Obnoxious Lab Pup

[fezz09]

I have a 4 1/2 month old chocolate lab named Kelly, I also have a 2 year old black lab named Dozer and a beagle named Beans. I am writing about Kelly... I am at odds with her, the two big dogs live outside, and everytime I come outside they get excited but Dozer settles down very quickly, whereas Kelly barks and growls and whines insecantly... I have tried not petting her until she calms down which works for the time being, but she flips out the next time I come outside again wether it has been 5 minutes of 5 hours!! I have three kids and walking them isn't always an option but they do goet walked every second or third day at the very least and played with in the backyard when it isn't really cold out, is there any way to nip this obnoxious noise making in the butt before she gets bigger and her barks do as well!!??

[KOPsBecks]

It sounds to me like maybe she is getting a touch of separation anxiety with you and I would suggest that yes it is a good idea to sort this out before she gets bigger and it becomes a life long problem. It is a different form of separation anxiety than one we normally see and the cue for bad behaviour is seeing you, not you leaving. But this makes sense as she is an outside dog. I would suggest socialising her with lots of other people and dogs, arrange visitors for her. Enrol her in a dog walking club, that way other people can walk her for you so she gets the exercise and attention she needs and learns to expect this attention from other people as well as you. When she does come in and whine, put her straight back outside again. Only let her stay indoors if she will be quiet.

Good luck, hope this is helpful,

Becks

[fezz09]

Thanx for youe help... I will definatly give it a shot!! And as far as the dog walkers are concerned I live in a VERY tiny place and I am not sure if any exsist... I was actually pondering taking it up for some extra cash and exercise, but I have a 6 month old baby that need to get a little older first!!