I adopted a 9 month 'started' lab from a breeder in October. It has been a challenge as he was not socialized to the world, just his kennel. His latest behavior is that of a much younger dog..playful biting and 'noddleing'. My problem is he's 70 lbs of solid muscle and it hurts. Any suggestions for getting this behavior under control?
Well done for taking him on and making such a difference to his life. I'm sorry I don't have the answer but just wanted to say hi
Hi, and welcome to the forum. Your dog looks lovely. I don't suppose this will be of any help but my 13 month old is currently behaving like this and I have known her since birth and had her at 8 weeks, I've a couple of threads on the go myself! She's very well socialised, and reserves her boisterousness for me. She's recently had a phantom pregnancy which has upset the apple cart rather, I'm applying the advice forum members have given which is mainly to go back to basics -- time out for too much nibbling and/or giving her something she can chew. And keep doing it, as with most things consistency is key. From what I read a lot of Labs up to 18 months or so go through this.
HI Sue, many congratulations on rescuing yourine handsome boy. He is still very young and his behaviour not unusual for a dog that received little or no socialistation. I just wanted to check what you meant by his 'noodleing' behaviour.
Welcome from me Helen, Hattie 9 years and our rescue boy Charlie years. Can I ask what a 'starter' Labrador is? He looks gorgeous, what's his name? Good on you for rescuing a puppy at that age, we got Charlie at 9 months, he is a Labrador x Pointer so I understand the challenges. How is his training going generally, has he settled in to your home well? x
He was going to be kept by the breeder for her next stud and she had started him with field work. She had him genetically rested and found he couldn't have yellows...his name is Scout. He has improved exponentially socially since I've had him.
Gosh @selina27 - just catching up with posts from being away for those couple of days - sorry Cassie's phantom pregnancy has upset her like this.
Hi @Sue Lucas thanks for the explanation of 'noodleing' . With the 'playful biting' there are 2 main ways of changing the behaviour and they are to either distract with a toy every time the mouth/teeth connect with skin and the second is by removing attention by standing up/turning your back/removing yourself from the room etc everytime for a few seconds. You can do the same with the 'noodleing' if you want the behaviour to stop. The behaviour won't stop immediately but with a consistent approuch it soon will
