Humans have the benefit of being able to communicate when they’re not feeling well or are dealing with pain. Because your dog can suffer silently for an extended period of time before a condition becomes noticeable, it is important to keep an eye out for common symptoms that might affect your dog’s ability to move and stay active.

Arthritis is a painful condition that affects the joints in dogs and can be a challenge for dogs and their owners who are used to being active on a regular basis. According to VetStreet.com, this ailment is when abnormal and destructive cellular activity occurs in an animal’s joints, causing severe pain and even a lack of mobility.

This disease can be a product of a previous injury, infection, problems within the animal’s immune system or it can be caused by a hereditary condition such as hip dysplasia, which causes the joints to grind together, inflaming them. In most cases, arthritis begins to show in senior dogs. Younger pooches can also develop it, though it’s much rarer.

Certain breeds can be more prone to developing arthritis, so owners should be aware of whether or not their pup is more at risk. Many times large, working breeds such as German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs and Great Danes are affected by arthritis. Starting these canines on daily joint-enhancing supplements can prevent pain or keep the problem at bay for longer. Certain conditions such as hip dysplasia may precede the onset of arthritis. Keeping an eye out for breed-specific ailments may prevent the development of arthritis in the future.

Signs that your dog could have arthritis include stiffness after exercising or a decrease in muscle definition. The dog may also start to have limited movement, trouble getting up, lying down or going up and down stairs or visible joint swelling. Your pooch may also become aggressive if you touch certain areas on its body such as its hips.

Sometimes it can be hard to recognize these signs. In many cases, the progression of the disease is slow, so it’s important to bring it to the veterinarian’s office right away if you do notice any changes in your dog’s attitude or activity levels.

To give a proper diagnosis, the vet will most likely x-ray the dog to look for bony growths or joint abnormalities. Once arthritis is pegged as the culprit, the vet may start the dog on pain management pet meds to ease its pain.

You may also need to change your dog’s diet to a grain-free option to ensure it maintains a healthy weight. The dog will no longer need a high-activity pet food as its condition may make it less likely to exercise as much as it used to. It is still important that your dog receive exercise on a smaller scale. Try going for a walk around the block or on a flat trail. Giving your pooch gentle massages, providing it with a stress-free environment and making sure it’s warm will also help it better deal with arthritis as it ages.

Veterinarians often recommend that large breed dogs she used elevated feeding bowls to help prevent bloat and other digestive disorders. However, there seems to be conflicting information as to whether or not elevated feeding bowls for dogs actually help with trapped gas or any other G.I. problems associated to either eating too fast or eating in the wrong position. So why do the Labrador Retriever brats use elevated feeding bowls?

At first we purchased the elevated dog feeding bowls because of all the stories of bloat gas and digestive disorders that come with large breed dogs. We wanted to protect our canine companions. But, ultimately, it came down to a simple need to keep our Labrador retrievers from trying to swim in their water bowls.

Shortly after we had brought Dakota home she began swimming with her front paws in her bowl of water. My kitchen was a mess! Water everywhere and my poor puppy not understanding what she did wrong.

I just couldn’t get angry and it isn’t the puppy’s fault for wanting to do what was in her nature – swim. Labrador retrievers are phenomenal swimmers and have the innate skill and the physical attributes to swim long distances while retrieving their hunting prey.

In order to save my kitchen floor and prevent myself from yelling “No!” at my poor puppy, I decided to move the water bowl out of reach. Seeing as we already had the elevated dog food bowls, we used what we had while allowing our Labrador Retriever to quench her thirst whenever she wanted. Thus, saving my puppy’s sanity as well as my kitchen floor.

The essential guidelines for puppy-proof your home and identifying illness

As a new puppy parent, it’s important to learn about common puppy behavior, safety concerns and common symptoms of illness so that appropriate action can be taken if your puppy gets sick or hurt. When you bring a new puppy home, you are suddenly responsible for an innocent life that’s completely dependent on you. However, when puppy poops on the floor or whines all night long, you might be thinking, “What the heck have I gotten myself into?”

Between managing the puppy’s training and worrying if you’ve puppy-proofed your house adequately, new dog ownership can be overwhelming. Proper dog care and training are critical during your puppy’s first few months in their new home. If you suspect your puppy might be sick, take him or her to the vet immediately. For common digestive ailments and bumps and scratches, your vet will probably prescribe an over-the-counter human treatment, like Pepto Bismal or an anti-biotic ointment, to treat upset stomach and abrasions. However, for more serious conditions, like kennel cough, your vet will likely prescribe more expensive animal drugs that can be purchased more affordably from an online resource.

It’s a good rule of thumb, to check with a veterinarian first if you suspect your pet is hurt or ill, however to make things easier on you and safe for puppy at home, weíve put together a list of essential puppy care tips that will help you puppy-proof your home and identify if your puppy is sick:

1. Get a crate for your puppy and use it: A crate not only makes housetraining easier, it a fantastic tool for managing the safety of your young pup. A crate is a private area for your puppy where they feel secure and stay safe when you’re not at home from dangerous household items, such as electrical wires, household cleaners and poisons, or choking on foreign objects. An added bonus is that the crate will help the housebreaking process and discourage any bad messing behaviors.

2. Put puppy’s crate next to your bed for the first few nights: This will help establish the crate as a safe haven for your pup. If you make him or her sleep the first few nights in the dark basement or laundry room the pup will develop fright towards being crated.

3. Get a baby gate (in this case a puppy gate): Use the gate the same way as you would for a child to keep the puppy out of places that pose a danger, for example, block out living rooms with exposed electrical cords or stairwells when you’re not supervising.

4. Supervise your new pup: Just like a new crawling baby, you have to watch your puppy with an eagle eye until he or she adjusts to their new surroundings or else their curiosity may find them choking or falling down a flight of stairs.

5. Set up a puppy routine: Puppy’s day, as well as yours, will go a lot more smoothly if you develop a regular routine. That way puppy will know what to expect from the day and not seek out foreign things to chew and get into out of boredom.

6. Enroll puppy in dog training: Basic obedience if of benefit to puppy and you. Obedience classes teach a pup to socialize with other puppies and people and curb nasty habits like biting or aggressiveness.

7. Develop a puppy playlist for the entire family: Puppy should follow the same routine and rules, regardless of which family member is on dog duty. Sit down as a family to discuss training cues, housetraining and walking rules and agree that everyone stick to them.

8. Get your pup used to being touched: If you regularly touch his or her feet, nails, tail, ears, mouth, teeth, and belly with love; puppy will be more responsive during vet checkups.

9. Groom puppy early on and regularly: This will, again, establish a good pre-vet routine. Also, the act of grooming letís you examine the pup for broken nails, teeth, sores or lumps that could be more serious if not caught early on.

10. Let your pup experience it all: From people in hats to car rides and from walking on a busy street to other animals, if you socialize your pet they wonít be traumatized or frightened by things and bite or run, which could endanger their well being.

11. Get puppy a teething tool: A non-consumable Kong toy filled with peanut butter or a frozen wet wash cloth all ease pups growing teeth and strengthen their teeth and gums.

12. Pick up anything puppy might chew: If you leave lose objects around your house, puppy could choke or injure their mouth or teeth chewing on sharp objects.

13. Get your pup micro-chipped: If a scared or excited puppy runs away, a micro-chip could be your best hope of finding them. Vets provide dog micro-chipping for around $25 to $40.

14. Check out what puppy poops: I know it’s gross, but a quick poop check could save your puppy’s life if you notice diarrhea or blood in stool. Abnormal bowel movements are a sign of ill health and mean you should take your dog to the vet immediately.

15. Give puppy his or her own toys: If you provide your pup with designated toys, he or she will less likely to chew on your couch, furniture and household items that could put them in danger.

16. Remind yourself regularly that your pup is still a baby: And human babies don’t do much. Be patient and rather than using sever discipline to force your pup to sit or stay. Aim to socialize your puppy with other people and dogs; develop a bond!

Author: Bernice Spradlin is an avid hiker and runner. She works at a gym in Brooklyn, New York, where she gets great inspiration for her freelance health-related articles and blogs. In her off time, you can often find Bernice jogging the East River path along the waterfront and enjoying the cool breeze. Bernice is currently looking for freelance writing work, and can be contacted at BerniceG.Spradlin@gmail.com

NOTE from Shannon: What follows is a guest post from Shay Quincy about feeding puppies, something I think we can all use a little more of.

When you’ve taken on a new dog, it’s important to find out as much as you can about canine diet and nutrition This applies whether the canine you’ve welcomed to your home is a puppy herself or is an adult capable of producing offspring. It’s essential that your pup is eating the right things from day one – just as with humans, those early few weeks and months make all the difference in building up their immune systems and setting them up for a healthy, happy life.

How many meals per day should puppies eat?
Generally, young puppies need around four meals per day, given to them at regular intervals. However, there are a number of options for exactly when the food should be dished up. Some owners opt for free choice, where the food is available at all times. Others go for time-limited feeding, where the meals are left out within a set window of time. And there’s also the option of meal feeding, which is where a measured amount of food is made available at specific meal times each day.

What should you feed your puppy – and how much?
While there’s the option of creating your own foods, it’s recommended that most people go for the safer option of buying pre-prepared and packaged products when feeding puppies. It’s also recommended that you weigh your puppy to determine how much food she needs – you’ll be able to find out more from vets and feeding guides about what should be in her diet based on this information. You can also evaluate your puppy’s physical condition using an online growth tracker chart. As your puppy gets older and grows bigger, you can adjust the amount you feed accordingly.

Can you switch foods?
It’s important that any changes to your puppy or dog’s diet are made gradually, as switching too quickly can cause health problems. For example, it’s recommended that if you’re switching your puppy to Hill’s pet food, for example Hill’s Science Plan Puppy, you should do so over a 7-day period.

The weather is getting cooler and, if you are like other dog owners, you long for a blanket that you can snuggle up in without having it covered in dog hair. No matter how hard you try, dog hair and allergens always find their way into the very fibers of your beloved blanket. Even if you don’t share your couch or bed with your beloved puppy, dog hair covered blankets is just part of owning a dog – or is it?

When the Select Comfort Sleep Number Company contacted me to review their True Silver Blanket for the Labrador Retriever Brats Dog Blog, I have to admit that I was confused and a bit hesitant. Sure, I own and love my Select Comfort mattress but what would they know about products for dog owners? Well, it seems they know a great deal more than I gave them credit for.

The True Silver Blanket is a luxurious blanket that is chemical free and offers anti-microbial, anti-odor and anti-static benefits. As we dog lovers and owners know – anything that kills bugs, prevents odors and repels dog hair is a miracle we hardly ever witness – let alone experience for ourselves.

Not only is the True Silver Blanket great for a household with dogs but it is great for the humans as well. Each blanket contains all-natural fabric woven with pure silver to help regulate your body temperature while you sleep and provide protection against bacteria and odors. (Yes, we humans give off odors as well. Admit it!) The silver fiber lasts for the life of the blanket and will never wear out or wash out. The soft and luxurious outside of the blanket consists of a 300-thread count cotton sateen dobby cover and end-to-end box quilt stitching that stops the fill from shifting.

When my free “Mushroom” colored blanket arrived, I was in awe of how soft and beautiful it looked. I removed it immediately and the dogs came over to inspect the new item to make sure it was allowed in our house – just as they do with everything I bring into the house. After the dog “sniff over” I wrapped myself in the blanket and immediately settled in for a quick nap with the dogs.

What do I think of the True Silver Blanket from Select Comfort? It rocks! It’s lightweight, warm, comfortable, breathes easy, washes nicely and repels all the dog hair and odor unlike any other blanket we’ve had.

Free True Silver Blanket Giveaway

Now it’s your time to try it out for yourself. One lucky Lab Brats Dog Blog reader will win a True Silver Blanket by Sleep Number in their choice of color and size! Contest ends: September 30th, 2011.

1. Fill out the form below to enter.
2. Enter the referring blog as “The Lab Brats Dog Blog”.
3. GOOD LUCK!

Did you know about 40% of dogs suffer from allergies everyday? That’s right, not all allergies are seasonal. Dog allergies can be respiratory, as in humans, but are usually more common on the skin.

The number one difference between human allergies and dog allergies is that your dog has no way of telling you what’s wrong. It is important to monitor your dog for changes in his behavior.

It could be a change in your dog’s environment, a new dog food, or something a little more difficult to determine. Some allergies are very minor, but still require treatment.

Leaving a dog to deal with an allergy on his own could cause serious health issues down the road. There are five known types of dog allergies.

Contact Allergies

This is the least common allergy in dogs. Contact allergies are when a dog develops a sensitivity or irritation caused by objects that his skin comes in contact with. These things could be every day items such as the wool from his bed or the chrome from his collar. Have you recently given your dog a bath and noticed excessive scratching? It could be from the shampoo you used.

The most common side effects from a contact allergy are redness, swelling and bumps around the lips, muzzle or abdomen.

Flea Allergies

Fleas themselves are a huge pain for not only for the dog, but for the owner as well. What’s even worse than having a dog with fleas, is having a dog with a flea allergy. Dogs actually cause more damage to themselves than the actual fleas, because of constant itching and scratching.
Contrary to popular belief, a flea bite is not the irritator. A flea’s saliva is what causes the reaction in your dog’s skin.

The most common side effect of a flea allergy is itching or biting on the lower back, right above the tail.

Food Allergies

Dog allergies count for about 10% of all allergies seen in dogs. Most times, a dog owner will mistake a food allergy for food intolerance or simply decide they have a picky eater on their hands.
A dog food allergy can develop anywhere from 5 months to 12 years of age. Dogs are not likely to be born with an allergy to food, but rather develop an allergy to food they have eaten for a long period of time.

(This is article is a guest blog post on behalf of Clara Black, #1 resource for dog allergies treatments, symptoms and types at www.dogallergiesresource.com.)

Want to join me in Atlanta, Georgia, September 29 – October 1, 2011 for BarkWorld Conference and Expo, as I present on: “Rocking SEO for Pet Companies and Bloggers”? The 2.5-day conference costs $119, but hang on! I have a free VIP ticket for 1 lucky contest winner! If you can definitely attend – just head over to my business blog and enter! It’s free and you’ve got nothing to lose!

When you bring a puppy into your home, especially a soon to be giant and often slightly uncoordinated Lab, you’re going to have a little bit of work ahead of you. Keeping your pup (or adult dog) clean and well groomed will go a long way in keeping them healthy and happy. And far less mess for you to clean up in the house too which is always a good thing! Below are a few tips and tricks to help you keep your Lab and your home, happy.

1. Regular brushing will help keep piles of dog fur from accumulating all over the place. It will also keep your dog more comfortable if they don’t have clumps of half shed fur all over them. It’s even more important in the spring when they’re getting rid of their winter coat!

2. Keep pet waste bags close to the back (or front) door so they’re convenient to grab when you let little rover out into the yard. Having pet waste bags handy means you are far more likely to pick up behind your dog each and every time they do their business. This also means that you don’t have to keep your eyes open for “dog bombs” every time you walk around in your yard!

3. When you take your dog out with you, make sure you have all of the accessories that you will need, just like the dog version of a baby diaper bag. You’ll need plenty of water and depending on your plans for the day, maybe a few toys or bedding. It’s also a great idea to put together your own little dog waste clean up kit, especially if you’re not sure what services will be available wherever you are going. Include lots of pet waste bags and a package of travel wipes or baby wipes incase a little extra cleaning is required.

4. Keep your dog’s nails and paws well trimmed. When the nails get too long it can impede your dogs ability to walk comfortably and letting the fur on their paws get out of control will mean that they’ll be tracking in all manner of debris from outside and depositing it all over your floors!

5. Though you will obviously want to give your dog a bath from time to time- especially after they finished galloping though the giant mud puddle outside- but make sure that you don’t over-bath your pet. Bathing your pooch too frequently can lead to dandruff and itchy dry skin which will not be comfortable for them. Your lab has a lot of natural oils in their fur and over bathing will strip those oils away.

Bringing home your brand new lab puppy- or any puppy for that matter- can and will provide you with years of fun and loving companionship. Sometimes they’re a little crazy or wild or hilariously funny, and keeping your puppy clean and healthy will help them to be the carefree little fur ball that they should be!

(This is article is a guest blog post on behalf of Pet Waste Eliminator.)

Recently 8PawsUp.com had an opportunity to meet with Holly Lewis, Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), owner and operator of Cold Nose Dog Training in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Holly is one of my “go to” trainers and has worked with many families on understanding what works and what doesn’t work when training large breed pups.

Holly has been at this business for a while and for her it is truly a passion. Holly spent the better part of her life in Corporate America. The skills she honed there serve her well in the dog training world, such as presenting and teaching to diverse groups of people and identifying solutions to complex problems.

Many readers and their dogs haven’t worked directly with a trainer while some may have used a trainer along with other obedience tools.

Holly met with me to answer some basic questions about puppy training, dog obedience and training large breed dogs such as Labrador Retrievers, as well. So let’s share that doggy wisdom with you now!

• Lab Brats: What don’t most people understand about large breed dogs?

Holly: Big dogs can have different needs than small dogs. Due to their size, injury is a real risk. Keeping your dog in top physical shape, including a healthy weight, will help protect them from injury. Exercise Induced Collapse is more common in larger breeds as are knee injuries.

When a large breed dog is a puppy, it can be cute when they jump on or mouth a person. However, they soon will become a full size dog where cute puppy habits may not be as adorable. Teaching your large breed dog polite manners as a puppy will help set them up for success as they continue to mature. Manners will also endear your dog to strangers and others he may encounter.

I am an advocate of being aware of a dog’s breed or breed mix and how that may factor into their behavior. People are often surprised their lab is mouthy. Looking back to its roots, a lab naturally works with its mouth. Instead of “training it out of them,” look at how to work with the instinct, such as teaching the dog to carry a toy or bumper to occupy their mouth.

• Lab Brats: What is the key tool or method in effectively training a dog?

Holly: It is important to reward the behavior you would like to be repeated and ignore the behavior you don’t want to be repeated. If something is not reinforced (does not receive attention), it is less likely to be repeated. If a behavior is rewarded, it will be repeated! It shows the dog what the “right” behavior is instead of focusing on the less desirable.

• Lab Brats: What is the biggest misconception about dog training?

Holly: The biggest misconception I hear from people is the need for dominance/alpha/pack leader in dog training. The study this theory is based on, involving wolves, dates back to the 1970’s. Since that time, the study has been invalidated and shown to be inaccurate. Modern training methods are not only scientifically proven but are much more humane and safe. We help our dogs by setting and teaching rules and limits. We do not need dominance to achieve this. This is demonstrated with police dogs, drug sniffing dogs, bomb detecting dogs, hunting dogs and more who are all trained with non-force methods.

• Lab Brats: What are your views on negative reinforcement methods? Do you agree with spray collars and even shock collars?

Holly: I disagree with negative reinforcement methods. I am not saying they will not work, however they work out of fear, which is more likely to bring forward aggression and other serious behavior concerns. I train based upon trust and building a relationship with my dog. Shock collars work using pain and fear. I have seen many dogs present with behavior issues as a result of shock collars. Spray collars are also an aversive, again creating fear, which can be problematic. I also do not recommend choke chains or prong collars. There are many effective & humane tools and methods to avoid using harsh items.

• Lab Brats: Is it almost as difficult to train the owner as the dog?

Holly: Sometimes it can be harder to work with owners as they come with preconceived notions about how training should be and how to achieve the outcomes needed. In training, I am really teaching the owners the best way to get the response they would like from their dog. The owners actually train their dog.

• Lab Brats: Is it possible for a dog not to learn? Is there any breed more difficult?

Holly: Any dog can learn. We simply need to determine their motivation and what will be rewarding from their perspective. We also need to be able to break the task down into small enough steps to achieve a successful outcome. Some breeds may be perceived as being more difficult to train. However, it goes back to determining the dog’s motivator and tailoring the training to work with the dog. The training is also based upon the desired end result.

• Lab Brats: Can you tell us the benefits that dog training classes have for Labrador Retrievers as opposed to training your dog yourself at home?

Holly: Classes provide a great opportunity to have a professional help owners refine their skills and provide a structured plan of learning. Classes help set aside time to work with our dog to achieve the skills we want and build our relationship. Many professional trainers, including myself, attend classes with our dogs for the added benefits.

• Lab Brats: If you could give five tips when it comes to methods to stop a dog barking what are they?

Holly:

1. Reward the quiet.
2. Ignore the bark.
3. Remove the stimuli or access to stimuli which causes the bark.
4. Redirect the dog away from the stimulus.
5. Teach an incompatible behavior (such as teach a really strong sit as the sit will act as a distraction from barking.)

• Lab Brats: What are your top tips when it comes to stopping your dog from peeing around the house?

Holly: If housetraining is unreliable, it is most important never to leave your dog unattended. Even if you have an adult dog, work on housetraining as if he’s a puppy. I have even gone so far as setting a timer to remind me to let a dog outside. Be sure to offer loads of praise when your dog takes care of their business outside. If mishaps happen inside, do not make a big deal of it. Simply clean it up thoroughly and start from the beginning. If problems persist, be sure to get a full medical check from your veterinarian to rule out any medical issue.

• Lab Brats: What are the most important things to remember when training Labrador Retrievers?

Holly: Labrador Retrievers are bred as working dogs and we often forget they need a way to express that instinct. Owners are often surprised by their energy and struggle to understand why their dog chews inappropriately when it is not exercised. Labs need an outlet for their energy. Fetching a ball, going for a jog, learning new tricks, hunting, sniffing and playing are all activities a lab may enjoy while helping burn off some steam. There’s a saying in the training community of “A tired dog is a good dog.”

• Lab Brats: Do you have any advice to give to someone who might want to buy a Labrador Retriever puppy?

Holly: When buying any puppy, it is critical to do your research. Are you ready to handle the energy and size of a lab? Ready to handle the potential challenges a lab may pose such as mouthiness, chewing and jumping? Our society has a strong stereotype of Labs, but not all characteristics hold true for each dog. For instance, many labs are easy going, fantastic family dogs, but some are not suited to families with small children due to their size and energy. The dog (insert breed) we remember growing up may not be the lab we adopt today.

Ask the breeder these critical questions:

• Are you licensed (in Wisconsin)? (WI has a new licensing law which went into effect on June 1, 2011.)
• How many dogs do you have?
• Where are the dogs kept?
• How are the puppies socialized? How do you assure the pup is exposed to new things in a positive manner and in what frequency?
• What health tests do you conduct to assure health?
• Will you take a dog back at any time over a dog’s life? (A quality breeder would do this.)
• Are you able to meet both parents?

Consider if a puppy is right for you, or if you could open your home to an adult dog? There are many quality Lab rescues offering dogs which are healthy of all different ages. Rescue dogs do not all come with heavy baggage. Dogs are in rescue for many different reasons. Adopting a rescue dog is a rewarding experience! Most rescues or shelters can tell you a lot of information regarding the dog’s temperament, likes/dislikes, energy level and more.

Positive, non-forced based training with your dog will be a rewarding experience for both you and your dog.

Have more questions? Contact Holly Lewis, CPDT-KA at:

Cold Nose Canine Dog Training
holly@coldnosecanine.com
http://www.coldnosecanine.com
Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA
414-840-7411

Investing in a good-quality dog kennel is one of the most important decisions you have to make. The choice ultimately gives a safe and comfortable environment for your pooch, while others may find that a garden may not be best-suited as dogs may roam free or cause trouble in the local neighbourhood. Additionally, friends and family may be less compatible with dogs than you; this way, a good dog kennel can provide a relaxing, secure place for a dog to stay when visitors come to visit.

Dog kennels come in a variety of types and sizes and is generally dependent on how big your dog is. Additionally, the frequency of use will also be important, as a kennel acting as a dog’s permanent home will need to be larger – around 8′ x 16′. If there are many large dogs, an upgrade to a larger dog kennel of 16′ x 16′ feet – alongside a configuration to give each dog privacy – is needed.

Additionally, if the kennel is a permanent residence, people should consider installing it on a concrete slab as this will avoid it living in swampy conditions when it rains. Furthermore, concrete will help a dog stay cool in hotter months.

Consideration is necessary for protecting your dog from rain, snow, wind and high heat. If there are no nearby trees to provide shelter for a pet, it is recommended that you cover a portion of the kennel with weatherproof coatings. Living in areas where other animals – or thieves – may prey on dogs will mean there needs to be extra security, such as a wire mesh or chain link roof.

The final consideration is the choice of material that the kennel is made from. Kennels are often made from steel and must be galvanized to protect from rust and corrosion. Aluminium parts are also popular, though much weaker than steel. Wood, naturally, remains the best choice; weather resistant and paintable, it also fits quite nicely in a yard among the plants and trees nearby, while it is easier to assemble and lighter to carry or move.

(This is article is a guest blog post on behalf of Pets at Home.)

Dog chaos erupts when you don’t maintain control over your dog pack. You may spend years training your dog to be the perfect canine companion but once you start to become lax, your dog will start to think something is off. It’s that switch that triggers them to want to rule the pack – humans included.

Think about a wild pack – be it coyotes, lions or any other breed. There is always an alpha in the group. This is the natural way of being and everyone is happy in the pack as long as there is an alpha – this helps him or her to know his or her place. However, once the alpha is unable to maintain their position, others in the pack start to make a play for the alpha role.

The dog pack in your home is no different.

The Labrador Brats have been well trained for over 5 years now and are the most perfect canine companions. That was until the last few months when I started to notice that Cheyenne was disrespecting my authority and not listening to me. You see, the hierarchy in my house (going from alpha down) is: me, my husband, Dakota and then Cheyenne. That’s the way it has always been and if Cheyenne stops listening to me, she will try to rule the others as well. Needless to say, that is totally not acceptable.

The Dog Hierarchy Change

So what happened to make the change? I became weak and started to baby Cheyenne. I’ve also been sick with an illness for the last year in which my health has been a roller coaster ride of strength and weakness. Cheyenne knows something is off so she is trying to take over the pack.

Not a chance in this lifetime! If it is not stopped now, it will continue to get worse and could even lead to aggression down the road if I don’t comply with her demands. The last thing anyone needs is a huge adult Labrador Retriever (74 lbs) taking control over the house and people in it.

Back to Dog Training Basics

It’s back to training for Cheyenne. I’ve given her too much leeway when it comes to certain things. I’ve allowed her to walk off lead and let her wander away from me without direction. I’ve also allowed her to dictate when she can go outside (which is all the time during the summer) and let her demand that I play with her (she sits in front of me and barks until I listen). It’s come to Cheyenne running the show – the dog running the human – and today her training begins once again.

Preventing Dog Hierarchy Changes

How to stop this in the future? Nothing in life should be for free first and foremost. More importantly – training never stops in the life of Labrador Retrievers. Training is a life-long process, which not only prevents rude behavior but also makes the dog very happy. They love structure and schedules – deterring them from both leads to an unbalanced dog that may very well rule your house.