Read this BEFORE getting a labrador!!!!

[juliefurry]

I found this today. It's a pros and con list to owning a labrador. If anyone is thinking of getting a lab PLEASE READ THIS!






If you want a dog who...



Is large and bouncy, with an enthusiastic attitude toward life
Has a short easy-care coat in your choice of three colors
Has a cheerful, tail-wagging nature
Thrives on vigorous exercise and athletic activities
Is steady-tempered and dependable with everyone
Is peaceful with other animals
Is eager to please and very responsive to training
A Labrador Retriever may be right for you.



If you don't want to deal with...



A careful search to avoid all the neurotic Labradors
Vigorous exercise requirements
Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young or not exercised enough
"Separation anxiety" (destructiveness and barking) when left alone too much
Mouthiness -- carrying and chewing objects, mouthing your hands
Shedding
A multitude of serious health problems
A Labrador Retriever may not be right for you.



If I were considering a Labrador Retriever...


My major concerns would be:


Unstable temperaments. Labrador Retrievers used to be one of the safest breeds you could buy, but sadly, this is no longer the case. Obedience instructors and behavioral consultants are seeing more and more Labrador Retrievers who are neurotic, hyperactive, or dominant/aggressive. It's the unfortunate result of popularity that the typically glorious Labrador Retriever temperament can no longer be taken for granted.

Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. Labrador Retrievers MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by becoming destructive. Bored Labradors can make a shambles of your house and yard.

If you simply want a pet for your family, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog running or hiking or biking or swimming, or to get involved in agility (obstacle course), or advanced obedience, or tracking, or a similar canine activity, I do not recommend this breed.


Bounciness. Young Labrador Retrievers (up to about three years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including people.

If you have small children, or if you or anyone who lives with you is elderly or infirm, I do not recommend Labrador Retriever puppies. The temptation to play roughly is simply too great with many young Labrador Retrievers.


Separation anxiety. More than most other breeds, Labrador Retrievers need a great deal of companionship and do not like being left alone for more than a few hours. They tend to express their unhappiness through destructive chewing and barking. If you work all day, this is not the breed for you.

Shedding and doggy odor. For such a shorthaired dog, Labrador Retrievers shed more than you might think. Their hairs come off on your hands when you pet them, and stick tenaciously to your clothing, upholstery, and carpeting. Be prepared for vacuuming.

Serious health problems. From joint and bone problems, to eye diseases, to heart disease, to cancer, Labrador Retrievers are risky in the health department.

To keep this breed healthy, I strongly recommend following all of the advice on my Labrador Retriever Health Page.



If you're considering an adult Labrador Retriever...


There are plenty of adult Labrador Retrievers who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you.

When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS.

[gaddylovesdogs]

(destructiveness and barking) when left alone too much
Very true for labbies. They absolutely hate being left alone.

[showpug]

Very nice and informative :)

[Rose's Gal]

Yep, I love the site you got that off of. For anybody who is interested ( :) ) It is www.yourpurebredpuppy.com . It has a ton of breed profiles, as well as where to by a pup, the advantages and disadvantages of spaying/neutering, purebred dogs vs. mixed breed dogs, etc. etc. I absolutly LOVE the book she wrote too.
In the book, it also says what questions to ask a breeder, what makes a BYB/Puppy Mill, what to look out for in ads, how to choose your puppy or an older dog, and what makes a show quality/petquality dog, plus the profiles and info on owning a dog in the first place. (The site is based on the book.) I think the book is a must have for any dog owner. (But then, I'm baised. lol :) )

[bubbatd]

Glad this didn't apply to my one past and 2 present Grand-Labs......like all breeds, it starts with the breeder then on to the owner.

[juliefurry]

yeah it was a really neat site. I can't believe I didn't find it until today.

[Jason]

The site looks good but it appears to recycle information. Check out different breeds from the same groups, and you'll see the same thing is said over and over.

Also, the site says things that are curious at best. For example, for every Retriever it says "not recommended with small children". Come again? Everything I have read and heard about Retrievers is that they are A+ with kids.

[juliefurry]

well they are just saying puppies aren't. I have a lab puppy (4 months) and a daughter who is a year and if the puppy gets TOO excited she will knock my daughter over and scare my daughter. Labs are a very energetic breed and will knock kids over without really realizing it. I mean my lab loves my daughter but right now she is just TOO energetic to trust her around her. I have to have my puppy leashed and have my hand right by her collar incase she even attempts to jump on my little girl.

[Jason]

That just makes you a smart and responsible parent. What puppies aren't energetic? If that's the case, then no puppies are good around small children (which very well may be true). I'll take my chances with a Retriever and use caution like yourself.

[Yellow Shepard]

I already have a lab and I love him!!!

[BigDog2191]

A Lab's not for me...

[gaddylovesdogs]

That just makes you a smart and responsible parent. What puppies aren't energetic? If that's the case, then no puppies are good around small children (which very well may be true). I'll take my chances with a Retriever and use caution like yourself.
Jason, by energetic, we mean this breed is like a race car. They never tire - they can tear apart a pair of shoes, pee on a rug, ruin your lawn, bark at the neighbor's dog, terrorize the cat, play tug-o-war (and wreck the rope) in a matter of minutes.

[Jason]

Would you say a Golden or Flat-Coated is more mellow or are all Retrievers like that?

[gaddylovesdogs]

All retrievers are like that as puppies. It can take years for them to calm down.

[juliefurry]

I'm by no means saying labs aren't good with kids. My pup LOVES our daughter. I also think it's good to raise the pup with the baby I think it is better for the puppy to grow up with a toddler right from coming home. It is a lot of extra work but it's worth it.

[Rose's Gal]

Saying Labs aren't good with kids, is like saying Boxers aren't good with kids. They love them to death, but they are just so HYPER! lol Toddlers can easily be hurt by a Lab puppy on a rampage.
I was watching a GR puppy (6 months) for a friend, and while the dog loved my little sister, she was just so hyper that Melanie was scared of her.
Labs are good with kids genrally, but you have to take extra precations with the younger kids (as with all large, hyper dogs). And then there is the fact that Labs tend to stay puppies until they are above 3 years.

[stirder]

no matter what the breed is, children and strangers, even friends should never be left alone with a dog. they should always be supervised.

[Athe]

Cautions and concerns apply to ALL dogs. Any dog is going to change your lifestyle and cause extra work.

[aurorab]

I so agree, dog and kids need to learn what is right and wrong, and saying that a specific dog is not good w/ kids I just don't get it. Any breed can be bad or good w/ kids. But you have to train the dogs in what they can and cant do and the kids need to also learn what they can and can't do. I have 2 chis and some rescues will NOT adopt them to families w/ samll children. My chi is great w/ the kids. They have even grabed her fur and she's ok. Granted that was a very little one we were all watching and he just got a bit of her. She just looked at us like please same me and we did. My neice and nephew grow up w/ her and they all know how to act. We still will not leave them alone together, but I would do that w/ any dog. I think it is more up to the owner than the dog or the kids and that broad generalization is wrong. Sorry my opinion.

[EliNHunter]

Goldens: NEED attention.
Labs: WANT attention.

Goldens: MUST be touching you at all times.
Labs: WANT to touch you at all times.

Goldens: They must be Catholics – they understand the need to confess their guilt.
Labs: They must be Protestant – What guilt?

Goldens: If they had a job, they’d be a social worker.
Labs: If they had a job, they’d be a standup comedian.

Goldens: If they could speak, they’d constantly say “I love you.” And if you come home and find a lamp is broken, they’d say “Broken lamp? I must have done it. I know I was outside the whole time, but I must have done it. Oh nooo… someone’s unhappy.”
Labs: If they could speak, they’d constantly say “Love me.” And if you come home and find a lamp is broken, they’d say “Broken lamp? I did it. I was having tons of fun. Want to see me break the other one?”

Goldens: Hang on you.
Labs: Body slam you.

Goldens: Long hair in your food, on your clothes, on your couch.
Labs: Shorter hair in your food, on your clothes, on your couch.

Goldens: Brush daily.
Labs: Wash and wear!

[aurorab]

HEHEHEHE That was so cute!

[Dakotah_2009]

Lot more info than I expected, but useful! My sister has a Black Lab when left alone she only barks for about 5 minutes and is in the dog house asleep, and she just turned 2 in Feburary (sp?) and she is very very calm, has been since about 1 1/2/ years old! But still has tons of energy when she wants too b played with.

[juliefurry]

yeah they can be VERY playful. I mean I know our lab is really laid back almost all day but there are a few times during the day that she is just a ball of energy and she's only four months old.

[EliNHunter]

I had both a lab (Yogi) and a golden (Eli) for 9 years and the little story fits the breed to a TEE! Even though Yogi was laid back too, he was just a jokester (a.k.a. Mr. Ham) and pushy and Eli was soooooooo laid back and just loving :D

[Doberluv]

My Lab, Bonnie was the way a Lab should be. She was playful as a pup, but not hyper at all. She was a rather laid back pup. Other Labs that I knew back then were the same way. I don't know how this hyper, out of control description got into them. They're not suppose to be that way. Exhuberant and playful, yes, but not over the top.

And they were always one of the first choices for kids and family dogs. I haven't experienced any wild ones yet and hope breeders will work at getting their temperaments back under control.

[Doberluv]

Hunter looks lovely. My bf has a blk Lab and she's the same way I described Bonnie and how you describe your dogs...very laid back, unperturbed and sooooo sweet.

[juliefurry]

my puppy gets very hyper around new and unfamiliar things (i.e. new people, new dogs). She's starting to calm down a lot around my daughter though.

[MOODYGIRL]

I found this today. It's a pros and con list to owning a labrador. If anyone is thinking of getting a lab PLEASE READ THIS!






If you want a dog who...



Is large and bouncy, with an enthusiastic attitude toward life
Has a short easy-care coat in your choice of three colors
Has a cheerful, tail-wagging nature
Thrives on vigorous exercise and athletic activities
Is steady-tempered and dependable with everyone
Is peaceful with other animals
Is eager to please and very responsive to training
A Labrador Retriever may be right for you.



If you don't want to deal with...



A careful search to avoid all the neurotic Labradors
Vigorous exercise requirements
Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young or not exercised enough
"Separation anxiety" (destructiveness and barking) when left alone too much
Mouthiness -- carrying and chewing objects, mouthing your hands
Shedding
A multitude of serious health problems
A Labrador Retriever may not be right for you.



If I were considering a Labrador Retriever...


My major concerns would be:


Unstable temperaments. Labrador Retrievers used to be one of the safest breeds you could buy, but sadly, this is no longer the case. Obedience instructors and behavioral consultants are seeing more and more Labrador Retrievers who are neurotic, hyperactive, or dominant/aggressive. It's the unfortunate result of popularity that the typically glorious Labrador Retriever temperament can no longer be taken for granted.

Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. Labrador Retrievers MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by becoming destructive. Bored Labradors can make a shambles of your house and yard.

If you simply want a pet for your family, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog running or hiking or biking or swimming, or to get involved in agility (obstacle course), or advanced obedience, or tracking, or a similar canine activity, I do not recommend this breed.


Bounciness. Young Labrador Retrievers (up to about three years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including people.

If you have small children, or if you or anyone who lives with you is elderly or infirm, I do not recommend Labrador Retriever puppies. The temptation to play roughly is simply too great with many young Labrador Retrievers.


Separation anxiety. More than most other breeds, Labrador Retrievers need a great deal of companionship and do not like being left alone for more than a few hours. They tend to express their unhappiness through destructive chewing and barking. If you work all day, this is not the breed for you.

Shedding and doggy odor. For such a shorthaired dog, Labrador Retrievers shed more than you might think. Their hairs come off on your hands when you pet them, and stick tenaciously to your clothing, upholstery, and carpeting. Be prepared for vacuuming.

Serious health problems. From joint and bone problems, to eye diseases, to heart disease, to cancer, Labrador Retrievers are risky in the health department.

To keep this breed healthy, I strongly recommend following all of the advice on my Labrador Retriever Health Page.



If you're considering an adult Labrador Retriever...


There are plenty of adult Labrador Retrievers who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you.

When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS.

Yes I can't take that I work with them they jump all on you they bark so much they make me want to die.

[Goldens2&Cav]

The site also states that Golden Retrievers have a doggy odor.....I have owned 4 and that is not the case at all. Don't say that my dog smells! :-)
Cathy

[ice cold]

One of my favorite dogs I ever had was a lab. Unfotunately, due mainly to his size, but also to my mom being allergic, health problems, and just being way too smart, we had to give him up within a few months of getting him. I don't think any of our reasons were good...but meh, my mom gave him away one day when I wasn't home and when I called later and asked how my dog was, she just told me and I was heartbroken. Not kidding that sent me into therapy. Really not kidding. I'm still pissed at my mom and that was years ago. But anyways, Jake was about 5 years old when we adopted him from the humane society. He was I think 115 lbs, yellow, male. He wasn't exactly fat...but he could stand to lose a few pounds, lol. But this dog...I'd try to take himfor walks but he just was too lazy. He'd walk maybe 20 feet then lay down and refuse to move. I kinda appreciated that actually, lol. I'm lazy too. That dog and me were meant for eachother. I also managed to teach him about 24 tricks in 2 weeks. VERY easy to train. And he didn't chase the cat TOO much. He was great with kids, although he tended to knock them over. But then there were his bad parts-
1. Shedding. The only thing I've seen shed more than a lab is a pug.
2. I don't know why...but he'd take used tampons out of the garbageand take them into the living room and eat them, ESPECIALLY when guests were there.
3. At dinner he'd do tricks to try and get human food (never did from us). He'd spin in circles howling just as I'd taught him to do. In hinesight, teaching him "speak" was prolly not a great idea. Once he got desperate he'd start doing it just on his hind feet. He was so good at tricks.
4. Probably the biggest one-- he was epileptic. Not his fault, obviously, but having a massive dog lose control of their bladder, drool a couple gallons and shake uncontrollably...well...it's disasterous. His medication was extremely expensive and we couldn't leave him alone after that, and we all had to go to school or work or whatnot, so we just didn't have enough time to deal with his seizures.

Yeah...I love labs. I loved him more than basically any other dog I've owned (except daisy, of course). He was something special. Oh god wheres my therapist when I need him...