Caninestein's Stephanie Colman on Crate Training your Dog

Should I crate train my Labrador Retriever? I very familiar question asked here at the All About Labradors blog.

Some people love it and think it's absolutely necessary, while others don't accepted crate training as a positive method of dog training.

In Steven Lindsay's "Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training," he compares a dog’s attachment to a crate with the Stockholm Syndrome.

Quoted from the Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training"

After learning that the crate is inescapable, however, dogs appear to treat the crate in a paradoxical manner analogous to persons affected by the Stockholm syndrome; that is, they appear to form strong attachments with the crate, which becomes the place they identify as home

Believe me when I tell you the good and bad of crate training can be argued back and forth forever.

For those of you that are long time readers of the All About Labradors blog, you know that we are strong believers in crate training and advised crate training for your Labrador Retriever. Which leads me to why I started this post.

Here's a helpful video from Caninestein's Stephanie Colman on crate training your dog, how to do it, and why it's handy to have a crate trained dog.



Related Posts:

Crate Training for my Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever puppy won't sleep at night

Wire Versus Plastic Dog Crates: Which is Best for You?

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Labrador Retriever Training?

This is a funny video with a very cute little Labrador Retriever puppy.

The owner of this cute Labrador Retriever calls him to pass him the toilet paper while he is sitting on the toilet. The Labrador Retriever pup grabs the toilet paper and pulls it all the way across the road to the neighbors house, were he was sitting on the toilet.



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Happy Tails Books

I received the following e-mail from Kyla Duffy, founder and co-editor of Happy Tails Books that I would like to share with the readers of All About Labradors:

Hi,

You’ve got a great blog, and since it's all about Labs I thought you might want to know about a book about Labs that I'm in the process of compiling.

I'm a foster mom who has been trying to do more for dog rescue groups. My search led me to found "Happy Tails Books," a company that compiles stories about adopted dogs into breed-specific and region-specific books. The proceeds from the books benefit dog rescue groups, and the mission is to raise awareness about breed characteristics and dog rescue. The first book, “Lost Souls: FOUND! Inspirational Stories of Adopted Boston Terriers” is available for pre-sale at http://happytailsbooks.com and on Amazon.com. We have a Golden Retriever book well underway, and a Labrador book is planned in the upcoming months.

We are collecting stories about adopted Labs right now. If there is anything you could do to spread the word among your readers we would greatly appreciate it!

Thank you,
Kyla

After reading through the e-mail and the Happy Tails Books website, I am more than happy to share the outstanding work that Kyla, along with co-editor Lowrey Mumford, has accomplished and their mission to raise awareness about breed characteristics and dog rescue.

"Kyla Duffy, founded Happy Tails Books as an effort to educate people about the joy of dog rescue and the horror of puppy mill breeding. She asks that you please help put an end to animal cruelty and shelter overpopulation by choosing adoption over pet store purchases and understanding the breed before adding them to your family to ensure your new dog is a good fit."

They are planning a book on Labrador Retrievers shortly and are looking for stories about rescue or adopted Labrador Retrievers to be featured in the book. If any of the readers of All About Labradors would like to contribute their story, head on or to the Happy Tails Books website to Share a "Tail". Honor your rescued or adopted Labrador Retriever by featuring their story in a book!

While your at the Happy Tails Books website make sure you read the story for the inspiration for Happy Tails, read through some of their favorite inspirational stories and meet the editors.

I big thank you to Kyla for sharing this information with me and congratulations to all at Happy Tails Books for the commendable job you are doing!!

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Genetic Breakdown Of Genes That Control Labrador Retriever Coat Color

Determination of coat color within the Labrador Retriever breed can be a daunting task. Through years of breeding this breed of dog I have compiled much information. The question asked on a regular basis is... "what color will the puppies be?" so I decided to pull all my knowledge together and explain the genes that determine the coat color as simply as possible. Below is a detailed description of the genes and their purpose. Just remember that "B" controls the color of coat and "E" regulates whether or not the color pigment will be deposited in the hair . You may have to read over this explanation a couple of times before the genes start making sense, but do not worry they will.

1. The coat color of Labrador Retrievers (Black, chocolate, or yellow) is controlled by two different genes B and E

2. The B controls the color of the coat, and is either B=Black or b=brown.

3. Each parent passes the offspring with the "B" gene or a "b" gene. Black is dominant .

4. BB = both dame and stud provide a Black gene

5. Bb = dame provides Black, stud provides brown; or vice versa

6. bb = both dame and stud provide a brown gene

7. A puppy with one or two "B's" will have a Black nose; one with two "b's" will have a brown nose

8. The E gene regulates whether the color pigment will actually be deposited in the hair, and is either "E" = permits pigment deposition, or "e" = prevents pigment deposition. each parent provides the offspring with either an "E" gene or an "e" gene

9. Each parent provides the offspring with either an "E" gene or an "e" gene

10. EE = both dame and stud provide the gene permitting pigment deposition

11. Ee = dame provides the gene permitting deposition, stud provides the gene preventing deposition; or vice versa

12. ee = both dame and stud provide the gene preventing deposition

13. As a result, any Labrador retriever that has at least one "B" and one "E" (BBEE, BBEe, BbEE, or (BbEe) will be Black.

14. A Labrador retriever that has two "b's" and at least one "E" (bbEE or bbEe) will be brown.

15. A Labrador retriever that has two "e's," whether it has "B's" or "b's" (BBee, Bbee, or bbee) will be yellow.

16. The "e" gene does not prevent deposition of color in the nose or lips as it does in the coat. so, "BBee" and "Bbee" yellow Labs have Black noses and lips, while "bbee" yellow Labs have brown noses and lips.

In conclusion, if you are interested to know what color genes your Labrador Retriever carries, then attaining a DNA Profile Test Kit from a breed registration service such as the AKC, UKC, OR CKC is a very simple, cost effective way to achieve the task of knowing what gene colors your Labrador Retriever carries.The AKC test kit is called a "DNA Profile Test Kit" which comes with a swab, sterile container, instructions, and label for the registration number of the Lab. The procedure is very simple just swab the inside of the lab's mouth aquiring saliva, then label the container and seal it with the swab enclosed inside the container.This DNA Profile test will help you to further utilize and enhance the breeding program in use. With this test you now have another valueble resource in managing coat colors.

About the Author

William Williford breeder of championship status AKC Labrador Retrievers. For more information, with frequent updates please visit my site at AKC Labrador Retriever puppies and dogs at UPSTATELABRADORS.COM

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Labrador Retriever eating cat poop and his own poop

Subject: Labrador Retriever eating cat poop and his own poop.

From: Stewart (USA)

Labrador Retriever Name: Bo Jingle

Reader's e-mail - Stewart Writes:

My Labrador Retriever, Bo Jingle has recently started eating our two cats poop as well as his own poop. This is so disgusting and we know that it is not good for him. They all share our back yard space together and would hate to have to section off a piece of the yard just for Bo Jingle.

Is there anything I can do to stop Bo Jingle from doing this?

Regards,

Stewart (USA)

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

Hello Stewart and thank you for visiting as well as writing.

A common issue for dogs and one that is particularly disturbing for us Labrador Retriever owners is stool-eating, technically known as Coprophagia. There are many different factors which can contribute to this behavior, which makes it difficult to pinpoint an exact cause for every case.

Here are a few reasons why your Labrador Retriever may be eating his feces:

* Inadequate nutrition / nutrient deficiency
* Hunger
* Digestive disorder
* Stress
* Bored or lonely
* Cleaning and maintaining their space
* Hiding evidence
* Parasites or worms
* To gain attention

There are some veterinarians that believe that dogs sensitive sense of smell lures them to some of the most unusual odors.

Here are a few different approaches you might try to help eliminate this behavior:

The first and most important thing to do is to keep your yard or whatever area it is that Bo Jingle and your cats eliminate, thoroughly clean. Try cleaning the yard daily if you don't do so already and if your outside with him when he does eliminate, clean it right away (sounds like a job for the children if you have them :))

You want to make sure that your Labrador Retriever is getting the proper vitamins and nutrients that he requires by feeding him a high quality food.

Be sure to adequately exercise and stimulate your dog - mentally and physically. Increase his access to chew toys or bones to keep him busy. We love the Kong line of toys, bones and treats as they provide physical as well as mental exercise (just make sure you get the right size for your Labrador Retriever and that you discard of them when pieces start to break off).

There are products available that when added to your Labrador Retriever's food, it creates a forbidden and unpalatable taste to the feces. Some products available include:

For-Bid - "Vegetable protein and sodium glutamate work in the digestive system to give stools a bad taste."

Deter Coprophagia Treatment - "8 in 1 Deter Coprophagia Treatment for Dogs discourages the habit-forming tendency to consume feces. Studies have shown that using this product is up to 98% effective in stopping this disturbing behavior!"

NaturVet Coprophagia Deterrent - "Helps deter dogs from consuming their own stools or other dog's stools."

Another alternative you could try is mixing a meat tenderizer like Adolf's into Bo Jingle's food with each meal, as it is supposed to have the same effect as For-Bid.

You may also try adding some hot sauce to the stool. Locate the stool in your yard, split it in half lengthwise, add some hot sauce such as Tabasco or Habanero sauce and put it back together so that the dog is not aware of the hot sauce until it eats the stool (I know this sounds disgusting but it might help). It will not harm your Labrador Retriever but will make it uncomfortable to eat. After a couples of bites, Bo Jingle may decide it isn't worth eating the poop anymore.

You may want to try to teach Bo Jingle the "Leave It" command to get him to avoid the stool.

Last but not least, if Bo Jingle hasn't had a recent checkup, make sure you schedule one with your veterinarian.

Please take care of yourself and Bo Jingle,
Fay

Related Articles:

5 Dog Training Myths Ebook

Horrible Problems A Dog Training Book Will Not Describe

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Health Issues with Your Labrador Retriever

Most dog breeds possess a breed specific health problem usually to do with the way their bodies are designed. The Dachshund suffers from back problems due to its low set back and the short-necked breeds such as the Bulldog can be prone to breathing difficulties.

The Labrador Retriever is no exception to the rule and probably the most common health issue this dog encounters is hip dysplasia. Canine hip dysplasia is an issue for many dog breeds. The problem lies in the dog’s hips basically there is a problem when the joints that normally make the hip work effectively become loose.

Labrador Retriever information pertaining to the dog’s health will all mention hip dysplasia. Basically the femur does not sit snugly within the pelvic socket as it once used to, the condition can vary considerably from dog to dog. It could be deemed as very mild right through to the other end of the spectrum and be very serious.

Occasionally a Labrador Retriever may have hip dysplasia but not really display any symptoms for awhile, then as time goes by the dog may start to show signs of arthritis. A dog might show difficulty in rising from a sleeping position and they may ‘telegraph’ their legs, meaning that they will hold the affected limb out straight. This will be done in an effort to ease the discomfort felt in the limb. Information on Labrador Retrievers very often touches on the subject of hip dysplasia.

Generally speaking hip dysplasia is an inherited health problem for dogs however the problem can be encountered for other reasons. Younger dogs can also suffer from it especially if they enjoy a life of jumping over fences, walls and other various obstacles. The problem arises in Labrador Retrievers under the age of two years because their actual joints within their hips have not yet developed properly.

When the dog jumps a lot it is literally over stretching its hip joints and they are being worked by the dog way beyond the Labrador Retrievers capability. Generally speaking, and I stress this is only a general observation, the Labrador Retriever will begin to display signs of hip dysplasia prior to it reaching a year old.

The dog may limp every so often or appear stiff when rising. If a dog is affected at a reasonably young age then the chances run high that they will suffer from arthritis when older. A dog’s hips can actually be x-rayed at the age of four months although most vets prefer to leave this until the animal is at least two years of age, this way the Labrador Retriever’s hips are completely developed.

You can request to view a puppy’s registration papers prior to purchasing as these will show that the puppy has been hip scored and graded accordingly. There are treatments available to help dogs suffering from hip dysplasia just simply research some Labrador Retriever information specifically relating to the topic. Just make sure to buy from a breeder who screens their puppies for hip dysplasia and gives a puppy warranty.

This article was written by John P Jackson for GreatDogSite, the web's most extensive library of dog articles, including many more on the Labrador Retriever.

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AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days Unleashed

New York, NY – Are you interested in learning training and grooming tips from the pros? Or considering adding a new family member? Be sure to mark “AKC® Responsible Dog Ownership Days” on your calendar. This month-long celebration includes hundreds of organizations around the country holding free events filled with fun and engaging activities for every current or future dog owner. AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day events are held throughout September and are listed on www.akc.org/rdod

“According to an AKC survey, 99% of dog owners have a dog because of the love and companionship they provide. Dogs have become increasingly important in our lives and the best way to return the love of your dog is to be a responsible owner,” said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson . “AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days across the country are aimed at helping owners keep their canine companions happy and living harmoniously in their communities.”

Each AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day event is unique but many include obedience and agility demonstrations, meet the breeds, microchip clinics, breed rescue info rmation, therapy dog/service dog demonstrations, health clinics, safety around dogs for kids, giveaways and other entertaining and educational activities. If you want to show your friends and family how well-mannered your dog can be, take the AKC Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Test. This 10-step test rewards well-mannered, obedient dogs – and is offered at many events.

Listings of all events can be found and searched by state at www.akc.org/rdod. The site will be updated weekly to reflect new additions. Over 200 local events have been entered to date, including:

* 9/12- Clearwater Kennel Club, Tampa Bay Kennel Club and Pasco Florida Kennel Club – AKC obedience & agility demos, parade of over 50 AKC breeds and rescue dogs, demonstrations from city police K-9 unit and 4H kids with their K-9s. AKC Canine Good Citizen® testing, canine massage, canine first aid and CPR, Paws for Patriots, guide dog and therapy/service dog instructors, and 40 vendors.

* 9/13-Tropical Toy Dog Fanciers of Hawaii, Honolulu , HI – Conformation handling class: learn how to show your dog! Meet the Breeds with some of AKC’s 161 dog breeds available with breed experts. AKC Canine Good Citizen® testing.

* 9/19-Rapid City Kennel Club, Rapid City , South Dakota – Demonstrations of agility, earthdog, obedience, rally, flyball, basic training and more. AKC-sanctioned B-OB match. AKC Canine Good Citizen® testing, microchip clinic, youth coloring contest, dog parade, and other fun games. Educational information regarding dog laws, grooming, health and nutrition, obedience class signup, pet first aid, spay/neuter, therapy and service dogs, AKC and 4H.

* 9/26-Suffolk County Kennel Club, Oyster Bay , NY – AKC education tables with breeder referral, canine health issues, getting started in AKC events junior showmanship and safety around dogs information. Learn how to find a responsible breeder and talk to experienced owners and trainers. All-breed dog show will be held with rally and obedience trials held by Suffolk Obedience Training Club. Food and vendors with dog-related products will also be available.

AKC will celebrate its own AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day in Raleigh , N.C. on Saturday, September 26. The event will feature many AKC-recognized breeds, agility and obedience demonstrations, AKC CGC® testing, and low-cost microchipping.

AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days are nationally sponsored by Invisible Fence® Brand, whose behavior-based containment system has successfully kept over 2 million dogs safely contained in both outdoor and indoor environments. Invisible Fence Brand will be highlighting their commitment to responsible dog ownership this September by working with event-hosting organizations across the country to provide resources and information for pet owners. Learn more about our sponsor at www.invisiblefence.com.

Organizations interested in hosting an AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day event should contact the AKC at communications@akc.org or visit www.akc.org/rdod.

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K9 KlearUp

From time to time we get the opportunities to try out dog products and foods from different companies. Toward the beginning of June I was approached with the opportunity to test out a product called K9 KlearUp, a naturally antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiseptic balm that helps clear up 17 most common canine skin and coat problems.

After agreeing to test their product I was sent a small sample a few days later to give it a try. Being that my two Labrador Retrievers girls are in tip top shape right now (keeping my fingers crossed), the next candidate up would be my sister's chocolate Labrador Retriever, Hestia, who has two split paws being from the concrete around the pool. Hestia was favoring the paws some and would continually lick the two hurt paws.

Hestia has the same problems with the paws as my chocolate Labrador Retriever, Meeko, a result of the hot concrete and the crazy running they do around the pool. I actually wish I received this product before she let Hestia in the pool area as this product is made to help make dog pads more resistant to surface that could cause wear and tear on your animal's feet (will be applying it to their pads in the future and hopefully it will solve my problem).

Usually for paw problems of this nature I use baths or compresses with Epsom salt or colloidal oatmeal (Aveeno) and also apply 100% Aloe Vera (which my sis used the night last night) but we decided to give the K9 KlearUp a shot the next day.

The first thing I noticed about the product was that it wasn't greasy and had no odor to it. After cleansing the area we applied a thin amount of the K9 KlearUp to the paws and then applied a second application later on in the evening.

The next day we notice that Hestia was no longer licking at the pads and that her pads look less irritated (I was a little surprised). We continued to apply the K9 KlearUp to her pads for the next three days, twice a day and by the fifth day, Hestia's paws were healed.

My sister and I were both very happy and somewhat surprised at how well the K9 KlearUp product had worked. I loved the fact that the product is all natural and safe for Labrador Retrievers, with it's secret ingredient called Tepezcohuite (pronounced 'Tep-Ez-Co-Heety'), a tree found in the former Mayan empire and two other natural ingredients.

It has a 95%+ success rate, but if ever it doesn't work for your dog, they offer a
365-day 100% money back guarantee (just send back what is left in the jar
-even if it's empty).

If you are concerned about your dog's skin then I strongly recommend you
check this out for yourself:

K9 KlearUp

All About Labradors Disclaimer

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Labrador Retriever favoring his leg

Subject: Labrador Retriever favoring his leg.

From: Emily (Canada)

Labrador Retriever Name: Rollie

Reader's e-mail - Emily Writes:

I've noticed that my six year old Labrador Retriever is favoring his left leg by not putting any weight on it. He did not have this problem yesterday nor did he have it this morning when he awoke. He played most of the day in the yard and played in our home this afternoon.

Rollie does not seem to be in pain, is not whining but is favoring it. I don't know what we should do. Please give us ideas. Thank you,

Rollie and Emily

All About Labradors Answer:

Hello Emily, thank you for writing and visiting the All About Labradors blog. I'm sorry to hear about Rollie's problem.

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

This could be many things and a tough one without me seeing Rollie.

Here are some possibilities of what may be causing Rollie's limping and what to check for:

Soft tissue or muscle damage may have occurred.

Meniscal Injury

Arthritis

Rollie could have torn an ACL (quite common in dogs) which would require surgery.

Check his paws for thorns, stickers and lacerations.

Check for overgrown or overly short toenails.

Check leg and joints thoroughly for bumps, bruises, heat or pain.

This is just a partial list off the top of my head as there could be other ailments. My recommendations to you is that since your e-mail letter is two days old, if Rollie is still favoring the leg I would take him to your veterinarian to get checked.

Please keep me updated on Rollie's condition!

Take care of yourself and Rollie,

Fay

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I lub dese goggie tours

see more dog and puppy pictures

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How To Make Your Own Dog Treats

Show your four-legged friend you care by cooking up some homemade treats.



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