Labrador pups

[Lulufluff]

Any lab mums/dads on here?
I’m thinking of getting one as I’ve just got my own place I’ve done some research and find them to have a good temperament.
Any input?
Are they ok around DC? Etc :)

[Booboostwo]

Labs are large, intelligent, energetic dogs. There is no reason why a puppy who comes from well-natured parents and is socialized and trained properly shouldn't be fine with DCs, just like any other breed. Working lines may have more energy and be more in need of a job than other labs.

You don't say anything about what you want from a dog or what your lifestyle is like. The people I know who have labs live on farms, go on walks or rides with their dogs and work them as gundogs in shoots and competitively.

[Lulufluff]

@booboostwo well, I live in a rural area with a large park behind my house so which ever dog chosen would be exercised regularly and looked after well I work p/t and OH has flexible working hours and could also take dog a long on certain days to roam free through fields etc
I want a trusty companion that’s not too boisterous - only ever had smaller breeds when I lived with parents but would prefer a dog with energy and a good temperament.

[Silencedwitness]

We had a lab and he was gorgeous but he was huge and a total dustbin. He was fairly chilled but could easily knock young children over. We’ve now got a poodle (He doesn’t look like a poodle) who is lovely, chilled and loving. Labs are great but they do tend to settle down a bit later than some other dogs so you have a big doggy toddler for longer.

[AlternativePerspective]

Labs are known for their good temperaments and trainability.

On the plus side they are loyal, intelligent, lovely dogs.

On the downside if you’re looking for a non boisterous dog the majority of labs I’ve known never grow up. They can be highly destructive and they are generally food obsessed. But they do make lovely pets.

Also, you need to tread with caution as they need to be hip and elbow scored and are prone to hip failure. Only ever buy a lab from a reputable breeder, although even then nothing is assured. My sister’s dog came from a reputable breeder who had done all the scores etc and she still ended up with multiple health problems.

[Booboostwo]

Labs are not particularly barky but you can also train any dog to stop barking, it does take a lot of perseverance though. They are quite high energy dogs so would need two good walks a day even if the weather is awful or the days are short. They generally have good temperaments but take your time choosing a breeder and make sure they have health screening information for both parents.

[Booboostwo]

Sorry I misread 'boisterous' as loud and barky. If you mean that, then labs are not particularly barky, however if you mean chilled, labs are not chilled. They do remain young and energetic for quite a long while and, for example, you should expect them to knock over small children. They are not malicious, just excitable.

[MsAdorabelleDearheartVonLipwig]

Labs are working dogs so they’re very keen to please. They are on the whole easy to train and pick things up quite quickly. As long as you find a reputable dog trainer and you’re prepared to keep training for a few years you should end up with a great dog. Obviously it doesn’t take years but I still go because we both enjoy it.

[Lulufluff]

Thanks everyone for your input - the breeder is a family friend and has a good background breeding labs full pedigree all checks carried out etc
I have heard of the joint trouble with labs - so it’s something to take into consideration.
Energetic and lively is fine with me as I like to take long walks as well and we have a fairly large garden for a dog.
When with parents - we’ve had poodles/Yorkshire terriers and now a westie.
I find terrier breeds to be a bit happy although I do love them.

[Lulufluff]

Yappy** not happy! Although I hope they are

[Lulufluff]

Also my auntie works for guild of dogs so she would be the trainer for pup :)

[Chinainmyhand]

I love labs, but I'd say they are big boisterous and smelly (all water dogs are as their coat protects them from the water is more oily which does smell) and they are chewers. I wouldn't be without mine but not sure they are the dog for you.

[isitaline97]

Labs are great dogs - I have a lab and he is fantastic with children and other dogs. Obviously they are large so can be boisterous. They need plenty of walks - it's great if you have a big garden they can run around in but bare in mind they also need to get out of their home turf and on a proper walk everyday too. Also bare in mind with larger dogs come larger fees - food costs more money as they are eating more and vet bills are considerably higher for a larger dog (I am a vet nurse so can verify this! 😂). Also have faith - they are very intelligent and learn quickly to follow orders and socialise with other dogs. I hate seeing overly worried owners who keep their dogs away from others- that fear is picked up by your pet and then they become fearful and this can affect behaviour. Early as possible socialisation and training is essential to getting any dog! 💖

[LolaSmiles]

They've got a lovely temperament and can be loyal and keen to please. They're very excitable and affectionate, sometimes they can be like overgrown lap dogs

The down side is they can be very good orientated and will hover anything on offer so you need to be quite strict with diet.

[froggers1]

What about a labradoodle? I've just got one and might be a good mix for your needs..

[LochJessMonster]

froggers1 You cannot recommend a poodle cross on MN, it is forbidden.
You are now going to be told you are singlehandedly responsible for the thriving industry of puppy farmers, every suffering dog is because of you and your choice, and you would have been much better off picking either a labrador or a poodle.

That's the Doghouse rule of doodle crosses.

[Lulufluff]

It’s good to speak to people with experience as you can only gauge so much information online.
I think I would be happy with one from what’s been discussed - like I said I’m happy to take dog on multiple walks a day and live in an area with good dog walking spots.
I would definitely have the dog trained to an extent but would say you can definitely train the personality out of them which is not something I’d want.
Labradoodle is a good suggestion too - family friend has offered us pups in 7 weeks so me and OH are trying to make an informed decision before committing - so thanks to everyone who has taken the time to comment :)

[Booboostwo]

The labradoodle is not a breed so there is no reliability in what you get. It's a mongrel you pay loads of money for.

When you say your aunt will be the puppy's trainer, I take it you mean you will go to socialization and training classes where your aunt will teach you how to train the dog? I don't know anything about the Guild of Trainers but a quick read of their website doesn't mention clicker once but has quite a few references to dogs not knowing their place, and to aversives like noise discs and citronella sprays. One of the easiest ways to turn a nice dog dangerous is the misuse of aversives. Maybe you should look into alternatives before committing to this method of training.

[Lulufluff]

@booboostwo yeah I mean she would help with socialisation etc she’s very good and certified in what she does and I’ve seen her at work with other relatives dogs.
Rest assured I wouldn’t be putting the dog through anything sinister I would just need help with training as I’m not experienced in it.

[Dorsetcamping]

Loyal, affectionate, boisterous, Hoover on legs!

[adaline]

Labs are great but full of energy and need a lot of exercise. My friends lab is five and shows no sign of slowing down any time soon!

I would also be careful with regards to training. You don't want to go to anyone who uses any kind of aversive.

[Mrbay]

Our last dog was a lab, she was absolutely the best dog, quiet and cuddly and not food oriented at all. Sadly we lost her early this year at 11-years old.

We have recently purchased a lab puppy - boy did I forget how make hard work it is!

I do love her dearly and I took my time to really check out a few litters as we really wanted a small lab, at 6-months she is only 15kg (others in her class are towards 20kg plus at this age!).
Her mum is extremely quiet and her dad is from working lines. You can tell that she is from working lines as hunting is her favourite game!

If you do get a lab, do try the gun training it is really great fun and labs really need to play with labs as they like to play rough!

My stuff has taken a bashing from her, my DH's stuff has been mostly untouched! She loves to raid the bathroom bin - yuck!

In terms of food, she doesn't really eat much and her interest in food has made training easier (well apart from walking to heel, she wants to sniff everything and get there at 100mph!)

Personally, I think dogs are a reflection of their owners, if you are highly strung they will be too.

Good luck!

[GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman]

They're nice dogs. The show/pet lines are less of a handful than the workers, IME.

They're dustbins and they moult like nothing else, but they're very trainable and generally very good-natured.