Lab behavior

[niceg3s]

I own the best dog I've ever hunted over. She's 11 now and has been an amazing hunter, an amazing friend and an great companion. I started trying to buy her replacement when she was 8 and I knew that I'd have a hard time replacing her. I've bought 3 dogs, from well respected kennels and all were very disappointing. I've got countless friends, have hunted over countless dogs that all miss the mark on what a disciplined, well-trained labrador should be. A lab shouldn't weigh 100#....hell, it shouldn't weigh 80#. A lab shouldn't be over hyper, but relaxed and obedient and very easy to train. People joke about a lab tearing up the backyard or chewing **** up, but that is opposite of a normal trait of the breed. American breeding has been responsible for most of that. I'm not saying that all backyard breeders are bad, but the fact is that it's just too hard to tell anymore. The labs popularity has been it's undoing.

The fact is that I hunt my dog, but I live with her much more than I share a blind with her. I expect a certain amount of civility that I've had a hard time finding in the vast majority of dogs. You're right, British labs are bred to confirmation, trainability and temperament.....but that's the breed's hallmarks and should be respected by anyone that decides to breed. The British-bred and British-trained labs that I've hunted over were obedient, well-trained, steady and a pleasure to hunt over. American breeds can offer the same, my Abby is an example, but in my experience those are dying traits. My research into the breed and Americanization of such leave some concerns of the sustainability as a hunting breed. Sure, they'll run a field trial, pick up a duck and bring it back, do all the stuff that a lab is "supposed to do", but the vast majority that I've seen do not offer the traits and characteristics or do it all as a well-trianed lab should.

You find me an American-bred lab that meets those standards and I'll buy that sucker faster than you can blink your eyes.....I hope it fares better than the last few.

I'll add that I know there are exceptions to every rule and I'm probably being way too general. I don't mean to offend all lab breeders, as I'm sure there are good ones, but if you look at the breed and the historical traits, you'll have to agree that we as Americans have strayed to dang far.

I understand that you and others enjoy spending a fair amount of money on a dog, and if it is in fact part of your hobby, like bird hunting, it makes sense. I got a dog after my wife had a miscarriage per the doctor's suggestion. I got her a lab because I knew we would have kids and the breed is known to be a good family dog. Please forgive me that I did not research bloodlines, buy the best dog money could buy, then spent hours or paid someone a great deal of money to train a dog that watches TV, plays fetch, and jogs with my wife. My wife wanted a second dog to keep the first dog company, again I didn't feel the need to invest that much time or money.

Both dogs are AKC registered and parents competed in retriever field trials. I did that much research before buying.

[curtintex]

I understand that you and others enjoy spending a fair amount of money on a dog, and if it is in fact part of your hobby, like bird hunting, it makes sense. I got a dog after my wife had a miscarriage per the doctor's suggestion. I got her a lab because I knew we would have kids and the breed is known to be a good family dog. Please forgive me that I did not research bloodlines, buy the best dog money could buy, then spent hours or paid someone a great deal of money to train a dog that watches TV, plays fetch, and jogs with my wife. My wife wanted a second dog to keep the first dog company, again I didn't feel the need to invest that much time or money.

Both dogs are AKC registered and parents competed in retriever field trials. I did that much research before buying.

My apologies....I didn't mean to insinuate that you didn't do your research. My post that you quoted was in response to a question posed by another poster. I've had more dogs like yours than I've had that were great, I promise you. My only point, the one I was trying to make, is that Labs as we know them are hyper, needy, high-strung dogs....those are not original characteristics of the breed. Bob's post that I originally quoted, and my subsequent poor explanation was about how over breeding has hurt the breed. Not your fault, my fault or anyone else's fault that ends up with a crazy dog. My opinion is that it's overbreeding, but I didn't mean to impose my opinion as a fact in your situation. I am sorry for hijacking your thread.

[myway]

You're right. I was way too general. No guarantee that bad breeding was responsible and I should always know better than to agree with Bob.

Yeah probably the most ridiculous thing bob has said. I am certain half the people on here have had a backyard lab that most would say was the best **** dog they have had. So his comment is stupid but then again were not talking about "working breeds " so who knows. Something definitely happened at the kennel.

[bluelund79]

I own the best dog I've ever hunted over. She's 11 now and has been an amazing hunter, an amazing friend and an great companion. I started trying to buy her replacement when she was 8 and I knew that I'd have a hard time replacing her. I've bought 3 dogs, from well respected kennels and all were very disappointing. I've got countless friends, have hunted over countless dogs that all miss the mark on what a disciplined, well-trained labrador should be. A lab shouldn't weigh 100#....hell, it shouldn't weigh 80#. A lab shouldn't be over hyper, but relaxed and obedient and very easy to train. People joke about a lab tearing up the backyard or chewing **** up, but that is opposite of a normal trait of the breed. American breeding has been responsible for most of that. I'm not saying that all backyard breeders are bad, but the fact is that it's just too hard to tell anymore. The labs popularity has been it's undoing.

The fact is that I hunt my dog, but I live with her much more than I share a blind with her. I expect a certain amount of civility that I've had a hard time finding in the vast majority of dogs. You're right, British labs are bred to confirmation, trainability and temperament.....but that's the breed's hallmarks and should be respected by anyone that decides to breed. The British-bred and British-trained labs that I've hunted over were obedient, well-trained, steady and a pleasure to hunt over. American breeds can offer the same, my Abby is an example, but in my experience those are dying traits. My research into the breed and Americanization of such leave some concerns of the sustainability as a hunting breed. Sure, they'll run a field trial, pick up a duck and bring it back, do all the stuff that a lab is "supposed to do", but the vast majority that I've seen do not offer the traits and characteristics or do it all as a well-trianed lab should.

You find me an American-bred lab that meets those standards and I'll buy that sucker faster than you can blink your eyes.....I hope it fares better than the last few.

I'll add that I know there are exceptions to every rule and I'm probably being way too general. I don't mean to offend all lab breeders, as I'm sure there are good ones, but if you look at the breed and the historical traits, you'll have to agree that we as Americans have strayed to dang far.

Curt, when I get back in town from traveling, I'll get Jesse's breeders info. He sounds a lot like Abbey, sorry you never got to meet my blockhead. The breeder is in KY though......

[ShockValue]

Dang crazy, backyard bred Labs.

Classy as usually.

[G_Retrievers]

Id say seperation anxiety, if she hasn't ever been away from you that long. Then you tell us when your gone for a period of time she get angry and tares up the house. Gut feeling tells me that she doesn't like you gone and has to occupy herself by chewing on something until you get back. But if she returned back to her original home state you'd figure she would straighten up, which throws me for a loop. Im not there to see your dog in the act or can see how she is responding but for some reason i also feel maybe something happened at the kennel that makes her super defensive. Honestly id say its separation anxiety and might feel as if she needs to be over protective of you. Hope everything straightens out for you! Sorry to hear all that is happening after going to a kennel.

[Electrican]

Dang crazy, backyard bred Labs.

Stupid

[niceg3s]

My apologies....I didn't mean to insinuate that you didn't do your research. My post that you quoted was in response to a question posed by another poster. I've had more dogs like yours than I've had that were great, I promise you. My only point, the one I was trying to make, is that Labs as we know them are hyper, needy, high-strung dogs....those are not original characteristics of the breed. Bob's post that I originally quoted, and my subsequent poor explanation was about how over breeding has hurt the breed. Not your fault, my fault or anyone else's fault that ends up with a crazy dog. My opinion is that it's overbreeding, but I didn't mean to impose my opinion as a fact in your situation. I am sorry for hijacking your thread.

I appreciate the apology. I was not offended, but I felt like I needed to explain myself. I'm honestly just looking for a way to make things better with the dog. Even if she was a mutt, I genuinely believe that most dogs are "good dogs" and bad behavior is a result of the owner.

[Jayt22]

Something happened at the Kennel

I agree with this

[bdchorn]

Just curious as to why you would rule out a US bred lab? No doubt there are some bad breedings, but there are a ton of good litters out there if you are looking for a hunting/trial dog. I assume you are looking at English lines? I have hunted with 2 high bred English labs and both were solid dogs but had nowhere near the drive of an average American bred lab. I was looking into an English breeding several years ago and when doing research realized that they are bred more for confirmation to breed standards rather than hunting ability. To me that is the same problem with most backyard breeders in the US. They are breeding for looks instead of breeding for working ability (e.g., Silver labs, Dudley, Fox red, White, etc.).

False. There are plenty of English breeders that tilt for hunting. My lab has both a show title and a MH title and has a huge hunt drive.

[Nova]

We have two labs, male (4) and female (2.5). About a year ago, we traveled for about a week and put both dogs in a kennel that allowed the dogs to play with other dogs. After a few days, the female started attacking other dogs and our dogs were isolated for the remainder of the week. The female lab continues to be overly aggressive with our male lab. She also gets angry if we are gone for several hours and tries to destroy something in the house. I have also found it bizarre that she always sneaks around the house and tries to do things that she has been told not to do. If I catch her in the act or ask her not to do something you would think that I had beat her to death, she lays on the floor and trembles. I'm thinking something bad must have happened at the kennel. This week she bit my mother-in-law, and no I did not train her to. Any ideas of how to correct this behavior? She does not seem to like being around our kids, but has not been aggressive towards them or my wife.

Want to sell her???





I kid, I kid. Sorry she is having issues.

[helim83]

classy as usually.

nail on head!

[OleTomTalker]

I own the best dog I've ever hunted over. She's 11 now and has been an amazing hunter, an amazing friend and an great companion. I started trying to buy her replacement when she was 8 and I knew that I'd have a hard time replacing her. I've bought 3 dogs, from well respected kennels and all were very disappointing. I've got countless friends, have hunted over countless dogs that all miss the mark on what a disciplined, well-trained labrador should be. A lab shouldn't weigh 100#....hell, it shouldn't weigh 80#. A lab shouldn't be over hyper, but relaxed and obedient and very easy to train. People joke about a lab tearing up the backyard or chewing **** up, but that is opposite of a normal trait of the breed. American breeding has been responsible for most of that. I'm not saying that all backyard breeders are bad, but the fact is that it's just too hard to tell anymore. The labs popularity has been it's undoing.

The fact is that I hunt my dog, but I live with her much more than I share a blind with her. I expect a certain amount of civility that I've had a hard time finding in the vast majority of dogs. You're right, British labs are bred to confirmation, trainability and temperament.....but that's the breed's hallmarks and should be respected by anyone that decides to breed. The British-bred and British-trained labs that I've hunted over were obedient, well-trained, steady and a pleasure to hunt over. American breeds can offer the same, my Abby is an example, but in my experience those are dying traits. My research into the breed and Americanization of such leave some concerns of the sustainability as a hunting breed. Sure, they'll run a field trial, pick up a duck and bring it back, do all the stuff that a lab is "supposed to do", but the vast majority that I've seen do not offer the traits and characteristics or do it all as a well-trianed lab should.

You find me an American-bred lab that meets those standards and I'll buy that sucker faster than you can blink your eyes.....I hope it fares better than the last few.

I'll add that I know there are exceptions to every rule and I'm probably being way too general. I don't mean to offend all lab breeders, as I'm sure there are good ones, but if you look at the breed and the historical traits, you'll have to agree that we as Americans have strayed to dang far.

Everything you said above is what led me away from training and hunting over labs. They are still great dogs and not every line has fallen into what you describe but it seems like the big majority have. This is what led me into discovering Boykin Spaniels almost 20 years ago. I have fallen in love with this breed for a smaller dog that don't rock the boat and will work himself to death for ya if your not careful but comes home and sleeps in the bed with the kids and is an all around breed that just loves to please his master.

[Texas Tracker]

My second Lab did the same thing around 2 years old. You need to spend more time with her alone. Enroll in a class- any kind. Scent training obedient school or even agility training. Something that she can do to relive her stress and boost her self worth to you. All Labs want to do is please their owners and she not feeling wanted. There are lot of things to do around Austin with your dog.

[OleTomTalker]

OP, sounds like could be combination of things. Kennel stay, lack of exercise due to heart condition you mentioned, getting enough one on one attention...

One recommendation is for family spend more one on one with her if that's possible.
Get her out by herself and play some fetch, walking the neighborhood or small games. Doesn't have to be 50 yard retrieves if that is too hard on her. More about the time than anything.

A few different times in my life, I had several dogs I was training/hunting at same time. Always seemed I would have one or two that I had to make some personal time for that they didn't have to share with one of the others. A lot like my kids now!