Labrador Retriever with a few different problems - part I

The following e-mail was sent in from KBWSPIN - Karen (USA). Her Labrador Retriever has a high level of energy , is difficult to handle and has a few others problems that she needs help with.

This is part one of a two part reader's e-mail question.

Reader's E-mail - KBWSPIN (Karen) Writes:

Hi,

After researching Labrador retrievers for about a year I thought that when my two oldest children go off to college two years in a row, it would be a great idea to get a lab for my eight year old son and myself and husband. We already have a now eleven year old Shih-Tzu so I wanted a companion for us with my son's siblings gone. So I thought.....

He is almost one year old, we got him at eight weeks old. Sure he is sweet and very handsome, but that is it. I thought maybe it was just me but taking him to couple of different trainers, and my vet they both agree that my lab is in the high spectrum of "lots of energy" and very difficult to handle. That's to put it mildly. I am shocked that they are so popular.

I spend at least an average of two hours a day just vacuuming, and cleaning after him. Since we live in Ohio, I am constantly dealing with not only his heavy shedding, but lots of rain which then leads to very dirty dog, very dirty floors and carpeting. My lab has been to the vet more than my other dog in eleven years. He has eaten the wall and gotten sick, eaten toys and got sick and eaten all kinds of other things that I don't even know what he had gotten into and got sick. My house I feel smells like dog crap.

When I think of my dog I think of Hair, throw up, diarrhea, and just a mess. I would love to get rid of him, but it would be hard. I am somewhat attached but these days I feel he is much more work then he is a pleasure.

I would like to know what are people thinking? I don't get it!! Everyone says they calm down in one, two, four, six and even eight years. I would have never bothered if I realized it would take half his life for him to be good.

What do I do?
KBWSPIN

All About Labradors Answer

Hello KBWSPIN,

Thanks for writing and I'm sorry to hear about your situation.

Continue Reading...

First off, you can't mention Labrador Retriever without "lots of energy", that's just what they are about. With your year long research you should have at least found that out.

Now please don't think I am chastising you, because I am not and would never do that to anyone, but talk to any Labrador Retriever owner and they will all tell you the same thing; they are full of energy, some worse than the next.

With training, grooming and some help (and luck ) I can provide some help for your problems, if you would like.

In order for me to be of any help, I will need some answers from you:

Where did you get your Labrador Retriever (puppy store, breeder, etc.)?

Has he had any training, and if so, what kind of training?

What else did these trainers and your vet have to say besides " lots of energy" and very difficult to handle?

Any kind of medical problems with him?

Is your Labrador left alone for periods of time?

Do you own a dog cage?

What kind of exercise does he get?

Anything else you can tell me about him

What is his name :)

Believe me KBWSPIN, they do take some work, but they are one of the most lovable, loyal, playful ( I could go on forever) dogs you can ever own.

The question is What do you want to do?

If you want me to try to help you, please answer the above questions and we will take it from there. If you decide you want to get rid him, I can also try to help find another home for him.

One last thing, make that two last things:

Do you have a first name?

With all the email questions I receive, I always ask a favor of the person writing. If you have any photos of your Labrador Retriever, that you could email me, I would love to post them to All About Labradors and/or Labrador Retriever Pictures blog. It would also help to find a new home for him if you decide that it isn't going to work with your Labrador Retriever.

I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Take care,

Fay

Part two of this e-mail can be read here: Labrador Retriever with a few different problems - part II

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