If you are considering bringing a Lab into your home, you have to ask yourself some questions:
Am I going to exile this dog to the backyard or make him a real part of the family? -if you live in an apartment, hope is not lost - as long as your apartment allows dogs, labs can be happy in small spaces (anywhere with you actually) as long as you give them PLENTY of exercise (true for people with huge houses too). Labs that don't get enough exercise can become destructive) Do you have time for your dog and will he fit into your lifestyle? Do you have time to train a puppy and will you freak when he soils the rug, chews your shoe, eats a bug...? Which leads into... Is an adult lab or puppy right for you?
After very careful consideration, I chose a to get both my labs as puppies for a couple of reasons: -I have a flexible job that allowed me to be home alot when Scout was very small -I wanted to bond with my puppy in his sensitive stage (first 12 weeks, if you get a puppy get him during the 7th week) -I knew I was going to replace my carpets soon and didn't really mind accidents during training -I was concerned about how Kira would handle an adult dog (although, it should have been fine) -Mostly I just wanted to see all the cute puppy stuff
However... Adopting a rescued lab is a great thing to do. Plus you are past the puppy chewing stage and many rescued labs are already house-trained or know basic commands. An adult lab will take about an hour or two to house train (weeks for a puppy, and there isn't much you can do while they are growing into their bladders).
I will provide some links for lab rescue organizations in California. I don't know about other states, but I am sure there are some.
The Central California Lab Rescue page is a great site, and they are really nice. It's a good page just to browse.
Kira and Scout tolerate getting dressed up (only because they count on getting treats later)
Need to know how to pick out a puppy?
1st: Make sure you really are willing to commit to this new addition - they take it VERY personally when their families abandon them 2nd: Throw out your classifieds 3rd: Find a reputable breeder (through local lab clubs, dog shows, lab owners...) 4th: Is it really a reputable breeder? (Be prepared to wait for your pup - trust me, it is worth it) -A reputable breeder will give you references and will ask you ALOT of questions about your family -A reputable breeder will breed no more that 1-2 litters a year (if that) and breed dogs for conformity to the breed standard -A reputable breeder does not just have 2 labs so thought they should mate (my female is spayed) -A reputable breeder will tell you if the parents are free from hip displasia (Many breeders have OFA certifications which rate the dogs hips and are cleared by CERF, which certifies the dogs are free from eye disease) -A reputable breeder will agree to take the dog back if at any time in its life you cannot keep him 5th: Make sure everyone in the family wants a dog and make sure that supplies are purchased and care duties are assigned BEFORE bringing the puppy home 6th: Leave children outside the puppy room when picking the lucky pup until you have narrowed down your choice to no more than 3 pups (kids always want the puppy that runs to greet them - and this is going to be the most dominant of the litter)
...... Breeder Chosen...Pups are 7 weeks old...Now what?
Be prepared... labs large litters. Know if you want a male or female (some people say males are more dependent, I think that's goofy). Some breeders will select some pups for you to choose from based on your answers to their questions. Be honest and listed to the breeder (after all he or she should know the individual pups.
Exclude the overly dominant and shy pups (hand them to the breeder and have him or her put them away from the remaining pups -The dominant pup will be the first to push his way to you when you kneel down and call to the pups. Likewise, remove the pup that hangs back and is hesitant to come. -Dominant pups will push and shove the other puppies -Clap your hands suddenly and remove any puppies that cower.
Now, it may be best to do this individually. Walk away from the pups while calling to them. Dominant pups will grab at your pant legs. Medium temperment pups will happily follow and shy pups will need alot of encouragement to follow. You probably want a puppy that is eager to be with people.
Roll each puppy on his back (pinning him down softly with your hand). This is what Mama dog does; it shows you are the boss. You want a puppy that doesn't lie there limp (a marshmellow) or squirms and fights (you'll have to take the dog to boot camp to assert your authority - this is Kira). The best temperment is a puppy who wiggles a little at first but accepts your authority.
Be prepared to spend about an 30 minuted to 1 hour watching the puppies (watch them play together too). Also, ask the breeder which puppies are shy or aggressive and have those ones removed. At this point with Scout's litter, I had excluded all but 2 dogs. I turned to the breeders and asked, "Which dog would you pick and why?" (It was Scout) I then put both puppies on the floor and just sat with them about 20 minutes or so. Scout seemed to me to be more intelligent and seemed to like me more (very important as well). However, if you have children, this would be a good time to introduce them to the puppies and let them choose from your selection.
Most importantly... LOVING YOUR LAB MEANS TRAINING YOUR LAB (think those antics are cute now? Wait until he's gained 70 pounds)
Scout with his basic obedience diploma. And the more he goes through Lab-escence (that's adolescence in Lab terms) the more basic his obedience is becoming! Aaah, but it will be over all too soon. He went to Common Sense Dog Training!
Common Sense Dog Training Home Page
Want to talk labs? Know more? Here dog stories? Tell dog stories? Critique? Add info? Need info? E-mail me, if I don't know the answer I can usually find out (I'm a research scientist so it comes naturally)
Scout with his basic obedience diploma. And the more he goes through Lab-escence (that's adolescence in Lab terms) the more basic his obedience is becoming! Aaah, but it will be over all too soon. He went to Common Sense Dog Training!
Common Sense Dog Training Home Page
