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BLACK LAB BEHAVIOR
Sent to Pet Experts July 08 04:57 PM

Our 2 yr old (but new to us) black lab wants to run away. She is wonderful otherwise, - great w/ our grandchildren, sweet disposition, doesn't jump up on people, friendly, walking nicer each day, etc. The other problem is other dogs & cats. We don't yet know what she'll do if they get close enough. We have run into several unleashed dogs while walking her, and the hair on her back rises sometimes. She always pulls w/ all her strength, which is alot. We will be attedning a dog obedience class soon, but what can we do in the meantime? She has had some training, will sit, stay, sometimes but is rusty on things. Thank you for helping us in advance.

 

Optional Information:
Age: 2; Female; Breed: BLACK LAB

Already Tried:
pull on leash, choke chain. just got new lead for under eye area

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $10
Answer
July 8 5:12 PM (15 minutes and 12 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
I would suggest that you work on her obedience every day and that includes around the house.
You might find the nothing in life is free program will help.
www.idahohumanesociety.com/caretrain/notfree.html
Work on a recall in the house that means 'come quick I have something good for you' its a game you can play inside at first with different people calling her from one room to the next and handing her a treat for sitting in front of them. The treat needs to be small but yummy and something she really wants.
A secret while walking her is that dogs can really pull if straight out in front of you but if you move to one side they have less strength that way and you can turn them more easily.
One method of teaching not to pull is every time the dog pulls ahead you turn and go the other way. Looks silly to the neighbors but usually the dog will start walking with you and keeping an eye on you in a short time.
She probably needs some good running time so if you have a safe fenced area you can play with her chasing a ball or frisbee might help her. She might not be running off she might just be running to burn energy.
If she does run away don't chase her - turn and run the other way calling her so she chases you.
Hope this helps you!

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NancyH -- Pet Health Care, Rescue,Train,Breed -- 99% Positive Feedback on 7077 Pet Accepts
30+yrs pet vet care & nursing, rescue, behavior & training, responsible breeding, small animal care
Reply
July 8 5:23 PM (10 minutes and 29 seconds later)
         
Reply to Nancy Holmes's Post: More info needed. We have been told she has separation anxiety, and will get used to this being her home, etc.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
July 8 5:29 PM (6 minutes and 10 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
Who told you she had separation anxiety?
Running away isn't usually an indication of that unless the dog is chasing after you.
With separation anxiety usually the dog is desperate to get to you not away from you.
You can read about that problem here
http://www.usask.ca/wcvm/herdmed/applied-ethology/behaviourproblems/anxiety.html
If you think she is trying to 'go home' that is a possibility and in time the dog will bond to you and your family. Training helps with bonding and I'd look for a positive type training class not a choke collar class. www.apdt.com might help you find one.

Please press Accept if you find my answer helpful. Want more info? Just reply on your question!
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NancyH -- Pet Health Care, Rescue,Train,Breed -- 99% Positive Feedback on 7077 Pet Accepts
30+yrs pet vet care & nursing, rescue, behavior & training, responsible breeding, small animal care
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July 8 5:57 PM (28 minutes and 13 seconds later)
         
Reply to Nancy Holmes's Post: Good info, but I am not used to dogs, so need more. Thank you though.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
July 8 6:06 PM (8 minutes and 35 seconds later)
         
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NancyH -- Pet Health Care, Rescue,Train,Breed -- 99% Positive Feedback on 7077 Pet Accepts
30+yrs pet vet care & nursing, rescue, behavior & training, responsible breeding, small animal care
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