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  1. #1
    Real Retriever alixb's Avatar
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    Calming down the high strung Lab

    My girl is 7 & is from hunting stock. She is a duck dog. I've only had her just over a year. she lived out in the country & I have brought her to a big city. She has really adjusted quite well.We have done 12 obedience classes & some field work together. She is super obedient for the most part, gets a little pushy once in a while but if I correct her she takes it well. She constantly checks in with me, which is great. I'm very happy & really love her.
    She is busy though & high strung at times. Especially new situations.
    any good calming things I can do?
    I have 3 crates, so she goes in them, but she can also get frantic in her crate. She is terrible in the car, where she also has a crate. I try to sooth her by petting down her back & cooing to her. Any other things I could do?

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  2. #2
    House Broken mhb's Avatar
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    I have one of those. Raised her from a pup, and easily the most obedient lab i've ever had. But definitely would rather be working than chilling. Which can be a challenge to deal with if you dont have the time or location to work them. The key is to exercise her. Doesnt have to be every day, although that is ideal. So find a dog park, or other open safe area to work with her. With these over the top field trial/hunt pups simply running them isnt enough, they need to retrieve to feel happy. At least that's true for mine.

    When you are stuck in the house, what i've found works well and is least disruptive is playing hide and seek. Put her in a down stay in one room and go hide a favorite toy of hers. Then release her to find it by scent. And she will. Mine always does. This gives them some physical exercise (not much) but more importantly works their brain which is half the battle. I dont crate mine, she doesnt need it, so i'd reserve that for special occasions if you can. it can make them worse if used too much. excellent chew toys/rawhide help as well but are not a substitute.

  3. #3
    Real Retriever alixb's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by mhb View Post
    I have one of those. Raised her from a pup, and easily the most obedient lab i've ever had. But definitely would rather be working than chilling. Which can be a challenge to deal with if you dont have the time or location to work them. The key is to exercise her. Doesnt have to be every day, although that is ideal. So find a dog park, or other open safe area to work with her. With these over the top field trial/hunt pups simply running them isnt enough, they need to retrieve to feel happy. At least that's true for mine.

    When you are stuck in the house, what i've found works well and is least disruptive is playing hide and seek. Put her in a down stay in one room and go hide a favorite toy of hers. Then release her to find it by scent. And she will. Mine always does. This gives them some physical exercise (not much) but more importantly works their brain which is half the battle. I dont crate mine, she doesnt need it, so i'd reserve that for special occasions if you can. it can make them worse if used too much. excellent chew toys/rawhide help as well but are not a substitute.
    Thanks so much. this is helpful I have her out 4 times a day. 2 short ones, one for an hour the other for half an hour. She comes to work so we play before work, at break & at lunch we do a good walk/play Weekends, 2-3 hours. We go to the beach, she runs, plays in the woods, or I throw balls for her. I guess I worry she will get arthritis is she fetches too much, like my other English Lab. I also worry she gets too obsessive fetching all the time but I guess it's just who she is. Always wants to carry something. Interesting what you said about the crating. I've been told over & over, crate her but it seems to stress her out, especially if I leave her to go out. thanks again. any other tips are welcome.

  4. #4
    Senior Dog Maxx&Emma's Avatar
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    It does sound like she needs exercise and a job! Maybe try a nose work or tracking class next that you can practice at home with. It keeps them busy and is so much fun for the dog and their human!
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  5. #5
    Senior Dog labsnewfy's Avatar
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    Mine love hide and seek with me or each other. You could also try a buster cube treat dispenser type of toy, they have to work the puzzle to get the treat she might like that.
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