Welcome to our new Senior Labradors Forum!

Hi everyone. I've just joined and this is my first post.

In December I adopted Greg. He's 10 and is a newly retired Guide Dog for the Blind. I've owned dogs before but never a labrador.

Greg is such a gentleman and is very well behaved. However, because he was a guide dog, he was actively trained not to play with a ball, etc. and anything that could be deemed a distraction. He plays with a few toys indoors but not outdoors. I'm having some success in teaching him to retrieve. It its a long road.

Any ideas re how to teach Greg to play would be really welcome.

 

Another un lab related senior! This is my previous dog before i moved out of my mums house - He is 10 years old, Heinz 57. Buster! most amazing temperament lets the baby lay all over him so patient, Unfortunately not very well socialized with other pets & dogs after a serious attack many years ago... Hes a great family dog though love him to pieces, Very clever dog.

 

This may be my favorite dog pic, ever.

 

It could be nothing to do with the ex-guide dog factor and just that he's at the age where he's kind of "meh" about playing. I noticed that about my guy at about that age and he was super playful when younger. Don't get me wrong, he was still in good shape at 10 and we had a lot of fun and good years to go, but the whole "chase balls and play with toys" didn't float his boat that much anymore. Granted, he wasn't a retriever and chasing balls was never his thing, but he did like to kick them around and other fun stuff.

You and he may also have a different play style and you've just not found Greg's flow yet. I'd definitely keep on trying. Did you get any tips from his human former partner on what he likes to do on his down time?

As a side note, it's lovely that you've adopted a retired guide dog.

 

Old yes. But not old enough... can anyone reading this PLEASE help me with Labrador Bereavement sites please? I can't find a thread on here... and Im REALLY struggling with the loss of my 14YO...

 

Nat, so sorry you have lost you beloved friend. It is a really tough thing to go through. We do have a board on here where we can share our sad losses. It sometimes helps. https://thelabradorforum.com/forums/the-rainbow-bridge.36/

 

Th

Thank youxx

 

Nat, so very sorry to read of the loss of your 14 year old, it is so painful to lose them, but must have been deeply loved and had a very good life with you xx

 

I'm so sorry Nat
@kateincornwall previously helped with a pet bereavement help line I think.

 

What lovely dogs and a great photo. Thanks for sharing.