Labrador with picking up habits

[northernsole]

Hi all,

I have two female labradors both around two years old. Both are well behaved but one has an awful habit of running off when we're out in the woods, I'm not bothered about her running about as she needs so much exercise however she has an awful habit of eating any disgusting object she can find.

This yesterday resulted in an overnight stay at the vets as she'd eat some sort of poison and had to be rigged up to a drip. I don't want to stop her running about where it's safe to so I was thinking of some sort of muzzle so she can still have her freedom but not be able to eat foreign objects.

Only problem is I don't want a full muzzle as she's quite a big dog and don't want her to look vicious. I've seen dogs with just a strap that goes round their snout that's attached to their lead. Anyone know what it's called and where I can get one because I can't find anything on internet.

[leelapops]

Hi northernsole. Oh dear, I hope she is OK now.

Are you thinking of a Halti? They are good for control, but your dog will still be able to open her mouth if she has one on and she's off the lead! They only close when your dog pulls at the end of the lead-this is their purpose.

If she wanders off and puts herself at danger, you maybe need to put her on the lead during walks, for a while, and do some intensive recall training and some work around staying close to you when you're all out. It will be better for you all in the long run, her health and safety, and your heart and wallet! I am sure other ABers can guide you more on this than me (You know who you are!!!) Also consider an extendable lead so she still has plenty freedon (not ideal but perhaps better until she learns the importance of staying close, with lots of treats and praise!)

If you know your dog isn't vicious, then a full muzzle during walks only shouldn't be a problem; if people are concerned, you can explain to them that she has a tendency to scavenge. After all, I am sure her safety is your main concern.

Lisa x

[kita1]

I think you are talking about a halti. If so that will not stop her eating anything.

The only type of muzzle I would recommend for a dog running free is a Baskerville (a large plastic cage muzzle that lets them drink and pant).

The type of muzzle that completely closes the mouth could be dangerous when a dog is trying to pant as that is virtually the only way a dog can control its temperature. Also you are partially cutting off the air supply.

A better way (if you can) is to always keep your dog in sight and train it to 'leave' on command. I know this is difficult with Labs.

If your dogs often run off out of sight, bear in mind this can be dangerous in that if you are in an area where there are sheep (or other stock) around that the farmers have the right to shoot dogs near their animals.

[riapnash]

I had exactly the same problem with my dobermann - he used to run off and eat things . which included 2 whole live pheasants, a rabbit and a pile of dead pigeons that the farmer had thrown in a ditch after shooting them - he ate the lot and bloated like a balloon. After this, he returned to his old dog trainer and remained on a training lead during walks for the next 4 months. Sad to say I know, but until his recall was 100% and he could be called back in any situation and told to 'leave' or 'drop' anything he found, the trainer told me he should not be let off. Young dogs are very wilful, as was he and need to be taken in hand before they get out of hand. Find yourself a good trainer, or keep your dog on a long lead and continue recall and leave training until you are confident to go without the lead.