Labrador Retriever Dogs Blog

I am not sure what my other half and I are going to do. We are losing a battle of bed space with a 90 lb chocolate labrador retriever. We were actually looking at sleep number bed online over the weekend just to see what upgrading to a larger bed would be. I don't think it has gotten that bad yet but it's funny how your dog can take over something like your own bed on you. Tonight I am putting his old dog bed on the floor with a little blanket and that is where he is going to stay.

Chocolate. Who can resist it?

Your dogs health depends on it! (resisting, that is). We humans get to indulge because most of us know when to stop. But your dog won't quit after just a few. Give her a chance and she'll down the whole box of Godivas in one gulp. So on Valentine's Day, you're actually being kind to your best buddy if you eat all the chocolates yourself!

**Why is chocolate harmful to a dogs health?**

Chocolate, as you know, is made with cocoa beans. And cocoa beans contain methylxanthine alkaloids in the form of theobromine and caffeinea, which are toxic to dogs. Chocolate can also contain high amounts of fat which can put your dogs health in jeopardy as well.

**How Much is Too Much?**

Though it's certain that dogs and chocolate don't mix, different dogs react differently to the methylxanthines. And reactions can vary according to the age, size and overall health of the dog. The smaller the dog the smaller the dose needed to produce an effect.
And of course, if your dog's health is already weakened by other medical conditions, he's more susceptible. The same holds for older dogs..
Theobromine is present in differing amounts in different kinds of chocolate:

· White chocolate 1mg/oz

· Hot chocolate 12 mg /oz

· Milk chocolate 44-66 mg/oz

· Semi-sweet chocolate 260 mg/oz

· Dark chocolate 450 mg/oz (wow!)

· Baking/bitter chocolate or cocoa powder varies as much as 150-600 mg/oz.

**How much chocolate can a dog eat and survive?**

That depends in part on her weight.

Under 200 mg theobromine per kg body weight (91mg per lb) has not been observed to be fatal. A potentially lethal dose in a 16 pound. dog is only one pound of milk chocolate. Only two ounces of baking chocolate can cause serious problems in a 10-pound dog. People stop eating chocolate before getting to toxic levels, but dogs don't!

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These pictures were posted at the chat forum and I had to show them off here. Is there anything more fun than a labrador retriever puppy enjoying the beach?

Don't you with that there was a number that you could just pick up and call for help with your labrador retriever? Kind of like a toll free number or lifeline that you could pick up and find out more about training, health or puppy issues? I hope that the blog and chat board attached are kind of like that for everyone. A place where you can go and get some information and help with your dog when you need it.

I came across this article in a pack I downloaded and thought it might interest those that are looking for some dog walking tips. Some are common sense reminders of things to consider when walking your dog.

1. Usually, in crowded places we will keep him in a leash, to always have him under control. So he will have to know how to walk in a leash, near your foot, without pulling.

2. The dog is not allowed to jump on people or animals met or to attack any of those, as long as he isn’t aggressed.

3. The dog shouldn’t run after bicycles, motorcycles, cars or people that are running. It is know that some dogs do that because of their hunting instincts.

4. When we let the dog free, to relax, it is crucial that when he is called he return on the shortest way and as fast as possible. 

5. Wherever our dog might be, he is not to be allowed to eat food given by someone else or food found thrown around. 

7. The dog must have the initial training learned and practiced, so we would have no problems when walking him.

8. All through the walk, the dog is not to chew on his leash or to pull it with his teeth, because it might happen that he is tied somewhere alone and he will chew on it until he becomes free and gets lost.

9. The dog is not allowed to jump up and out his front paws on us or others even if he is just playing.

I was online the other day looking at of all things Lortone rock tumblers. I have always found this hobby to in interesting but it reminded me of when Cooper was a puppy and how he liked to chew rocks. The phase didn't last long but all the same it is dangerous.

If your dog is chewing or trying to eat rocks please put a stop to it as soon as you can. The main problem that rock chewing can cause is intestinal damage. If your dog swallows a rock it could cause a blockage and this could mean surgery. If you have suspected your dog has swallowed a rock watch for signs such as they are no longer eating or drinking, they have stopped going to the bathroom or are vomitting. Rocks aren't the only object this can occur with. Anything small enough for them to swallow can do damage. My friends beagle has done it with two small kids toys twice.

I have read a number of articles that suggest why dogs eat rocks and most agree that it is out of boredom or a nervous condition. Just make sure your dog has lots of dog toys to play with and you keep her or him exercised and you can break the habit.

If you noticed the contest this month is all about butt tucking. Well Cooper unleashed himself last night in the house for reasons above and beyond me. In the after math I wondered if I could home insurance against the damage he causes after a good run. Knocked over tables, chairs, drinks and moved couches are just some of things that get messed when he goes on a tear. It is pretty funny to watch though. If you get a change please check out the contest I know there are going to be some pictures that you love.

It's something I see all of the time. People looking to find a dog trainer or training for their dog. When it comes to getting job training or going back to school they will go to great lengths looking for the right place. They look online at places like a directory of online and campus courses or call educational institutions in their area. When it comes to do training many people will jump in without doing any research.

If you want to find a good dog trainer do some digging. Go online and ask others on online dog related forums and communities. Look at Kennel Club websites for references or recomendations of good dog trainers. You can also leaf through the phone book and talk to trainers before you sign up. Find one that specials in your breed of dog and you will have your best luck.