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About Labman
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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.

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Labrador Retrievers - small black lab

Expert: Labman - 11/6/2009

Question
We just rescued a small black lab from the Humane Society. They rescued her from another state that euthanized dogs. We have a few questions, I'll start with the least important first.

1) She looks like a lab in every way except for her size. She is a year old and just about 30 lbs. and about 18" tall. Are there cases of true labs being so small or do you think she's probably a mix?

2) She was most likely abused in some way. She's very timid of men especially. We were told between her rescue, travel, being spayed and having her dorsals removed what she needed most for the next several days was sleep and peace. While she has shown improvements in the three days we've had her, she still lays curled up in the corner (which now includes a super luxurious dog bed) and rests all day and night. I got a tail wag, which was great, and a lick when I took her bandages off last night. Do you have any experience with abused dogs? What can we expect and do you have any suggestions for us? We love her and talk to her and we know she will eventually come out of her shell, but we don't want to make any mistakes and could use some professional advice.

Thank you in advance for ryou help!

Answer
Some pure Labs are fairly small, but I don't remember one that small. You could try a DNA test, http://www.biopetvetlab.com/dnahome.htm http://www.wisdompanel.com/

Give her time and some treats. Avoid eye contact, letting her see your teeth in a smile, and putting your hand over her head. Dogs find that aggressive and threatening. You might try these exercises meant for younger puppies.

''Elevation for small puppies: Sit on the floor and gently put your hands around your pup's middle, below his front legs, and lift him up. He is facing you. Hold him for 15 seconds. Repeat until he no longer struggles. If he is past 10-12 weeks, lift his front feet off the ground, but don't pick him up.

Cradling for small puppies: Hold your puppy gently on his back, as you would cradle a small baby. If he struggles, hold him firmly until he quiets for 10-15 seconds. With larger pups, you can do this as your sit on the floor, with your pup between your legs.

Quiet lying down: Place your pup on the floor on his side, with all 4 legs pointing away from you. Use your hands on his neck/shoulder area and middle, to hold him in this position. When he is quiet, praise him. Lengthen the time that you keep him quietly in this position. When he accepts this position well, handle his paws and muzzle, while keeping him quiet.''

The quotes mean this isn't my original work. It is copied from my Puppy Raising Manual. I have long used these or minor variations of them, and they are very effective. You may want to give him a belly rub while he is on his back too. Helps bonding. There is a big difference between him rolling over and demanding a belly rub, and you choosing a time to roll him over and rub his belly. The latter cements your place as pack leader.

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