Labrador or golden retriever

[Blubell46]

Morning all,

I am thinking of getting a Labrador or golden retriever. I am in no rush and thinking if we do decide to get one it will be in the Summer.

I really want to do my research well and I was wandering if you can direct me to any websites to read.

We are a family of 4 and have two teenagers (15 &13), who are committed in helping us walk the dog - fingers crossed. My Dh works from home and sometimes goes and sees clients, maybe once a week- when he will be alone for a day or two max. He is able to take him/ her for a walk at lunch time.

Thank you for your advice in advance.

We have two retrievers and did have three at one point so I'm biased. But they are loyalty eager to please and a real blessing.

I've never met a nasty one and you can always get them clipped a bit if you find the fluff is too much!!

But they love stealing, love cuddles and love mud and fox poo!

@twinklespells my kids are 13 and 15 and by the time I get a dog they will 16 and 14.

I am aiming for the Summer, since the kids will be off and we can all devote time in training the dog before school begins.

Advice to all...for both types of dogs would you advice a female or male? We have no preference.

Thank you

I have two Labradors and love them to bits, my all time favourite dogs. Mine can be left for about four hours at a time though they prefer it if they're in our company. They always like to be near us.

Start training and socialisation early and often. We got one of our labs from another family at age 1 and he's been much harder work. He had no training and very poor socialisation. He has a lot of issues with other dogs, but loves our other lab.

He is more the working strain and is a lot more excitable and reactive. We have to consciously keep him under his threshold. Other is show strain and much more laidback, but I think has a lot more to do with training/upbringing.

Both love a good run around outdoors and both are relatively relaxed, lazy and like to be comfy in the house.

No kids yet, we're expecting so we'll see what fun comes from that!