Landsburg Labradors

11/14/2025

Costco has their memory foam dog bed pads again. So comfy, cushy & washable!!

I guess some folks refer to these as “bath mats”, 🙄 , but savvy puppy raisers like me know these make great crate pads- and the price is right!

11/12/2025

Molly got a new ball for her birthday. 🥳

Happy Birthday to Landsburg’s Good Golly Miss Molly.

Molly, you are soooo loved! ❤️

11/10/2025

Yesterday we had a visitor from Molly’s last litter who is an adorable guy, with a very naughty habit of jumping towards people, and mouthing their arms.

He has no intent to harm, but he’s a big guy, and could knock someone down, but also grabbing arms & clothing is not a good thing.

Again, trainer Jamie Diaz has a dog with the exact same issues ( she never diappoints!) - here is her solution:

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/15R2CFPbQVq/?mibextid=wwXIfr

11/10/2025

Great info on slip leads!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GNuVDhQHX/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Why We Use Slip Leads at the Pines (and Why They Work)

At Fairfax Pines, every dog—from wiggly babies to our 100-pound stud boys—moves on a simple slip lead. No flat collar, no harness, just one tidy tool that keeps everyone safe and in sync.

I’ve boarded plenty of sweet family dogs who arrive in collars and harnesses… and I still can’t steer them. Meanwhile, I can guide my biggest boys with two fingers. 🤷‍♀️ What’s the difference? Manners and clear communication. A slip lead helps me create both.

What a Slip Lead Is (and isn’t)

A slip lead is a leash-and-collar in one. Used correctly, it gives clear, kind communication:

Light pressure = “please pause/slow.”
Instant release = “yes, that’s it—good choice.”
It’s not a punishment tool. It’s a teaching tool.

Why We Love It

Fast & simple: On/off in seconds—perfect for potty trips, vet runs, walking and hiking...

Clear feedback: Pressure on → dog softens → pressure off. Dogs learn release cues quickly (and handlers learn soft hands).

Calmer thresholds: Safer doorways, gates, and parking lots; reduces door-darting chaos.

Low profile: Less gear, more focus—especially helpful for young or overstimulated pups.

The Real Reason It Works: Manners > Muscle

I can “control” a 100-pound intact male on a slip lead because he understands the conversation: my hands whisper; he listens. A 60-pound pet with no leash manners can out-muscle any harness because there’s no shared language—just pulling. The slip lead helps us build that language fast.

How to Use It (Safety First)

High on the neck: Place the loop just behind the ears for gentle control.

Orientation matters: Dog on your left = loop looks like a “P.” (Right side = “q.”) That makes it loosen instantly.

Set the stopper: Snug it so the loop can’t drop too low or slip off.

Supervision only: Remove for crating or unsupervised time.

Soft hands: Guide, don’t jerk. Reward the moment the leash softens.
60-Second Starter Drill (Do this 2–3×/day)

Slip on high, stopper set.

Take 3 slow steps. If the leash tightens, freeze.

Pup offers even a tiny slack? Release and calmly “good.”
Repeat another 3 steps. End on a win.

You’re teaching: “Slack makes the world go forward.”

11/08/2025

I made vegetable-chicken broth this week, and made my pups some frozen PUPsicles with the “leftovers” after straining.

I always add Apple Cider vinegar to the broth, which softens the cooked bones, making them crumbly & safe for digestion.

Look at those faces!

11/08/2025

$2 pumpkin- made 14 cups puree

11/07/2025

Violet is enjoying a sunny day ( finally!) out biking with her mom today. She’s so sweet & adorable 🥰.

Landsburg’s Ain’t No Shrinkin’ Violet
(Violet is Molly’s sister)

11/07/2025

Yesterday I stopped at QFC to get “just a couple things”
(ah-hem), but walked out with 12 dozen eggs.

In my defense- they store well in a cool garage, but I also have 3 deep freezers, and freeze dryer. 70% off is a really good price, right ?

Did you know eggs preserve really well? If you scramble slightly, then freeze in ice cube trays or similar, they are good for probably a year. If you freeze dry them, you have up to 25 year shelf life.

My pups are going to enjoy these!

11/07/2025

Welp, I heard from Duke. Y’all- its not good news ☹️

Duke told me him mom & dad are starving him! 😩
He said he’s wasting away- no food in 5 minutes!

Desperate times- He’s had to resort to begging 😜

11/07/2025

Michelle sent this ridiculous video of her hubby & Merida.
(I’m pretty sure Michelle has competition). 🤪

Merida is our Molly’s sister.

P.s. Cue the birthday hats- the Veterans Day litter is about to turn 5! 🥳

11/06/2025

Today’s post: all about supplements & nutrition to keep your labs healthy 😍

Anyone who has adopted a pup from me received my “Reccommendations from Landsburg Labs” document via email, that outlined my opinions on food, nutrition, & health. (did I hear ya checking your email just now? 😉)
If for some reason you don’t have that, cuz maybe I missed ya, just holler & I’ll email to you 👍

👉Labradors NEED joint support & EFA’s ( fish oil). ALL dogs benefit from the anthocyanins in blueberries, the collagen in meat broths, the fiber in pumpkin, and the antioxidants in certain lacto-fermented foods such as sauerkraut & apple cider vinegar that have been shown to neutralize glyphosate ( herbicide).

They also benefit from cruciferous vegetables with sulforaphane such as broccoli/broccoli sprouts, and virtally every berry, and every dark leafy vegetable, organ meats, wild meats & fish, but I rotate those

Below are some of the items I ALWAYS buy at Costco for my pups. (Note- I usually buy the Kirkland Fish oil, but sometimes buy the pricier salmon oils, so added pics of those) I did sone math, and if you bought a year’s supply of these 6 core items, your cost would run just over $400. ($33-ish a month)

That’s assuming the following per day:
Kraut -2 heaping tblsp/day
Broth 1/2 cup/day
1/4 cup blueberries
2 tblsp pumpkin puree
1 Cosequin tablet
1 fish oil capsule

Other items I buy at Costco on occassion for my pups:
Broccoli, microgreens ( did you know they are higher in nutrition than their “grown up” counterparts?), carrots, ground turkey, ground buffalo, quail eggs ( feed with shell!) , chicken eggs ( its best to cook the whites), and h**p hearts.

I’d love to hear from anyone/everyone- what do you supplement your pup’s diet with?

-Tami

11/05/2025

Reminder from Dr Peter Dobias, DVM— and me!