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: 7/22/2008 Subject: Proper weight for a lab
Question Hi, I came across your site through a google search, and thought I would give it a try.
My next door neighbor is the police chief, and he has a black lab, about 2 years old, that is a certified narcotic detection dog. He is anal with his toy, and will play fetch forever, so he is running around/swimming a lot. I was petting him today, and could feel his ribs quite a bit, as well as he looks skinny to me. I am a little concerned with this. I don't know if it is OK, because he is running around so much, or if something else is going on. He seems to be very healthy, his coat is very thick and shiny, so, just to put my mind to rest, is this normal?
There was an extensive discussion of weight in a recent newsletter from a service dog school.
''Obesity is the number one nutritional disease affecting dogs. It's estimated that 25-45% of dogs in the US are obese. Studies have shown that joint and locomotive problems increase by 57%, circulatory problems by 74%, respiratory problems by 52%, skin problems by 40% and cancer by 50% in animals that are overweight.
Large breed dogs that are overweight also are more prone to developing hip dysplasia. Obesity is especially dangerous for young puppies, as their underdeveloped frame cannot support the extra poundage that it must carry.''
