#34 - Labrador Adolescence, Castration, and Training. - All about Freddie

In this episode of The Labrador Podcast, we talk to Becky about her energetic and lovable Labrador, Freddie.

At just 16 months old, Freddie embodies a cheeky personality that has stolen Becky's heart. Their journey has been of growth, challenges, and the unwavering bond between a pet and his dedicated owner.

Becky reflects on her experience of adopting a Labrador named Noel during a previous relationship and how that encounter kindled her affection for the breed. Despite the loss of Noel due to relationship changes, Becky's love for Labradors persisted, leading her to embrace the joys and challenges of bringing a new puppy into her life and raising Freddie to be a happy, healthy teenager.

The podcast delves into the ups and downs of Freddie's training journey. Freddie's dynamic personality was evident from his early days as an 8-week-old puppy. Becky's commitment to giving him the best upbringing included focused training efforts grounded in positive reinforcement and food-based methods, making the early stages of training a smooth process. 

However, creating a solid sleep routine took time and effort, especially as Freddie entered his adolescence phase.

The sudden onset of teenage behaviours disrupted training efforts, affecting sleep routines and responsiveness from Freddie. Freddie's intense barking through the night prompted Becky to sleep on the dining room floor for three months to support him through this trying phase. Becks also shares some tips that helped Freddie manage his emotions and maintain balance during the daytime.

Becky shines a light on the individuality of canine adolescence. Every dog is different, and every situation is different. But after many discussions with a trainer and a vet, it was decided that castration was a sensible decision for Freddie and his individual challenges.

Despite the complexity of this decision, Becky noticed positive changes in Freddie's behaviour after the procedure, illustrating the importance of considering individual dog needs and consulting professionals.

Reflecting on their journey, Becky highlights the significance of routine, patience, and tailored approaches to training. She advocates reaching out to trusted trainers and veterinarians and seeking support from friends and family when necessary. 

Listeners are encouraged to follow Freddie's adventures on Instagram and support Becky, who has made tough decisions with her dog's best interests at heart. Check them out at @foxredfreddie_

The Labrador Podcast is the official Podcast of Tails of Success - Labrador Training.

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