dog at shelter too hyper/independent?

I volunteer when i can at my local shelter and a dog in a shelter tends to act a lot differently to a home setting ,

This dog to me is the way it is because its in a shelter ,

It would probably be a different dog if you took it on ,

This puppy that has grown up in shelter's has never been taught leash manners, as no one person walks him each time on the leash. Labs are also very energetic and need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. They also get attached to their people and like being with their families. Think about how bored he must be to only get attention on an occasion when someone happens to come in and be interested in him.

Labs also are a large breed dog and large breed dogs do not emotionally mature until about 18 months to 2 years of age. So you are dealing with a shelter dog, that is lacking in training, exercise, attention and in an adult body but with the mind and energy of a puppy.

You see at the shelter he is left to his own devices for exercise, entertainment and attention. Neutering him is a good idea but will not fix the things that are concerning to you, training, attention, affection, exercise, patience and consistency will be the recipe for success.

I have had my girl since she was 6 weeks old, she has been trained, she gets 2-3.5 miles of walking on a leash each day, plenty of attention and affection and I am very consistent with her yet when we walk she still will have to be redirected from others dogs, people, children, rabbits and squirrels. She is very friendly (due to on going socialization) and loves attention from anyone that may walk by.

I bet this shelter boy will have a whole new outlook on life if you take him home with you, you may even be able to do so on a trial basis. Give him a chance!!! By the way, if you decide to take him home make sure you puppy proof any areas the pup will have access to, he will probably need to also be house trained. A lab is not meant to stay outside alone, they are happiest inside with a loving family!!

I hope this helps and good luck!

Neutering will probably not slow him down. Neutering only changes behaviors that have to do with testosterone, and his high energy comes from his age and his breed, not his man parts. He will stay an active dog until he is an old fat dog - also common for labs.

Daily exercise and training will help with the energy levels, and with his ability to focus. But labs are friendly and curious - gets them in trouble a lot so be sue to dog proof your house - and as much as he likes you he will still want to go meet everything that moves anyway.

Don't be too upset that he's not focused on you at the moment. You are not a constant, just another person that takes him on walks now and then. He will get more attached once he figures out you are the bringer of food.

Hmm, this is a hard question, as we really can't tell for certain what behavior a dog will display. I will do my best to answer your question, however :)

Labs are naturally hyper dogs; I think it is probably his personality. He pulls at the leash because he's trying to be in control and alpha. This will go away with training. Neutering him might make him a little less hyper but it really won't alter him that much. I think his lack of interest in you IS because of the commotion at the shelter. It can easily get a dog overwhelmed, even if they've lived in shelters their whole life. He might be a generally independent dog, but in my personal experience I know dogs are very curious in certain situations. My poor little Staffie x was one of these dogs; when me and my mother walked her out of the shelter, it nearly took us half an hour just because she needed to sniff everything and play with every other dog.

A dogs behavior in a shelter setting may be very different than how it will actin a home, but there is not precise or for sure way to predict their behavior in a few days, weeks or months.

Thats why rescue is a bit of a gamble, but it is worth saving a dog if you can.