t wait to see the end results!<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">(Do you feed Nature’s Logic? If so, we would love for you to comment on your experience with this dog food as well.)</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358620.post-1994716654943402952009-05-13T06:29:00.000-05:002009-05-13T06:29:01.177-05:00Introducing SIGG™ bottles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.8pawsup.com/cgi-bin/store/cpshop.cgi/sigg_water_bottles"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="http://images6.cafepress.com/nocache/product/383571436v2147483647_240x240_Front_Color-White.jpg" border="0" alt="Obey the Lab Sigg Water Bottle 1.0L" /></a><br />We’re excited to announce a new branded partnership with SIGG. If you’ve got some bottled-up dog loving energy, now is the time purchase your new eco-friendly water bottle today!<br /><br />The popular SIGG bottles are recyclable, reusable, and BPA-free. Perfect for folks who think green and drink clean. SIGG bottles are lined on the inside with a water-based, non-toxic epoxy resin to minimize unwanted tastes and scents. Each is also made from a single piece of aluminum, making bottles ultra-lightweight yet rugged and crack-resistant.<br /><br />SIGG bottle details:<br /><br /> * Holds 1.0 liters<br /> * Recyclable & reusable<br /> * BPA-free<br /> * Image size: 3.25″ x 6″<br /> * Do not freeze<br /> * Lifetime warranty<br /> * <a href="http://www.8pawsup.com/guarantee.html">100% Satisfaction Guarantee!</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.8pawsup.com/cgi-bin/store/cpshop.cgi/sigg_water_bottles">Shop our full line of SIGG Labrador Retriever Water Bottles ></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358620.post-48122676577703413612009-05-11T08:29:00.003-05:002009-05-11T08:44:42.793-05:00On Cleaning Dog Ears<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hazeleyes7/2417923361/"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3259/2417923361_508e6572fe_m.jpg" border="0" alt="Chocolate Lab Ear Infection: Cheyenne" /></a><br />When we bring a Lab into our homes and hearts, one of the things that attracts us to this dog breed is its big floppy ears. However cute they may be, the shape of these ears (along with diet) makes this dog breed prone to very dirty and constantly infected ears if not properly maintained and cleaned.<br /><br />Many owners of dogs with folded over ears get uncomfortable when talking about cleaning their dog's ears. Some bring their pups to the veterinarian's office every few weeks and spend a great deal of money to have them professionally cleaned because of the resistance their pup puts up.<br /><br />So, how to give a dog ear drop or clean their ears when you practically have to sit on the pooch in order to pin him/her down while doing a sort of "twister" action to get a free arm to do to the deed with while he/she is putting up the fight of its life?<br /><br />Simple question: What is your pup's most favorite thing in the world? Is it food? Is it a toy?<br /><br />Use that thing to keep the pup still and reward the pup with it immediately after the ear drops are given. For us, it is a special dog treat we only use during the times we give ear cleanings or nail cuttings. Both Labs are highly food motivated but they are slowly becoming more relaxed when we do those things because the treat is right in front of their nose the entire time. When we are done, it goes right into their mouth.<br /><br />I won't lie and say that the Lab Brats love to their ears cleaned but I can honestly say that they are not where as energetic in their protests as they once were. Dogs, especially Labs, need to have their minds and noses focused on something else to get their minds off of what you are doing to them.<br /><br />Remember to stay calm through it all - you are in control and you are doing it because you truly love your dog and want to keep him/her healthy for many years to come.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358620.post-79954499573854527152009-05-06T07:58:00.002-05:002009-05-06T08:09:05.643-05:00Enter the Devil Dog<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hazeleyes7/3486701278/"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 208px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3640/3486701278_2ab34cc2e2_m.jpg" border="0" alt="Devil Red Labrador Retriever: Dakota" /></a><br />You ever have one of those days where you are trying to get a bunch of stuff done and your dog just doesn't understand? Instead of giving you the space you need, your pup howls, jumps up and down, pushes your hands off your keyboard, pushes you over, or brings you every toy that exists in your house.<br /><br />Last week Dakota pushed me to the edge. It was with every ounce of sheer will that I did not jump up and crate her in her room. Instead, I decided to take a more passive approach.<br /><br />Being a graphic designer, I grabbed a beautiful picture of Dakota and did my magic artwork. As I created my masterpiece, I felt the annoyance leave my body and a smile broaden my face. It was like therapeutic art in which you paint a bulls eye or mustache on that annoying coworker when you have had too much.<br /><br />All stress left my body during those final moments of creativity. I was left laughing my head off as I witnessed my own creation - DEVIL DOG!! *laugh*<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />(No, Dakota did not stop annoying me but my creativity allowed me to just laugh at her annoying self rather than get angry. After a while, she gave up.)</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358620.post-11246061615275348652009-05-04T07:29:00.003-05:002009-05-04T07:51:04.417-05:00Balancing Work and Dogs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hazeleyes7/1729200541/"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2233/1729200541_61c54e8b74_m.jpg" border="0" alt="Dakota & Cheyenne pups walking on a path" /></a><br />Dogs, especially Labrador Retrievers, have a ton of energy and many dog owners just don't how to balance their busy lifestyle while being a responsible dog owner.<br /><br />Cesar Milan's popular show "<a href="http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/" target="_blank">The Dog Whisperer</a>" teaches people how to be correct even the worst dog's bad behavior. However, many don't truly hear the deeper message that is being taught during the show. In order to be a responsible pet owner and give your pup the best life possible, you must first learn to balance your life and that of your dog's.<br /><br />Taking care of a dog is not a full-time job but needs to have structure and balance. But how to do this when you already have a plate full with work, family, social activities, and so on?<br /><br />Simple: Pen your dog into your schedule.<br /><br />Dogs need rules, schedules, boundaries or else their energy and boredom get the better of them. This is easy to see when a human parent goes back to work after a few years staying at home, new kids are thrown into the pack which take up more time, or the human parent just becomes lazy after a while of having the dog.<br /><br />Why does my dog chew the furniture? Why does it go to the bathroom all over the house? Why has it become aggressive? Why? Why? Why?<br /><br />The key here is that if you want a well behaved and happy dog, then you need to maintain a balance of work and dog. Dogs need long walks at least twice a day - with you in control of the walk and not the dog. They also need some play time at least once a day to be a dog and run free. Meals, play, walks and so on all need to be on schedule. Sure, you pup doesn't wear a watch but it has a built in watch that never stops working.<br /><br />To give an example of balance, here is our schedule for the Lab Brats:<br /><br />5:30am - Long Walk<br /><br />6:00am - Meal (their filled bowls are hidden in the house for them to find when they return from the walk)<br /><br />7:00am - Settle down for a rest in the sun spots<br /><br />11:00am - Playtime (30 minutes retrieving balls)<br /><br />12:30pm - Snack time (small bit of kibble hidden in house)<br /><br />1:00pm - Back to sun spots<br /><br />4:00pm - Dinner<br /><br />6:00pm - Long Walk<br /><br />7:00pm - Playtime (weather permitting outside)<br /><br />9:00pm - Bed<br /><br />Keep in mind that I work from home at this time so this is my own weekday schedule with the dogs. My husband (who works outside the home) takes them for their walks and I do the rest. During the weekend, we go to the dog park on Saturday for at least an hour and Sunday is fun time at home (sometimes with their kiddie pool). Either way, we stick to the same feeding and walking schedule regardless of the day of week or the weather.<br /><br />And you know what we got for it? Two very happy and well behaved Labrador Retrievers. <br /><br />Balancing and keeping your pup to a schedule is the first step to building a healthy and happy life together.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />How do you balance work, life and dogs?</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358620.post-62247260950965036642009-04-29T08:44:00.004-05:002009-04-29T08:59:28.906-05:00My Dog Owns My Heart<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hazeleyes7/2280995539/"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2151/2280995539_d643803948_m.jpg" border="0" alt="Chocolate Lab Kisses: Cheyenne" /></a><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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!"<br /><br />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!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358620.post-91210357780134850002009-04-27T07:47:00.004-05:002009-04-27T08:06:36.530-05:00Rain Won't Heal Dog Burned Grass<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hazeleyes7/1730148836/"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2255/1730148836_1326dd03c8_m.jpg" border="0" alt="Chocolate Labrador Dakota on Bright Green Lawn" /></a><br />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.<br /><br />Take for instance our grass - lush, alive, tall, green, yellow polka dots... err, yellow polka dots??<br /><br />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!<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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?<br /><br />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!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">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?</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358620.post-82065022204158710042009-04-24T06:53:00.000-05:002009-04-24T06:53:00.942-05:00Local Area Labrador Retriever Meetups<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFsmYc5Fc9ooDTqBMHtoXDRAj1t2xmaDz0H_X3GCaoty70FWkaJ65i63IbqJXXjLYRjyNUHftCsfaxWMQNF6y8JQAEhk4rakyOjv_XS96yGKjCj1K60vy7qXbLxvveg4sOXWY/s1600-h/buddies.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFsmYc5Fc9ooDTqBMHtoXDRAj1t2xmaDz0H_X3GCaoty70FWkaJ65i63IbqJXXjLYRjyNUHftCsfaxWMQNF6y8JQAEhk4rakyOjv_XS96yGKjCj1K60vy7qXbLxvveg4sOXWY/s320/buddies.jpg" border="0" alt="Labrador Buddies"id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326462656498804546" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Question:</span><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">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.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Answer:</span><br />Last year I created a local group called the <span style="font-weight:bold;">Milwaukee Area Lab Meetup</span>. 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.<br /><br />Today the group is known as the <a href="http://www.meetup.com/milw-retriever/">Milwaukee Area Retriever (and large breed) Meetup</a>. 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*<br /><br />To find out more about this specific meet-up group, please feel free to visit their group website at: <a href="http://www.meetup.com/milw-retriever/">http://www.meetup.com/milw-retriever/</a><br /><br />You can also check out more dog meetups in your area by visiting: <a href="http://www.meetup.com/topics/pets/">http://www.meetup.com/topics/pets/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358620.post-1534592294006730202009-04-22T06:31:00.001-05:002009-04-22T06:31:00.281-05:005 Ways to Help Curb a Chewing Dog<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEX_IytCz91eFVtv3lpRfBFSSbXcgZ65Q_4b42X4k1tqawI9tkUzWoAb0kDHLVk15aMc5qB-2au2ZyUWq_1HH1f8ue17nCYNqLbs-kIdaIWXzJOqm3xYWUuyf-XBxVFzWyPN1/s1600-h/chewy.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEX_IytCz91eFVtv3lpRfBFSSbXcgZ65Q_4b42X4k1tqawI9tkUzWoAb0kDHLVk15aMc5qB-2au2ZyUWq_1HH1f8ue17nCYNqLbs-kIdaIWXzJOqm3xYWUuyf-XBxVFzWyPN1/s320/chewy.jpg" border="0" alt="Chocolate Lab Chewer"id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326457660195807778" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Question:</span><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">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.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Answer:</span><br />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:<br /><br />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.<br /><br />2) Have at least 1 major outside play sessions per day to tire the pup out.<br /><br />3) Stimulate the brain when home by playing games of <a href="http://dogblog.8pawsup.com/2008/08/training-steps-find-it.html">Find It</a>. Labs are hunters and retrievers – let them use their skill on something other than your personal belongings and furniture.<br /><br />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 <a href="http://dogblog.8pawsup.com/2006/01/alpha.html">alpha control</a>.<br /><br />5) Use a wire crate and remove the bottom when crating or <a href="http://www.8pawsup.com/articles/training/cratetraining.html">crate training your dog</a>. Also use a <a href="http://dogblog.8pawsup.com/2009/01/banana-kibble-kong.html">frozen banana kibble treat</a> 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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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!<br /><br />Don’t discourage as it will take time but most certainly can be done! :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358620.post-3067067951033756012009-04-20T06:05:00.001-05:002009-04-20T06:05:00.685-05:00On Puppy Socialization<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.crickethollowfarm.com" target="_blank"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 203px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nmuMb3rBkCpqBnzDxfda11xlt7IA_ntza0rh4Tc8pggTGxFzOH3rZEKN5C4fa-3MmYruDe5K0W7VZD3a6tGDHuBmagN2h-Y0NHCdtKz4jm6ShqgkjhpTZ0TMID2BREbEGx7Y/s320/crickethollow.jpg" border="0" alt="Criket Hollow Black Lab Pup"id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326471981871160770" /></a><br />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.<br /><br />So, what caused them to become this way?<br /><br />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.<br /><br />The AKC had recently released a "must read" article entitled <a href="http://www.akc.org/enewsletter/yourakc/2009/march/puppy.cfm" target="_blank">"The Importance of Puppy Socialization" by Arliss Paddock</a>, 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.<br /><br />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 <a href="http://www.crickethollowfarm.com" target="_blank">Cricket Hollow Farm Labradors</a> (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:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"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 <a href="http://www.crickethollowfarm.com/biosensor.htm" target="_blank">BioSensor</a> method of neurological stimulation. We also <a href="http://www.crickethollowfarm.com/socializepups.htm" target="_blank">socialize our puppies</a> 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 <a href="http://www.crickethollowfarm.com/Puppy%20aptitude%20test.htm" target="_blank">extensive puppy aptitude testing</a>."</span><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358620.post-9909433724540786832009-04-15T06:15:00.001-05:002009-04-15T06:15:00.643-05:00Switching to Adult Dog Food<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.8pawsup.com/articles/health/dogfoodfeeding.html"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 207px;" src="http://www.8pawsup.com/images/pupeating.jpg" alt="Puppy Eating Big Bowl of Dog Food" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Question:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">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.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Answer:</span><br />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.<br /><br />Make sure that you gradually switch their food as to not upset their stomachs. To learn more, please read our <a href="http://www.8pawsup.com/articles/health/dogfoodfeeding.html">Labrador Retriever Feeding Guide</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358620.post-77381743628477717652009-04-13T07:17:00.003-05:002009-04-13T07:32:18.705-05:008 Paws of Life<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hazeleyes7/2519095592/"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2040/2519095592_997dbce7fc_m.jpg" border="0" alt="Dakota & Cheyenne at dog park" /></a><br />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!<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Sure, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_zeDtwxWrM">there were loads of mud puddles that Dakota could have bathed herself in again</a> 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.)<br /><br />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!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358620.post-53530366397579333362009-04-10T06:36:00.000-05:002009-04-10T06:36:00.409-05:005 Reasons Dogs Won't Eat<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hazeleyes7/2999433104/"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/2999433104_fe0051df9e_m.jpg" border="0" alt="Cheyenne eating a bone" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Question:</span><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">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?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Answer:</span><br />Every so often dogs will decide to stop eating for a variety of reasons.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1. The food bowl is not clean.</span> 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.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2. The food is bad.</span> 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.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3. The pup is pregnant or in heat.</span> 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.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">4. There is a bowel obstruction or digestive disorder.</span> 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.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">5. The pup is just being stubborn.</span> 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Best of luck and please let us know how it goes!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358620.post-33673855516803285822009-04-08T06:43:00.001-05:002009-04-08T07:51:13.186-05:00Hesitant to Alter Pup<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2134/1729339289_6d5cbf0ef1_m.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2134/1729339289_6d5cbf0ef1_m.jpg" border="0" alt="Chocolate Pups: Dakota leading Cheyenne" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Question:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Have you neutured them? Their coat is beautiful and shinny and they are not overweight. My mom is hesitant is neutering our female pup.<br /><br />Many thanks.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Answer:</span><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />I highly recommend you read this article <a href="http://www.8pawsup.com/articles/health/spayingneutering.html">About Spaying and Neutering Your Labrador Retriever</a>.<br /><br />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.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358620.post-28710942866042765582009-04-06T07:44:00.002-05:002009-04-06T08:22:31.148-05:00The Old Dakota<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hazeleyes7/1729242209/"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2197/1729242209_1bab1d1934_m.jpg" border="0" alt="Dakota Chocolate Lab" /></a><br />It is my pleasure to announce that the old Dakota is back and better than ever!<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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!<br /><br />Lab smiles and warm hugs!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6