Taking on a 3 year old lab

mazdababe · Posted: Sat Aug 05, 2006 8:05 pm Post subject: Taking on a 3 year old lab

Hi, totally new to this forum so here goes....
My friend had a baby 6 months ago and is finding it difficult to cope with her new baby and a very energetic lab hence she has decided to part company as she feels she cannot give him the attention he deserves. I, in my ultimate wisdom has decided to take him on. Both my hubby and I realise the time and commitment he needs and are all too help, however, he is a nightmare to walk (because he hasn't had a lot of walk's) and when off the lead goes deaf to any call back shouts, all the training tips i've found on the net are training puppies who look easier to handle than our new addition, can anyone give me any advice or tips to help with his training. Rolling Eyes

Quarry · Posted: Sat Aug 05, 2006 8:16 pm Post subject:

If he has not had many walks then you need to go back to basics with his lead walking. You can try a halti or a lupi harness as these are quite good and give you control. I have also found that if he starts pulling then either turn round and walk in the other direction or stand still and make him come back to you then move off again. These ideas do make the walk take longer but work. He will soon get the idea that pulling gets him nowhere. Good luck and keep us all posted as to how you get on.

SuzanneL · Posted: Sat Aug 05, 2006 8:27 pm Post subject:

Going back to basics and getting to a training class.
In your situation I 'personally' would get a one to one with a trainer- who can assess things and get you on the straight and narrow from the outset. If that person also runs classes then it would provide some continuity.
Unless you are experienced with dogs YOU need to be 'trained' too. It will be oh so much 'easier' that way rather than you trying on your own. My opinion anyway. There will be a list of accredited trainers for your area. Diana left a link here the other day. If I can find it I will leave it for you.

Not so faraway as I thought!
http://www.apdt.co.uk/list_trainers.asp

Hopefully you will find one near you.
I prefer a more stern approach to 'me'. My trainers have all been very matter of fact rather than the 'Luvvie' type But its personal preference You need to be comfortable with the training 'method' used for both you and the dog. A one to one sometimes gives you that opportunity to see their 'style'

Hopefully others will be here to help too soon.

VJH · Posted: Sat Aug 05, 2006 8:30 pm Post subject:

oohhhh welcome and well done for giving him loving home. I would too go to a trainer for a 121 session - I was very surprised that they only carcge £15-£20 for an hours session they can nthen assess him from there. I would definitely recommend training classes too Ruby is my first dog and the weekly training sessions have been fabulous

monya · Posted: Sat Aug 05, 2006 10:04 pm Post subject:

i would reccomend training class too also as someone else has mentioned when he pulls to turn around n go the other way i found this wasnt working with mambo as he just pulled wichever way we went so my trainer recommended making him sit n wait for a bit every time he pulled he gets fed up with sitting n also anticipates being told to sit it is working

mazdababe · Posted: Sun Aug 06, 2006 8:02 am Post subject:

Hey how helpful are you guys! Already e-mailed a couple of trainer's, really looking forward to the challenge, always had dogs but not had a big one for a number of years now, he's adorable and i'm sure we'll be fine, once again thank you and i'll keep you posted. Very Happy

clairiscrazy · Posted: Sun Aug 06, 2006 10:49 am Post subject:

hiya welcome to the forums Very Happy

i have a steam train of a black lab called brandy she is nearly 8 she can not wear normal collar and lead because she chokes with her constant pulling so we bought many harness although gave me a bit more control off her she still pulled like crazy so nearly 1yr ago a freind gave me a halti and wow.. the differnce my arm stayed by my side and not strectched half a mile down the road and brandy never choked once (of course the first time putting a halti on she did hate it and tryed everything pssible to remove it from her face.lol but that took time and after that she was great with it) after the halti i got a canny collar same as a halti but fastens at the back of the head instead of the side and you dont need to take it off when its time for her run as it goes into a collar...

i agree with everyone you do need to go back to basics with him as he is new to your rules and you are new to him so you all need to understand eachother.. by all means get a one on one trainer or go to training classes whatever you think will benefit all of you...

for walks were he doesnt listen buy a extended training lead this will allow him to run but you still have him on the end of the training lead and when you call his name and he gets lab deafness..lol.. then gently pull him back in...

good luck xxx