Friday, May 30, 2008

New Help for Travel Sick Dogs from Pfizer

Do any readers of the All About Labradors blog have Labrador Retrievers that suffer from motion sickness? If motion sickness is a problem for any of your Labrador Retrievers, then a motion sickness pill from Pfizer Animal Health, may be of great help to enjoy the pleasure of traveling with your Labrador.




Make sure you visit http://www.dogcarsickness.com for more tips and advice on dealing with travel sickness.

Technorati Tags:

Continue Reading...

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Black Labrador Retriever Afraid of Car Rides - part II

Subject: Black Labrador Retriever Afraid of Car Rides - part II

From: Linda (USA)

Labrador Retriever Name: Bailey

All About Labradors Blog Answer:

The information given here is to help you learn more about your Labrador Retriever and not to replace your veterinarian's advice. Disclaimer

It's really odd that out of nowhere Bailey started to become afraid of car rides. More odd is the fact that it only seems to be when you are in the car with her. From what you stated in your reply, you have already tried a bunch of things that I would have recommended (good job).

This is what I want you to try:

Start of by sitting in your car with Bailey without it being started. Spend 10 -15 minutes a day for the first five days. Just sit in the car playing with her, petting her and talking to her.

You can also bring one of her favorite toys in with you and/or some treats. Make sure to praise her before getting into the car and when finished for the day, again offer plenty of praise when Bailey is out of the vehicle. We want to try to get her comfortable with being in the auto with you.
ContinueReading...
After a few days of this and when you see that Bailey is getting comfortable with being in the car with you, it's time to move on to the next step. You are going to continue sitting in the car with Bailey but now you will have the car running. Repeat the actions of talking, petting and playing with her for another couple of days. When you see that Bailey is getting comfortable, its on to the next step.

Get in your car with Bailey, drive down to the end of the block, turn around and go home. Take Bailey out of the car making sure you offer plenty of praise. Continue with this for at least five days. As Bailey gets more and more comfortable with this you can start to expand your trips with her.

Some other things that might help:

A crate for her to sit and lay in. A toy added to the crate (I have great success with the Kong toys filled with treats) can help.

There is a product called The Calming Cap™ that is used to ease hyperactivity in a dog that became agitated while traveling in a car, and help to quiet and calm anxious or excitable dogs . You can find out more about this here The Calming Cap™.

A dog harness may help her feel more secure and calm her down, not to mention provide safety for her.

If you are having problems getting Bailey into the car, please let me know, as I can provide you with some help for this.

I do believe that something might have happened to Bailey on one of your car trips that made her afraid of taking trips with you. Are you the only one who takes her to the veterinarian? Any abrupt stopping or getting cut off, which may have caused Bailey to be thrown around? If you should remember something that may have happened please let me know.

Try the above mentioned information and let me know if its helping. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to write.

Take care of yourself and Bailey,
Fay

Reader's E-mail - Linda's Reply:

Thank you Fay. I truly appreciate you time and advice. I will start tomorrow and follow your advice as outlined. I'll let you know how it goes.

I think maybe there was an incident that caused a real serious abrupt stop(car cut me off) a few months ago. It caused her to slide forward and fall off the back seat and onto the floor.... Hummm, maybe that was it.

I thought that maybe she was just getting older (she's now 3years old) that maybe she's just became more nervous. I've seen that happen in other animals (as in humans). As they age, they seem to worry more, be more serious and more cautious....

Again, thanks for your time.
Linda

All About Labradors Blog Response:

Hi Linda,

Your very welcome and please keep me informed on how its going. The abrupt stop might have played a big part in Bailey suddenly being afraid. Start from the beginning again, as stated in the last e-mail and see how it goes. Will talk to you soon!

Fay

To read part one of this e-mail visit: Black Labrador Retriever Afraid of Car Rides - part I

Bailey 11/11/07 - click link to see the beautiful Bailey.

Technorati Tags:

Continue Reading...

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Oldest Labrador Retriever in the World

Here's an interesting story of a British couple that state their Labrador Retriever has been alive for at least 29 years.

I went and check the Guinness World Records and according to Gareth Deaves, records manager from Guinness World Records the oldest dog ever was Bluey, a sheepdog from Australia, who lived to 29.

Couple says their dog is world's oldest:




Technorati Tags:

Continue Reading...

Black Labrador Retriever Afraid of Car Rides - part I

Subject: Black Labrador Retriever Afraid of Car Rides - part I

From: Linda (USA)

Labrador Retriever Name: Bailey

Reader's E-mail: Linda Writes:

Hi,

I have a 3 year old black lab. Had her since she was 11 weeks old. Loves car rides and going EVERYWHERE with us, even camping and long car rides. Suddenly, about a month ago, she became a afraid of car rides. Now, she hesitates getting into the car and pants real hard, while I'm driving. She also tries to jump into my lap.

I don't know what to do or why this suddenly happened. Any advice? We love taking our lab with us everywhere and now it's become a real hassle.

Thanks, Linda

All About Labradors Blog Response:
Continue Reading...


Hello Linda,

I don't want you to think I forgot about you. Just receive many letters and it takes me time. I didn't tie the two e-mails together from the All About Labs site and Labrador Retriever Pictures site as you being the owner of Bailey. Don't know if you received my e-mail about her pictures being posted (must change the name of the photos from on that posting).

Let me ask you:

Did anything bad ever happen before a car ride or inside the car?

Will have a reply for you shortly. Thanks for your patience.

Fay

Reader's E-mail - Linda's Reply:

Thanks, the pictures look great!

Nothing bad happened to her in my car that I know of. Also, I found out that she only gets weird while in my car alone with me. When I'm with my husband, she seems better and when she's in his car, she looks as happy as can be.

I'm trying everything from treats to really short car rides, to car rides that result in a fun trip like dog park or a visit to PetSmart....so that she'll associate a car as fun. Don't know what else to do.....

Thanks,
Linda

To read the second part of this e-mail visit: Black Labrador Retriever Afraid of Car Rides - part II

Bailey 11/11/07 - click link to see the beautiful Bailey.

Technorati Tags:

Continue Reading...

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Power of Paws Power Pack DVD & Brochure

Register with the Power of Paws™ program and you will have the opportunity to receive one or all of the following:

Quote From Site: "When you register you can request a PAWS Power Pack DVD and brochure featuring a Discovery Health program about the health benefits of pet ownership and a brochure containing real stories about animal assistance therapy, pet care tips, coupons and more!

A free Power of Paws™ newsletter.

A free online opportunity to share how your pet has positively impacted your life.

After an eligible registration, Del Monte will then make a $1 donation to support your choice of one of our partners that provide education about the benefit of the pet/human bond and help empower those with autism, Alzheimer's and other disabilities."

Visit the Power of Paws website to learn more and to request your free Power of Paws™ DVD, brochure and more.

This is limited to USA residents, 18 years of age or older. One per household whiles supplies last.

Technorati Tags:

Continue Reading...

Friday, May 16, 2008

Labrador Retriever Eating from the Table / Garbage - part II

Subject:My black Labrador Retriever mix is eating from the table and getting into the garbage.

My 2 year old yellow lab does not come when called. Part II

From: Denise (USA)

Labrador Retriever's Names: Oreo - black Labrador Retriever mix. Honey - Yellow Labrador Retriever.

All About Labradors Blog Answer:

Hello Denise,

The information given here is to help you learn more about your Labrador Retriever and not to replace your veterinarian's advice. Disclaimer.

Here are some options you can try for Oreo getting into the garbage and counter surfing:

Try spraying sour bitter apple spray, hot pepper sauce or lemon juice on your garbage and under the bag if you use one in your garbage can. This won't hurt your Labrador Retrievers and after the first taste or two it just MIGHT solve your problem. Of course, Oreo might like the taste and might not be bothered by it.

Next thing you can try is to set Oreo up to fail. You are giving Oreo an opportunity to get in the garbage can while making it appear that you are not paying attention. The minute Oreo goes for the garbage, give him an extra loud "No" or "Leave It" command, enough to give him a scare. A few attempts at this may be enough to rid Oreo of his garbage raiding problem.

If setting up Oreo doesn't work, you may have to try bobby trapping the garbage with a device called Snappy Trainer. The Snappy Trainer is a mousetrap-like device designed with a large flap. When its tripped, it snaps shut, bounces up and makes a loud noise frightening your Labrador Retriever. You can see the Snappy Trainer in action at SnappyTrainer.com.

Place the device on your garbage can and when Oreo does go for the garbage, the trap goes off scaring him and hopefully teaching him the garbage is a bad thing.

I would advise against using real mousetraps, as they can pinch Oreo and if you do have children you don't want mousetraps around for fear of injury to them also.

Other commercial products you can try:

Scat Mat - place the mat on the surface you want Oreo to avoid and if he touches it, a mild, harmless static pulse emits when he touches it.

X-Mat - same as Scat Mat but no shock. Instead the mat has tiny plastic discomfort points that will deter Oreo from jumping on the surface.

All of these products can be found at pet store outlets or by searching the Internet.

If nothing seems to work for you Denise, try:

Get a strong garbage can with locking lid.

Keep Oreo out of kitchen altogether.

Put the can inside a cabinet that Oreo can't get into.

Do not put any food products into the garbage. Take food products outside to an outside can or the garage.

You may also want to add some Kong toys. These are great for you can stuff them full of dog treats and freeze them. They can also keep Oreo occupied, making it more appealing than the garbage. The best part about Kong toys is that they provide plenty of physical exercise as well as mental exercise. Just make sure you buy the right size for your Labrador Retrievers and discard when pieces start to fall off of them.

All of the above options can also be used for Oreo's counter surfing. Remember while training your Labrador Retrievers, you also have to try to train yourself not to leave tempting goodies within your Labradors potential reach.

For their begging at the table you can:

If you eat at different times, give them their favorite toys or Kong toys I mentioned above while you are eating. I don't feel you should eat at the same time as your Labradors as you reinforce you and your family's role as the pack leaders, not the subordinates. You are the Alpha dog. Here's an interesting article to take a look at Establishing and keeping the Alpha Position.

Remove them from the room totally while you are eating.

If you do keep your Labradors in the room while you eat, it is essential that you ignore the begging. NEVER, ever give in by giving them food! It may take a while but eventually they will learn begging gets them nothing.

Teaching Honey to come:

Start inside your home with you and Honey in the same room. Grab some dog treats, take a few steps back from Honey and call her by name followed by the simple command "come" (ex: Honey, Come). Reward her with a treat when she does come.

Slowly increase your distance and then move to another room and continue your training.

From there you can move to the backyard with a long leash and continue the above method.
If the treat isn't enough to entice Honey to come, put the leash on her and face her with the leash in hand. Make sure you leave some slack on the leash. Give the "come" command and then give the leash a gentle tug. Reward Honey when she comes to you.

Eventually, Honey should be coming on your command. You want to slowly wean her off the treats by replacing them with a pat on the head and/or praise. Be persistent and have patience during the training and if necessary you can always take a step back to the previous step in the training.

Well Denise, I hope this will be of some help to you and your Labrador Retrievers. If you don't understand anything or have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask. If you have problems with the "come" command training, let me know and I will try to be of further assistance.

Take care of yourself and your Labrador Retrievers,
Fay

Reader's E-mail - Denise's Response:

Thank You for all your help - I will definitely try this stuff.

Denise

To read part I of this e-mail visit: Labrador Retriever Eating from the Table / Garbage - part I

Technorati Tags:

Continue Reading...

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

DNA Samples Can Determine A Dog's Breed

For those of you that own Labrador Retrievers that are mixed with other breeds, this may be helpful to you.

We receive many questions in regards to wanting to know how you can tell what breed your Labrador Retriever is mixed with. Now, veterinarians can take a blood sample from a dog and help determine its breed or breeds.

I'm just wondering if this will be able to help Labrador Retriever owners tell if they own purebred Labrador Retrievers. Now don't hold me to this, but if they can tell the different mixes, if the blood samples only show Labrador Retrievers, would that make them purebred (I'm going to do a little more investigating to find out).



Technorati Tags:

Continue Reading...

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Labrador Retriever Eating from the Table / Garbage - part I

Subject:My black Labrador Retriever mix is eating from the table and getting into the garbage.

My 2 year old yellow lab does not come when called. Part I

From: Denise (USA)

Labrador Retriever's Names: Oreo - black Labrador Retriever mix. Honey - Yellow Labrador Retriever.

Reader's E-mail - Denise Writes:

We have a 2 year old black lab mix with Rot. How can we stop him from getting into the garbage, and eating table food - right from the table?

We also have another 2 year old yellow lab that does not come when called
what can we do?

Denise

All About Labradors Blog Response:

Hello Denise,

Thank for writing and for your patience. I have a few questions I need you to answer to try to be of help to you and your Labrador Retrievers.

For the black Labrador / Rottweiler mix (I bet he is a big boy):

What kind of food do you feed him? (name brand and flavor)

If any, what kind of treats does he get? (name brand and flavor)

What is his feeding schedule and how much do you feed him?

Does he get into the garbage when you are home or when you are out?

Is he stealing food from table when you walk away?

Is he in the room with you when you eat? If so, does he beg and whimper when your eating?

For your yellow Labrador:

What kind of training does he/she have?

Both dogs:

Have you established yourself as the dominant member (the Alpha Dog) of the family/pack? If you don't understand this let me know.

Do your Labrador Retrievers have names?

One last thing Denise, if you have any photos of your Labradors that you can e-mail me, I would love to post them to the blogs. You DO NOT have to send pictures to receive your answers.

Please get back to me with the answers to these questions.

Awaiting your reply,
Fay

Reader's E-mail - Denise's Response:

Oreo - black lab mix - garbage - yes to both, from the table, counter tops, stove top (even when on). Yes - they are both in the room when we eat and both beg. Yellow Lab - Honey - appears she's had some training, but has picked up some bad habits from Oreo. I will try to find photos. Food - Purina Healthy Life Nutrition - 1.5 cups per day, treats = 1 dental beef flavor per day, if they're good they get a biscuit.

Oreo is a good dog, is totally my shadow, sleeps outside my door etc. Honey strives for attention. Both are farm dogs, but I still want them to listen to me.

Denise

Labrador Retriever Eating from the Table / Garbage - part II

Technorati Tags:

Continue Reading...

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Fleas and your Labrador Retriever

The weather getting warmer which means more outside time for you and your Labrador Retriever. What this also means is more of a chance for your Labrador Retriever to come in contact with fleas, leading to an itchy annoyance for your Labrador and a major annoyance for you trying to control them.

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is offering a few tips to help you out.

"Fido's Flea Problem Is A Pet Owner's Nightmare"




Here's a simple way for you to check if your Labrador Retriever has fleas, even if you can't see them:

http://www.fleafree.co.uk/diagnosis/en/index.shtml

Technorati Tags:

Continue Reading...

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

The First Annual Worldwide Fido Awards

Nick at Night is holding its first annual Worldwide Fido Awards, where dog owners everywhere can enter their canines online to compete in six different categories. You can then vote online for your top picks.

I thought this might interest some of the readers here at All About Labradors and that some of you may get your Labrador Retriever(s) entered into this contest. If anyone is going to enter this contest, please let us know (comment or e-mail) so we can get the word out.

Uploading of videos begin May 19, 2008 and we will keep you updated on further information we find out.

Full details of this event:

"The Family Dog Gets His Day on Nick at Nite With the First Annual Worldwide Fido Awards Premiering on Sunday & Monday July 27 & July 28

Viewers May Upload their Videos at www.worldwidefido.com and Vote to Determine 2008's Worldwide Fido Winner.




Good luck to all that enter and don't forget to let us know if you have entered.

Technorati Tags:

Continue Reading...

Sunday, May 04, 2008

Update - Aggressive Behavior in Labrador Retriever?

From: Lisa (USA)

Subject: Aggressive behavior in Labrador Retriever?

Labrador Retriever Name: N/A

I received this e-mail from Lisa who had originally wrote in regards to aggressive behavior with her Labrador Retriever.

You can read the original post here: Aggressive Behavior in Labrador Retriever? - part I

Reader's E-mail - Lisa Writes:

Hello Fay,

Sorry I'm just now getting back to you. Of course, we still have our dog and have gotten a rat terrier mix puppy around Thanksgiving time. The lab will be 5 years old this month and she didn't like the puppy at first, now she is about 99% liking her.

It's so nice to see her playing with the puppy and having to be careful with her. As far as her aggression, it seems to be down, we all know that we just have to be
careful with her around other people. We are willing to do that though, because we love her so much.

Thanks for asking.
Lisa

Thanks for the update Lisa!

Technorati Tags:

Continue Reading...

Blog Archive

dog videos, cat videos, puppy videos, kitten videos, pet videos

Followers

Syndication

  © Blogger templates The Professional Template by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Back to TOP