Hi guys, I'm really hoping someone can atleast offer me a little reassurance with this as right now I feel totally lost and concerned. We've had our lab puppy (Summer) from 16 weeks old, she is now a year and a half and if anything; is more excitable than ever! I can't touch her without her getting overexcited and mouthing my hand, any kind of stimulation makes her start sprinting around the lounge and she pulls continuously whilst out walking. We take her out for atleast 2 hours a day, some of this off lead where her recall is great so I can't see how it would be a lack of exercise. The big issue is we now have a 4 month old daughter who is obviously getting pretty much all of our attention, due to this we are probably noticing Summers behaviour more and it's become more of an issue. Has anyone gone through something similar? Is there any light at the end of the tunnel? We really wanted a family dog that could grow up with our daughter but right now she is just a pain! Thanks in advance, Craig
When out walking and she pulls turn and walk the other way. It’s part of social walking training. Don’t let her mouth your hands. You can stop this by pushing your hand firmly but not roughly further into her mouth so she can’t close her mouth. Dogs hate that and will quickly learn not to do it. Another option is a firm NO and give her a toy as a substitute, maybe a ball. Be careful with this one as your baby will have toys and the dog needs to be able to differentiate. She is craving your attention too. You must find time everyday to spend with her, bend down and really fuss over her but quietly so as not to excite her. Do some training even if it is in the house so you can reward the behaviour you want, simple things like sit, drop or down whichever term you use, wait etc. Reward fast with yesssss and follow with a treat within 3 seconds. 18 months is still emotionally young for a Lab, she will mature, just put the time in and you will have the best companion.
Maybe try absolute dog games, check them out?Calmness, boundaries, etc are all neccessary part of learning to a pup. Trust me learning these things at 3-4 months saved me. I can't imagine dealing with your issue at 16 months.
Craig- I sure wish you had received a good response to your post as my lab just turned a year and is just as hyper. It most definately is NOT a lack of attention, at least with my pup. I am at the end of my rope. Is there anyone else with a suggestion? THANKS!
Hi all, These training and behavior guides by Pippa on our main site include helpful insights and advice which may help you: How To Calm An Over Excited Puppy How To Calm Down A Dog - Top Tips For Calm Dogs Good luck and let us know how you get on!
We’ve been working through the Absolute Dog games and they’ve worked wonders to mentally stimulate our pup. I really rate them but must confess I find the presenters a bit frustrating (happy clappy) but they work. We are only at the 7 month mark so much younger than yours but it helped keep training going and gave us really short, simple things to focus on as we go through the painful adolescent weeks where Wilson’s attention span and ability to not overflow with excitement is less than a few minutes. Wilson is our first pup, so cannot claim to be an expert but I’ve really found the benefit in providing both physical and mental exercise daily to help with our bond, managing his excitement levels and keep him well exercised but equally rested.
This may not provide much solace but Labs do take a while to mature and settle down from that overly enthusiastic puppy stage. In my experience (I am on my 5th Lab) depending on the dog's temperament it can be anywhere from 2-3 years. Exercise helps wear them out but daily training is where you'll get the most gains as it helps teach them that you are the leader, how to focus their attention on you and provides them with the mental stimulation they need as working dogs. They are an intelligent breed so without focus and channeling of their endless energy when they're young they can become difficult to manage & misbehave. Given your new daughter and the need to focus much of your attention on her at the moment it may be helpful to get some professional one on one advice from a trainer so you know exactly where your dog is and what to focus on with regards to training. Training does take a lot of effort and commitment but is so rewarding for you and your dog. I think of it like a long range investment, it will payoff with small gains initially but in the long run the payoff is huge.
@SullyBear - Hi there, my lab pup is 9 weeks nearly 10 and is naturally still biting, sometimes bites harder when you say Ow, when did yours stop nipping biting as i've been told not to discourage this as it is a crucial ABI development. - many thanks
Hey Coop, When they start nipping redirect them to a toy or chew for them to chew on. Luna did just kinda stopped but think it wasn't until all her baby teeth are out. Find things that they enjoy chewing and you are also able to freeze wet rope toys or face clothes so they have something cold and hard to help soothe their gums.
