AboutLabman Expertise Housebreaking, chewing, feeding Most medical questions are best handled through a local vet.
I try to base my answers on carefully proven methods confirmed by my own experience. Much of what I know about dogs, I have learned raising a puppy every year since 1991 for a large dog guide school. I am familiar with several similar programs. Nobody is in a better position to know dogs, need ones with long, active life, and share what they know, than the service dog schools. In addition I have done extensive reading. My answers have much more to back them than the limited experience any one dog owner can have.
PLEASE DON'T SEND ME MEDICAL OR BREEDING QUESTIONS. An internet forum is not the appropriate place for them. Even if I could tell what was wrong from a handful of symptoms, you would still need to get the medications from your local vet.
Breeding should be left to those not needing to ask simple, basic questions. Books have been written about it. Rather than ask me a question, start reading. Those unwilling to do the work it takes to produce quality puppies should spay/neuter their pets at 6 months. I will not answer questions that sound like a poorly prepared breeder.
Experience
Past/Present clients Been around the net a long time answering dog questions.
Expert: Labman Date: 7/15/2008 Subject: Introducing my new adult lab to my other adult lab
Question Hi! I adopted a Lab/Collie mix from the SPCA about 2 years ago. She has always gotten along well and played with other dogs she has met. Recently, my husband and I adopted another adult female lab. I have read that having 2 females may not be a good idea. Since bringing home my new 2 and a half year old lab my 4 year old lab doesnt seem interested in her or vice versa. They do not play together and generally ignore each other. I was hoping for a little more comradare. Am I rushing things, or could this not be a very good fit? Any information you can give me on introducing the two in an appropriate manner would be greatly appreciated.
Answer As dogs get older, they play less. At 2 most Labs still want to play with other dogs, but if she hasn't been used to having another dog to play with, she may not be very interested. 2 females are the combinition most likely to have problems, but quite often they do fine together. Even if they don't seem to be paying much attention to each other, they may be enjoying having each other around. Give them both plenty of attention. In time, they may do more together.
