Megan

[phoenixbbs]

None of our other dogs have been in a crate, and while I understand what you're saying about in case of a fire, that's partially why we are trying one.

She's into chewing any cables and anything plastic she can get her paws on, from power packs for things like the computer, to the pond pump cable (underwater, but that hasn't stopped her trying !).

Apart from the high risk of electrocution while she's at it, it's also a big fire risk - which is what you weren't happy about.

I might be the odd-one out for this, but we actually try to train our dogs to head straight for the dog flap if a smoke alarm goes off !

As for a flap being big enough for a chunky lab, the one we lost in November was the largest lab bitch we'd ever seen - bigger than most males by 20-30% - and could get out of the largest Staywell flap quite easily.

On that note though, Staywell USED to be OK, but the last one we bought showed how far their standards had dropped. They used to make them in what felt like polypropylene (tough and flexible), but had moved over to using really cheap and nasty polystyrene (hard, brittle, easily broken).

Our original Staywell lasted about 14 years, and was only replaced because the hinge mechanism was worn beyond repair.

The replacement (same size from same company) broke in less than 2 DAYS - the door cracked along the hinge line.

I wrote to them to complain about the change in quality, and they agreed to replace the door with a flexible one. A couple more days after that, and the outer part of the flap broke on one side, which was then a danger to the dogs so had to be removed - but without the outer part of the door in place, it blows a gale through there.

[JoanG]

So pleased to read that Megan is settling a bit. If I were you I would have no hesitation in using a dog crate I think most dogs grow to love their crate and like to go in them long after the need for them has gone. I used puppy panels for my youngsters (bought many years ago before all these lovely dog crates were available) to make a safe area to leave my pup or chewing dog. I think it's much, much safer for the dog and the house to know they can't get up to mischief when you're not there.

I know someone whose lab scratched up the carpet when they were out and then burrowed under it, tipping up the furniture so they couldn't get in the door, they had to break the window. You wouldn't leave a young child alone with free run of a house or kitchen and not expect them to get bored and up to mischief, same with a young dog, especially those with plenty of energy.

My first lab chewed through the kitchen wall down to the brick, hence why we bought the puppy panels. I've used them with all my dogs since, including George (adopted age 10 months) and haven't had any damage done. I love my dogs but I've never wanted my home wrecked by them. (Same principle as raising my kids really )

Joan x

[Emma T]

Poppy loved her crate it really was her den (of iniquity ) and all her steals and treasures went in with her. Barney really wasn't keen but gradually got used to it, which was good as he was a chewer and he was safer in there when we were out. Megan sounds bonkers and great fun!

[twig28]

Sounds like your having a good time with megan.It is a wonderful pic. My lab Coco has just started to mature ever so slightly and she will be 2 in May! (kitchen chairs still not quite safe!) We had a crate for her when we first got her as that was what she was use to but at about 12 months just started leaving the door open. Mazy is now in it and she has just turned 1. I am hoping to start leaving the door open on it but we have had sooo much trouble house training her. She still has accidents now. We only use it at night but sometimes we have to get all 3 out then let Mazy back in!
Good luck.

[JoanG]

We only use it at night but sometimes we have to get all 3 out then let Mazy back in!
Good luck.

can just picture that

Joan x

[Lins]

I don't know how I've missed these posts but, hey ho, have I had a good laugh. Especially the video. Can't say I think she's a "mutt"! Only a choccie lab performs like Megan. I reckon she's a full blow mad choccie.

[Melliott]

Staffy????!! Collie????!! Mutt????!!!! - I don't think so

Gorgeous Choccie Girl - I think thats a yes then

[LabLover]

I agree with Lins and Michelle and having a rescue Chocci myself who looks like Megan, although he's a boy has anyone ever referred to him as being part staffy, collie or a mutt.
Even the specialist who he's under and who's dad breeds the working lab said what a beautiful looking lab he is. If I was you think I would be changing vets if yours cant tell the difference between a lab and a cross .

[mcca]

looks like my jess colour and face shape LAB

anne

[phoenixbbs]

This particular vet won something along the lines of Petplan Vet of the Year...

[scubakim]

We had a lab cross for 12 years (Mollie in the avatar) and she was an absolute whirlwind for the first 18 months of her life and then suddenly she turned into the most amazing dog and everyone wanted one like her

We never knew what she was crossed with as mum was a rescue dog and over the years different vets thought she was lab crossed with collie or GSD or something else. We did once toy with the idea of doing a dog DNA test out of curiosity (Pets at Home do them on line for about £30) but she was 'our Moll' no matter what other genes were in her

We lost Mollie suddenly at Xmas which as we all know is one of the most painful things to experience, but the pain of being 'dogless' was almost as unbearable - and then along came Murphy our gorgeous Chocci puppy

Like you we had never used a crate before but remembering Mollies 'features' as a pup we decided to give it a go and it's amazing. Murphy sees it as his space and takes himself off in there whenever he wants a good snooze, often choosing it over his nice comfy dog bed!

The result is we don't open our front door after a shopping trip and think 'what has he done/got/chewed' etc. So whatever Megans genetic make up is she'll grow into a gorgeous young lady with your help

Kim x

PS We saw Megan at MKF and we think she's a full blown chocci too!!

[phoenixbbs]

Good to hear Murphy's gone to a good home (let's face it, if you're on here, it's going to be a good home !)

Did you see the white patches behind Meg's front paws - I don't think I've ever seen a "patchy" labrador before, so it'd be an education for me too :-}

I suppose it's all fairly immaterial, all dogs are derived from wolves, no matter how big / small / shaped they are, it's a "human" thing to classify them into breeds - sure, we we like labs, because they've got a character that suits us.

Last night ended up being a fair bit noisier than Sunday night in the crate - she went into full-scale "howl" mode, which was a first for us...

[phoenixbbs]

Just been trying to figure this out, and apparently they *can* have "bolo" marks behind their paws - and they can be seen on sites like this;

http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/mismarks2.html

http://greenstonelabradors.com/understa ... -labrador/

[Diesel Kate]

Staffy????!! Collie????!! Mutt????!!!! - I don't think so

Gorgeous Choccie Girl - I think thats a yes then

Me thinks the Vet needs to change his glasses

Love the pictures and what a character

[JoanG]

Have to say Megan looks like lots of other young choc labs I've come across. George's best friend Kofi, choc lab is a tiny girl, thin faced, working bred but definitely all lab. George on the other hand is a really big boy, 41 kg no fat! And the vet says he's definitely all lab, again working bred.

Megan's gorgeous she looks so healthy and shiny, another owner who gets up early to polish their lab

Joan x