Labradors are beautiful dogs characterized by their friendly nature.
They are widely used as guide dogs or taken with them on hunts.
But like any other living beings, these animals are susceptible to various diseases, which must be recognized at an early stage.
What diseases are Labradors susceptible to?
If we talk about the emotional state of dogs, then in general they are very sweet and friendly animals. Taking good care of your dog also affects your pet's health. But it happens that a pet is susceptible to various infections from an early age due to a weak immune system. In such situations, you need to more carefully monitor the condition of the animal.
Among the most common diseases that representatives of this breed are susceptible to are the following:
- food allergy – caused by consumption of allergenic foods;
- interdigital dermatitis – redness of the skin, itching and swelling between the fingers;
- lipoma – tumor-like formations of a benign nature;
- eczema - formation of an abscess;
- epilepsy is a disease caused by excessive activity of brain neurons, characterized by the appearance of seizures and foaming at the mouth;
- obesity.
Animals often suffer from diabetes and myasthenia gravis.
It is known that most of these diseases are inherited by the animal, so when selecting puppies, you need to pay special attention to their pedigree.
According to the famous veterinarian Hasan Chuguev, diseases of Labradors can be divided into several types:
- contagious;
- non-contagious.
The causes of the second category of diseases are usually external factors. Such pathologies can be easily cured.
Infectious diseases are always associated with the spread of viral infections, the proliferation of bacteria, and various types of fungi.
After penetration into the body, the infection does not make itself felt for several days. But as soon as the owner notices disturbances in the general condition of his pet, he will need to consult a doctor for advice. Timely diagnosis of the disease is the first step towards its cure.
Expert opinion
Tolkachev Andrey Mikhailovich
veterinarian
A particular danger for Labradors is obesity. Due to low physical activity, Labradors quickly gain excess weight, which puts strain on the heart. In addition, due to excess weight, organs such as the liver and kidneys suffer. Epilepsy is considered the second most dangerous, but this disease is most often of a genetic nature.
Aggression in dogs – types of aggression, causes
Aggression in a dog is a natural manifestation of its animal nature. What types of aggression do dogs have?
Malinois
Aggression is inherent in all animals
This is one of the models of survival in nature for predators. It varies in its point of application and mechanism of occurrence. Thus, the goal of interspecific aggression is to obtain food, i.e. hunting.
Or saving life and offspring from more formidable predators. A special form of interspecies aggression is predatory.
A dog’s aggression can also be intraspecific, for example, to establish dominance and defend its interests.
Aggression in dogs is a hereditary factor. Let's say the puppy does not have its rudiments from a very early age. Then it is unlikely that he would have survived in the wild; his chances of this are lower.
Until this aggression appears in the process of life experience. In dogs, it can be hierarchical, territorial, parental, food, play, sexual, defensive, predatory.
On the basis of any of them, instrumental aggression can be developed.
Hierarchical aggression
Dogs are pack animals. And in any pack there is a leader to whom all other members of the pack obey. He is always the first to eat, he has the best and warmest place.
The leader resolves conflicts between members of the pack, protects the weak and has his own rights over the females in the pack. He leads the hunt, and the whole flock obeys him. In cases of disobedience, he has the right to punish.
This is hierarchical aggression in a dog.
Characteristic of an individual of any breed with pronounced leadership qualities.
Possessive aggression often precedes the development of hierarchical aggression. The dog begins to protect toys or things from other dogs, family members, and then from the owner.
Territorial aggression
In nature, each flock has its own territory. Therefore, appropriate behavior has been formed to protect the territory. Dogs mark it to mark boundaries and drive away strangers.
Dogs that leave their territory become less aggressive and self-confident. On its own territory, on the contrary, the dog shows aggression towards strangers.
But as soon as she leaves her territory, she disappears.
A striking example is the so-called “territorial” guard dog breeds (many mastiffs). They best protect the territory, object, home.
Defensive aggression in dogs
This is self-defense aggression. Nature's most important survival model. Both interspecific and within its own species. It can be passive-defensive, when the dog tucks its tail and tries to run away and hide.
And actively defensive, when the dog repels a threat with an attack. This or that behavior is most often hereditarily determined. Although it can change throughout life for various reasons.
This type of aggression can also occur in dogs of any breed.
Sexual aggression
Such aggression in dogs occurs during puberty. It manifests itself in relationships between males and males and between females, for the right to have a sexual partner. This may change throughout the dog's life.
Or appear in rare cases when certain situations are created or influenced by certain factors. For example, conflicts when meeting on walks. Or unequal attention from the owner when living together.
Predatory aggression.
This is the aggression of hunting, prey. It manifests itself in different ways:
- Pursuit for the purpose of prey, hunting of small animals, birds of other species. These are manifestations of interspecies aggression. Unfortunately, such aggression can extend to young children. Hence a number of tragic cases.
- Pursuit of moving objects for the purpose of aggression, pursuit reflex. Including cars, cyclists, running people. Hence the number of described attacks of this kind.
- Sometimes this is murderous aggression - it is rare in individuals with a disturbed psyche. It can be directed at individuals of its own species - any other dogs or even humans. Moreover, such an aggressor will not be satisfied with an ordinary victory and receiving signs of submission. Aggressive actions stop only when the victim dies. Such individuals are dangerous to others and must be euthanized.
Dogs with signs of predatory aggression should not be allowed to be bred - this is an unconditional and absolute marriage for any breed.
Play aggression
Occurs in puppies during play. When they learn to attack, defend, and hunt, they also develop aggression. At the same time, the puppy learns to balance its efforts in relation to its play partners. Be it the owner, another family member, a puppy of the same age, or an older dog. During such games, hierarchical relationships are also established. Including children, if there are any in the family.
All of these types of aggression are, to one degree or another, genetically determined and are the basis of innate behavior patterns.
Acquired aggression
This kind of aggression in a dog is also called instrumental. It arises against the background of some hereditary aggression to achieve certain goals. The mechanism of its development is artificial, that is, it is the result of the influence of some factors.
For example: the development of aggression in service dogs. Or involuntary transfer of leadership in the family of residence through inept upbringing. Or when training fighting breeds. You can intentionally increase a dog's aggression, but sometimes it happens unintentionally.
Especially with excessive permissiveness and insufficiently strict upbringing.
How to avoid aggression in dogs in human society and towards other animals.
Choose the right breed
It was already mentioned above that there are breeds that are potentially more aggressive. Such as Rottweiler, Doberman, Akita, South Russian Shepherd, some hunting breeds. And there are breeds in which aggression is almost not manifested: retrievers, Labradors, Newfoundland, St. Bernard.
Therefore, measure your strengths and capabilities. Can you control such a dog? And for what purpose are you purchasing it? Aggressive behavior can create a lot of problems in a family with members of the household, guests, or during a walk.
A novice dog breeder often does not realize the complexity of raising and maintaining potentially aggressive breeds.
Family relationships
In any family, as in a pack, a hierarchical framework must be established in relation to the dog. So you must be the leader. You must manage the dog's behavior, control it.
It is you who decide when she eats, where she sleeps, when to walk, when to play. Teach your puppy discipline from early childhood. Don't let him sleep in bed with you or climb onto the sofa. Don't feed from your table.
Remember, the leader is always higher, he has the best place, he always eats first and they always give way to him.
You won't make it any worse for the puppy. But in the future, put yourself in the place of a leader in his eyes. And it is better to do this at an early age. How to break the psyche of a mature dog with the aggression of the “family leader”.
Obedience training
Be sure to do training (obedience course)! Training your dog will improve your relationship and you will be able to control your dog's behavior using commands. It is better to study with a canine instructor so as not to make mistakes. Aggression in a dog that has completed an obedience course is much more manageable. For such dogs, classes at the training site are carried out wearing a muzzle.
Correct gaming relationships
Never allow your dog to grab your hands or clothing with its teeth. Immediately stop such attempts, even if she does it in the game. Although, it is typical for small puppies to try everything with their teeth and grab everything that moves.
Just slip him a toy at this moment. In general, play with your puppy more. Never forget the most important rule.
What is prohibited for an adult large dog to do should also be categorically prohibited for a puppy of the smallest age and even the smallest breed.
If your puppy growls at you while guarding his toys, shake him and scold him. You and your family must take the toy away from him at any time. And he should take it calmly. Just after a few seconds, return the toy to your puppy and play with him.
If your puppy starts to get angry and bite during play, stop playing immediately. Ignore him for a while. If the puppy constantly guards his toys, attacking you or your family members, simply remove them and hide them.
Keep one of your favorite toys and give it to him only when you want to play with him.
Proper socialization
Walk your dog more often on the streets, on a leash. Teach her to treat strangers and animals calmly. Stop any attempts at aggression. Do not interfere with the puppy's communication until 5-6 months. age of communication on walks. Even with strangers. Including with children.
Allow your puppy to meet people. Don't pull him back. After all, kids are all curious. Let him come up and sniff the stranger. Let him make sure that it is safe and not at all scary. Especially if you have a timid puppy, allow people to pet him and talk to him. Train obedience, especially the command “Come to me!”
Understanding causes, motives and behaviors
There is a common mistake many owners make. In a situation where a dog barks and lunges at people. The owners think that she is protecting them and at the same time pet her and encourage her. Or they pet the dog to calm it down.
In fact, both behaviors are wrong. Because the reasons and motives for aggression are misinterpreted. Aggression in dogs in such cases often has completely different prerequisites.
Usually this is a typical aggression of self-defense against self-doubt.
The owner is stroking her at this time. The passerby runs away in fear. As a result, the dog receives positive reinforcement. She realized that her actions had frightened the passerby and that he was safe. Moreover, the owner praised it.
And with each such case, the dog’s aggression towards people will increase. Then she will start biting. Learn to make decisions independently in such situations. He imagines himself as a leader.
And if the owner decides to interfere, he will bite him too...
A true protective dog is the result of proper upbringing
- Perfect obedience must be developed. First, complete a general training course (OKD, “obedience”). Pass the exam.
- The dog must have a balanced character and a strong nervous system.
- The dog must be at least 18 months old.
And even more so, don’t try to teach her yourself.
Contact only an experienced dog trainer. Protective training courses teach your dog how to react correctly to others. Protect only on command, only when attacking the owner. Assess the situation correctly. Such courses give the dog confidence and develop its natural instincts. They help her implement them correctly.
And they provide an outlet for excess energy.
Sheltie
There is another common misconception. That after such courses the dog’s aggression increases and it becomes uncontrollable. Actually this is not true. Dogs become more obedient and can truly protect their owner. And if he is in danger, such a dog will not hesitate to repel the blow and neutralize the offender, even if he turns out to be an acquaintance of the owner.
⁕ ⁕ ⁕
Therefore, the dog’s aggression must be controlled and directed in the right direction. And this can only be achieved through proper education from puppyhood. Only then is the dog’s adequate behavior formed in any life situations.
Dog handler Yagovitina Yu.A.
Source: https://www.kinologdressirovka.ru/2020/04/11/%D0%B0%D0%B3%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%81%D0%B8%D1%8F -%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%B8/
Main symptoms
Most Labrador owners are accustomed to their animal always enjoying life. Typically, Labradors eat well and have a healthy, shiny coat. A healthy pet's ears are erect, he has regular bowel movements, and normal body temperature.
But in a sick individual, life processes are disrupted, which leads to a general deterioration in the animal’s condition:
- the dog does not eat well;
- inactive when walking;
- body temperature is disturbed;
- the pulse often skips a beat;
- dull look;
- protruding scraps of fur;
- mucous or purulent discharge from the eyes.
Problems with the gastrointestinal tract
The list of the most common gastrointestinal diseases in Labradors:
- diarrhea;
- gastritis;
- chronic gastritis;
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- cholelithiasis;
- enterocolitis.
IMPORTANT!
Acute gastritis in pets often occurs without disrupting the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Very often, such diseases occur due to changes in the dog’s diet, as well as the use of salicylates and sulfonamides.
Symptoms of acute gastritis manifest themselves as follows:
- poor absorption of solid foods;
- vomiting with blood is typical;
- the animal's activity decreases;
- fur stands on end;
- the sparkle in the eyes disappears.
Since acute gastritis leads to a decrease in acidity in the dog’s gastric juice, the disease is treated by administering calcium chloride and glucose. In such situations, almagel helps a lot.
Enterocolitis is understood as simultaneous inflammation of the mucous membranes of the small and large intestines. Enterocolitis can be recognized by the dog's discharge. They contain pus and blood. The Labrador's anus becomes inflamed, which causes pain. He begins to move with his butt pressed to the ground.
The course of treatment consists of fasting for 1-2 days. During this period, the animal is given strong brewed tea or oak tincture. Milk, eggs and fat will be well absorbed at this time.
Skin diseases
Labradors are especially susceptible to skin infections. Diseases associated with the proliferation of bacteria or fungi are often observed.
NOTE!
Eczema is one of the most common diseases. If this pathology is not cured in time, then most likely it will develop into dermatitis. Eczema progresses under the influence of external factors, especially when swimming in dirty water. Only an experienced veterinarian can cure eczema, and you should consult him when the first signs of the disease are detected.
Seborrhea is associated with hyperfunction of the sebaceous glands. Excessive sebum production causes the fur to stick together and cause an unpleasant odor. You can often see dandruff on your dog's fur. The pet begins to scratch the inflamed areas. Prevention of the disease is associated with the use of degreasing and astringent agents.
Skin parasites (fleas, ticks, lice) provoke follicular alopecia - hair loss in the area of the hind and front legs. In addition, parasites cause mange, which most often develops in puppies or animals with weak immune systems. For these pathologies, a wide spectrum of treatment is used; antiparasitic drugs are used, which simultaneously kill both adults and their larvae.
To prevent skin diseases, it is necessary to monitor your pet’s diet and also brush its fur regularly. Only proper care for your pet will ensure a carefree life.
Aggression in Labradors: how to prevent? Aggression in a Labrador Why does aggression occur?
It’s boiling! Today we were walking in the park, we were walking, not bothering anyone, and then a dog rushed towards us - that horse!, of course, without a muzzle...
I don’t know much about breeds, but it seemed to me that this was a Labrador, he was running so cheerful, wagging his tail and straight at my child. I covered Alina with myself, took her in my arms, and he (or she) jumped and tried to play...
Fuck, I understand that the dog is good-natured, but what if it knocked down a child? What if the child screamed loudly? did you cry? or provoked it in some other way...
Read completely…
Maksyushin’s skills of the last days...
Our trips have a huge impact on Max, he has another leap in development. - Thanks to Yar (Ol, thank you so much for being here), Max began to show his hair and ears - this was not the case before. - He learned to empathize. Now, when someone cries - especially a child - he comes up and pats him on the head - very cute...
-He interacts well with animals - dogs (thanks to his sister and Labrador Fedya), pets them and feeds them))) - Sometimes he feeds ghouls, but more often he puts bread in his mouth)) Apparently he loves bread... - He began to make more sounds...
Instructions
Up to 4 months, the jaws of puppies are still quite weak and their teeth are used not for protection, but for games. At this age, he learns to communicate with his relatives and learn relationships within the pack.
If, while playing with his fellow tribesmen, he plays too hard, he hears an unpleasant squeal and realizes that he has caused pain. This is how he learns to measure the force of his bite. People, including the baby, are perceived by him as relatives, his pack.
And, having already had his own life experience and the habit of biting during games, he transfers this to relationships with his owners.
When the puppy wants to play with the owner, he begins to lightly bite him. If a person pushes him away, then he perceives it as games. The bites intensify.
If you don’t push the baby away and start playing with him, this will be perceived as encouragement, and the bites will continue and intensify.
This playful behavior requires correction on the part of the owner, as it can develop into a serious problem.
If your pet bites you while playing, do not hit or scold him. React as another puppy would—yelp loudly and unpleasantly. By doing this you will make it clear that you. Stop the game, step away. If you constantly react to play bites in this way, you will soon notice that your puppy bites less often and not as hard as before.
Don't hit or yell at your dog. Sometimes such actions are perceived as a continuation of the game. The bites may become even stronger. Take the puppy by the withers and press his muzzle to the floor. Look into your eyes and say sternly: “No.” Do not react to any of his actions for 15-20 minutes.
Don't allow your puppy on the bed. Enter the door and go up the stairs in front of him. Make them give way. Feed after everything has eaten. Make it clear that he must earn food. First, give any command and get it executed, and only then feed it.
In childhood, my legs
puppies try their owners' legs.
Very often people perceive these attempts as a fun game, forgetting that when the dog grows up, its bites will cease to be cute pampering and will begin to pose a real threat to health. To prevent this from happening, you need to wean your puppy
from leg biting from an early age.
You will need
- -newspaper;
- - toys that can be tugged (ropes, cords, latex toys).
Instructions
Little puppies love to play, and since they are accustomed to using their teeth in games with peers, they will try to transfer this behavior model to communication with humans.
If your pet tries to bite your leg, you must sharply give the command “Fu!” or “You can’t!” If the puppy tried to throw himself on his feet during games, then it is also necessary to give a prohibiting command and stop the game. For a dog, playing with the owner is one of the important elements of communication, so he will quickly realize that biting leads to its cessation.
If the baby starts playing and in the heat of the moment does not respond to your commands, then you need to put a rolled-up newspaper in an accessible place. When you try to rush to your feet, you must sharply command “Ugh!”, and then spank the spoiled puppy
newspaper. This is a very effective and safe measure, since such a slap does not hurt the dog, but the sound from it is very unpleasant for the dog’s sensitive ear.
Very often, puppies stop using their teeth with adults, but continue to do this with children, since they perceive children as puppies.
If this is not stopped in time, the dog will begin to place itself higher on the hierarchical ladder, which can provoke a dangerous situation in the future.
That is why, whenever a puppy
biting a child on the leg must be stopped. You should also explain to children that they should not allow a dog to bite themselves, even as a joke.
It's natural for a dog to use his teeth, so channel his biting energy into a peaceful direction. Toys that you can tug with your puppy are perfect for this purpose. At the same time, he will enthusiastically sink his teeth into the toy, and your legs will remain safe and sound!
on this topic
Helpful advice
If you have started to wean your dog from biting its legs, then you need to do this in any situation, be it playing with a puppy or just walking down the corridor. The dog must clearly understand that it is forbidden to bite in any situation!
Of course, a puppy’s bite usually doesn’t hurt, but it can still cause inconvenience to its owner and those around him. Moreover, everything will become more serious when the dog grows up and its teeth get stronger! It is necessary to resort to some tricks in raising a puppy to avoid unpleasant consequences.
It is much easier to train a dog to stop biting as a puppy. Therefore, you need to start training as early as possible. Moreover, it must be constant. You can't let your puppy play with you by biting and then punish him for it.
Now for the puppy it’s just a game, attracting the attention of its owner. Also, the desire to bite arises in doggies simply because they are teething. Therefore, first of all, it is necessary to provide the dog with toys that he can chew. These can be special rubber figures, balls or bones.
All attempts by the puppy to bite someone must be immediately stopped with the command “No”. It must be pronounced loudly, sharply and in a stern tone. If this does not help, you need to resort to more effective methods. For example, when your puppy starts biting, you might yelp loudly. An unexpected sound will make him wary.
If the baby still continues to misbehave, you need to take a spray bottle of water, hide it behind your back and wait. When the puppy starts to bite, suddenly splash water in his face.
This will not cause any harm, but the effect will be unpleasant for the mischievous person.
To consolidate the result, you need to repeat the same thing several times when attempting to attack, without forgetting to clearly pronounce the command “No”.
You can use the dog method to combat bites. When a puppy plays with its mother and bites her in play, she grabs him by the scruff of the neck and shakes him. Do the same actions with the bully. As a rule, the method works flawlessly on small puppies.
Another option is to scare the puppy by slapping him on the neck with a newspaper. But you should never hit a dog. She may become intimidated or, conversely, aggressive.
Training should take place in a non-malicious, friendly atmosphere. We must remember that a puppy, like a small child, does not understand many things. However, it is important not to neglect the problem, otherwise in a few months it will be much more difficult to stop the dog from biting.
on this topic
Sometimes situations happen that shock both you and your Labrador. It is very rare that Labradors show aggression, and when this happens, everyone becomes scared.
Genetic diseases
Perhaps the most dangerous diseases are those transmitted by inheritance. They are more difficult to recognize and impossible to prevent. Curing genetic diseases is a more complex procedure.
Such diseases include:
- obesity;
- dysplasia;
- eye diseases.
Many owners like to pamper their pet with fatty foods. But such a diet very often causes obesity. In cases where the dog overeats, it is necessary to reduce the portions of the animal.
The second cause of obesity is decreased thyroid function. It is very easy to recognize this disease by doing a blood test. This disease can only be prevented with the help of medications. It is also necessary to ensure that your pet exercises regularly.
Infectious diseases
Most infectious diseases are caused by viruses. It is best to prevent the progression of infections, since curing the disease will be much more difficult.
First of all, it is necessary to observe the rules of hygiene. Timely vaccination of the animal is required. While walking in the fresh air, you need to make sure that the animal does not drink from puddles, and also does not eat foods of unknown origin.
IMPORTANT!
One of the most common infectious diseases is parvovirus enteritis. The pathology develops as an acute contagious disease of the gastrointestinal tract. The disease is accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea. If preventive measures are not taken in time, the dog may die. You should seek help from a professional veterinarian.
Are there any cases of Labradors attacking humans?
Are there any cases of Labradors attacking humans?
I have a wonderful lab. People who don’t know her or this breed are afraid of her and say that she can show aggression towards a person spontaneously.
I say the opposite.
So I want to know if there are cases when this particular breed attacked people without a command.
In this regard, everything is simple. As people treat a dog, the dog, in turn, treats a person. If the owner of a Labrador hits her and shows other signs of violence, then the dog will always be embittered and ready to attack anyone, as she expects the same reaction in return. Ordinary self-defense! And it doesn’t matter what breed of dogs, because a bad attitude can turn any dog into a “monster”. On the other hand, if you always show affection to the dog, then it will not hurt anyone and will even be kinder than some people. So you need to treat animals correctly, so as not to later declare that the dog barks at everyone and bites.
It all depends on the dog's upbringing. Let me give you an example: 2 owners of such breeds live in my building. One of them is a female, Jessie, and can bite, scare and bark sharply, and this applies to both a child and an adult, and the second dog is a male Baron, he is calm, affectionate, does not scare children and does not bark in vain. But the essence of the difference is that some (Jessie) did not take care of the dog, and why does she already have everything in her genetics, the breeder told us so, but the second, in terms of obedience, are OKD, a complete ideal. But alas, you can’t prove to people in words that your dog doesn’t bite in words, the most you can do is, with such human “interchanges” with you, switch your dog, or rather its attention, to performing some trick or exercise. Only in this case will you be able to somehow show people that the dog doesn’t bite. Good luck.
The Labrador Retriever has an extremely friendly attitude towards people. So friendly that he is ready to communicate with any passerby who looks at him. These are very sweet and sociable dogs. I read about the rules of English exhibitions, where they would remove a dog from the ring if the dog even looked askance at a person, let alone growled. A kind attitude towards people is a quality of the breed. A Labrador will greet a burglar cheerfully with its tail wagging; it will not be afraid and will not defend the property of its owners; a Labrador is not suitable for guarding. They trust all people without exception and they do not have the wariness characteristic of service breeds. Although the dog looks impressive, especially black Labradors. But it is necessary to raise a dog. These are big dogs and they must behave properly. As a child, my Labrador was ready to jump on any passerby, which, of course, is unacceptable. They weaned him off and he began to behave decently. There are no rules without exceptions, and perhaps there was a case when a Labrador bit someone, but I don’t know of such cases.
Joint dysplasia (with x-ray in the photo)
Dysplasia is understood as a violation of the normal functioning of the hip bones or other skeletal joints. One of the causes of dysplasia is considered to be incorrect location of the ball-and-socket joint in the acetabulum. Disorders in the functioning of the joints can be recognized based on x-rays.
Treatment is often performed with surgery. If the disease progresses significantly, then a complete replacement of the joint tissue is performed. During treatment, the animal is given Aspirin to relieve painful symptoms. Very often, the degree of joint release is determined based on the PennHip diagnostic principle. It allows you to measure the deviations that appear in centimeters.
NOTE!
If dysplasia has formed in the area of the elbow joint, then, most likely, the pet’s lameness made this known. Diagnosing the degree of development of the disease is possible only with the help of detailed x-rays.
During the treatment period, the dog should be at rest for as long as possible. The affected area is treated with a special lubricant. For example, Chondroitin sulfate, Aminoglucose or Polyglycosaminoglycan. Aspirin is used as a pain reliever.
The mechanism of development of aggression and its causes
Any dog, including a Labrador, is a descendant of a wolf, which is a predatory animal that lives according to the laws of the pack. The dog is an animal that was domesticated by humans long ago, but this does not mean that it has since ceased to live according to the laws of the pack, like its wolf ancestor. The family in which the pet lives is its pack. Ideally, a dog that is properly raised by its owner perceives the latter as the leader of the pack, which is manifested by the complete subordination of the animal to this person.
Aggression towards the owner is a sign that the dog feels dominant in the pack, and therefore can allow itself such behavior. Typically, this phenomenon occurs if the pet is not raised and is overly pampered, which is why it begins to get used to the role of the leader. Often, this behavior is observed in young males who have not participated in mating.
In addition to dominance aggression, there are other forms of aggressive behavior in Labradors, each of which has specific reasons:
- Fear: Fearful aggression can occur in a Labrador Retriever towards other dogs that he sees as a potential threat to his own safety. Any stranger and even your own owner can also become the object of aggression. The main cause of fear aggression is problems with socialization and too strict education of the dog, combined with physical punishment of the pet.
- Territory protection: a dog, like any predator, carefully protects its territory from strangers. Not only the apartment (house) in which the dog lives, but also the owner’s car can be perceived as personal territory, especially if the dog often travels in it. A properly raised Labrador, who does not have mental problems, will show aggressive territory defense only when an unwanted guest breaks into the area protected by the dog.
- Predator aggression: Contrary to popular belief, an adult Labrador, like any predatory creature, can attack weaker animals: cats, rodents and small breed dogs.
The listed forms of aggression are found in mentally balanced dogs when situations arise that threaten the safety of the animal and its personal territory.
The most severe case is considered to be rage aggression, which is explained by severe mental disorders in the dog. Aggression manifests itself spontaneously - the dog unexpectedly attacks a person or animal walking nearby. Often, the owner also suffers seriously from the pet’s behavior. Rage aggression is a behavior disorder that cannot be corrected, so the dog is euthanized. Among Labradors, uncontrolled aggression is extremely rare.
Ear diseases
Labradors often suffer from middle and inner ear infections. Bacterial infections are considered to be the cause of such ailments.
A progressive disease can be recognized by discharge from the ear. The dog constantly tries to scratch the sore spot. If there is a suspicion that the dog is suffering from such inflammation, then an x-ray and a detailed examination of the auricle should be performed.
Treatment often consists of antibiotics and vaccinations. If the disease progresses, surgical intervention will be necessary. Typically, a small incision is made into the eardrum. In some situations, the pinna is completely removed.
Causes of rapid breathing
Frequent breathing in an animal is caused by various pathologies. If rapid breathing is not associated with physical activity, then most likely your pet has problems with the heart or respiratory tract. The airways may be infected.
Other factors that cause a Labrador to pant frequently with its tongue hanging out include an increase in ambient temperature. If it rises above 25 degrees, then the dog’s body requires cooling. The pet begins to drink a lot, the salivary glands are actively working. There's definitely no need to worry here.
To determine the correct cause of rapid breathing, you need to consult a specialist. He will prescribe the necessary medications and advise preventive measures.
The mechanism of development of aggression and its causes
Any dog, including a Labrador, is a descendant of a wolf, which is a predatory animal that lives according to the laws of the pack. The dog is an animal that was domesticated by humans long ago, but this does not mean that it has since ceased to live according to the laws of the pack, like its wolf ancestor. The family in which the pet lives is its pack. Ideally, a dog that is properly raised by its owner perceives the latter as the leader of the pack, which is manifested by the complete subordination of the animal to this person.
Aggression towards the owner is a sign that the dog feels dominant in the pack, and therefore can allow itself such behavior. Typically, this phenomenon occurs if the pet is not raised and is overly pampered, which is why it begins to get used to the role of the leader. Often, this behavior is observed in young males who have not participated in mating.
In addition to dominance aggression, there are other forms of aggressive behavior in Labradors, each of which has specific reasons:
- Fear: Fearful aggression can occur in a Labrador Retriever towards other dogs that he sees as a potential threat to his own safety. Any stranger and even your own owner can also become the object of aggression. The main cause of fear aggression is problems with socialization and too strict education of the dog, combined with physical punishment of the pet.
- Territory protection: a dog, like any predator, carefully protects its territory from strangers. Not only the apartment (house) in which the dog lives, but also the owner’s car can be perceived as personal territory, especially if the dog often travels in it. A properly raised Labrador, who does not have mental problems, will show aggressive territory defense only when an unwanted guest breaks into the area protected by the dog.
- Predator aggression: Contrary to popular belief, an adult Labrador, like any predatory creature, can attack weaker animals: cats, rodents and small breed dogs.
How does an allergy manifest itself?
Allergies in Labradors occur due to many factors. Typically, it is associated with increased sensitivity to external allergens. Antibodies in the blood begin to perceive ordinary objects or foods as a threat to the body.
The disease can also develop in cases where the dog comes into contact with infected dogs. Allergens can lie dormant for a long time and make themselves felt after several months.
IMPORTANT!
Allergies manifest themselves in rapid breathing and disturbances in the condition of the skin. Severe dandruff can also cause allergies. Uncomfortable collars often lead to redness of the skin in the neck area, so you need to make sure that your dog feels comfortable.
How to properly use a Labrador for hunting
Most often, the Labrador is used for hunting when hunting. In this case, the dog should sit at the owner's feet, waiting for the shot and the subsequent command. Due to the fact that Labradors accurately remember where game falls, they help hunters pick up all the shot ducks. In particular, a dog of this breed will be an indispensable assistant when the killed game is in the water, and you don’t want to go after it in the cool season.
It happens that Labradors are taken to hunt wild boars, deer or fallow deer. This is also no coincidence, because retrievers have an excellent sense of smell, which allows them to find a shot animal by following bloody tracks, even if it is located several kilometers away. Endurance and strong instincts, perseverance and obedience, balance and excellent teamwork with humans - these are the main qualities of the breed that will affect a successful hunt.
