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Jelly
Citizen
Username: Jelly
Post Number: 27
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 6:46 am: | 
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We will be bringing home a 5 month old lab on Friday and need recommedations for a good vet and a good fence or electric fence company. Any other suggestions are welcome too! Thanks! |
Rick B
Citizen
Username: Ruck1977
Post Number: 1060
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 7:47 am: |
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Good luck Jelly, we got our lab when she was 7-8 weeks old and she is now over 2 years old. Get ready for some crazy adventures!
We use Dr. Stack on Millburn ave. for her veterinary care. There are a handful of good vets in the area though, so I am sure others will recomend their vets as well. Also, familiarize yourself with some local animal hospitals for any off hours emergency care. We have used the animal hospital in W.Caldwell and though they charge a LOT for emergency care, they seem to do good work. |
Kibbegirl
Citizen
Username: Kibbegirl
Post Number: 474
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 8:21 am: |
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We still use Dr. Marc Levine on Valley in S.O., but I'm always looking for someone else, as I find that his quality of care (he seems rushed all of the time) has gone down since Dr. Croman left. I use tie-outs for our dogs and they've worked great over the years. They come in several length-leads and the posts secure into the ground (be careful when the ground is very damp though because their pulling could pop it out). It gives them fresh air time, and enough lead to run around the yard without running out of the yard. We don't have a full fence, so this is the best thing for us. |
Crazy_quilter
Citizen
Username: Crazy_quilter
Post Number: 252
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 9:29 am: |
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sign up for an obedience class at St. Hubert's. They will also give you a lot of advice about what kind of fence, etc. They don't recommend the electric fence.
Lab puppies are full of energy. try to find someone else with a young dog and make some playdates.
Crate training can get you through some of the crazy times. Is the puppy 5 months old because someone else was having a difficult time? we rescued a lab at about 6 months once. |
Wendyn
Supporter
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 2910
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 9:37 am: |
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Watch "The Dog Whisperer" on the National Geographic Channel. It is great.
Exercise, exercise, exercise. |
Eats Shoots & Leaves
Citizen
Username: Mfpark
Post Number: 3261
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 10:09 am: |
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Crazy is sane and right on about everything. St. Huberts, lots of play dates, crate training--all critical for high energy dog like a Lab.
Look into a gentle leader as opposed to a choke collar--works better with strong dogs. Your Lab may be tiny and cute to start with, but within a few months she or he will become a massive physical force to reckon with when taking a walk.
Spend as much time as you can with your dog, especially in the first month or two (I slept in the kitchen on the floor with my guy for a week, but I am also a bit nuts)--it will create that lifetime bond between you.
Electric fences are great, but remember that while your dog can't get out, other dogs can get in, so you still need to keep an eye on your dog when outside.
Enjoy enjoy enjoy. Next to a child, getting a puppy is a wonderful and challenging job to take on. |
Alleygater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 1659
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 11:10 am: |
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I would HIGHLY suggest that you walk your dog every day for a good 15-45 minutes every day according to how much he needs it. If your dog is very active, unruly in the house, agressive, overly feisty or thinks it's the alpha male then he needs longer more tiring walks. And when I say walk I do not mean letting him stop to smell the trees and fire hydrants. You are walking him so he learns who is the boss, that he is supposed to listen to you and to get excercise. On these walks, your dog shouldn't be pulling the leash or leading you. He is the follower, you are the leader. He should walk along side you or behind you. And when you stop, he should stop and be aware of what your actions and intentions are -- because he's a follower (a beta).
You can walk your dog ALSO (in addition to the other kinds of walks) on the other kinds of walks where he stops and smells the daisies. But even on those walks he shouldn't be leading you or pulling the leash. I second the Dog Whisperer on NGC, awesome show. |
cmontyburns
Citizen
Username: Cmontyburns
Post Number: 1795
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 11:34 am: |
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As an owner of multiple labs, let me congratulate you on making an excellent choice. Once labs outgrow the puppy stage, they turn into the sweetest, most mellow, easy-going animals on the planet.
Of course, it's the 8 years until that happens that will provide all the fun. |
Rick B
Citizen
Username: Ruck1977
Post Number: 1064
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 11:47 am: |
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Its importatant to get the foundational training there. Just don't get too frustrated when they don't follow your every whim.
Also, one walk per day won't be enough to tucker your guy out. At 2, my girl can sometimes go for one walk per day, but the best days are when she gets two good play sessions or walks. The Gentle leader worked well too, until she got used to it. Now we switch between the Gentle leader and a front clipping harness.
The more information you read the better off you are. Everyone has different ideas on what to do, but with a lot of information behind you, you can make the decisions that are best for you.
PL me if you are interested in a play date!! We have a chocolate lab who is pretty good with other dogs (because we socialized her). |
kmccaffrey
Citizen
Username: Kmccaffrey
Post Number: 52
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 5:06 pm: |
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We have a Westie puppy and have been very happy with our invisible fence. Maplewood is fairly restrictive about fences, so we felt the invisible fence would allow the dog to use most of the property without creating any friction with our neighbors. Plus, depending on the size of your property, the invisible fence may end up being significantly cheaper than a regular fence. We don't leave him out when we're not at home, and keep an eye on his outdoor activity (mostly hunting acorns). One time a stray dog showed up in our back yard. Overall, the invisible fence provides us all--human and dog---with a tremendous amount of freedom. Invisible Fence 1-800-818-3647. |
newone
Citizen
Username: Newone
Post Number: 369
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 5:28 pm: |
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Highly, highly recommend Dr. Glauberg in Millburn (across from the Exxon station). He takes amazing care and concern over our dog (she's had a rough series of months but thank G*d she's okay now). He'll call at home after hours to check up on how the dog is, he's extremely honest and he will explain everything in detail and take the time answer all of your questions. We've been taking our dogs to him for close to 20 years or so. |
calypso
Citizen
Username: Calypso
Post Number: 8
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 8:58 pm: |
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Summit Animal Hospital is wonderful. Very compassionate, professional care, and they even try not to run up the bill! |
dOd
Citizen
Username: Dod
Post Number: 64
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 9:14 pm: |
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Electric fences are problematic.
They do nothing to prevent other animals from entering your property.
They don't deliver the appropriate escalating shock to a high prey dog. Once a dog works through the fence, say while chasing a squirrel, he now is prevented from returning to the yard.
If you want to let your dog out unattended, a proper fence is a much better idea. In lieu of that, a secure chain or a kennel.
And training.
Good luck,
dOd |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 13591
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 8:05 am: |
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Alleygater, you're obviously a really good dog trainer. You gave lots of food for thought. I came home last night, and my wife said Red was itching for more walks than usual. So I took him out and kept the leash really short and didn't let him sniff more than I thought he "needed" to. It only took him a couple of minutes to understand that this was the way it was going to be. And it took a surprisingly short time for him to get tired!
The sniffing really does annoy me sometimes, because he stops so suddenly and our progress can be so slow.
I'll make a bigger differentiation between walks for exercise and walks for elimination. It will be more fun for both of us.
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phyllis
Citizen
Username: Phyllis
Post Number: 499
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 8:51 am: |
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We have a cat, but I have to put in a plug for the West Orange Animal Hospital on Northfield. I have seen several dogs and their owners there - and I'm always impressed with both the staff and the vets there. Of the four vets, I really love three of them and the fourth is so-so.
Nice bunch of people, well-organized, and really impressive with their know-how. |
Alleygater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 1690
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 10:14 am: |
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Tom, it's not me. I wish I was a BETTER with my dog. It's all Cesar Milan (from the Dog Whisperer).
The show is great, but his principles are very simple -- it's not rocket science AT ALL. And in fact as much as I like the show, I get bored with it over time because you KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM AND THE SOLUTION is going to be before watching the episode. The problem is always the people coddling the dog and not being the Alpha, and the solution is making the dog be the Beta (and the humans the Alpha). Cesar RELIES UPON (the correct kind of) walks as his method of creating the pecking order.
One of the more common themes on the show is people who want to go on walks with their dogs but can't for a whole slew of reasons. Cesar is always commenting on how dogs shouldn't pull the leash and drag their owners everywhere. And then he teaches them how they SHOULD be walking their dogs. I was just repeating the lessons I learned from Cesar. It's funny but he always states that he is TRAINING the humans and rehabilitating the dogs. And it's true. When you watch the show you see how it's not about telling your dog commands, almost everything is expressed non-verbally with you actions and intentions. What is amazing is that almost every dog problem would be solved if the owners treated the dogs like dogs (and not like people), and if they just learned to walk their dogs properly and regularly.
I'm getting better at this, but I am not an expert yet. Which is why I still watch the show and I keep working on it. Luckily, it's so much fun to practice. |
Wendyn
Supporter
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 2917
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 10:21 am: |
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I love Ceasar. His advice makes so much sense. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 13596
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 11:32 am: |
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I stumbled on that show once. I agree, the stuff he professes is not rocket science, but he is still a genius for his intuition and knowledge, and how he applies it.
I have learned some of that stuff. I went to the dog training class at the Adult School soon after Red joined the family. I do enforce a "no pulling" policy, and he does know that rule. He needs constant reminders of everything. I agree that dog training is really human training.
But the important lesson for me today is that the "no recreational sniffing" helps establish the social order, which is helpful to everyone.
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Alleygater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 1698
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 12:42 pm: |
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I took my dog to training after getting my dog, and it taught all verbal commands and in many ways it was like teaching tricks. I do think that if I really practiced those things often that the dog would learn to obey (and hopefully would learn to be the Beta), but I think so much of what we normally do on a day to day basis undermines the Alpha/Beta relationship. Things like letting the dog come up on the bed or furniture without permission. Growling and barking when it is not wanted or after you told them to stop. All that high pitched cutesy talk that we do to our pets. The fawning over and excessive acts of affection that we give out pets (this is the one I am MOST GUILTY OF). In the wild the pack leader (the alpha) doesn't coddle the Betas, and pet them and groom them and talk all sweety sweety to them. Your dog perceives you as the Beta every time you do this. My point being that if your dog learns how to sit, stay and verbal stuff like that in obedience class and you undermine all that in everything else in your life with your pet, well... don't be surprised if your pet isn't perfect. It's you not the dog that is doing something wrong. Your dog wants you to step up and be it's leader. And if you don't there is a VERY GOOD CHANCE that they will seize the opportunity for themselves. Most of us aren't in tune with nature enough to see that that is what they are doing. We explain it away with HUMAN explanations. It's a dog people, not a human.
Also Tom, you need to remember that male dogs tend to challenge the pack leader. It's to be expected at times. It's natural and happens in the wild. But you are a big strong human and I am pretty sure you will be able to keep Red in check when it happens. I suspect it would happen less if you showed your dog you were the leader all the time.
The thing that I find interesting about Cesar's approach is that it's almost completely non-verbal. Which is why he says it's not training for the dog (but rather the human). If you walk your dog the right way with the right attitude often enough, your dog just gets it. If you want to know the right way (I explained it a little above in this thread) I suggest you watch the show. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 13597
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 1:23 pm: |
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Hmm. Some of that seems to contradict what I learned in dog training. The instructor told us that discipline and rewards are both important. Sweet talk and affection are appropriate rewards, he said. Interestingly, he said he noticed that men are typically better at issuing commands but weak at giving rewards, particularly sweet talk. And women tend to be the opposite: generous with the sweet talk but not firm enough with commands and negative feedback.
We're lucky in that Red is naturally very submissive. That comes naturally with greyhounds in general. When he makes a dominant move, it's very rare, and we punish him quickly, and he becomes remorseful right away. (Is remorseful the right word? It might be too anthropomorphic.)
The interesting thing is that yes, dogs are so amazingly good at reading our body language, and they like to follow when the leader communicates clearly. Also, they seem extremely eager to understand us and try to understand us often. I think that's the most amazing thing about dogs in general.
Red knows not to get on the bed when we're on it, unless we invite him, and it still takes lots of coaxing. Having him on the bed is rarely pleasant for us, since he is so big. Of course, it's easier to have Leo on your bed, so it's easier to relax with your rule.
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Alleygater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 1706
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 3:37 pm: |
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Cesar would probably say something like what you learned is "dog training" and he is training people to understand "dog psychology". |
Wendyn
Supporter
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 2921
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 3:51 pm: |
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One of my dogs will jump on the couch and stare at me until I shift my position to accommodate his highness on my lap. It works 99% of the time.
The other one will stick her nose in my face until I raise the covers on the bed so that she can snuggle with me. My daughter says I am a "pug sandwich" in my bed.
But I'M the alpha, right?
Sure. |
Alleygater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 1709
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 3:58 pm: |
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If you have no problems with your dog than you got nothing to worry about Wendyn. If however your dogs are doing things that you don't want them to and you are unhappy about it, well then....? |
Judi W.
Citizen
Username: Judiwein
Post Number: 32
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 4:46 pm: |
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I second the rec. for Dr. Glauberg who has been wonderful with our two puppies. We used Dr. Levine for our previous 2 dogs and were not happy with how he handled the end-of-life issues of our golden retriever. Dr. Glauberg has been a breath of fresh air with his true professionalism and interest in our new dogs.
I also suggest training at St. Huberts. We just completed their 8 week basic training class and it was very helpful. They throw a lot at you to practice during the week and it seems a bit overwhelming. We chose what was most important to us and focused on those things (sit, stay, leave it, drop it, here) and plan to continue the walking related training on our own (still following their methods which definitely work). The trainer was a bit inflexible about the best way to train our puppies in the same class - wanting them to be separated. This made them absolutely miserable and we spent the first 2 sessions dealing with their whining, barking and howling for each other. After we insisted that the puppies stay next to each other, the trainer finally agreed to try it. The puppies were great after that. So, remember that you know your new puppy's temperament better than anyone.
We had problems with housetraining them, but that seems to have resolved itself and they haven't had an accident in the house this past month. Crate training and consistency definitely works. We were a bit overwhelmed with trying to train 2 at once, but once we listened to MOL and became consistent in our methods, they finally caught on. Thanks everyone! |
Jelly
Citizen
Username: Jelly
Post Number: 28
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Friday, April 14, 2006 - 1:40 pm: |
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We picked up our lab yesterday and she is doing great. Thanks to everyone for all your suggestions! |
Shawna
Citizen
Username: Lucies_mom
Post Number: 113
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Friday, April 14, 2006 - 10:12 pm: |
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ok, maybe i've been skimming the pages more than reading, but this is the first I have heard of St. Huberts. Where is this place? Can anyone give me more info? I was considering Sit.Stay.Play because Lucie loves agility. Does St. H do agility training as well? |
Crazy_quilter
Citizen
Username: Crazy_quilter
Post Number: 261
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, April 15, 2006 - 10:25 am: |
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st. hubert's is in Madison. they have agility training, too.
here's their home page http://www.sthuberts.org/ |
ess
Citizen
Username: Ess
Post Number: 1733
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, April 15, 2006 - 10:50 am: |
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I also recommend Dr. Glauberg and his practice. They have been wonderful to me, my family, and pets for over 25 years!
If anyone is interested in "personal" dog training, please PL me. A very dear friend of mine happens to be an excellent dog trainer, and I would be more than happy to share her information. |
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