[needmorePaine]

Yes, she has a crate, and is usually pretty good in chilling out for a bit, but there are times where she demands to be let out by barking and pawing at the crate, which we ignore unless we know she has to be let out to relieve herself. One time she escaped, and we had to get a new crate!

The genetics are probably a problem in that, while we give her plenty of exercise in the yard with games and tricks, she may just need to be an all-day hunting dog because those are her instincts. I am not a hunter.

[Darnright]

I’ve pinged AnAmericanMother to this post. She has worked with field Labradors for years and might be able to give you some idea of what might take the place of field work in this Springer’s life.

One thing that may possibly work with the food issues is to make her down before she gets any food. She’ll learn that pushing and getting up in your face gets her nothing. She can’t be in your face from the down position. Toss the food directly between her legs so she dips her head to get the food. This encourages staying down.