Psycho-Dog . . . what have I done ??? . . .

[Desert Whaler]

So it's been a couple of months looking at Lab Rescue's for a dog.
Pops wanted a smaller, young, black, female . . . . i would have already picked one several times over if it was me . . . not picky, and I'm a sucker for the old cruisers.

Finally found one that met pops criteria . . . & met up with her in Vista Saturday.
Story goes she was a 1 year old 'turn-in' . . . a young chick 'supposedly' got her, then needed to move back home & her parents said 'No-Go' on the dog.
So she put it in a shelter, and the lab rescue place swooped her up.
Then she ended up at a foster, and they fixed her . . . then the foster went on vacation and boarded her at their vet clinic.
That's where we showed up.

Nice enough dog . . . licks the hell out of you . . . jumps all over you, and 'mouths' you to death.
Wants to jumo up on the couches, and hump the pillows ? WTF?
Still has a shaved belly from her recent spay.

She handled the hour long drive home 'fairly' well, wanted to climb up front. . . but we were able to contain her . . . sort of.

Once at home, she did pretty good . . . . pee's / craps where she supposed to on the lawn . . . so that's a plus, and no accidents inside.
She roamed the house the 1st night . . . then crashed in my room around 10:00 . . . and slept till 3:00 am when she needed to go out. Cool that she let me know.
Early Sunday morning I took her on a long ass walk . . . about 4 miles with a beach swim mid-way. She did ok on the leash . . .pulled the entire time.
Took her again mid-day for another 1/2 mile walk . . . pulling the leash the whole time.
Then in the evening, I took her for another 1/2 mile, and she was PSYCHO pulling on the leash ! WTF??? . . . does this thing EVER tire out?

This morning I started with another long walk / swim . . . and tried to wear her out even more on the swim end.

F-Me . . . . dog seems neorotic / possessed . . . not sure of her history, but I don't think it included any sort of training or discipline.

i've signed up for training classes to start with her this week.
I'll give her a month or so of working with her . . . but if she's gonna be the complete psycho dog from hell, with no improvement, I'm sending her back.

Clip from this morning . . . .

 

[NicPaus]

You cant bring Her back! My Shepherds have been the same way. Once they hit 2-3 years old. It gets much better.

 

[fat rat]

Take her out for some frisbee action, that should wear her out.

 

[dirtslinger2]

Sounds exactly like a 1 year old Lab to me, also sounds like a 4 year old Lab, LOL.

 

[dirtslinger2]

A good trick for mouthing, is to have a squirt bottle with water, hide it behind your back, bait her a little bit with your hand, and as soon as she puts it in her mouth, squirt her right in the face and yell OWE very loudly. It should scare the shit out of her, and might only take a few tries for her to get the point.

 

[charred1]

What Lab rescue did you get her through? Was it Labrador Rescuers by chance?

 

[stephenkatsea]

I say you Scored. Labs are just energetic. Lab pups Very energetic. I believe with some training and care she will calm down. But, she will always have some puppy in her, until about 3. Enjoy. You can see “thanks” in her demeanor and face. Enjoy! You did good. Getting her to be calm in the boat while you and your Dad are fishing, may be a challenge. But, I’m betting she will do it.

 

[rightytighty]

Ive had 3 sets. Labs are tough until about 2 or so. Your description sounds about normal.

She wants to please, so she’ll come around.


Edit: crate training at night is a very good thing. And very quickly, they prefer it as well. At some point you may not even close the door.

 

[jetboatperformance]

Energetic Loving wonderful animals Crate training a must , discipline for sure They need attention and exercise daily and they adore FOOD LOL

 

[Desert Whaler]

What Lab rescue did you get her through? Was it Labrador Rescuers by chance?

Yes. . . the one based in San Diego.

 

[Desert Whaler]

Energetic Loving wonderful animals Crate training a must , discipline for sure They need attention and exercise daily and they adore FOOD LOL

Awesome !
So what's the story with crate training? We've always had dogs, but have never crated them . . . we're not againts it . . . just never did it for no particular reason.

 

[MeCasa16]

Try using a gentle leader when you walk the dog. It will stop the pulling. It works really well on our standard schnauzers

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/brand/petsafe/dog/dog-training/martingale-and-head-dog-collars?cm_mmc=PSH%7CGGL%7CSPP%7CSBU04%7CPM%7C0%7C7NhdepQS5Jw1yAyD1RavLE%7C58700008411740084%7Cgentle+leader+harness%7C0%7C0%7Ckwd-299450000147%7C148850441265%7C20185637470&gbraid=0AAAAAD97F14hG5gK1VIDPpbQ6YYjJaWEC&gclid=CjwKCAjw38SoBhB6EiwA8EQVLlPANLLL1LQWM4gWYd0PtVqxiJ6oSX4s5yqJrB8TtJALJMAb0L-yJRoCxuoQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Morehart]

You scored on that pup. She's just excited to be out of dog jail. Probably went through a feeling of abandonment with the previous owner. No way you can put her through that again. Keep her and it will be the most loyal dog, and forever grateful

 

[MeCasa16]

It goes over the top of their snout so they will stop pulling and walk nice. Our dogs end up looking like a little team of horses when they walk now. It’s a must for a dog that pulls. It’s key to get it on them correctly though, so watch a couple YouTube videos on it.

 

[stephenkatsea]

We crated our Newf until she was about 9 months. But, her crate was in the kitchen/family room area where she could see and hear us. Our prior 2 dogs, large male Bassett and a very large Golden R, were each rescues and never crated.

 

[Nosocks]

If you don't like the snout ones, these harnesses work. Makes their body turn when they pull.

My trainer taught me to keep the dog next to me on walks and feed her a constant stream of treats (bacon/chicken/cheese) as long as she was walking where I wanted her to be. I would put her next to my left leg and feed her a treat every 30 feet or so. After a couple weeks she was good. If she didn't stay where I wanted her, which was right next to me, then no treats.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007S9JOLC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

[Desert Whaler]

Thanks for all the advice !
Gonna head over to the pet store shortly . . . pick up some type of trainer/ leader, (thanks @MeCasa16 @Nosocks ) some chew toys, and talk /sign up for training classes as well.

I'm actually cool with having to walk her, as my fat-ass could use the exercise as well.

it's just been a SUPER long time since we've had an actual 'pup' . . . I guess I forgot all the psycho-ness . . . plus I'm an old-fuck now too.
Our last 3 dogs were 2 Aussie Shepherds and a chocolate lab . . . all 3 were given to us by close friends . . . so they were already well taken care of, and un-traumatized.

 

[rightytighty]

Awesome !
So what's the story with crate training? We've always had dogs, but have never crated them . . . we're not againts it . . . just never did it for no particular reason.

Crates very quickly become a ‘“safe place” for a dog. Scratches a biological itch. Dogs have a tendency to search out little “caves” to sleep in anyway, whether it’s under a desk, table, or in a closet etc.

Crates are also a safer way to transport the doggos as you can strap down the crate. Or put it in the back of a pickup, weather permitting. (No freaking dog hair to clean).

We load two crates in the “trunk area” of the excursion. Doors open out. Works slick.

 

[jetboatperformance]

Awesome !
So what's the story with crate training? We've always had dogs, but have never crated them . . . we're not againts it . . . just never did it for no particular reason.

Crate training helps , alot rebel, much easier to start the training early tougher with a one year old I'm sure. You might have to consider "Doggie school training " depending on your time and patience Pet stores have low calorie treats Having them on you , these dogs thrive on rewards for good behavior remember even when they are older (like mine now) they have the mentality of a young kid . They need an "Alpha" (you or your dad or both) They need to know whos boss

Lab Lovers Support group LOL https://www.facebook.com/groups/56481042699

 

[DRYHEAT]

Basically, you have an ornery teenager on your hands. pretty much par for the course you gotta work these dogs. It does get better. NO! Will be a major part of your vocabulary now.

 

[TrollerDave]

Try using a gentle leader when you walk the dog. It will stop the pulling. It works really well on our standard schnauzers

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/brand/petsafe/dog/dog-training/martingale-and-head-dog-collars?cm_mmc=PSH%7CGGL%7CSPP%7CSBU04%7CPM%7C0%7C7NhdepQS5Jw1yAyD1RavLE%7C58700008411740084%7Cgentle+leader+harness%7C0%7C0%7Ckwd-299450000147%7C148850441265%7C20185637470&gbraid=0AAAAAD97F14hG5gK1VIDPpbQ6YYjJaWEC&gclid=CjwKCAjw38SoBhB6EiwA8EQVLlPANLLL1LQWM4gWYd0PtVqxiJ6oSX4s5yqJrB8TtJALJMAb0L-yJRoCxuoQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

So it's been a couple of months looking at Lab Rescue's for a dog.
Pops wanted a smaller, young, black, female . . . . i would have already picked one several times over if it was me . . . not picky, and I'm a sucker for the old cruisers.

Finally found one that met pops criteria . . . & met up with her in Vista Saturday.
Story goes she was a 1 year old 'turn-in' . . . a young chick 'supposedly' got her, then needed to move back home & her parents said 'No-Go' on the dog.
So she put it in a shelter, and the lab rescue place swooped her up.
Then she ended up at a foster, and they fixed her . . . then the foster went on vacation and boarded her at their vet clinic.
That's where we showed up.

Nice enough dog . . . licks the hell out of you . . . jumps all over you, and 'mouths' you to death.
Wants to jumo up on the couches, and hump the pillows ? WTF?
Still has a shaved belly from her recent spay.

She handled the hour long drive home 'fairly' well, wanted to climb up front. . . but we were able to contain her . . . sort of.

Once at home, she did pretty good . . . . pee's / craps where she supposed to on the lawn . . . so that's a plus, and no accidents inside.
She roamed the house the 1st night . . . then crashed in my room around 10:00 . . . and slept till 3:00 am when she needed to go out. Cool that she let me know.
Early Sunday morning I took her on a long ass walk . . . about 4 miles with a beach swim mid-way. She did ok on the leash . . .pulled the entire time.
Took her again mid-day for another 1/2 mile walk . . . pulling the leash the whole time.
Then in the evening, I took her for another 1/2 mile, and she was PSYCHO pulling on the leash ! WTF??? . . . does this thing EVER tire out?

This morning I started with another long walk / swim . . . and tried to wear her out even more on the swim end.

F-Me . . . . dog seems neorotic / possessed . . . not sure of her history, but I don't think it included any sort of training or discipline.

i've signed up for training classes to start with her this week.
I'll give her a month or so of working with her . . . but if she's gonna be the complete psycho dog from hell, with no improvement, I'm sending her back.

Clip from this morning . . . .


View attachment 1282130

I was going to mention the gentle leader as well. Night and day difference walking my dog. She doesn’t like it, but she obeys when it’s on. Good luck.

 

[dirtslinger2]

My lab said FU to the gentle lead when he was young, he would just pull against and walk with his head twisted. He's stubborn, a pinch collar turned out to be the go to, he doesn't like that thing pinching at all.

The gentle lead also seemed to give people some sort of reaction, like they though he was wearing a muzzle or something.

 

[Sleek-Jet]

Yeah, that's pretty normal 1 year old lab behaviour. My 1.5 year old lab will go on a ten mile hike and be ready for more, like right now. We play fetch in the lake for hours and he won't stop. LOL.

I did the gentle leader type leash for a while, then I transitioned to a slip lead. He gets the point and for the most part doesn't pull hard.

Another option is a training collar (I've got one of those too).

Labs like to please, so you just need to figure out what makes her tick and things will get easier. They are puppies for at least though year 2, if not a little longer. She's also getting used to you. Keep it consistent and she'll come around.

 

[17 10 Flat]

Last dog was a female lab. Everyone said OH they calm down after 2-3 years.....ya don't believe that crap. Ours was a Fing monster till about 10. All that meant is she didn't pull quite as hard. Best dog we ever had though.

 

[LazyLavey]

went through just this a few dogs ago... chocolate, female. f'n obsessed ..

went to doggie/owner training she was out of control. not vicious or aggressive, just unable to control. even after 2 litters (Ka Ching),,, just cra cra..

after the third class, the instructor brought out the shock collar... I know, I know... I'll say it for you. "so inhumane" but if it saves the dogs life (or somebody elses) by deterring it from running out in traffic, I'm in

1 zap and she settled right down...

So I bought a zapper and went to work.. She was a runner and my wife was at her wits end when the dog would dart out in the am.

one day I set her up.... had the neighbor kid ride his bike by and I knew she would dart out..playfully of course... she ran down the street after the kid.
I yelled out and whistled twice.. when she didnt respond I hit the button...... damn! immediately yelped and stopped in her tracks and returned

There's a lot more to it than that. The kit comes with a training dummy collar that is used to get her familiar with something this heavy on her neck. The point is she eventually does not relate the collar to the shock

put it on several times a day.... That didn't work so well, She knew.....so we would often put the collar on when we needed control... she behaved perfect

This thing was about 1"x 3" and had an antenna ... very obvious out of the norm

Yes, some people would call us evil.. some would ask what it is.. I'd respond "its her walkman"

 

[Dunerking]

Sounds exactly like a 1 year old Lab to me, also sounds like a 4 year old Lab, LOL.

Was thinking the exact same thing.

 

[oldboatsrule]

Ruff wear makes a very durable lab proof harness with a chest ring (stops pulling). A little more pricey, but you won't be replacing it any time soon.

 

[n2otoofast4u]

You have a lab.... This is all "normal"

Ours just turned 1 here a few months back, total bitch. I was so frustrated that I sent her to a 30 day "boot camp" deal and it was worth every penny! I missed the shit out of her while she was gone, but she came back controllable. Still a fkn spaz, but knows/understands/reacts to basic commands, walks on a leash, etc. Shock collar is your friend! Mine gets hers put on every morning and taken off before we go to bed. At this point I can't think of anytime in the last few weeks I've even had to use it, but every now and then she gets spicy and wants to test dads "HERE" call.... If I say it twice and you aren't heading towards me, you're going to get lit up.

That all to say, my wife FUCKING HATES HER! LOL.... She was SOOOOOOOO out of control in the early going and chewed so much shit, that my wife couldn't care less if the dog left tomorrow.

 

[17 10 Flat]

went through just this a few dogs ago... chocolate, female. f'n obsessed ..

went to doggie/owner training she was out of control. not vicious or aggressive, just unable to control. even after 2 litters (Ka Ching),,, just cra cra..

after the third class, the instructor brought out the shock collar... I know, I know... I'll say it for you. "so inhumane" but if it saves the dogs life (or somebody elses) by deterring it from running out in traffic, I'm in

1 zap and she settled right down...

So I bought a zapper and went to work.. She was a runner and my wife was at her wits end when the dog would dart out in the am.

one day I set her up.... had the neighbor kid ride his bike by and I knew she would dart out..playfully of course... she ran down the street after the kid.
I yelled out and whistled twice.. when she didnt respond I hit the button...... damn! immediately yelped and stopped in her tracks and returned

There's a lot more to it than that. The kit comes with a training dummy collar that is used to get her familiar with something this heavy on her neck. The point is she eventually does not relate the collar to the shock

put it on several times a day.... That didn't work so well, She knew.....so we would often put the collar on when we needed control... she behaved perfect

This thing was about 1"x 3" and had an antenna ... very obvious out of the norm

Yes, some people would call us evil.. some would ask what it is.. I'd respond "its her walkman"

We used the invisible fence with ours. Little expensive but due to our location, close to some water.

Had to do some hands on training, telling her no when getting close to the flags.

She only got zapped once.... Done. She was not playing with that crap anymore. Her collar beeped once stopped dead in her tracks.

The collar had a battery in it. Had to be changed periodacilly I would walk down the driveway with it in my hand and if it didn't beep would install a fresh battery. Dog would follow me. If it did beep she would bolt into the garage,

 

[4Waters]

When she gets out in front of you turn and run the other direction, don't give her any warning just go. She will start figuring it out and walking beside you

 

[mbrown2]

Ive had 3 sets. Labs are tough until about 2 or so. Your description sounds about normal.

She wants to please, so she’ll come around.


Edit: crate training at night is a very good thing. And very quickly, they prefer it as well. At some point you may not even close the door.

That is our dog...he will get off the bed and go to his crate when he is tired...

 

[HTTP404]

You just need to put in the time and get consistency back in the dog's life. Right now that dog is at the most difficult age as a puppy. Big dog with puppy mind. Being bounced all over the place and probably neglected didn't help with the behavior.

 

[Deckin Around]

LOL, you have a happy normal lab.
If you do decide to take her back, please let me know first.

 

[shunter2005]

You have a lab.... This is all "normal"

Ours just turned 1 here a few months back, total bitch. I was so frustrated that I sent her to a 30 day "boot camp" deal and it was worth every penny! I missed the shit out of her while she was gone, but she came back controllable. Still a fkn spaz, but knows/understands/reacts to basic commands, walks on a leash, etc. Shock collar is your friend! Mine gets hers put on every morning and taken off before we go to bed. At this point I can't think of anytime in the last few weeks I've even had to use it, but every now and then she gets spicy and wants to test dads "HERE" call.... If I say it twice and you aren't heading towards me, you're going to get lit up.

That all to say, my wife FUCKING HATES HER! LOL.... She was SOOOOOOOO out of control in the early going and chewed so much shit, that my wife couldn't care less if the dog left tomorrow.

Man, this is too funny. Just like I remember when our late lab was a puppy. He was sooooo hard headed, but a damn good dog as he got older. Ours litterally ate the dummy shock collar, but it didn't take but a couple of good hits for him to understand the real one.

 

[JUSTWANNARACE]

You have a lab.... This is all "normal"

Ours just turned 1 here a few months back, total bitch. I was so frustrated that I sent her to a 30 day "boot camp" deal and it was worth every penny! I missed the shit out of her while she was gone, but she came back controllable. Still a fkn spaz, but knows/understands/reacts to basic commands, walks on a leash, etc. Shock collar is your friend! Mine gets hers put on every morning and taken off before we go to bed. At this point I can't think of anytime in the last few weeks I've even had to use it, but every now and then she gets spicy and wants to test dads "HERE" call.... If I say it twice and you aren't heading towards me, you're going to get lit up.

That all to say, my wife FUCKING HATES HER! LOL.... She was SOOOOOOOO out of control in the early going and chewed so much shit, that my wife couldn't care less if the dog left tomorrow.

I would be the same way if I had to live with you I'd put a shock collar on you and tape the button down

 

[socal0487]

Here’s our 17 month old spaz. Training and exercise are your friend. Labs are smart and want to learn.

 

[charred1]

Yes. . . the one based in San Diego.

We foster for LR.

 

[traquer]

I think it's good to learn some dog psychology, you shouldn't do a lot of the things you'd do to a human (child or adult) to calm them or comfort them, or to train them to do something etc.

 

[Justfishing]

Awesome !
So what's the story with crate training? We've always had dogs, but have never crated them . . . we're not againts it . . . just never did it for no particular reason.

Dogs descended from wolves. Wolves are den animals and take veryy well to a crate. If the crate is small enough they won't do thier business in the crate. Take them out of the crate and outside and they go outside. After this is repeated its natural for them to go outside. A lot of dogs will go to the crate on thier own when tired

 

[angiebaby]

Chocolates are a mutation. That's why they are crazy. Something about them is not quite right. Prove me wrong.

 

[DRYHEAT]

The calm before destruction.

 

[DRYHEAT]

Chocolates are a mutation. That's why they are crazy. Something about them is not quite right. Prove me wrong.

I had heard the same thing and used to believe it but I’ve also had a friend who’s had three chocolate labs that were all very well behaved docile creatures.

 

[MeCasa16]

Fostering is a scam.. We did it twice. We now have 2 dogs.

 

[Sleek-Jet]

Chocolates are a mutation. That's why they are crazy. Something about them is not quite right. Prove me wrong.

My Alley dog was the sweetest...

 

[Sleek-Jet]

DW... I picked up one of these for when the dog and I are out and about (like at the lake).

SportHunter® 825x - Store | SportDOG

The SportDOG Brand® SportHunter® 825X is our introductory e-collar to the long-range, SportHunter family. This SD-825X model uses the smallest collar of the family while still providing up to ½ mile range for up to 3 dogs (with purchase of Add-A-Dog® collars). Designed in the field by hunters...

www.sportdog.com

Charge lasts for days and it has both vibrate as well as shock settings. I never have had to use more than level 1 to get his attention and Gust (my lab) knows when the collar comes out that means we are going go have fun. It survives a week worth of this...

 

[Singleton]

I rescued a American Eskimo / Aussie Healer mix In May 2020.
Dog has burned out 3 highly ranked SD area trainers. He is reactive (over protective of me) when other males or dogs are around. I am the only male that can pet him and hold him (others have tried, it did not end well) and I was the only person he walked up to and asked for pets when the rescue had the intro meeting. Rescue said I was the first person he let pet him in 8 adoption meet and greets.

Kicker = If me wife or daughter take him out, we have a normal dog. Loves my daughter and will walk with her all over the neighborhood for hours without any issues, Trainers can’t figure it out WTF is wrong with him when he is around me.

Kicker x2 = Dog has huge separation anxiety. Stresses himself out so bad when I leave for work travel (exit house with suitcase), that he can’t walk or sit for hours, just stands at garage door. No suitcase, no issue when I leave. Full workup by vet and we can’t figure out what causes this.

He will NEVER be turned back in. He bonded to me and I will keep him until he decides it is time to go to doggie heaven.

CBD cookies help when I am away and sleeps next to the garage door until I return.
Once I am home, we have a normal dog again.

 

[Nordie]

Awesome !
So what's the story with crate training? We've always had dogs, but have never crated them . . . we're not againts it . . . just never did it for no particular reason.

Crate training is pretty important, couple things to remember, make it their home, feed her in there, put her to bed in there, and never make it a punishment.

Our dobermans know where to go to to eat, and they know when it's bed time and goto their crates.

 

[Chili Palmer]

Your dog isn’t psycho - you’ve got a lab. Ours is about a year and a half - full on spazz. I can’t pet her when I get home from work or she’ll get too excited and pee all over the place. She still chews on everything - the furniture, doors, door moldings, the toilet hold down bolt covers, she even chewed up the water valve knob for the toilet tank. And she’s an English Lab so her fur is longer than regular labs and it’s all over. As much as I know she’d love to go to the river, she’s not going in the truck or in the boat. The wife is in charge of training since it’s her dog. She meets with a trainer once a week, but all she does is feed her treats. She’s a bonehead and just doesn’t seem to learn. I think doggie boot camp is in her future.

 

[Desert Whaler]

Just got back from a 1st walk with an ‘Easy Walk Harness’ …. 1000 times better …. So much easier on both of us …. No idea how the thing works so well …. But I can actually ‘walk’ now , instead of feeling like I’m trying to stop a flippin train !

 

[Gramps]

more importantly than wearing her out you need to train her so she know what you you want her to do