english bulldog puppies for sale in ms

english bulldog puppies for sale in ms - The Golden Retriever and Samoyed Mix is one of the best family dogs you could get. Their gentle personality makes them great with children. They are also incredibly loyal and obedient. Once they have mastered the house rules, you can expect them to abide by them forever. These delightful dogs will also get along well with other household pets and animals. They are an incredibly sociable breed. With early socialization, they can get along well with other dogs as well. This means that they are easy to train. The key is to start early and to use positive reinforcement training methods like praise and treats. This is because potty training is often a challenge with almost every breed. For first time owners, training a Samoyed Golden Retriever Mix puppy should also be relatively easy. In fact, 40 minutes each day should suffice. Provide them with plenty of interactive dog toys to help prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Allowing your dog to explore during daily walks, or playing hide and seek games will definitely benefit your dog. The Samoyed parent breed sheds quite a lot, so the Golden Sammy is not hypoallergenic. However, you can minimize the shedding by brushing your Golden Sammy at least three times per week. Due to their fluffy coats, however, you need to use deodorizing wipes to keep them well groomed in between baths. They have folded ears, which tend to trap moisture. Both of these breeds have a long history of being among people, and they are nowadays probably one of the most popular dogs in the world. Consequently, the Golden Sammy puppy has similar traits as these dogs are playful, loyal, affectionate, and sometimes — mischievous, but in a funny, sassy way! Having a Sammy Retriever in a house is never boring. On the contrary, these puppies will do anything to keep you entertained and involved in playtime. Even though neither Golden Retrievers, nor Samoyeds, are categorized among the top twenty healthiest dog breeds in the world, the Golden Sammy is a pretty healthy dog. Still, they do require a certain amount of exercise during the day. The Golden Sammy is a gentle companion that loves spending time with an owner. If you have a busy schedule, the recommendation is to look for a more independent dog breed — as Golden Sammy is not the one. Both Golden Retriever and Samoyed are pawfect, purebred dogs, especially when it comes to family setups. In fact, going through the process of socialization with these dogs is a wonderful experience, as these canines are not that demanding at all. Both Samoyeds and Golden Retrievers are suitable for first-time dog owners. Golden Retrievers can be great nannies and therapy dogs, too. Both of these dogs require a well-organized daily routine and a feeding chart. In a nutshell, preparing a healthy, positive, and well-planned routine for your Goldies, or Sammies, will be more than enough for a happy life for these pooches. Samoyed The rumor is that the Samoyed breed qualifies among the oldest dogs in the world, as its origin dates back to ancient times. This beautiful puppy comes from distant Siberia, where it was originally used as a sled dog. These canines will be fine even if the temperature reaches minus fifty. Even though this dog breed is significantly smaller than a Golden Retriever, it still belongs to the large dog breeds club. It weighs 45 to 65 pounds at adult age. When it comes to height, Sammies reach up to 23,5 inches. What makes this dog unique is its long, double, thick coat, which is usually white, cream, or biscuit. The best Samoyed breeders will make sure this puppy is regularly groomed and stylish. However, its outstanding physical appearance is not the only thing that counts. Samoyeds have a beautiful nature, as they are playful, social, great with children, and eager to please. The downside of having this pooch in an apartment is the fact that Samoyeds are natural barkers! They are extremely vocal, as barking is their primary tool for communication. Golden Retriever This puppy is also a large breed, which stands up to 24 inches in height, while it weighs between 65 and 75 pounds. Golden Retrievers have a European origin. They initially came from Scotland, where they have been used as working dogs and hunting dogs. In fact, Golden Retriever pooches were popular for waterfowl and duck retrieval from water in a hunt. Even though the Golden Retriever dog is a long-time member of the American Kennel Club, these puppies were initially designed by Lord Tweedmouth in the 18th century. The Retriever breed was initially bred with Water Spaniels. Their origin shows how playful, active, and agile these puppies are. Golden Retrievers generally require more activities than Samoyed puppies. This is because their body physique is more athletic, and their stamina is higher. Otherwise, they feel bored and frustrated. This puppy requires a lot of mental stimulation, as Golden Retrievers are known to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world. Still, this is a family dog breed that loves spending its time around all family members. Golden Retrievers also develop a great bond with children, and they are very tolerant in that regard. Golden Retrievers are fashionista dogs, too, as their beautiful coat is favorable for various grooming styles. They have a medium-long coat, which can be dark, medium, or light golden. The attempt was to design a dog that combines the traits of both of these high-quality dog parents. Consequently, this designer dog, the Golden Samoyed, has picked up the finest characteristics of both parents. This mixed breed dog has proven to be a great family addition that enjoys long play sessions, but at the same time it carries out tasks responsibly and eagerly. The Samoyed Golden Retriever Mix is a fantastic balance of obedience and affection. Golden Samoyed dogs are great family pets, but they are also quick learners. If you have a big backyard, you can create a stimulating playground for your puppy, as Golden Sammies perform excellently in agility and obedience tasks. Despite the fact that the Golden Sammy is less than twenty-five years old puppy — these canines are becoming more and more popular in the United States, and worldwide. The Golden Sammy: Physical Appearance Photo from: rileethefluffball You are probably wondering what this cute pooch looks like. Well, the truth is — Samoyed Retrievers resemble the physical look of a Golden Retriever, as they weigh 50 to 75 pounds and they reach up to 24 inches in height, but at the same time, their coat resembles the one in Samoyeds. They have a long, thick coat that needs to be groomed every week. Golden Sammies require timely bathing, as they can get dirty during playtime outside. The best-smelling dog shampoos for all coat types are an excellent solution in this regard. Golden Samoyeds belong to a large breed club, which means these dogs need at least moderate activity during the day. A standard of 30 to 40 minutes of exercise on a daily basis will be perfectly fine. Since these pooches are not the most active dogs in the world, you should be careful when it comes to their growth chart. Make sure you always keep them within the standard growth ratio, as sometimes these puppies tend to gain weight easily. Take care of their feeding chart and always use healthy snacks for mental stimulation. The Samoyed growth chart revolves around 45 to 65 pounds when it comes to weight. Samoyed Golden Retriever Mixes are slightly bigger, but they still need careful handling. Obese Samoyed mixes become frustrated and inactive. In the long run, it means that the puppy might display self-destructive, or aggressive behavior. Furthermore, obesity can cause diabetes, or increase the possibility of developing a cardiac disease. On the other hand, if you notice that your puppy is underweight — the solution is to ask for immediate vet help. Being underweight can be a sign that your dog is suffering from a severe health issue. This hybrid dog comes in four main coat color variants: white, biscuit, cream, and red. However, some puppies can appear in more of a golden variant, which is not rare. Still, Samoyed colors prevail in this regard. These puppies require frequent grooming and careful maintenance. A weekly brush is more than enough, as these pooches are moderate shedders. Training your dog to have a unique sleeping place will save you from overwhelming cleaning and collecting hair trails all over the house. On the other hand, bathing your dog can be done every two, or three months. In order to keep their coat shiny and stylish, make sure you use a suitable dog shampoo. Before bathing, check if your dog is allergic to certain shampoo ingredients. Leaving a Golden Sammy outside a house can trigger severe anxiety, which can result in self-destruction. This is an extremely dependent dog breed that simply enjoys human company. Still, this puppy needs early socialization, as they may appear mischievous in the latter stages of their lives. In order to socialize your dog, the usage of positive reinforcement techniques is unavoidable. Healthy dog snacks or interactive dog toys can be perfect training tools that you can use in this case. These canines must learn that you are a true pack leader of the house. Otherwise, they will display occasional stubbornness, which can be frustrating. However, properly socialized and trained puppies are excellently behaved pets with good manners. This is because these pooches are highly intelligent. They complete tasks easily, which makes them perfect for agility and obedience contests. Still, the puppy can be stubborn at times. Some Golden Sammies have a tendency to outsmart their owners and have their own way. In order to avoid this unpleasant situation, you need to implement early obedience training. Dog training collars may be used as a training supplement that helps you discipline your puppy. Early obedience training and early socialization are key in that regard. Puppies at eight weeks of age are old enough to start learning things. Potty training, crate training, and other puppy manners are easily mastered by this mixed breed dog, as they inherit the natural intelligence of their dog parents — Golden Retrievers and Samoyeds. Aside from being intelligent, Golden Sammies are a pretty intuitive dog breed. They have a natural parental instinct, which is an advantage you can use if you have small children in your family. If, however, you have difficulty training your Samoyed Retriever, you can always consult a professional dog trainer or a behaviorist. In fact, their advice is highly welcome at all times. Socialization Every dog needs early socialization. This is because dogs are naturally prey-oriented and they can see smaller pets, such as birds, hamsters, or cats as prey. The same goes for this puppy. Using positive reinforcement to socialize your dog is something that you need to go through. However, their natural social skills will make your job a lot easier. The socialization process requires a lot of time, patience, and dedication. However, the overall process is beautiful, as these puppies will gladly accept your engagement. Golden Sammies love being mentally stimulated. They enjoy creative games, too. Games like hide-and-seek, frisbee fetching, swimming, and retrieving a ball are just some of the activities that you can try with your pet. These canines need physical activity in order to stay mentally balanced, happy, and positive. Otherwise, your puppy might get bored or frustrated. Frustration in dogs is never good, as it results in aggression or disobedience. This is because the Golden Retriever dog breed is a natural nanny and a therapy dog, which has a high level of tolerance for these small fellas. This hybrid dog has a special bond with children, as it loves being around them. In fact, your Golden Sammy will enjoy playing with children, and it will do it gently. There are some dog breeds, such as Bullies, or Rottweilers, that are not recommended for families with small children. This is not because they may harm them, but because these pooches have a natural, rough way of playing. This is not the case with the Samoyed Retriever. These puppies will know exactly how much energy to use around children. Sounds incredible, right? Still, puppies need proper puppy education at an early age. The best way to do that is if you implement positive reinforcement techniques and obedience training. Aggressive, Or Not? Even though Samoyeds are categorized among aggressive dog breeds — Golden Retrievers are. This is because of the fact that a Golden Retriever puppy was initially used to be a hunting dog. Also, Golden Retrievers are naturally protective towards their owners, and they will do anything to protect them. In fact, their protective traits and natural concern for family members are what make them great family dogs. In some cases, the Samoyed Retriever dog can have these exact traits. They will display aggression towards enemies, or other predators. They will do it fiercely and fearlessly. Another reason why these canines might display aggressive behavior is separation anxiety. The recommendation is never to leave your puppy alone for more than a couple of hours. They are perfectly adaptable, even around strangers. However, the thing that you need to do is early socialization. Still, the puppy may suffer from hip dysplasia, cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal dysplasia. In some rare cases, these pooches might face cardiac diseases or diabetes. However, even the healthiest dogs need a proper feeding chart and a well-established daily routine. Proper feeding is the key to a healthy dog. Always make sure you give your puppy the exact amount of food that it needs. Also, preparing a feeding plan is a good option. Never feed your dog less than two hours before bedtime. The additional advice is to always avoid the worst dog food brands on the market. On the other hand, regular exercise is needed for maintaining a healthy body physique and mental health. These pooches are not that demanding when it comes to exercise. This means that a moderate walk or a simple playtime in your backyard will serve the purpose. If you, however, notice some unusual symptoms, such as bunny walk, disinterest in any sort of activity, lethargy, or disorientation, this may be the symptom of one of the diseases that I will explain in the below part. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia in dogs is not that rare in large breeds. The cause of this disease is hereditary, and it is often diagnosed during the puppyhood stage. Reputable breeders will always subject newborn Samoyed Retriever puppies to hip and elbow dysplasia tests. If by chance, they sell you a dog with this issue, they will provide a health warranty that you can use to return a puppy and pick a healthy one. However, having a dog with hip dysplasia is not the worst case scenario. This condition is curable, mostly with surgery. Your puppy will need several weeks to recover, but it will eventually heal. What you can do in regard to hip dysplasia is keep your puppy safe. This means you need to avoid overwhelming activities, such as excessive running, or jumping. As soon as you notice these symptoms — pay your vet a visit. Golden Retrievers are prone to this condition more than Samoyeds, which means there is a good possibility of a Samoyed Retriever developing this condition, too. Most of the time, it affects one eye. However, there is a certain possibility that your dog will go completely blind. The solution in these cases is cataract surgery, which is not that cheap. However, this surgery has proven to be effective. The thing that could cause cataracts is diabetes, though. Even if your puppy is not prone to cataracts, obesity and diabetes can cause a plethora of other diseases, such as cardiac disease. Retinal Dysplasia Retinal Dysplasia in dogs represents an abnormal development of the retina. It is mostly hereditary, but it can be developed due to some viral infections, or trauma. Retinal Dysplasia is detected by an ophthalmologist. In some cases, retinal dysplasia can cause total blindness, as it is progressive. Unfortunately, this condition is incurable in a progressed stage. However, dogs can still live a happy and long life with this condition. The thing that you can do is make sure that your puppy gets a safe and nurturing environment. Avoid surprises, as dogs that experience total blindness may be disoriented. Glaucoma Glaucoma is a condition related to dogs, and people, too. This condition represents an increased eye pressure in your dog, which can go without any symptoms at all. However, a dog may experience a severe headache during this condition. If your dog starts acting weird all of a sudden , there may be a possibility of glaucoma. This can be a very painful health issue, so immediate vet intervention is highly recommended. Golden Retrievers are prone to glaucoma. Untreated glaucoma can result in total blindness. Frequently Asked Questions 1. The lifespan of 12 to 14 years in these hybrid dogs is pretty much related to the Samoyed breed. This purebred puppy can live up to 14 years without any problems. Even though none of these dog parents are qualified among the healthiest dog breeds in the world, Samoyeds live a healthy and happy life. On the other hand, both male and female Golden Retrievers generally live between 10 and 12 years. Samoyed Golden Retrievers have a pretty respectable lifespan, as there are some large dog breeds that live significantly less. For instance, Rottweilers live no longer than eight, or nine years. In order to provide a long and healthy life for your puppy, you need to take care of its feeding chart, as well as its daily routine. These puppies need high-quality foods and a well-established daily routine in order to stay healthy. Even though these two breeds look alike, there are a number of differences that we can list. For instance, Golden Retrievers are more athletic dogs, as they require a lot more activity than Samoyeds. Furthermore, Golden Retriever haircuts and grooming styles are significantly different than in Samoyed puppies, as Golden Retrievers have a slightly shorter coat, which is soft and sturdy. Golden Retrievers are generally bigger, as they reach up to 75 pounds at adult age. On the other hand, Samoyeds weigh no more than 65 pounds. Still, these two dogs share a whole bunch of traits. For instance — both of these pure breeds are excellent family dogs. They are affectionate, loyal, and playful. Both Samoyeds and Golden Retrievers are fantastic friends to small children, as their level of tolerance is pretty high. Still, Golden Retrievers are probably a little more independent than Samoyeds. Conclusion The Samoyed Golden Retriever Mix is a fantastic hybrid dog, as it adapts to new environments easily and it is highly intelligent. This puppy is ideal for big families that live in a city. Golden Sammies are loyal, affectionate, and playful dogs, whose bond with their owners and small children is lovely. They have a pretty high level of tolerance, which makes them good nannies. Lifespan Sociability Adding a Golden Sammy to your family might seem like the best thing ever. And it might be…if you can properly care for them. Before searching for a breeder, ask yourself a few questions. Do you have the time to dedicate to exercise and play? Can you keep up with this long-haired rascal and meet their grooming needs? Can you afford their food and veterinary bills? And are you ready to accept a sweet, loving, and loyal pup into your home? They have a storied pedigree. But each of its parents does. The Golden Retriever can be traced back to 18th-century Scotland. They were first bred by Dudley Marjoribanks A. Lord Tweedmouth for the purpose of swimming long distances to retrieve ducks and other waterfowl shot while hunting. Golden Retrievers have since been among the most popular dog breeds of all time. The Samoyed side of the Golden Sammy goes back much further. Samoyeds are named after the nomadic Samoyed peoples of Siberia. They were working dogs used to pull sleds, herd reindeer, and assist in hunting expeditions. Samoyeds only made their way out of Siberia at the end of the 19th century and were recognized as an official breed in the US in .Golden Sammies are not heavy barkers. This is an awesome quality for those of you living with neighbors nearby. But when you do hear them barking, it could be a sign to investigate, as they usually only bark when absolutely necessary. You may see them trying to act as herders and protectors around children and help pull you along while attached to a leash. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Their mild-mannered temperament makes them exceptionally great with kids. And their super-high tolerance is only rivaled by their loyalty. They are a very sociable breed. And those can be compounded through unhealthy weight gain or obesity—so keep your eye out for this. It comes from a true working dog lineage from waterfowl retrieval to sled pulling and reindeer herding. However, they are going to need mental exercise. And boredom can lead to naughtiness such as chewing and digging. Letting them explore on daily walks or teaching them hide-and-seek games can really benefit your Golden Sammy. However, you will want to take the time to train them. When left untrained, the Samoyed instincts will kick in. But they may attempt to herd unruly children or pull you while leash walking. However, this can be minimized by brushing them three times a week. Another important area of grooming for the Golden Sammy is its ears. They have folded over ears which can trap excess moisture inside the ear canal. Their lineage comes from rather problem-free breeds. However, there are two major areas you should be concerned with. Other than that, they still have a low risk of contracting minor illnesses common among dogs such as diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, or deafness. Minor Conditions. Showing 1 - 29 of 29 resultsPage 1 - 29 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. Mom has pedigree from USA and.Venez les rencontrer et.Confirmed litter due in just two weeks to our first generation kennel stars Vivat Fortuna Zvezda Velesa and Irvin iz Korolevstva.No health issues. FULL grown lbs. I unfortunately have school and work. The dad is 60LB, loves children and all animals. He has a very submissive personality and very friendly. No allergies and has a clear bill of health.Father is an Australian Shepherd, mother is a Samoyed. Both are female and ready to go to their new homes now. They both have Aussie energy.We have boys and girls. Our puppies will come dewormed with food, favorite blanket and litter trainned. This is our first litter. They are totally.Super sweet and pleasing. We have moved to our grain farm that borders a great.Rex is born July 25, Molly is born July 25, Both are up to date with.They are very playful, energetic, cute and most important.Some of their unique features include a Spotted.We are blessed with 8 fluffy and irresistible pups who are searching for their forever homes. So I am trying to find a home for him where someone will take him out and play at the park.Grand Forks Samoyed puppies. Very adorable, sweet,friendly, great temperament and great personality,nice family dogs, great with kids. They will come with a first set of vaccination and deworming. Sweet, friendly loving little clouds! They both come from Championship bloodlines with pedigree. Vet checked, micro-chipped and all up.All White fur. All the puppies live Outside of the GTA locaion where.Please Contact Samoyed puppies Vancouver Update: only one boy available. Charming pure bred Samoyed puppies with CKC registration. Samoyeds are great home and outdoor companions, gentle with babies and kids. Always smiling, easy to train.He has all his shots and is not fixed. Great for being a outdoor dog. Can also adapt at being a indoor dog. Kind, loving and playful. Will definitely need.Please Contact Samoyed puppies Calgary Update: only one puppy available. Toronto 1 female left! Second vaccination done , fully crate tranned, friendly and quiet Free delivery in the GTA She is the one we wanted to keep out of the litter as she has exceptional temperament and.Browse other categories in Pets in Canada.

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english bulldog puppies for sale in ms - Aggression towards people, other animals Hyperactivity Sadness, depression and being withdrawn Counter-surfing Digging …to name just the most common few! As previously stated, many of these are perfectly normal behaviors but unwanted when living with a human family. But some are real psychological or pathological problems that need to be properly researched and skillfully addressed, most likely by a vet or professional behaviorist. If the behavior problem is just one of normal canine behavior such as digging, barking, chasing small animals or pulling on the leash, natural behaviors but that are unacceptable or unwanted by an owner, then training alternative and acceptable behaviors in their place is the answer. This still takes knowledge of the particular cause and motivation of the behavior, knowledge and skill to choose and train an alternative behavior and patience and dedication to see the solution through. But these types of problems are solvable by the average owner and solutions for these problems will soon be appearing on this site. The sort of advice that can only really be given and be correct if offered by a qualified and knowledgeable professional. The first step is to see a vet to either identify or rule out any physical or pathological problems, and then be referred to a certified and reputable behavioral specialist. Many cases require a unique approach for which the only advice that can really be given is to seek professional help. We have to remember that Labradors were bred for a particular job and come with hard-wired instinctive and driven behaviors that we developed in them through many generations of selective breeding. Labs have needs and desires that have to be satisfied. They have traits and behaviors so deeply genetically ingrained that you simply cannot eliminate them. Although in most cases you can train alternative more acceptable behaviors. There are of course also more severe and worrying behavior problems, stemming from either pathological or deep-seated psychological issues. With understanding, patience, dedication, a caring attitude and a carefully planned scientific approach, almost all problems can be overcome or at least successfully managed. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Some may have seen i wrote a post about my muppet the other days in regards to his appalling behavior when coming inside the house. .We have tried suggestions on there and he's still mental as ever but we're trying to remain positive and patient with him. .My other issue is this behaviour is now becoming more apparent than before both inside and outside the house.He was normally quiet calm, hypo at times like any lab but was content with his surroundings and listening to us. At the moment he is completely different, he's destroying beds just lost number 4 , he's pulling washing off the line while i'm standing there hanging it out which he's never done we have it guarded off normally , he gnawing on my arms, legs, feet and even his toys are copping it surely he can't be teething at 10 months , he's jumping way more than normal, won't listen to commands which he always has listened too and feels that every time we open the door to go inside he will ignore us and come rushing in and run away so we can't put him outside. The only way we have managed to put him outside is with a treat and slowly walk with him to the door and gentle push him outside, which i feel is praising bad behaviour. Nothing different has changed in our routine, we have breafast, he gets a bone, we go for a walk in early afternoon, have a game later than afternoon then dinner around 5. He also repeated all this bad behaviour at my parents house yesterday when he too pulled washing off there line, nearly knock my father over from jumping up at him and wouldn't listen even to a deep mans voice. .He is desexed, and is getting a good decent walk everyday, only thing i can put it down to is slight separation anxiety, yet there is no whinging or crying like he has when he was a small pup, or his brain is on holidays. .Any help would be greatly appreciated. Let's Wrap This Up! Labradors mouth due to their ancestry and genetics. Having been bred to retrieve game for hunters, they naturally enjoy having things in their mouths. Dogs also mouth during instinctive play, when exploring, or relieve teething discomfort. Mouthing and play biting are not aggressive — and there is a significant difference between typical play biting and aggressive behavior. Adopt an immediate preventive training approach to prevent innate mouthing and play biting from becoming an aggression problem. But how? To stop a Labrador from mouthing, teach him his bite inhibition. This is where he learns to control the force of his mouthing. You should initiate bite inhibition when bringing your puppy home, typically around 8 weeks old. They soon realize if they bite their littermates too hard, the fun and play stop! The dam teaches good canine manners and disciplines her puppies when they bite too hard or misbehave. So how exactly do you do this? When teaching your Labrador puppy bite inhibition, make a sharp cry when he mouths or bites you and continue until he lets go. Quickly redirect the behavior using a chew toy, and reward him with a treat and lots of verbal praise. Continue to do this until your pup stops biting or learns to bite without hurting. You are undoubtedly on the right path when you first notice your Lab licking your hand instead of biting. Puppies chew to explore their new environment using their mouths, even before using their visual, auditory, and olfactory senses. They also chew to relieve pain and discomfort when teething, clean teeth, and strengthen jaws. But sometimes, chewing becomes abnormal or destructive, resulting in your Labrador destroying your couch, cushions, furniture, possessions, clothing, and shoes. Labradors engage in destructive chewing due to inadequate obedience training as a puppy, seeking attention, habit, easing hunger, boredom, lack of exercise, and insufficient mental stimulation. They also chew due to loneliness, fear, separation anxiety, malnutrition, or OCD. You will only cause your Lab to fear and resent you and cause confusion and aggression. As with the causes, the solutions for excessive-destructive chewing in your Labrador can be varied. To stop a Labrador from chewing everything, train him from an early age by redirecting his chewing to alternatives such as chew toys, treats, or bones. Fix incomplete training, or seek the help of a professional trainer. Essentially, you need to provide your Labrador with alternative chew toys that can also serve as bites. Consider these two from Amazon: KONG Puppy Toy is made from soft rubber designed for growing teeth and gums but durable enough to withstand the natural desire to chew. This multi-functional toy can be used as a fetch toy or treat-dispensing toy to stuff with delicious treats or peanut butter. It allows a good grip from the wishbone shape and lasts for weeks. You also have various sizes to choose from as your puppy grows. Here are some other helpful suggestions to stop your Labrador from chewing: Puppy-proof your home. You can use a playpen or baby gates to section off part of the house or use a long leash and keep him tied to your waist. Retrain your dog. If you think basic training was poorly done or incomplete during puppyhood, you may need to retrain your Labrador. Consider the help of a professional trainer. Give your Lab a bone to chew. Always supervise your dog when giving a bone. Feed frozen treats or ice cubes. These help your dog to find some relief from sore and painful gums. Try frozen strawberries or raspberries as an alternative healthy treat. Lots of daily exercise. Ensure your Lab has the recommended 2-hour exercise daily for an adult, which could consist of morning and evening walks or runs, and play and fun games at other times. Puppies should receive 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day. Consider health issues. Labrador puppies will generally stop chewing, due to teething, around six months of age once the discomfort has gone. Older puppies may also go through a chewing stage up to 12 months old. As long as you keep normal chewing behavior from becoming destructive, your puppy should outgrow this chewing. They are easy to train due to their intelligence, but also their desire for food or treats during training sessions makes training easy. Many owners find it tricky to keep their Lab at a healthy weight. Labradors eat so much and are highly motivated by food due to genetics, illness, lack of nutrients, boredom, or anxiety. Many are obsessed with food due to a specific mutated gene, the POMC. This gene, responsible for appetite, body fat, and weight, is commonplace in the obesity-prone Labrador. The only other breed to have this mutation is the Flat-Coated Retriever. Your Lab may also be eating so much food to relieve boredom, stress, anxiety, or due to a diet deficient in nutrients. You can learn more about separation anxiety in the next section. Furthermore, specific health issues can cause increased appetite and cause your dog to gain weight. Labradors are prone to hypothyroidism and may become obese despite normal or increased hunger. Pica is a disorder where dogs eat inedible objects such as rocks, dirt, wood, socks, toys, or even poop! It can is caused by nutritional shortcomings, starvation, or psychological issues such as anxiety, stress, attention-seeking, or OCD. If your Labrador is snacking on rocks and dirt, he may be suffering from pica. There are many ways to stop your Labrador from overeating. However, your priority is to find out why he is overeating or munching everything in sight, maybe with the help of your vet. You can then formulate a plan together. Here are some suggestions. To stop a Labrador from eating so much, feed a highly nutritious and balanced diet, keep a feeding schedule, monitor portions and weight, and feed alternative healthy treats. Dogs are creatures of habit and love routine. Stick to daily feeding times and monitor portion sizes and calories. Do not allow free feeding, and have your Lab regularly weighed. Ensure your dog is eating highly nutritious food. Ensure your dog has a good-quality nutritious diet. Check out my article on the best diet for Labradors for a ton of nutrition information, type of diet, and more. Alleviate boredom. Not only does he need lots of physical exercise, but lots of cognitive stimulation too. Lots of chew toys and interactive toys will keep your dog entertained. Feed alternative healthy treats. Many store-bought dog treats are full of calories and additives and offer little nutritional value. You can choose some good healthy treats, but fruits and vegetables are better options. Dog-proof your home. Muzzle your dog. If your Labrador tends to eat anything he finds while out on a walk, consider using a muzzle. Separation Anxiety Canine separation anxiety purely means the dog cannot cope with being apart from his owner or family. But are Labradors prone to separation anxiety? Labradors are prone to separation anxiety due to their temperament. They are social, affectionate, friendly, good-natured, and high-energy, and soon get bored. They love to be around their pack, which means you! If they are left alone for too long, they will suffer from separation anxiety. Dogs with separation anxiety will find something to relieve their fear, worry, and stress, so they often resort to destructive behavior. General symptoms are destructive chewing, house soiling, digging, escaping, destroying furniture, barking, and howling. Repetitive behavior, pacing, and self-harm may also occur. Keep departures and arrivals low-key to stop separation anxiety in your Labrador. Leave your dog in a relaxing and comfortable spot with his favorite interactive toys and chew toys. Train him using behavior modification methods such as desensitization and counter-conditioning. You should never leave your Labrador alone for longer than four hours, even less for young puppies. Consider alternatives to prevent or treat separation anxiety. Reduce the time that your Lab spends at home alone by hiring a dog sitter, walker, or professional trainer. Have friends and family call around, use local doggie-day care, and work from home if possible. This toy will keep your dog entertained and is great fun, especially when he finds the treats! Stay connected with your Lab. How cool is that? Use behavior modification techniques. Counter-condition your Lab by training him not to associate departure cues, such as the sound of your keys jingling. The aim is to teach him not to worry about your exit by associating the sound of your keys with getting a treat. Hold back on the doggie kisses and leave! Use desensitization techniques. Gradually teach your dog to cope with being alone by carefully exposing him to being alone in small steps. For example, start by making progressive departures of minutes when you leave your Labrador and progressively increase. Train your dog to be alone from an early age. I would leave my girl in her crate for a few minutes at a time at eight weeks old and gradually increase. Treat with medication. Both anti-anxiety medicine and natural supplements can help treat separation anxiety in dogs. Your vet can advise you of the best treatment plan for your dog. Labrador Urine Marking Behavior Does your Labrador stop on every street corner to pee a small amount? Spraying is instinctive dog behavior, but why do Labradors mark their territory? Dogs will leave their scent on new smells or near where other dogs have urinated. Urine communicates the reproductive status and status rank of the dog. So, why do Labradors mark their territory inside? Labradors mark their territory inside when sexually active, especially in unneutered dogs, or claim ownership of you, e. To stop your Labrador from urine marking inside, neuter while young, keep new and unfamiliar items out of reach, supervise your dog or use a crate. Increase bonding with new pets or family, eliminate anxiety, rule out other medical reasons, fully clean up the mess, and consult a canine behaviorist if needed. Thoroughly clean the areas your dog has marked using an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate the smell and prevent further scenting. Myths vs. Barking at Other Dogs Barking is a typical communication behavior in dogs, and Labradors are known to be naturally vocal. Nonetheless, when your Lab has developed an unfortunate habit of barking at other dogs, this may cause you to wonder why? Labradors bark at other dogs due to a lack of socialization and becoming fearful or anxious. Other reasons are insufficient or incomplete training, being protective or territorial of you, or generally being social or excited and wanting to greet or play, especially if under-exercised or stimulated. How to Stop Barking. Work on obedience training and positive reinforcement, allowing time, patience, and consistency. If your Labrador also lunges when barking at other dogs, use a comfortable front clip harness. It is reasonably priced, easy to fit, and comes in different colors and options. Avoid gimmicks such as bark collars and sprays designed to teach your Labrador not to bark, as these only tackle the symptom and not the cause of the problem. Rolling in Fox Poo Bathing your dog can be a challenging task. Their ancestors would disguise their scent to confuse their prey. Dogs also mark their territory by leaving their scent behind and communicating their rank or dominance to other dogs. They also enjoy leaving their smell around. Sometimes, prevention can be your best tactic! To stop a Labrador rolling in fox poo, try to prevent it by keeping him away from known areas frequented by foxes. If your dog suddenly puts his nose to the ground, anticipate he may have picked up on the strong scent of fox poo and quickly distract him away. Resource Guarding Resource guarding is when your Lab displays certain behaviors such as snarling, growling, biting, and lunging over food, favorite toys, or space, e. It is also known as c a n i n e possessive aggression , and your dog might growl at you if you go near their treasured possessions or run away with the item. Although resource guarding is natural canine behavior, it is not desirable. Some owners prefer to try and change the behavior in addition to the usual precautions of keeping people safe, especially children. Early and frequent training can help prevent resource guarding before it becomes a significant problem. Nonetheless, here are some steps to stop your Labrador from resource guarding: Consult a certified trainer or dog behaviorist. Use desensitization and counter-conditioning techniques. Instead, we try to redirect the behavior. Like all other breeds, Labradors have innate behavioral tendencies that are unique. Think of their overwhelming friendliness and easy-going nature. They are a good first dog but make a hopeless guard dog! Your Labrador will develop into the dog that you train him to be. So when socialization and training are not done correctly, behavior problems will inevitably occur. And as you saw in the video, the first one is a lack of structured exercise! Insufficient Exercise and Stimulation The Labrador Retriever is a high-energy dog requiring at least two hours of daily exercise. Leash walking alone will be insufficient. Incorporate a combination of swimming, agility, frisbee, hiking, fetch, and off-leash running in a safe area. Your dog will also need lots of cognitive stimulation and interactive play. Research has confirmed that less active dogs will demonstrate behavior problems than well-exercised canines. Genetic Disposition to Certain Behaviors It has been scientifically proven that dog behavior has both genetic and environmental key factors. This is documented in a study on the genetic examination of behavior traits in dogs whereby the German Shepherd breed was utilized. The research confirmed the theory that dog behaviors are complex traits influenced by multiple genetic and non-genetic factors. In simple terms, your dog may inherit genes that urge him to retrieve. Your Lab may inherit genes urging him to find and recover, just like his ancestors, who retrieved ducks from the hunt. He has a natural desire to bring you back things. Unfortunately, this can sometimes include dead birds or squirrels! However, this does not mean that you cannot subdue the behavior through training. Field-bred Labradors are typically higher energy and more boisterous. Another inherited attribute of the Labrador is their strong pack drive. Extremely social dogs with high pack drives tend to follow their owners everywhere, even to the bathroom! One drawback to this trait is that they may find it difficult when left in kennels for vacations. Poor Puppy Socialization Poorly socialized puppies grow into badly behaved Labradors. This is when the puppy acquires nearly all of his adult sensory, motor, and learning abilities. If a puppy is not socialized well, he will become a problematic and untrainable adult. This makes him more confident and calm than anxious and aggressive in unsocialized and poorly trained dogs. Incomplete Obedience Training Obedience training is crucial in helping your Labrador understand what you expect of him. Then, he can progress to more advanced training, such as sit-stay, wait, speak, roll-over, and other tricks. Many new dog owners believe a week or two of training after bringing their puppy home is enough. Not so! Consistency also means using the exact words to command specific behavior from your Labrador. Aversive Training Methods Punishing your Labrador to make him learn good behavior will only result in the opposite. Your best friend will be so confused and only grow to resent and fear you. They can also cause aggression and escaping behavior. Positive reinforcement, also known as reward-based training, creates the best behavior in dogs because you encourage your pet to repeat good conduct by consistently rewarding him. It simply means giving a reward to increase the frequency of response. Hormonal Effects and Neutering Testosterone is often associated with aggression in male dogs, but studies have proved mainly inconclusive. Neutering is the surgical removal of the male testes or female ovaries. Research results from a large sample of over 13, dogs show that neutering does not necessarily reduce aggression. This interesting study showed no significant increase in aggression in sterilized dogs , except for those between 7 and 12 months of age. Scientists can still not explain this. Additionally, this study discovered that other hormones cause aggression in dogs. Oxytocin a hormone associated with social bonding and sexual reproduction and Vasopressin which maintains the concentration of salts and glucose in the blood plasma and the volume of water in the fluid surrounding cells can negatively impact dog behavior. Letting Your Labrador Run The Show What if you heard a Labrador owner say his dog never badly behaves, only to discover that the owner allows the dog to have the upper hand? Would you call that a well-behaved dog? Failing to set boundaries can be another reason your Labrador has behavioral issues. Dominance aggression is when the dog will try to be the alpha or single out one particular member to dominate. I can certainly relate to this, as my dog tried for months to boss me. Although I was as firm as the male family members, she never wanted to dominate them! Spoiling your dog is one of the major factors leading to dominance aggression in dogs. Medical Conditions or Malnutrition Your Labrador may show behavior problems due to medical issues, either physical, psychological, or both. For example, dogs with obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD may show tail chasing, circling behavior, vocalization, pica, self-directed aggression, and self-mutilation through biting. In this study , the most common clinical features of OCD in dogs were self-mutilation or grooming. Other medical conditions include injury and post-operative pain, which can trigger aggressive behavior. A hungry or malnourished Labrador can also cause behavior problems such as destructive chewing. Sometimes a history of starvation experienced by rescue dogs may leave them with an eating disorder in which they seek nourishment from non-food items known as pica. Owning a Labrador Retriever is exciting and rewarding for most owners. However, behavior problems associated with the breed can sometimes make it a challenge. What is most encouraging is knowing that you can manage these behavior problems. Exercise, training, eliminating triggers, and seeking a canine behaviorist are helpful and constructive ways to help your Labrador overcome his behavior shortcomings. You must practice patience and consistency every day and work at it. Good luck! When learning how to decipher the different types of dog speak, you need to understand why your Labrador is barking so much. Labradors bark for many reasons, including alerting you of danger, such as a stranger. Here are some examples: A warning or alert bark will be quick and sharp and may become more intense. A Labrador demanding something such as food or attention will have a piercing and persistent bark directed at you. A bored dog will have a repetitive monotone bark. A Labrador suffering from distress such as separation anxiety, or panic, will have a high-pitched and highly repetitive bark. As the dog gets more stressed, the barking may become even higher pitched or howling. A fearful or suspicious bark will be fast and low. A playful bark will be high-pitched, more tonal, and modulated. Labradors are creatures of habit, thrive on routine, and are one smart cookie. So, if your Lab constantly barks at you, you may wonder why? Your Labrador will bark at you demand barking to communicate various things to you, especially when he wants to get your attention or get something specific from you, such as food, play, or to go outside. Dogs soon learn that they can get what they want, mainly if you usually give in. The secret is to try and understand why your dog is barking in the first place and prevent it from occurring, for example, by ensuring he is sufficiently exercised. When your Labrador barks at you, and notably, if he also stares at you — this is known as demand barking. He will eventually learn that when he is calm, he receives something positive. Is your dog keeping you awake at night? Other than occasionally needing a toilet break or if he is ill or in pain, if this has become a regular occurrence, you will want to put a stop to it — quickly! So, why does your Labrador bark overnight? Your Labrador might bark at night to alert you of a danger or if he is anxious, fearful, or purely wants attention. Here are some tips to prevent your Labrador from barking at night: Use a crate from the first night you bring your dog home. Choose something like the all-inclusive Midwest for Pets icrate from Amazon. It comes with everything you need, such as a divider and a removable wipe-clean tray. This one also gives you the option of a single or double door, which is handy. But should you let your Labrador Puppy sleep with you? You have to ignore him. It can be hard to do this on the first night you bring your new puppy home, but you will undoubtedly thank me for this advice! Ensure your dog is comfortable whether you leave him in a bed or crate. Have water and toys handy. Make sure your Labrador has been exercised enough throughout the day. Most well-exercised dogs are desperate to go to bed at night to enjoy a sound sleep! Why Do Labradors Howl? Most people will associate howling with the wolf-like Siberian Husky. But did you know your Labrador also manifests this wolf-ancestry behavior once in a while? Labradors howl for many reasons, such as to warn you about a danger they can sense or respond to another howling dog in the neighborhood. They may also howl when reacting to high-pitched sounds such as sirens or music, seeking attention, if in pain or distress, or if suffering from separation anxiety. Usually, howling is a form of communication that dogs use outside their usual barking, groaning, or whining. Unless it is incessant, you have a normal dog. If your Labrador is howling to get your attention, treat this behavior similarly to demand barking. You need to ignore him and teach him that howling at you will not work. When he goes quiet and stops howling for a few seconds, use positive reinforcement, such as treats, and toys, with lots of verbal praise. Why Do Labradors Whine? Have you ever taken your dog on a car trip and heard the most horrendous whining as you park up somewhere? You may wonder why your Labrador is whining. Consult your vet if stress and anxiety have become an issue for your dog, as anti-anxiety medication may help. Separation anxiety. Treatments include counterconditioning that focuses on developing an association between being alone and good things, like treats. Desensitizing techniques can also help, along with medication. Again, consult your vet or a professional animal behaviorist. Attention-seeking whining is similar to demand barking, as mentioned in the section above. You will need to teach your Labrador that remaining quiet will lead to a more positive outcome. Appeasement whining is normal canine behavior and occurs when your dog tries to appease people or other dogs when they perceive aggression or a threat. Never yell or physically punish your Lab, which only causes fear and resentment. Why Do Labradors Groan? My dog will often groan with pleasure after eating a meal and flopping down with a full belly! Sometimes, it can be really amusing. But why does your Labrador groan? Medical reasons can also be the cause, e. Behavioral groaning is of no concern and is normal canine behavior. However, consult your vet if you suspect your Lab is groaning due to a medical reason. Labrador Retriever behavior consisting of lying or sitting on your feet can be cute — but sometimes annoying! So what exactly does it mean? When your Labrador lays on your feet, it can mean a few things, such as seeking and offering protection, wanting attention, or initiating play. Other reasons are to seek or show affection, feel warm and cozy, or mark his territory by spreading his scent on you. Here are a few examples of why your Labrador may lay on your feet, sit on your feet, or even lay on you! Seek and offer protection. Your Labrador will lay at your feet to feel safe and offer you protection simultaneously. Among pack dogs, the alpha has a prominent position. So, laying at your feet shows that he recognizes you as the alpha. But he also feels safe and secure alongside you. To seek attention or initiate play. Seek and show affection. Your Labrador may lay on your feet or sit on you to seek affection or show you their devotion. Labs are very affectionate and friendly, have a warm temperament, and love to cuddle. For warmth. Have you ever wondered why pack dogs would lie close together, especially in cold weather? Most pack dogs would lie close to each other to keep warm. Territory marking. Your Labrador will communicate that he belongs to you by spreading his scent on you. So, laying or sitting on your feet, lap, or belly whenever you sit or lie down is his way of labeling you with his scent. A study of 32 dogs showed that dogs preferred to be closer to pleasant people. You may wonder why your Lab will circle his bed, an area of the carpet or rug before lying down. Dogs may also assess their laying spot for anything harmful, such as vermin, or could cause them injuries before making a comfy nest. Despite centuries of domestication, there is little scientific data to prove the above — except for the belief that dogs circle before lying down to make a comfy nest. This small study of 62 dogs suggested that dogs are more likely to circle before lying down when presented with a soft, uneven surface to make a temporary nest to sleep. OCD is a psychological condition that often has a genetic tendency. Stricken dogs will repeatedly perform normal canine behavior and often fail to respond to therapy. Dogs worried about predators and protected their bellies by sleeping on them in the wild. Sleeping belly-down also allowed them to get up quickly if needed. So why do Labradors sometimes sleep on their back? Labradors sleep on their back with their paws in the air to cool down or when they feel very relaxed with their environment and are at ease exposing their belly. This shift is the result of hundreds of years of dog domestication. One of the cutest sleeping positions of puppies is when they sleep upside down — they are just more comfortable sleeping on their backs! Adult Labradors that sleep on their back for a while are also adorable. They are trusting of you and will no doubt sleep anywhere. Labradors may roll on their back for many different reasons. This dog behavior might occur when your Lab is alone, playing with you, or when with other dogs. Labradors roll on their back when seeking attention from you, e. Or to groom or scratch themselves, mark territory, change their body smell getting rid of a shampoo aroma , show confidence or contentment, or regulate body temperature. A roll on the back is often interpreted as being submissive during dog play. However, research has shown that rolling on the back is a combat tactic, not an act of submission. Your Labrador may roll over when playing with other dogs for two key reasons: To avoid a bite on the side of the neck be defensive. To launch an attack be offensive. Labradors will often roll over to scratch their back — since they cannot reach it with their paws! This could be normal scratching, but it could also be due to a flea or tick infestation. How To Solve Scratching! Labs will roll on their back to get a rub or tickle on their tummy when playing. So, avoid it if you do not want him to always ask for it! Your dog may also roll on his back to cool down. Why Do Labradors Roll in Poop? This is one of the weird dog behaviors that we find a little difficult to understand — rolling in stinky things, such as fox and badger feces or bird droppings! Some dogs love to cover themselves in foul smells that leave you spluttering in disgust. So, why do Labradors roll in poop? Dogs like pungent scents, and they encourage rolling action. Wild dogs had to hunt to survive. Your Labrador is leaving his scent behind. Your dog might be trying to leave his scent, similar to marking or spraying behavior. Your dog is interacting with you, his pack! Other packmates would track the scent back in the wild, which helped with their hunting. So, now you know why your Labrador rolls in poop, how do you prevent him from returning with a foul, pungent stench? When out on a walk with your dog, stay alert and limit his poo-rolling activities. Learn to anticipate it right before it begins. If I notice my dog sniffing or tracking the ground with greater intensity, I know she can smell the strong scent of the fox. Excitement urination is mainly associated with puppies, and most dogs will grow out of this behavior. But why do Labs pee when excited? Labradors pee when excited due to becoming exceptionally excited during greetings and playtime. Other causes are incomplete housetraining, accidental reinforcement, genetic predisposition, or a medical condition such as urinary bladder dysfunction or incontinence in elderly dogs. I have a complete guide to potty training your Labrador if you need any help in that department. Once you have ruled out medical causes, there are some things you can do to prevent your Labrador from peeing when excited: Keep greetings low-key; stay calm and quiet. Greet your puppy outside when you return home. Take him outside to potty, and use positive reinforcement. Clean up the mess with an enzymatic cleaner. This is when dogs will pee to mark their territory. Do you find it funny when your Labrador chases his tail? Labrador Retrievers are high-energy dogs, and most behavioral issues stem from monotony and insufficient exercise. Healthy adult dogs need at least two hours of daily activity, consisting of various walking, off-leash running, fetch, frisbee, agility, or swimming — Labs love to swim! If you laugh every time your Labrador chases his tail, you inadvertently reinforce his attention-seeking behavior. Labs are eager to please you, and your encouragement acts as positive reinforcement. He will, therefore, keep doing it, especially if he needs you to notice him! Has your Labrador been keeping an eye on you? Do you sense him intently staring at you from the corner of the room? Some stares may be cute, others not so. Your Labrador stares at you to communicate with you. Examples are expressing love and devotion, seeking attention, or manipulating you to get what he wants, such as food or playtime. He may also stare at you to communicate displeasure, sense your mood, or when resource guarding. Here are some examples: Seek Attention. Labradors will stare at you to seek your attention. His stare serves to remind you that he needs his meal too! Manipulate you to get something. When your Lab stares at you with eyes of pity, he wants you to concede and let him have his way! My dog will sit in front of me every evening and intensely stare when she wants me to play. In the wolf world, staring is rude and threatening, and some dogs may retain that trait. So, if your dog stares at you intensely, without blinking, and has a stiff stance, he might be communicating some displeasure. And if the uninterrupted hard stare is directed towards a stranger, they should back away and not stare back! Resource guarding. This is often combined with a hard, aggressive stare where your Lab will guard his food or toys. Resource guarding is a behavior problem, and you may need to consult a professional dog behaviorist. Check out this article for greater insight into this topic, Resource Guarding in Labradors. Final Thoughts As you have now learned, there are many Labrador behaviors. Most are entirely natural and designed to seek attention, protect, show dominance or defensiveness, express feelings, show affection, or mark territory. However, some dog behaviors may be a sign of an underlying medical issue. But you should now be able to identify those concerning ones where you should visit your vet. Related Posts You May Like:. Of course, it all happens much faster in them though, because they pack it all into and average of just 12 or 13 years. Between 6 and 12 months old, they will enter adolescence. At a year old, they are a mature adolescent. Sometime between 2 and 3 years old they become physically and mentally mature. And at 9 years old, they start to become seniors. Labrador behavior by age: the first 6 months Infant Labradors are champion nappers, attached to their primary carer to the point of clinginess, playful, and impulsive. Sleep patterns Young Labrador puppies are growing and learning fast, and they need a lot of sleep to support their development. So, they make up for it by napping frequently during the day. Which is alright for them, even though it can be cripplingly tiring for us! But hang in there — most puppies are sleeping through the night at 14 weeks old. After that they will gradually start waking earlier in the morning too. There is a double whammy of reasons for this. Firstly, they are instinctively aware that they are still too small and vulnerable to survive alone. Secondly, Labradors have been bred over many generations to be innately people-focussed, since dogs who were naturally motivated to remain close to their owners made better workers. Playfulness Labrador puppies spend more time playing than at any other time in their lives. But lots of first time puppy parents are taken aback by exactly how ferocious puppy play behavior can be! Barking, growling, lunging, pouncing, and biting are all completely normal elements of puppy play. In the wild, they would be valuable practice for hunting in future, and the natural instinct to start practicing early lives on, even this long after domestication. Impulsiveness Puppies of all types are generally a chaotic presence. They have very little impulse control, so they rarely sit still for long, and they cannot resist temptation. Make sure those shoes are kept out of reach in the first place, and give your puppy plenty of suitable toys instead. The sweet spot There is a point when a Labrador puppy is roughly akin to an 8 year old child. They sleep well, use the toilet in the right place, understand instructions, and hang off your every word. A whole new stage of Labrador behavior is coming! If we think of it in terms of their wild ancestors again, they are no longer so vulnerable and reliant on the protection of adults around them. And time to start thinking for themselves, in anticipation of being an self-sufficient adult soon. You might start to discover that the little puppy who never left your side off the leash will suddenly cross soccer fields to say hello to another dog. These are all normal parts of growing up. During this stage, you need to protect your cues by not using them when your dog is likely to ignore you, and manage their opportunities to make unwanted decisions instead. For example, by using a long line, or exercising them in a secure field. Adolescence is also associated with the onset of sex differences in behavior. For example, unneutered male dogs tend to carry out more scent marking than either spayed or intact females, or neutered males. And unspayed female dogs will start going into heat every 6 months or so. As they become more independent, and stop relying on others to look out for them, they instinctively become more cautious about new and unfamiliar things as well. If this happens, the key is not to push them to handle more than they are comfortable with — given them space, and and gradually restore they emotional response to a positive one using treats. Labrador behavior by age: adulthood By the time your Labrador is 2 or 3 years old, their physical and emotional journey to adulthood is complete. Hopefully, if you socialized them carefully as a puppy, and trained them consistently until now, they have become all the things you dreamed of. And at last, they have reached a point where if you treat them consistently, their behavior will remain consistent too. The Labrador breed is famous for being friendly and easy company. They are exceptional at learning and remembering new cues, and famously food motivated, so teaching and maintaining good manners should be straightforward. But without enough exercise they might resort to unwanted behaviors such as chewing furniture, barking or digging in the garden. Factors which will affect the behavior of your mature adult Labrador include: The temperament of their parents Socialization they received as a puppy Training How much physical exercise they get How much mental stimulation they receive Diet How much time they spend alone Health factors Positive and negative experiences An example of how health factors and experience can affect behavior is if a Lab experiencing joint pain from hip dysplasia is jumped on by a playful younger dog. This could make them reactive towards encounters with other dogs in future, because they want to warn off another potentially painful experience. Labrador behavior by age: the senior years In veterinary terms, Labradors are considered senior from roughly 9 years old onwards. However, many Labs remain active long past this point. The average retirement age of Labradors working as gundogs is 10 years old , and this is more likely to be due to physical factors such as arthritis or deafness than not being mentally up to the job any more. But, old age is associated with a broad range of physical changes, and increased likelihood of illnesses, many of which can cause behavior changes. For example Senior dogs are more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes , and are less able to fight off infections like UTIs. Which means their toilet habits might change, including needing to get up in the night to pee again. Sensory changes such as sight and hearing loss mean they might become less responsive to your cues, or less confident in unfamiliar situations. Physical changes like loss of muscle mass and degeneration of their joints means they might slow down, and be less interested in things they used to enjoy, like walks or playing fetch. The older they get, the more likely dogs are to show signs of canine cognitive dysfunction CCD , which his akin to dementia in humans. CCD may include behavior changes such as night waking, forgetfulness, and becoming disorientated. Take your senior dog for regular veterinary checks to help manage these changes, and for practical advice on making their golden years as comfortable as possible. Labrador behavior by age — summary Labrador behavior by age can be viewed in terms of four distinct periods — puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood and senior years. Adulthood is the easiest, and thankfully the longest too! Whilst all the other stages present their own unique challenges, they are just that — stages, which will pass. Knowing what to expect makes them easier to manage, and realizing they are transient helps us appreciate the privilege of spending a lifetime with our Labs. Have you got any tips for surviving the puppy and adolescent stages? In general, she's a great dog. Very sweet and smart, but for some reason over the past few weeks she seems to be testing the limits more than usual. I know about the adolescent phase they supposedly hit around months, but it's almost like she is hitting hers now. For example, yesterday I worked a half a day at the office. Usually when we leave her alone for that amount of time, we close the bedroom and bathroom doors and she has the rest of the house to wander around in, and she's always done just great with this. Yesterday I came home to find she had chewed up the arm of the couch. She also seems to be "listening" less.She gets plenty of attention, walks, exercise, etc. I'm hoping it's a late adolescence phase, as everyone tells us that labs stay in the puppy phase for a good two years.We are going to put her in doggy-day-care one or two days a week, hoping that will help with some of the excess energy she seems to have found lately. Think that might help? Yep, this sounds like the classic case of "the terrible twos" human children aren't the only critters to go through this phase. As to the chewing up of your sofa, that sounds to me like it might be a case of separation anxiety. Perfectly normal dogs that behave very well when at home with their owners suddenly become destructive when left alone. This is not a behavioral condition that is isolated to just labs either. It is good that you keep your bedroom and bathroom doors closed. Before I learned that lesson my mastiff puppy used to pull my clothes off the hangers in my closet and then dragged them around the house when I was not around. To keep my puppies from chewing my furniture I mix equal parts of alum and white vinegar together and covered my wood furniture with the solution. Even after it dries the alum remains. It is not toxic to dogs, cats, or children. If they lick the surface where it has been applied, it will leave a very sour taste in their mouth which most dogs do not like. Taking her to a day-care a couple times a week will certainly help. Buying her a few extra toys to play with may also help her with the separation anxiety, but not always. Most dogs get over this phase by the time they are two years old. Males may take a little longer than females to get over it because they mature slower.

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english bulldog puppies for sale in ms - By Emily A. Fassbaugh, DVM on Oct. They can determine if your dog needs to be professionally examined and treated. Here are some common dog eye problems and signs to look for. Common Dog Eye Problems Dog Eye Infections Dog eye infections can affect the eyelid, the conjunctiva pink part inside the eye , or the eye itself. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungus. Take your dog to the vet if you notice any of these signs: Yellow, green, or red drainage from the eyes Swelling, crusting, and hair loss on the eyelids Very red and swollen conjunctiva and whites of the eyes Your dog squinting or holding their eyes closed Your veterinarian may do an eye stain to check for injury to the cornea. The treatment involves giving your dog eye drops to heal the infection and relieve inflammation. If there is an infection of the eyelid, your veterinarian may also prescribe oral antibiotics. It occurs most often in brachycephalic flat-faced dogs, such as English Bulldogs and Pugs , and in giant dog breeds with droopy eyelids, such as Bullmastiffs and Newfoundlands , but it can happen to any dog. Always take your dog to the vet if you suspect they have cherry eye. When cherry eye in dogs is mild, an anti-inflammatory eye drop can occasionally cause the tear gland to return to its normal position. However, most of the time, surgery is required to replace the tear gland behind the third eyelid. Unfortunately, cherry eye can come back after a dog has surgery. Glaucoma in Dogs Glaucoma in dogs is increased pressure in the eye. Normally, fluid flows in and out of the eye to maintain pressure. Early signs of glaucoma in dogs include eye pain or redness and visible vessels on the whites of the eye. Early glaucoma is treated with medication to decrease fluid production in the eye and allow for better drainage of fluid, reducing the pressure. If the medication cannot control the eye pressure and the pain, your veterinarian may recommend removal of the eye, also called enucleation. This may sound extreme, but dogs can still have a great quality of life without the affected eye. To help avoid eye loss, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible if you notice any of the signs of glaucoma. You will see these symptoms: Green or yellow discharge from the eye Squinting or holding the eye closed Rubbing the eye because it is painful or itchy The whites of the eye will be red or bloodshot, but the cornea will typically be clear Conjunctivitis in dogs is triggered often by an allergy or, rarely, a virus. It is treated with a bacterial eye drop or ointment, and sometimes, a steroid is used to reduce inflammation. It usually clears up within a week. Take your dog to the vet so they can be evaluated and prescribed the appropriate treatment. Ectropion in Dogs Ectropion is a condition where the bottom eyelid droops or folds outward, away from the eye. Some breeds of dog can naturally have mild ectropion, including Bullmastiffs , Bassett Hounds , Bloodhounds , Retrievers, Bulldogs, and Spaniels. It is often not a problem, but it can result in chronic inflammation, dry eye, and eye infection in some dogs, so take your dog to the vet if they are exhibiting any of these signs. Surgery can correct ectropion in dogs. Entropion in Dogs Entropion is a condition of the eyelid that causes it to roll inward. It can affect both the upper and lower eyelids. In chronic cases, it can cause permanent damage to the cornea, resulting in loss of vision. Entropion in dogs can be fixed with surgery. Visit your vet to determine the best option for your dog. Cataracts in Dogs In dogs with cataracts , the central part of their eye appears cloudy because the lens has lost transparency. Cataracts can affect one or both eyes. Cataracts can be inherited or caused by other diseases. One cause of cataracts is diabetes, as the excess glucose causes the lens to swell. The lens can eventually rupture and cause uveitis, or severe inflammation in the eye. A dog can also develop cataracts as a part of normal aging. Additionally, they can form because of inflammation or infection inside the eye. Depending on the size and the severity of the cataract, some dogs may lose significant vision and become blind. See your vet to have the underlying cause of the cataract identified so your dog can be treated accordingly. In some breeds of dogs, such as Pugs and Boston Terriers , strabismus is congenital and common; this does not require treatment. However, if a lazy eye comes on suddenly, always seek veterinary assistance. A sudden lazy eye in dogs can signal a neurological problem that affects the balance system, or it could be caused by a mass in the ring of bone surrounding the eye. Treating lazy eye in dogs relies on addressing the underlying cause. A dog with a corneal ulcer will have cloudiness in the front of the eye. There may be green, yellow, or clear discharge. Corneal ulcers in dogs can be caused by an injury or infection, or they can result from inflammation of the cornea due to chronic dry eye. Corneal ulcers are very painful, so the dog usually squints the eye closed and may rub at it. Seek treatment from the vet as soon as possible to help make your dog more comfortable. Treatment involves giving your dog an antibiotic eye drop and using an Elizabethan collar to prevent your dog from rubbing their eye, causing further damage. Some dogs require surgery to heal the ulcer. It contains the cells, called rods and cones, that absorb light signals to send to the brain. The retina is what ultimately allows all mammals to see. All diseases of the retina cause blindness. There are inherited retinal diseases seen in Irish Setters , Briards , and the Papillon. Other causes of retinal diseases in dogs include: High blood pressure. Retinal Dysplasia Entropion By familiarizing yourself with these conditions, their symptoms, and their treatment options, you can prepare yourself for any doggie health emergencies. After all, part of being a pet parent is understanding that sometimes our animals get sick. It can present itself early on during puppyhood or become more evident with age. Labs are just one of many dog breeds affected by this condition. This type of atrophy can lead to total blindness. PRA is a degenerative illness, meaning it tends to become more debilitating over time. However, by recognizing the symptoms and taking early action, pet parents can minimize the adverse effects of PRA. Common Symptoms Unfortunately, some of the most common symptoms of PRA only occur after many retinal cells have already decayed. This means that your dog may already be partially blind by the time they start exhibiting noticeable symptoms. Still, dogs that seem uncoordinated or that often bump into objects may be exhibiting early signs of this condition. You may also notice that your Labrador Retriever struggles to find their toys or locate the entrance to your home. Dogs that generally struggle with their vision may have PRA, but the only way to know for sure is to take your pup to the vet for diagnostic tests. High-quality breeders regularly perform genetic testing on their breeding pairs to ensure healthy litters. Purchasing a pup from a disreputable or inexperienced breeder can result in puppies with PRA. If you are getting your dog from a breeder, you have the right to ask for all their health forms related to the parents and even past litters. They should be able to provide you with proof that the dogs are as healthy as possible. If you suspect that your dog may have PRA, your vet will perform a standard series of eye tests. If they cannot rule out PRA, they may recommend genetic testing to confirm or deny the diagnosis. Sadly, there are few ways to reverse or stop the damage that PRA causes. Still, this condition is not painful. Pet owners can implement helpful tools, introduce new training tasks, and practice patience. This may mean introducing specific sound cues for everyday tasks, reducing home layout changes, and adding protective gates around your home or swimming pool. Overall, the best possible treatment for dogs with PRA is thoughtfulness and affection. Many times, a blocked or inactive tear duct is to blame for this condition. Some breeds are prone to inherited KCS as their genes lack the information to help their bodies generate and maintain healthy tear ducts. However, an infected third eye gland can also cause KCS. Keeping your dog in an unclean kennel or boarding facility can result in KCS. With that in mind, proper hygiene and grooming are two ways that owners can prevent infectious KCS. However, inheritable forms are naturally far more challenging to combat. Common Symptoms When your vet checks for signs and symptoms of KCS, they tend to look for eye irritation and redness, as well as pus-like discharge near the corners of the eyes. Unlike some other eye problems, KCS is almost always present in both eyes at the same time. Still, to make an accurate diagnosis, your vet may perform several minor procedures. They might take a small tissue sample and have it analyzed for the presence of tear film, or they may utilize Schirmer Tear Test strips. Pet parents can also purchase and use Schirmer Tear Test strips to test for eye dryness. Not only are usage instructions included with every order, but each envelope features an easy-to-read scale. The majority of dogs with KCS need special eye drops to keep their eyes healthy. Pups with congenital KCS will likely need daily drops for the whole of their lives. However, dogs with an acute, infectious case of dry eye may be able to wean off eye drops once their infection has cleared up. Notably, this condition may not affect labs as often as it affects other breeds, particularly smaller ones. Breeds such as the Boston terrier and English springer spaniel tend to develop or inherit KCS far more than their larger labrador retriever relatives. Cataracts are far more noticeable than many other eye problems. In turn, the retina may struggle to process the light coming into the eye, resulting in partial or complete blindness. This condition often occurs during old age, but previous eye injuries and certain illnesses can increase cataract development. Additionally, some genetic markers may influence the onset of cataracts. The HSF4 gene seems to be one of the most influential markers of canine cataracts. However, testing for this gene can be challenging and expensive. Still, in most cases, the symptoms of cataracts are evident. Common Symptoms As mentioned above, cataracts are relatively easy to diagnose. In addition, unlike other forms of eye disease, cataracts are fairly noticeable. However, catching cataract formation during its early stages could help reduce overall treatment times and costs. Consequently, pet parents should watch for any discoloration in the eye , as well as any whitish change around the pupil. Conferring with a vet can help you determine whether your labrador retriever has cataracts. Diagnosis and Treatment Like many other types of labrador retriever eye problems, one of the best treatment methods for cataracts is prevention. Adopting a dog from a reputable breeder that screens for genetic diseases and abnormalities is crucial. However, owners of labs that are currently developing cataracts should seek veterinary counsel. In some cases, canine cataract surgery may also be an option. Vets often perform a physical examination to check for cataracts. Retinal Dysplasia One of the more common inherited eye problems that labrador retrievers develop is retinal dysplasia RD. While breeders can test for RD, helping prevent its spread to future generations, some breeders opt-out of genetic testing. This abnormal shape or design can result in partial blindness or vision difficulties. In many cases, a dog with RD will have strange folds throughout their retina. While many cases are mild and relatively treatable, severe cases can lead to total retinal detachment. When this happens, your lab will go entirely blind. That said, some dogs are born with a form of RD that disappears with time. If puppies fall ill while still in the womb, they may be more prone to developing RD. Visiting your vet is the best way to diagnose and treat RD. Consistent check-ups can help you determine the type of RD your labrador retriever has and how best to treat it. Generally, pet parents may struggle to identify the earliest symptoms of RD. A vet can use precise medical instruments to test for eye conditions, including RD. Depending on their age and the severity of their particular condition, these dogs may already be partially or totally blind. Be sure to take note of any clumsiness or confusion your dog exhibits. Walking into walls, getting lost, or bumping into new pieces of furniture are all signs of vision problems. That said, most vets will use an ophthalmoscope to check for retinal folds and attachments. Unfortunately, retinal dysplasia is not treatable, so if your labrador retriever is diagnosed with severe RD, the first course of action should be to have them spayed or neutered. Doing this will help future puppies from inheriting the condition. Secondly, you should do everything you can to ensure your dog has a happy and healthy life. For example, you may want to set up protective gates around your house, especially if you live in a multi-story dwelling. Entropion Entropion might be the most common eye problem that plagues labrador retrievers. Entropion is when the upper or lower eyelids roll inward toward the eye. Additionally, tiny particles of dust or dirt can become trapped between the eyelid and eye surface, causing pain and discomfort. Labrador retrievers may be prone to developing a case of entropion due to excess skin around the eyes. Older dogs may be slightly more at risk of developing this condition, as the skin around the eyes occasionally forms small folds. Left untreated, entropion can result in long-lasting vision damage. This often means pawing at the affected eye or repeatedly rubbing it against surfaces. Unfortunately, these methods typically only add to the problem. Dogs with entropion may also produce an excessive amount of tears and appear to be crying. In addition, their eyes may be swollen, red, and irritated. Additionally, some dogs squint and repeatedly blink when suffering from entropion. This is similar to how you might react if you got a small piece of sand in your eye. Early treatment often results in few veterinary costs, as mild acute cases might only require a few days worth of lubricating eye drops. Sadly, deciding to wait for veterinary care could cause your dog lasting pain and vision loss. Diagnosis and Treatment Vets can spot entropion from a mile away. The more challenging aspect of this condition is determining the level of damage caused to the cornea. Severe, long-term cases may require surgery, removing some excess skin around the eye, much like an eye lift. The best time to visit your vet is pretty much any time! Conclusion Labrador retrievers may inherit specific eye problems, including progressive retinal atrophy PRA and retinal dysplasia. Older dogs also have a relatively high risk of developing cataracts as they enter their senior years. Dogs with malformed or injured eyelids can also suffer from entropion. That said, some conditions are hereditary, making them challenging to prevent. Still, there are helpful treatment options that can help labrador retrievers with eye problems enjoy a happier, more comfortable life. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. After all, vision is central to much of our interaction with the world. We also would hate to see this horrible event happen to our furry friends. Since dogs also have sharper hearing and smell than humans, they are actually able to adapt to blindness better than their owners. The retinal tissue, as the name suggests, eventually atrophies until the entire retina is dead and the dog is unable to see. If you remember from biology class, the retina, which is found at the back of the eye, is divided into rods and cones. These rods and cones turn visual stimulation into electrical impulses that the brain reads as sight. Rods are responsible for night and black and white vision, and cones are responsible for color. Contrary to popular belief, dogs actually can see some color, just not at the level of humans. PRA slowly attacks the rods of the eye, killing them and causing the retina to degenerate. However, it is also seen in puppies and older dogs. Unfortunately, the inevitable result is often total blindness for the dog. PRA is found in many different types of dogs, but Labrador Retrievers are prone to this disorder identified in certain genetic markers associated with the breed. Other breeds plagued by the disease include collies, Irish setters, miniature poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Briards, Mastiffs, Samoyeds and Siberian Huskies. Labs are more prone to a subset of PRA called central progressive retinal atrophy, which means they initially lose their central vision, but can often keep their peripheral vision for years before it finally fades away. There is a marked faulty development in a group of cells in the retina, which worsens over time and eventually spreads to the rest of the rods. If your Labrador develops PRA, you need to inform your breeder immediately to ensure they change their breeding protocol. Additionally, all of the siblings of the dog with PRA should not be bred. Other Causes of PRA While genetic deformities in the eye are the main reason dogs develop this disease, there are additional causes for progressive blindness due to the retina slowly dying. Long-term glaucoma, scarring and inflammation of the retina, or separation of the retina due to trauma. Metabolic issues from insufficient or excessive amounts of enzymes. Cancer from other areas of the body that spreads to the retina. Nutritional deficiencies: specifically lack of Vitamin A or E. Retinal infections that spread from other parts of the body. Adverse reactions to specific drugs or toxins. Dogs are actually very good at hiding their blindness and sharpening their other senses to adapt. Because of the slow progression of PRA, dogs have ample time to learn to rely more on their hearing, smell, memory of their surroundings and touch. PRA is usually painless, which means your dog just quietly learns how to get around in other ways as their visual world slowly fades away. There are usually no obvious outward signs around the eye such as squinting, redness or excessive tearing. Usually, the first signs that your dog is developing PRA is night blindness, which then progresses to total blindness even in the day. You may notice your dog is more reluctant to run the entire yard at night, and instead stays within the glow of the porch light. They may be afraid to go into a dark room, but will happily go into the room when you turn on the light. As the disease continues to advance, you may start to see changes in the eyes. The dogs pupils may be dilated or have a slow response to light. The best way to catch PRA early is with routine eye examinations from a veterinarian. An ophthalmologist can view the retina with an instrument called an indirect ophthalmoscope. With this tool, they will be able to see changes in the blood flow to the retina, the optic nerve and the tapetum. Another way to diagnose PRA is by electroretinography. This test measures the electrical impulses produced by the retina, similar to the way an ECG test measures the beat of the heart. Electroretinography is widely regarded as the best way to determine a definitive diagnosis. Since there are some nutritional components to this disease, you need to make sure you are feeding your pup the highest quality food to give them everything they need for proper eye development. Some vets promote certain antioxidant therapies to slow the progression of PRA, but as of yet there is no confirmed treatment or cure. Some dogs do develop cataracts in the later stages of PRA. Even if the cataract is removed, the true cause of the blindness is in the damaged retina. However, while blindness can often be traumatic for the owners, most dogs actually do just fine sharpening their other senses to still get around easily without additional stress. Conclusion Since this disease progresses slowly and is usually painless, the gradual loss of vision gives the dogs adequate time to learn to rely on their other senses and map out their surroundings. While it may be tempting to humanize this condition, dogs have much better senses of hearing and smell than we do. Losing their vision is usually not a traumatic experience as long as their surroundings remain predictable and they are with their loved ones. They need your guidance and love, not your pity and sadness. With a bit of research, owners can learn how to help blind dogs transition into a world where they rely on their other senses to lead happy, healthy lives. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. But I recently got a severe shock when I took my big yellow lab to visit my parents. This dog has the best personality in regards to loving people. He is totally devoted to me. My father is 92 and failing health leaves him very seddentary. But when I took him on the four hour trip to go there, I found out my dog is mostly blind. He is only four and a half, and is seemingly very healthy. When we got to there house He was so terrified, all he would do in crouch down on the floor and hold on for dear life. I could barely get him to go from the bedroom to the kitchen. .He was obviously not misbehaving, it was totally due to fear. Apparently, he has his own seeing eye dog. Breeders who take advantage of genetic testing and annual eye examinations are helping to prevent eye diseases. The most common eye disease in Labradors is a late-onset form of progressive retinal atrophy known as rod-cone degeneration prcd-PRA. Before the discovery of the gene mutation for prcd-PRA in , breeders often bred carriers and affected dogs without realizing they were passing the disease onto future generations. The development of the genetic test has helped to advance breeders' ability to test their dogs and make responsible breeding decisions. We never have to eliminate a dog solely based on its PRA status. The goal is not to eliminate carriers but to eliminate affected dogs. The chances are very high the pups will go blind before they are 10, and PRA is a completely preventable disease. Though the condition is considered rare, with around 3 percent of Labradors identified as carriers, it is devastating to those whose dogs develop the disease. Retinal dysplasia encompasses a spectrum of severities, ranging from focal or multifocal retinal folds to geographic retinal dysplasia and retinal detachment. Retinal folds typically are considered benign and have no significance unless they are associated with oculoskeletal dysplasia. These eye diseases, as well as others for which there are no genetic tests, prompted the Labrador Retriever Club to recommend annual eye examinations by board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists and testing for inherited eye diseases for dogs that are part of a breeding program. Puppies should have eye examinations around 6 to 8 weeks of age before they are sold to new owners to check for retinal folds and the possibility of oculoskeletal dysplasia. Eye examinations, in which results are registered through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals Eye Certification Registry or Canine Eye Registration Foundation, are among the required tests for Labradors to receive health clearances via Canine Health Information Center certification. The retina, located at the back of the eye, takes the light gathered and focused by the other eye structures and converts it into electrical nerve signals to send it to the optic nerve and then the brain for interpretation. Besides Labrador Retrievers, the recessive gene mutation occurs in more than 20 breeds. Experts say signs of the disease are visible by physical eye examination when dogs are between 3 and 6 years of age. Owners may initially notice their dogs having diminished sight in the evening. In prcd-PRA, retinal receptor cells develop and function normally in early life, but at some point in mid to later life, they degenerate and die. There are are two types of receptor cells: rods and cones. The rods, which are responsible for vision in low light levels, die first. Thus, affected dogs may have difficulty seeing in dim light. The cones, which are more important for detail, movement and color vision, follow. A dog eventually loses vision in bright light until becoming completely blind. Physical signs of prcd-PRA are determined by ophthalmoscopy, and electrical signs are detected by electroretinography. Both appear much earlier than behavioral signs. Owners may notice that their dog's eyes glow. This occurs as the receptor cells die, leaving the retina thinner and thus allowing the shiny tapetum behind it to show through more. In addition, the pupil compensates for the lack of light reception by opening up wider. The added effect of the wider pupil and brighter tapetum makes the dog's eyes glow to the point that owners may be the first to notice something different. More often, however, it is a routine eye examination that leads to discovery of the problem. The good news is that DNA testing allows identification of carriers and affected and normal dogs. Helmers recalls having all the dogs in her kennel tested when the test was first offered. When the results showed two were affected, I spayed them and found good homes for them. I wanted them to be in good pet homes if and when they started to go blind. The disease is considered the canine version of retinitis pigmentosa in humans, which has more than genetic mutations, all resulting in identical clinical signs. We are interested in any outliers, such as prcd-affected Labradors that show clinical retinal degeneration by 3 years of age or that, conversely, show no clinical signs of retinal degeneration after around 9 years of age. These outliers will hopefully point us to modifiers that affect retinal degeneration and help us learn more about therapy for treating retinal diseases in dogs and humans. Angie was born blind due to the hereditary disease. Today, one would not suspect the 8-year-old is blind. Walsh is past president of LABMED, an organization that has helped fund and care for 1, rescued Labradors and Labrador mixed breeds since it was founded in .The Walshes couldn't help but fall in love with the blind, bowlegged puppy. She can figure out her surroundings in a matter of minutes and is a fearless explorer. We forget she's blind because she rarely bumps into anything. The retinal layer may fold over and prevent normal focusing. A few small folds seldom cause a change in vision, but larger areas may cause blind spots. Folds are noticeable in puppies from 8 to 16 weeks of age. Some folds may disappear in adulthood. The mode of inheritance for most retinal folds is not well characterized. Research by Greg Acland, D. Since OptiGen began offering the genetic test, more than 1, Labradors have been tested for the eye disease. OSD carriers, which inherit one copy of the mutated gene, often have significant retinal dysplasia, although silent carriers without retinal folds are possible too. Some dogs with retinal folds have the benign type and are not susceptible to OSD; however, without genetic testing for OSD, they do not pass an eye examination and are not eligible for CHIC certification. Their status changes if the owner shows test results indicating the dog is not a carrier for the OSD mutation. Annual eye examinations are the best way to identify affected dogs for earlier treatment and to avoid using them in breeding programs. Among the diseases without DNA tests is entropion, an eye disorder in which the eyelid and eyelashes roll inward in an abnormal inversion. Most cases are due to a dog's facial and eyelid conformation. Signs include excessive tearing, squinting, redness and facial rubbing. In severe cases, irritation of the cornea may produce conjunctivitis, keratitis or ulceration. Surgery, which can be expensive, corrects the disorder. I know dogs that had entropion surgery yet ended up in a breeding program, which transmits the disease to the next generation. Congenital cataracts are present at birth, whereas juvenile cataracts occur in dogs under 6 and senile cataracts in dogs older than 6. Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness in dogs and humans. About breeds are affected by hereditary forms, and some breeds may develop more than one form. Little is known about the genetics of cataracts, a condition in which the clear lens of the eye used for focusing develops cloudy spots that gradually inhibit light from reaching the retina. The opacity inhibits the lens from focusing light onto the retina. As the lens gets cloudier, the light reaching the retina is reduced until a dog eventually becomes blind. Labradors are among the breeds prone to a type of juvenile cataract that forms under the lens capsule, or the sac-like covering of the lens, called posterior polar subcapsular cataracts PPSC. Fortunately, the PPSC type progresses slowly and seldom interferes with vision. Surgery to remove cataracts in dogs is almost identical to cataract surgery in humans. Advances in microsurgery make the procedure appropriate for younger, healthy dogs, resulting in more retained vision and greater success. Ophthalmologists who specialize in this surgery can take the lens out of the eye and replace it with an artificial lens, restoring vision effectively. Concerns about these diseases, plus others, prompt breeders to vigilantly have annual eye examinations and genetic testing in their breeding dogs. This practice lies at the crux of reducing eye diseases in Labrador Retrievers. Purina appreciates the support of the Labrador Retriever Club Inc. Test results from examinations by board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists will be entered in the registry and become part of the clinical database. Dogs with normal results will receive OFA eye certification numbers valid for one year. The addition of eye examination results in the OFA database makes OFA the most complete resource of canine health screening results in the world. OFA will share a percentage of its registration fees with ACVO Vision for Animals Foundation to support research leading to elimination of ocular diseases causing vision loss and suffering in animals. For information, visit the OFA website at: www. Written By Remi Audette Vision is precious to dogs just like it is to people. Unfortunately, like us, dogs can experience eye issues that affect their vision. Here are 8 common dog eye problems you should be aware of: Conjunctivitis One of the most common eye infections in dogs is conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. Symptoms of conjunctivitis in dogs are similar to humans and include redness, inflammation and eye discharge. It can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection or an allergic reaction to smoke, pollen, perfume or other irritants. Conjunctivitis can be highly contagious to humans, so you should visit your vet for treatment options. Until it clears up, limit contact with your dog and wash your hands regularly. Cherry Eye Dogs have three eyelids, with the third located in the inner corner of their eye. Cherry eye occurs when this third eyelid prolapses out after it becomes inflamed, resembling a red cherry. With puppies under the age of one and certain dog breeds being most susceptible. Surgery is usually needed to repair cherry eye in dogs, so it is important to consult your vet. Cataracts Cataracts are clouding of the eye lens, which is progressively more common as dogs get older. Cataracts may also make the eye more prone to developing inflammation and conditions like glaucoma. Surgery is the only long-term treatment, which involves your vet removing the damaged lens and replacing it with an artificial one. Symptoms of glaucoma in dogs include pain, redness, cloudiness, eye tearing or bulging and dilated pupils. Causes range from eye inflammation, tumours or trauma. .This can lead to eye irritation, infection or other damage, including corneal scarring. Symptoms of entropion include redness, squinting and excessive tearing. Entropion is usually caused by genetics and is more common in certain breeds, especially short-nosed and giant breeds. Contact your vet if you suspect your dog has entropion, and they will treat it using antibiotics, artificial tears, temporary stitches, contact lenses to protect the cornea or entropion surgery. It is also called keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and symptoms include redness, squinting, excessive blinking, gunky discharge and eye pawing. Ensure you consult your vet if you notice these signs, as dry eye in dogs can result in corneal ulcers. They may suggest using artificial tears and immunomodulating drops. These ulcers can be caused by trauma or chronic dry eyes. If not properly treated, dog corneal ulcers can worsen and get bigger. Visit your vet so they can determine the necessary treatment, which may include ointment, antibiotic drops or eye surgery. Keep an eye out for any symptoms of eye problems in your dog and contact your vet if you notice any issues. If you suspect that your dog has eye problems, give us a call at 03 to get advice from one of our experienced vets. Cherry eye Entropion So what exactly are these issues and what should you do about them? Read on to find out. Corneal Damage There are plenty of ways your dog can injure their eyes and damage the cornea. They could scratch their eye with their nails trying to satisfy an itch. They might get poked by a branch as they are running past the bushes. Or they could get a bit of dirt or debris in them while playing outside. The signs of corneal damage can include redness and excessive tearing. You may also notice your dog pawing at the eye since it can be irritating and painful. If you suspect your dog has an eye injury, you should have a veterinarian take a look. They can assess the extent of the damage and recommend treatment, which could include antibiotic drops to help avoid infection. Dry Eye Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is quite a mouthful so we'll stick to calling it dry eye. This condition occurs when a dog's tear glands aren't producing enough tears to properly lubricate and clean the eye of dust and other debris. Dry eye can result in scratches, ulcers, and other problems with the eyes. Signs of dry eye can include redness, squinting, blinking, and pawing at the eye. Talk to your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has dry eye. They may recommend applying sterile saline or artificial tears to your dog's eyes to help alleviate the problem. Pink Eye Conjunctivitis Like people, dogs can get pink eye with those familiar symptoms, including redness, inflammation, and gooey eye discharge. Pink eye can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. If it's bacterial, your dog will need an antibiotic eye solution to help clear it up. Pink eye can also be brought on by an allergic reaction or if something gets in your dog's eye. If your dog is allergic to something like a particular scent or cigarette smoke, you can try to keep them away from the irritant. In the case of outdoor allergies or hay fever, you can ask your veterinarian about using a saline solution or artificial tears to flush irritants from your dog's eyes when they come back inside. Eyelid Mass If you notice a bump on or at the edge of your dog's eyelid, you should have it checked out by your veterinarian. Fortunately, these masses are often not cancerous. They can be caused by issues including a cyst or benign tumor. Your veterinarian can help determine if the mass is cancerous and whether or not it requires treatment such as surgical removal. Cataracts If you notice that your dog's eyes are getting white or cloudy, cataracts may be to blame. This condition tends to show up in dogs as they get older, much like it does for people. Cataracts can also be a sign of an underlying illness, such as diabetes. Contact your veterinarian if you start to notice signs of cataracts in your dog's eyes. Glaucoma Glaucoma happens when fluid in the eye does not drain properly and causes pressure inside the eyeball. Symptoms can include redness, tearing, cloudiness, dilated pupils, and bulging of the eye. It can be painful and eventually result in blindness. Any dog can have glaucoma, but it is more prevalent in certain breeds including Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, and Chow Chows. Medications to control pain, decrease fluid production, and increase drainage can be helpful. In more severe cases, surgery may be needed. Cherry Eye Did you know dogs have three eyelids? The third one is normally hidden away in the inner corner of the eyelid. However, if the ligaments that hold it in place weaken, it can stick out like a red cherry from the corner of your dog's eye. This condition typically requires surgery to repair. Entropion Entropion is a hereditary eyelid abnormality that causes the eyelid to fold inward. When this happens, the eyelashes or hairs on the outside of the eyelid can rub against the cornea resulting in irritation and damage to the eye. It can also cause corneal scarring, which can interfere with your dog's vision. Signs of entropion can include squinting and excessive tearing. Healthy Eye Care for Dogs While you can't always prevent a dog eye problem, there are things you can do to help keep your pup's eyes healthy and injury-free. Schedule those check-ups — Routine wellness exams can help your veterinarian detect eye problems in the early stages even before you might notice them. Clean them gently — When you give your dog a bath , you can use a cotton ball or soft cloth to gently clean around they eyes. Wipe outward from the corner and be careful not to scratch the eye. If your dog has tear staining, which causes dark spotting in the fur around the eyes, you may need to clean them more often. Clip their nails — This can help prevent your dog from injuring their eye if they paw at their face. If you're worried about cutting your dog's nails on your own, ask your veterinarian or groomer to show you how or do it for you. Trim their hair — When you groom your dog , make sure the fur near their eyes isn't so long that it irritates them. Close windows when driving — You should never let your dog hang their head out the window of a moving car no matter how much they love it. You should also close your windows when your dog is in the car. Bugs, dirt, or other debris could fly in through the open window and harm your dog's eyes. If something does happen to your dog's eyes, a pet health insurance plan can help cover the costs of care. Get a quote for your dog. Does My Dog Have Asthma? If your dog is coughing, wheezing, and struggling to breathe, they may have asthma. To help keep your pup healthy, read up on preventive measures, symptoms, and treatment options. Email Your pet wants you to read our newsletter. Then give them a treat. Sign up for product updates, offers, and learn more about The Wildest, and other Mars Petcare brands. Must be over 16 years to sign up. I'm In See our privacy statement to find out how we collect and use your data, to contact us with privacy questions or to exercise your personal data rights. It could be something more than cuteness, though. Eye problems in dogs are no joke — dogs can suffer from a host of health conditions including glaucoma, conjunctivitis, dry eyes, cataracts and more. Light enters through the pupil, and the iris controls the amount of light allowed in. Light then passes through the cornea and lens, which focus the light on the retina, a layer containing color-sensitive cones and motion- and light-sensitive rods, which convert light into electrical signals. The cones and rods send these signals via the optic nerve to the brain, which constructs an image from them. Dogs have only two types of cones, compared with the three types in human eyes. Dog eyes also contain structures not found in a camera, such as the gel-like vitreous humor that fills the eyeball and gives it shape. Canine eyes are different than human eyes in that they have a third eyelid called the nictitating membrane, a thin whitish-pink tissue that protects the eye. The visual streak is a horizontal band in the retina right above the optic nerve; this area has the highest concentration of rods and cones, and vision is sharpest here. The visual streak varies greatly among breeds, and studies suggest that different breeds see the world differently. In dogs with long heads like wolves, the streak is wide, with the nerves evenly distributed. Even within breeds, the visual streak can vary from type to type. How Well Do Dogs See? All of these features equip a dog to be a good hunter under various light conditions. A rod-dense retina also makes dogs excellent at detecting motion and shapes. When a wide field of vision combines with a wide visual streak, as in a German Shepherd, a dog can see the whole horizon at once instead of having to scan the eyes back and forth as humans do. Short-nosed dogs, with their human-like area centralis, do appear to see well up close. Overall vision is also less sharp. Note: Some dog breeds are more prone to eye problems than others, and a mixed-breed with one of those types in the mix could also be affected. Conjunctivitis in Dogs Conjunctivitis is a condition in which the lining of the eyelids and the front of the sclera the white of the eye become inflamed. Treatment depends on the cause. Dry Eye in Dogs Dry Eye is when not enough tears are produced to keep the eyes properly lubricated. Small, flat-faced dogs sometimes have eyes that bulge so much that their eyelids cannot close, which makes the surface of the eyes to dry out. Dry eye may also result from an immune system reaction, an injury or a drug side effect. Dryness can be a serious problem for dogs because dry eyes are easily irritated and may develop conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers. If the cause is known, the veterinarian treats that as well. Most ulcers are caused by injuries, and treatment often involves antibiotics. Small dog breeds with very short noses and big eyeballs are more prone to eye injuries, says Dr. Samuel J. Most dogs with cataracts inherited the tendency to develop them. Diabetes , injuries, poor diet and aging can also lead to cataracts. Surgery is available to treat dogs with cataracts. Removing the lens allows light to again enter the eye. For best post-surgery vision, the natural lens is usually replaced by a plastic lens. Glaucoma In Dogs Glaucoma is the elevated pressure of the fluid inside the eyeball caused by fluid draining more slowly than it is produced. Dogs with glaucoma can experience damage to the retina or optic nerve. Most often, dogs get glaucoma because they inherited an eye structure that leads to poor drainage. Primary glaucoma has no obvious cause, and it affects both eyes although one eye may develop glaucoma earlier than the other. Secondary glaucoma is glaucoma that is caused by a dislocated lens, injury, tumor or other problem that decreases fluid drainage in the eye; it may affect just one eye. Glaucoma treatments include surgery, pills, eye drops or rarely removal of the eyeball. Although PRA strikes more than breeds of dogs, different genes are responsible. Therefore, breeds differ in the age at which the condition appears, how fast the condition progresses, and the ratio of males to females among affected dogs. Genetic tests for PRA are available for several breeds. Other retinal problems include detachment of the retina from the back of the eye, inflammation and abnormal development. Causes include infection and injury. Some retinal disorders have no treatment, while others can be helped by surgery or treatment of the cause. Small dogs may be more prone to retinal detachment. According to Dr. Vainisi, several small breeds of dogs, including Boston Terriers, Jack Russell Terriers and Shih Tzus, love to pick up toys and shake them hard. A dog with eye or vision problems may paw at or scratch their eye, squint, bump into things, become afraid of the dark, or be frightened in situations that did not frighten them before. The nictitating membrane may partially cover the eye. If your dog seems to have an eye problem, take them to the veterinarian right away. Your vet may have the knowledge and equipment to diagnose and treat the problem immediately; if not, they may refer your dog to a veterinary ophthalmologist, a specialist in animal eyes and their disorders. Only about veterinarians in the United States have board certification from the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. As a result, if your dog needs a veterinary ophthalmologist, you may need to travel to see one. Some, but not all, veterinary ophthalmologists see dogs only by referral. The bottom line: If your dog has an eye issue, make an appointment with your vet right away. Related articles. Labrador Retrievers Carl Palazzolo T Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds we care for at our hospital. They are predisposed to certain diseases though, so careful observation of your pets daily routine is important. Any significant change in this routine is cause for an examination. Our web site in the Diseases Section has detailed information on many of the diseases they are prone to. Labrador Retrievers are susceptible to hip dysplasia , a disease characterized by malformation in the hip socket, which eventually causes arthritis. The symptoms of this disease can vary, from a pet that is just not as active as it should be, to a dog that can barely get up after laying down. This breed also gets joint problems in other bones, particularly to the elbow joint and shoulder joint. Problems here are usually manifested by limping in the front legs. A physical exam and x-rays will help make the diagnosis. If your young lab seems lethargic, disoriented, or just not with it, especially after eating, it might have a liver disease called a portosystemic shunt. Unfortunately, the also can get a malignant cancer of the lymph nodes called lymphosarcoma. Please refer to our Learning Center to learn how to perform a lymph node exam. One of our doctors will help you find them. Active labs that run and jump vigorously are prone to tearing a ligament in their knee call the cranial cruciate ligament. This occurs where there is a twisting or tweaking motion. Symptoms range from a subtle lameness to complete limping. Labradors are also at risk for several eye problems including PRA Progressive Retinal Atrophy , cataracts, and retinal dysplasia. All of these eye problems manifest themselves by a loss of vision. If we suspect one of these problems we will refer you to our ophthalmologist. Hereditary cataracts can also occur. Labrador Retrievers can also have an inherited deficiency in one of the clotting factors of the blood. Dogs affected with this disease may have symptoms varying from very mild to severe bleeding. If your pet bruises easily or bleeds excessively, this disease is a possibility. Hypothyroidism , a metabolic disease characterized by inadequate thyroid hormone circulating in the bloodstream, is common in the breed. Affected animals may also have various reproductive problems, including irregular or absent estrus heat cycle , and lack of fertility. Other hormone problems include Hyperadrenocorticism Cushings , Diabetes Mellitus sugar diabetes , and insulonima causing low blood sugar. Symptoms vary, and usually include excess drinking and urinating. If your Lab is underweight and regurgitates its food it might have an esophagus problem secondary to myasthenia gravis. This breed is prone to many skin problems , particularly allergies and hot spots. The usual symptoms are excessive scratching, flaky or bumpy skin, an odor to the haircoat, and hairloss. Also watch for a lack of pigmentation on the nose or flakiness to the nose. Run your hands over its haircoat daily because they can even get a malignant skin cancer called a mast cell tumor. These can appear as minor bumps or areas of inflammation, yet they can be highly malignant. A vast array of eye problems can occur. Any discharge, redness, swelling, squinting, or pawing at the eyes is reason for an immediate exam. Labs are also prone to ear trouble , which can be very painful without your realization. Any sign of head shaking, pawing at the ears, inflamed ears or odor requires veterinary attention. Daily checking for odors or discharge, and proper cleaning when needed, will help prevent this problem. Several different types of heart problems can affect them. Look for symptoms of lethargy, exercise intolerance, coughing, and poor appetite as a clue. Search for:. We are honored she chose an article she wrote for us for her submission, and thrilled to hear that she was recognized for it by the dog writing community. They smile, they seduce, and they are powerful enough to pry a pork chop right out of your palm. Labrador retrievers are prone to congenital and acquired eye disorders, and knowing what to look for will help you get your pet the help he needs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy If your Lab seems to stumble when it gets dark, his night vision could be failing. Loss of night vision is a symptom of progressive retinal atrophy, or PRA, a group of inherited eye diseases that involve the deterioration of the retina. This disease attacks the rod cells in the retina, the cells that help the eye see in low light. You may suspect your Lab has this if his eyes have a reflective shine and he seems to have difficulty in dimly lit situations. Unfortunately, prcd is progressive, and your pup may eventually become blind. A veterinary ophthalmologist can diagnose prcd even before symptoms appear with an electroretinogram, a test that measures activity in the retina. Genetic testing can also be conducted with a simple blood sample. There is no treatment or cure or treatment for this disease, but careful breeding has made it less common, Dr. If your Lab has entropion, it will be obvious in the first year. His eyelid usually the lower one will roll in toward his eye. His fur and eyelashes will rub against the surface of the eye causing irritation, excessive tearing, and redness. You may notice that he squints or tries to rub his eye with his paw or on the floor. Entropion can be corrected with plastic surgery that removes a small slit of extra skin below the eye. In some cases, your vet may be able to train the eyelid to stay in the correct position by temporarily suturing the eyelid to the skin below, forcing it to roll out and away from the eye. Peiffer, who has three Labs at home. Cataracts If your Lab has cataracts, one or both eyes will have a milky cast to them. That cloudy appearance around middle age is caused by a change in the lens of his eye. Because cataracts make the lens opaque instead of clear, they prevent light from reaching the retina and eventually cause blindness. Researchers suspect that Labs inherit this common disease, but they have yet to identify the gene that causes it, Dr. Cataracts can also be caused by diabetes, also common in Labs, or by inflammation or trauma to the eye. This change is a bit like needing reading glasses in your 40s, Dr. Cataracts can be removed, but you should think twice before opting for cataract surgery, Dr. For some reason, dogs have a much higher rate of complication than humans do after this common eye surgery. A high percentage of Labradors will develop glaucoma after cataract surgery, even though glaucoma — unrelated to surgery — usually occurs in only 10 percent of Labs. In fact, one-third of all Labradors will develop glaucoma after the surgery, according to a paper published in the Veterinarian Ophthalmology Academic Journal in .He can still have a life worth living. Conjunctivitis is the term used for a contagious eye infection usually seen in dogs 18 months or younger and can generally be treated with antibiotic drops. But not all eye infections are contagious, and they can come from a variety of sources. Lisa Lomond, who sees dogs a month at her Los Angeles practice. Where you live may help provide a clue to the type of infection and the appropriate treatment, Dr. Peiffer said. For example, in the east, tick-borne Lyme disease can cause a secondary eye infection. In the southwestern U. In the Midwest, your Lab can be blinded and potentially die if he inhales infectious spores from the Blastomyces fungus. Retinal Dysplasia Your Lab can be born with retinal dysplasia and you may not even know it, Dr. In Labs, retinal dysplasia is associated with another syndrome called oculoskeletal dysplasia, he said, which can cause shortened limbs, a detached retina, and early blindness. As with prcd, a genetic test has been developed to detect the gene for retinal dysplasia. Selective breeding has helped to reduce the number of dogs born with the disease. You can promote healthy eyes with antioxidant supplements such as vitamins A, C, and E, recommended Dr. And remember that if your Lab does have a congenital or acquired eye disease that impacts his vision, he can still live a long, healthy life. However, you may need to adapt your lifestyle together. Most dogs who lose their sight learn to negotiate at home just fine, but rearranging the furniture will confuse them. Any of these presenting signs may represent something serious.