Ok... I should possibly post this in the main forum - but i figured as a group of experts on labs and other gundogs you may be able to help (not that this is a big problem or anything). Usually Dud enjoys playing (obviously) especially his squeaky toys - when he behaves much like our other labs - but we gave him a cuddley monkey (dog toy) which makes a squeaking/honking noise - and he went nuts - he savaged it raeally badly - he has an immense prey drive it appears - and I'm not sure what to do (you know with having rats and all - but Dud never comes into contact with them anyway). Just thought you may have some ideas on why he does it? or how we can teach him not to savage things at all... ? thanks xx
Hi Zoundz I think most "retriever ppl" would advise you not to give your dog screcky toys or encourage it to bite/chew toys at all. Your dog is ment and bred for carrying with the softest mouth you can imgaine. A dog with the behavior yours is showing is useless at working. You may not want to work him and it may not be a big deal to you, but looking at his breed I would suggest you solve this prob with same training as you would a lab ment for working. Teach him to gently picking up and carrying everything and leave the chewing to bones and food. You can still play with him but I would change the kind of playing Also with the rats. Labs needs to be rock solid with all other animals and I think you could benefit from gundog training wheter you want to work him or not as it is created and aimed at who he is - a retriever
I could try - though as I said - he's not purebred (and we've no idea what he's crossed with). i do have no intention of working with him, though I can see why he may benefit from the correct gundog training. xx
Hi Zounds This behaviour is entirely natural for many breeds particularly terriers.. as Dudley is not 100% Lab and could contain any other breed it may be hard to train out what is a natural instinct in a breed. It may be best not to give him anything to do wish him to destroy, and give him instead hard toys like nylabones and kongs to play with I do not know how much training he has had ..when he has settled a little longer some training would be good particlarly 'the leave'
We are working on leave (though the word wait seems to have more effect ) he's doing really well. I don't think we are asking too much of him - I hope we aren't. He's getting better now going past people - though is still quite dog aggressive. He doesn#'t react this way with his other toys - just this monkey (which I can safely say he's not having again!). Anyway - hsi training is doing really well - I'm really proud of him! xx
Well done Some info on teaching 'the leave' here http://www.dogweb.co.uk/talkdogs/eating-rotting-dead-things_7005.html?page=1&highlight=dead+animals+leave
It was moved by a mod because my instructons were that all, health, behaviour type questions are to remain on the main board. The club sections should be for 'specific' club stuff only. However I think it may be an idea to see ho the club sections 'shape up' for themselves for a bit, and the mods and myself will be keeping an eye on how they are used and may specify the exact rules after we've evaluated it. I will post an announcement later but for the time being I'm moving this back to the club section.
Hi, I would agree with what the others have said, and dont for now give him things that you dont want him to distroy and stick to things like bones etc. And in the mean time doing some training with him so he realises the difference between what he can chew and what he cant You have only just got him, so you cant expect him to know what you want from him yet, with some time and training he will understand what exceptable You want to beable to trust him around other animals, expecially if you have rats (what if one excaped) I trust my lab Oscar with my rabbits and when putting them into there runs and feeding them etc he comes with me, and I can leave there hutch doors open knowing he wouldnt do anything, and I think that trust is needed. Good luck
Yes I see your points entirely. AS I said - he didn't take the monkey - he was given it - and he is very good and doesn't touch things that aren't his. I also am very cautious and my rat room is always locked (I've never had an escapee yet touch wood - but there's always a first time). I really want him to learn the leave command so I will work on it. He seems to be doing well sofar. xx
Hello zoundzs not really had this prob with gemma but we did once buy her a lytex chicken toy which she chewed dont know why assumed she liked the taste ( she didnt eat the pieces ) but must say shes been known to bring live moths into the room in her mouth and release them unharmed still amazes me must say ive never considered working her as a true gundog but we do have what we call "poo patrol" all it is is when i clear up gemmas poo from the garden patio she carries the kitchen roll for me for which she is rewarded , as you know all labs love to carry things , so were always trying to think of other ways to bring out her natural nature . would be happy to hear any new ideas anyone else has to do this .
