Serious dog help needed!

[dragonlaurel]

She sounds like a great dog for a ranch. I would put a notice up describing her at a feed store. A rancher could use a trained working dog to help teach her the right behavior. Tell them about the hot dogs being her favorite reward too.

If you find someone that would have the right situation for her, ask the shelter if if you can give her to them. If they say no- the rancher could "see her and adopt her" as soon as you turned her in.

Border collies need to chase, and have lots of energy. Young Labs have more energy than a dozen three year olds. They don't settle down till they are about 5 years old. They need to run. They are great dogs but those early years are a challenge.

Good luck - whatever you decide to do. Let us know how it's going.

 

[ninny]

I had my lab trained to basically do my laundry for me then he hit his teenage years. She does like carrying things so i gonna see if i can get her to do this as well. I like all of my dogs to have jobs if possible just she hasn't had anything click yet. Her herding intesct really don't show at all except for the chasing the cats and birds which is her age too and the nips.

Im gonna put a leash on her and round up some older kids and work with not chasing them. She can play with the kids if she stays calm. Channel that now while shes young.

The baby is not due till march and she will be a year and half then. My lab will be two.

We are going to get a baby doll and play house for a while. Teach them to be calm and collected when baby is in the room.

Her impulse control is getting much much better as well. My lab drove me crazy at her age too. I seem to forget that.

Gonna teach them to carry the grocery and diaper bags in the house for me next.

If i can not stop the nipping i will rehome her. So any tips for that would be great. She only nips me and not my husband. She will walk by and very calmly nip my hand. Im thinking it may be for attention. Never had to deal with this except puppy nipping before. Gonna try yelping and acting like shes hurt me next. I have been getting in her face for it, and thats not doing anything.

Oh somebody asked about food. We feed Iams Lamb and rice. Its the only thing my bichons can eat without having allergic reactions. I have two bichons as well but their 11 and don't do much. Id feed raw but my DH won't hear of it.

The big dogs are indoor/outdoor dogs. They are in the house when we are home and out in the dog run when we are at work.

She was dumped at the pound at 8wks with her whole litter and about to be put down. The pound we got her from grabbed her and we got her at 4 months. So she never learned manners till we got her.


Sorry these posts are so long.

 

[Brindlebtch]

Don't let her nip at your hand. That sounds like a dominance issue. Or perhaps she is checking your hand for a treat or asking for attention. Either way no hand nipping!