Negative behaviour???

**NoName** · 01-27-2012, 10:29 AM

I have been reading various different threads/posts and I cant seem to find any one people experiencing behavioural problems with their labs. Is this normal? The reason that I ask is that I am an experienced GSD owner and know that they can have numerous undesirable behavioural traits such as lunging at people, being very gobby, stressing out if a member of the family walks away when out on walks to name a few. Dont get me wrong I love my shepherds as much as you guys seem to love your labs but I am not blind to their foybles.

So my question is this: what (if any) undesirable behavioural issues are common in labs? I notice that digging, being over friendly, and chewing seem to be common issues but are these the worst they do? I know there is no "average" dog but I mean in general? My previous dog was very challenging but also taught me a lot (in a lot of cases what not to do!!) and so I do feel confident but forarmed is forewarned so they say.

**Samson** · 01-27-2012, 10:36 AM

Humping even when neutered, eating cat poo, shedding like lunatics, ( OK that's not behavioural ) staking a claim to your bed/chair, greedy like no other dog and prone to weight issues due to this and at the moment that's all that I can pin down, all of which I have learned to live with and or persuaded them not to do it !

**BigBrownDog** · 01-27-2012, 10:36 AM

Most posts related to behavior are in the training section of the board.

Labs behavioral issues gravitate towards mouthiness as puppies which if not addressed can stick around as adults. Some Labs can be very high energy and is not exercised adequately can be destructive. Aggression is not something typically seen in Labs and when it shows up it's usually the result of lack of socialization or improper handling (owner error and fault) In general Labs are affable, easy dogs.

Mine are not greedy and weight is easily controlled for any dog by managing the quantity of food you provide. Dogs that successfully beg will continue to do so.

**SharonaZamboni** · 01-27-2012, 10:49 AM

Are you thinking about getting a Lab?
This is my most recent problem, LOL

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**NoName** · 01-27-2012, 10:54 AM

Thank you both. The greediness I can work with as a positive; my previous dog wasnt food orientated and so was unresponsive to treat training where as I am (and correct me if I am wrong) presuming that labs respond well to treat training and will work for them. As for the cat poo eating - my previous dog ate his own if we didnt watch him like a hawk so this coupled with us not having a cat shouldnt prove to be too challenging a problem

None of our dogs have been allowed on the furniture for practical reasons so this would be trained from day one so hopfully not a problem......fingers crossed lol

As for the socialization etc I am planning on giving a pup a couple of days in the house to settle and then start taking him out to the likes of asda, shopping centres, school, my parents house among other things. I am planning on putting pup in a back pack on my front as he wont be able to go on the floor when i start socializing and I know how heavy pups can be! Hopfully by doing this he will be well socialized and not show any aggression. With respect to the mouthing I plan for any skin contact to be met with a squeal and lots of chew toys available with rope type ones being frozen to aid sore teeth and gums. I have not had a lab before and so maybe this way would be wrong so any pointers would be great

**Mark_J** · 01-27-2012, 10:56 AM

Originally Posted by NoName

I have been reading various different threads/posts and I cant seem to find any one people experiencing behavioural problems with their labs. Is this normal? The reason that I ask is that I am an experienced GSD owner and know that they can have numerous undesirable behavioural traits such as lunging at people, being very gobby, stressing out if a member of the family walks away when out on walks to name a few. Dont get me wrong I love my shepherds as much as you guys seem to love your labs but I am not blind to their foybles.

So my question is this: what (if any) undesirable behavioural issues are common in labs? I notice that digging, being over friendly, and chewing seem to be common issues but are these the worst they do? I know there is no "average" dog but I mean in general? My previous dog was very challenging but also taught me a lot (in a lot of cases what not to do!!) and so I do feel confident but forarmed is forewarned so they say.

Most of the issues that can arise with a Lab can be controlled or eliminated by recognizing what causes the problems, I think it really boils down to just a couple things.

Labs like to eat, any and everything and that probably lends to them being 'chewers'. They also require a great deal of exercise, more than many other breeds, when they don't get adequate exercise is when issues like digging seem to crop up. Labs are also very social and when deprived of adequate social interaction they can develop a few undesirable habits like jumping on folks, whining, and some of the more destructive behaviors..

Bottom line, keep them socially connected, well exercised and on a well balanced diet of exceptional food (along with a long term chew like a deer antler) and you can avoid most if not all the 'undesirable' habits they can pick up...

**NoName** · 01-27-2012, 10:58 AM

[QUOTE=SharonaZamboni;1712055]Are you thinking about getting a Lab?
QUOTE]

possibly in the future yes they are certainly No 1 on my list

**Belles mom** · 01-27-2012, 11:05 AM

I would say Labs have a tendency to be mouthy, wanting to have something in their mouths. That can lead to destruction if they are not provided with an appropriate alternative. I have raised several puppies and yet to have a piece of furniture chewed up (tooth marks on a few as they learn, and my reaction time from hearing what they do and getting off my ass to redirect their attention).

Lab youngsters can be very high energy, and if not appropriately exercised, it can lead to a whole host of behavioral issues. BUT, that is totally a human caused problem....don't blame the dog!

I have never had a dog that digs.

I do spend more time than the average person exercising and training my dogs, but I have the time to do it, and am active in competitive events.

Personally, I think labs are perfect, but I am totally biased in m oinion!!

**NoName** · 01-27-2012, 11:09 AM

Thank you all for your input, it seems to be similar to what I expected which is reassuring. As long as they are both mentally and physically excercised they are ok. As I mentioned I have had GSDs so am no stranger to a dog needing excercise so this is not a problem to me. I am not a fair weather walker and have all of the kit to keep me warm in the horrible weather so this is not a problem. However I thought that with the large breeds excercise is roughly 5 min per day per month of their life ie 6 month old would get 30 min excercies a day. Is this correct?