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.
Question How old do Labradors usually get and do they commonly have hing leg problems at the end of their lives?
Answer I would say 12-14 years, I have never seen any good figures on it. It varies with the care they have had and when the owner decides it is time. My Aster turned 14 last fall and was in good shape, but the winter was hard on her. Then this spring, the vet found cancer in her jaw. At that time, he said he sees very few 16 year olds.
It is common to have arthritis as they age even if their hips are OK. Aster's were Xrayed and were fine, but now has trouble with her hind end. We recently changed her pain medicine, and she is doing much better now. There are ways the vet can improve a dog's quality of life and extend their life.
