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Fox Red/Yellow Lab size query

20 9:34:20

Question

Hi,

I have a 6 1/2 Fox Red/Yellow lab (Pedigree) and I think he is a little on the small size. He is a hair under 20 inches tall and weights 58 pounds. In your expert opinion is it likely he will grow more? I have looked on the internet and I have found so many different answers about people saying they stop growing at 6 months and others say it happens at 18 months. I have attached a photo. Any guidance you can provide would be great.

Also I wanted to ask do u have any tips for how to train my puppy to bark when someone knocks or rings the doorbell? I would like him to tell me when someone is at the door, currently he goes to the door, looks at it and wags his tale. Which is fine but if I can I would prefer if he gave a little bark. Any tips would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advanced

Answer
it is a real hockey stick thing and the bigger the dog, the later they keep growing.  Check the ends of the leg bones.  If they are still much knobbier than an adult's, the growth plates are still open and it is still growing.  If not, do not expect much more growth.

You may find this link interesting,   http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/134/8/2027S

As for the barking, act excited, clap your hands, and call to him.  Dogs pick up on our behavior.