Hey, I'm Sev, and I brought home Jackie a few days ago. I am a 30 yo autist, He is a 15 mo Chocolate lab, and my first Labrador. I've had small dogs since I was a child, but I have so far found that Jack is a different sort of dog to my former companions. I don't know a lot about his background, as he was quite literally given to me by a stranger who had just gotten divorced and couldn't keep him, and had heard that I had previously been looking for a new companion dog after my Danish-Sweedish Farmdog (a breed very similar to fox terriers in looks) died four years ago. I got the basic health info, and his pedigree is supposed to be 100% formula 1 labrador. I figure most of his bad habits will get better with training, like pulling on the lead and jumping up, and I've taken to walking him three times a day for 30-45 mins to get him some exercise though it doesn't seem like it tires him out like I hoped with command training before and after, and along the way. I'm also getting him used to my treadmill so he'll have an outlet when we don't have time for 3 walks during daylight. He seems very good tempered and friendly, and very very intelligent, which is similar to all my previous dogs, but he is finicky about food and seems to lose interest in all the training treat variants I have. He'll eat it if I add a raw egg, but otherwise, he'll balk. He's thinner than I'm used to seeing dogs be, so that worries me a bit. That is something I've never experienced before, so I checked his mouth, but it seems perfectly fine. No redness, not wonky teeth. I'm still taking him to the vet on Friday, but does anyone have an idea as to what it might be? I don't know, is that a breed thing? Everywhere I look, it says that they DON'T get finicky usually, so? Anyway, I figure that this seems like a good place to find out more about owning a labrador.
Hi and welcome to you and Jackie from me and Dexter who is 9 months old. I'm not very experienced with dogs but I'm sure someone who can advice will check in with you soon.
Hello there, and a very warm welcome! How lovely that you have given a Labrador a loving home. I have a Choc Lab myself, and they are wonderful. Yes, consistent training, lot of exercise, things to do etc will all calm a young labrador down - in time, you just have to stick with it. It's good that he is having a vet check, that will put your mind at rest. Unfortunately most pet Labradors are overweight, so you may find your boy is just fine - too slim is much better than too heavy! Most Labs love food, but it's not unusual for them to be picky about eating kibble - we hear it a lot on the forum. Usually it's not too much problem for people to find one that their dogs like. You may find that it's not so much him not liking training treats, as not being used to working for treats. This isn't unusual either. If a dog isn't used to 'earning' food, they can be a bit confused by the concept at first. Best of luck with it.
Hi there and welcome! I also own a chocolate lab "second hand"... and Labs were a new breed for me, too. You will find lots of wonderful info here and on the main site! Don't be afraid to ask questions, there is usually someone around. I struggle to picture a finicky Lab, but as Jukie said this does crop up on the boards now and then. I guess I'm pretty hard-hearted, I wouldn't fiddle around with adding extra things to entice a dog to eat. If he gets hungry enough....
You've had some good advice so I'll just say hi and welcome to the forum! Do you have any pictures of your new friend?
Welcome to you and Jackie from Fred, Annie (2 black labs) and me. Have you any photos of Jackie for us to see?
Welcome to you and Jack, he looks a super dog, possibly a bit slim for his age, but better that way than fat. He may need worming and may not be eating as well as you would expect as will be missing his previous life and getting used to to a new way of life. It sounds as if he is having a great new life with you. Think of all the questions you want to ask the vet before you go!
Hello and welcome from me and Lilly! He looks lovely to me - I thought he looked a good weight, but his ribs may be just a little too obvious - a covering of a sheet rather than a blanket (nowhere near a duvet thankfully ) jac
Hi and welcome to you both. Harley - my first ever dog- is 2.5 years old, we had her as a pup. She was and is picky about her food. She also suffers with a very sensitive tummy so it took us a long time to find a main food that she liked. We have ended up on a barf diet which suits her tummy and that she enjoys. For treats I use cheese, chicken, sausages etc.
