WaterfowlChat

[Mad Duck]

My lab is 8, 95 pounds and still lively as ever. He tires a littler easier than before, but can still do it all. I would not send him on excessive retrieves but he will still do anything.

The evening after hunting or playing hard he's hurting bad. Real stiff and hard to move. I probably would Not work him two days in a row. 1 Buffered aspirin wrapped in lunch meat when we get home helps some.

I hate leaving him home, he cam still work and loves to be there. I think next year or the year after he may end up just being a boat companion to "guard" the birds so they do not get away.

And advice to working with the old dogs? He's the Family dog too, so he's not replaceable until he dies. I'll have a buddies dog get birds and have mine watch before that.

[pond jumper]

My uncle had an old golden that was the same way, around 9-10 years old he started having problems with his hips and shoulders and then his breathing later on, what he started to do was still take the old fella but only let him get one or 2 retrieves an outing that werent to far out or in heavy cover, kept the dog involved but it wasnt enough to wear him out, the last year the dog went he was almost 14 years old, he got one retrieve opening day on one that landed right by the blind and he was done for the day but was still happy as ever to be there

[Mallard Machine]

Try putting the old guy on some Glucosamine..

Very good for their hips and joints. He won't be as stiff. My lab is now 7 and he's on these pills due to surgery's and it's like day and night for him!!

hope it helps

Good Luck!!