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I keep chiming in on this thread, 'cause I don't mind being wrong (a bunch!) if it eventually leads to a happy, healthy dog and a happy Matt! The good Dr is absolutely spot on imo....who woulda figured
! Though I've never needed to resort to a spray bottle or can of "noise", I've often heard they are effective. I concur about the "name brand" foods, not all being equal. Me, I'm just not gonna pay HUGE $ for exoctic foods, but use a good, decent brand (I use Pro Plan (made by Purina...what my last breeder and my vet use)), but Iams, Blue, and a few others would be fine too. Hint...if it's sold in a grocery store, it might not be great even if it's named Purina. G's suggestion about a run would be an option as a last resort for "me", but a good one if all else fails. I'm still a firm believer that the behavior CAN be modified with just a bit of effort and a change of tactics. Good luck Matt...keep it up and let us know!
ps: ALL labs aren't hard headed...they are absolutely one of the smartest and "easiest" breeds to train around...using the right techniques.