PETS

Johnny Boy · Post by **Johnny Boy** » Sun Mar 19, 2006 3:17 pm

Hi MC, How about making this a perminent site as "Pets Corner" ?
Best wishes
JB

nightrider · Post by **nightrider** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 11:28 am

removed by n.r.

swingdingin · Post by **swingdingin** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 11:47 am

Having recently gone through the experience of having an old loyal lab (15 yrs) put to sleep , we held off for about two weeks before buying another cuddly little golden labrador called Ralph (not my idea). He now is only cute and cuddly when asleep ( about 2 hours per day ! ) and the rest of the time is like a whirlwind wrecking everything in his wake!! No more the quiet glass of wine and relaxing evening. Even after a long walk at night he still has energy to burn. We had obviously grown used to an old arthritic dog. Does anyone have any idea when they start to calm down a bit ? He is 5 months old and into everything, but loveable nonetheless.
mike

nightrider · Post by **nightrider** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 12:05 pm

removed by n.r.

nightrider · Post by **nightrider** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 12:46 pm

removed n.r.

Johnny Boy · Post by **Johnny Boy** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 4:00 pm

Hi Swingdingin , Re your baby dog and I say baby because that is what he is. Like GSD they tend to settle down in 1 to 2 years old, but of course this can vary from dog to dog. It would be a good idea to give him a place of his own ie Is it possible to have a place outdoors in a kennel? if not then box indoors with a gate on where he can be settled down. Travel boxe's from your local pet supplies which can also be used for the car is a good idea which he will get to used to been put into and will settle down. It may take a while and he may complain, try to ignore him.
Hope this helps
JB

PS Don't forget to put his favourit toy in the kennel with him.

Lesley Jean · Post by **Lesley Jean** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 4:53 pm

Our Dalmatian didn't really start to settle down until he was about 5!! I know that Labs usually get better by the time they have reached two years, so not so long to wait....

Check his feed and make sure he is only getting enough for good growth and not too much protein/sugars which will give him too much energy. Even at this young age every time you take him out do lots of small stages of training, sit, lead work, etc it will help him to use his brain more which should help with the over activeness. Lots of interesting things for him to play with, raggers, pulling toys, hard unchewable ones. They will all help to 'tire him out' Good luck

Johnny Boy · Post by **Johnny Boy** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 5:30 pm

Hi Lesley, Some will say dont start training to young, but with all my dogs I start training from day one, but only in subtle ways ie, retreving a toy, "good boy " etc. I agree with what you say a little training will do no harm but don't over do it and when he does respond give him lots and lots of praise.
Regards
JB

Lesley Jean · Post by **Lesley Jean** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 6:26 pm

agree totally, always make lerning fun and with tons of praise