2.5 year old black lab mix.. dosent bark

Question
QUESTION: I have a 2.5 year old black mab mix that I had addopted from an animal shelter, he was there for 2 moths until i had addopted him a week ago. the shelter does not know his history because he was a stray dog, although he does not deficate or urinate in the house, does not jump on the bed nor the sofa, dosent tare the place appart, and up untill a few days ago had started to get used to me (but since day one he does leep on the flor next o my bed).. thing is, asside from not playing fetch he dosent bark.. is this normal? or is my dog a mute? I believe he was beaten very badly by a previous owner.. I figured this out especialy when I had pulled a chew bone out of my bag and he moved like a flash to another side of the room..
he is begining to get used to me which is nice, but as we are in Belgium, I have to teach him english comands (although sometimes he reacts to the word for sit in french, but I will teach him english for some comands and french for others). so how may I know if he is a mute or not.
and one last thing, in the middle of the night (during the previous 2 nights) he wakes up and needs a walk or wants to play, is this normal, or does he just not get enough exercise? (I walk him in the morning, once at lunch and twice a night, and wtake him most places I go.. even shopping)

ANSWER: Sounds like a great dog.  Labs usually aren't great barkers.  My 13 month old one won't even bark to be let in.  It could be the previous owner beat him every time he opened his mouth.  It is also possible they may have had his vocal cords cut to prevent barking.  I can't say how to check on that except asking a vet.  Enjoy the peace and quiet and good relations with your neighbors.  

I am not sure dogs keep the kind of schedule we do with a single long periods of sleep and activity.  I think their natural pattern is several short naps a day.  Once he is obedience trained, you can tell him down and stay when he gets up.  Give he as little attention as possible.  With a little luck, he will give up on you at night if he doesn't get attention.  



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QUESTION: heres another one, in regards to my dog, I am afraid to leave him walking around the house alone as fear that he will make my living rom his personal dog walk and take his defecations there when Im not around (like he has already done once before). so  have him in a small room where he eats, and where his bed is. I have this room connected to a balcony so he can at least go outside for fresh air, and allows him to use the bathroom if he must.. for fear that he might become bored an try to jump over the railing (Im 3 flights up), I have him on a chain (which he cannot bite through)... I dont think its fair that he has to remain locked up on a chain, but for the moment its for his own safety. I would like to take off the chain and allow him his freedom to roam around as he pleases. So basicaly what precautions must I take so he does not jump the railing of the balcony (the railing is 3.5 feet high and mind you he is so far totaly calm for a dog)and what must I do so if I allow him access to the living room he does not make it his bathroom again?
as usual thanks,

Answer
I agree with your concern about the balcony.  I am afraid the only suggestion would be to either make the railing much higher, or even cover it.  You can buy a 4'X 8' sheets of wooden or plastic lattice work.  Perhaps you could just lay one over the balcony on the railing.  

Another alternative would be doggy day care while you are at work.