Genuine question re black lab puppy

[randomer]

We are (er) an older couple with plenty of time and energy to give. My partner likes the idea of a black lab puppy. I don't know how to go about finding a decent seller and the ins and outs of it.
We dog sit an elderly lab. I know its not the same thing. Our intentions are good, I just don't feel confident.
Any tips please?

What is your lifestyle like? Do you both work out of the home? Do you have a fenced in garden? Have you ever had a puppy before?

You can find a breeder via the Kennel Club. Expect a wait and they aren’t cheap!

Labs are a brilliant breed but they are high energy and need plenty of time and attention. They are also slow to mature so expect puppy like behaviour for 12-18 months - counter swiping, stealing shoes etc. Don’t ever expect to be able to leave food out on the kitchen side again! They are VERY food motivated which is good for training but also means they will indiscriminately eat anything.

They can also be really quite big, ours is 40kg at 8 months - he’s a show lab, not working, show labs are generally heavier set so consider that when choosing a pup. Real gentle giant though, has such a lovely temperament. He could pull someone over fairly easily if he really wanted to get somewhere though!

What is your lifestyle like? Why do you think you want a lab beyond liking the idea of it?

What about adopting from your local Guide Dog association? That way you’re not buying a puppy but re-homing a dog that will probably have some training and be relatively well behaved.

Try champ dogs for a breeder. You will see breeders who may focus on working lines and avoid the Kennel Club.
Try Labrador Rescue for a slightly older one.

My experience would be that females are easier than males , but they all have energy to spare, are a bit clumsy and complete clowns.
They keep me fit. I wouldn’t be without them

When you say older, are you fit and active? A lab needs a decent walk every day at least an hour maybe more, and plenty of training. The puppies need lots of supervision, attention and patience. So you need the energy and fitness to do all that every day.

Guide Dog rehoming has very stringent rules about how long you can be out of the house for, as they are used to constant human companionship. So not to rule that out, but they aren’t really suitable to leave for a morning or afternoon, or doggy daycare / kennels if needed.

Lab puppies are energetic, will put their intellect to evil means if not directed towards good means, their tails can clear a coffee table at one swipe, if there is a muddy puddle they will be in it, you’ll need an excellent hoover, nothing sentimental you mind being chewed can be left out........best dogs ever and I wouldn’t have another breed

I prefer Working type, although I know Show types who are lovely.
Kennel Club will have lists of breeders but you may have to wait a while. Lab rescues are awaiting an influx of Lockdown Puppies in the next few months (google ‘Labrador Rescue and your area for your nearest one).

Did I mention they are the Best.Dogs.Ever?

Thanks, I will attempt to answer the questions. Yes fit and healthy , absolutely no problem whatso ever with walking long distances.

Small, safe garden area.

Plenty of time. Available 24/7

No previous experiences

So the real positives for me are - they are everyone’s friend - old , young, canine , human ( not feline in the case of my two).
They are loving and kind, recognise moods are will provide comfort as needed.
They love food and yes, that can be difficult, but it’s easy to distract them.
They will walk and play all day, they swim beautifully, but if you are having an off day, they will snuggle up quite happily.
They have been such a jot these last few months and have happily hugged those in the family I can’t.
Did I mention that I couldn’t be without them.

I think you will be wonderful puppy parents!

There are loads of great resources on there to read and watch, and I would also highly recommend obedience classes to ensure your dog is properly trained and well socialised.

We will give it serious thought, possibly at the planning stage now and good to go in Spring!

Personally in your situation I would think about a rescue dog. You seem like the sort of peop!e who would be ideal to rescue a dog and it's a very rewarding thing to do.

I’ve never had a lab but my uncle has had them as long as I’ve known him.
They will be working stock as he was in a shooting syndicate until a few years ago. I think every pup he has had has gone away for gun dog training, all his dogs have been amazing. You can leave food out on a coffee table, leave the room for 15 mins, and when you return it is untouched. I think I’ve lived through 4 of his dogs (he only has one at a time) and I’ve never witnessed or heard of one being naughty.

He’s a country bloke, not posh. He always has dogs, not bitches.

I’ll ask him more about it.
He walks his dogs off-lead for at least an hour every day.
Sadly when this one goes, they don’t feel it is fair to get another as he is 82 now. I think it’s the right decision but also think his health and fitness will deteriorate rapidly. I can’t imagine their house without a black lab.

I never had a lab until my current boy. We got him at 8 months old out of a training program he was in. He is fantastic company, loyal, amazing with kids. Best decision ever. @Dreamersandwishers
I do not however regret missing the training stage so a slightly older already trained dog was perfect for us.

@Dreamersandwishers i managed to randomly put your name in there trying to say your dogs are beautiful.

Probably a good idea to get on some waiting lists now if you want a puppy in the spring. We first made contacted with our breeder in June (but started researching in March) and lab pup is coming home today.

There are breed rescues if you would take a young dog rather than puppy- google Labrador rescue un

Uk

@Mrsmophead 😁Thanks

Thanks folks,I looked at lab recue, seems very quiet. I wonder which training programme you refer to @Mrsmophead.

My partner will be taking the lead role here ( see what I did there), training and so on. A cunning plan to get him from under my feet as they say.

They are large strong dogs who can easily push or pull you over - I would go for a smaller breed.

They are strong, the old girl we have 2 days a week can tug you. We will be doing our research and training any dog properly. Many thanks for tips.

Wonderful dogs. Highly trainable. Not sure if they’re all the same, but ours was boisterous and a bit mad (like an overexcited puppy) until about 4 years old. He’s 8 now, and the perfect dog. Hard to go wrong with a lab

Would also endorse Labrador Rescue - why not get in touch with them? We've had 2 dogs from them. Both were around 6 months old when we got them.

We also took on an 11 week old black lab from someone last year, who'd bought him and decided he was too exhausting to look after. And he was, indeed, absolutely knackering!

You're being a bit coy about your age. I'm early 60s and I wouldn't really want to take on a puppy again. But everyone's different.

Do it. We are in our 50s and first time dog owners. It’s been amazing. She’s brought such joy into our life. The puppy bit is exceptionally hard but doesn’t last forever.

We are lucky in that we have in laws who will take her if we want to do something dog unfriendly. Or, if we ever go away again, would have her while we were away. They love her to bits.

But they really do limit what you do. Everything you normally do have a think about what you’d do with the dog.

Start training from day one. Just sit, stay etc for a few minutes a day.

early 60's. Partner will be the main dog trainer!