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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Labrador - do we adopt her?

117 replies

Primrosefrill · 03/07/2023 22:09

DH work colleague has a lab, 9 months, colleague is older and is on her own and family persuaded her to get her but it is too much work. Lab has come to stay with us for few nights to give her a break but I know my DH badly wants to adopt her.

I am not a dog person but do like certain breeds including labs. She really is beautiful but a bit smelly, VERY boisterous and licky. We live right next to a beach (very lucky) so she has been having long walks which she doesn't currently get to have. I can't help loving her tbh. My DCs are enjoying her. But I am a bit nervous that if my DH offered to adopt her, about having a house that smells like dog and hair everywhere all the time.

If you got a dog, did you grow to get past the smell/hair? Does your house smell like dog? Are there certain areas off limits from the dog that are your sanctuary?

OP posts:
Radiodread · 05/07/2023 18:51

Second, third and fourth the post above about health checks and known conditions unless you have bottomless pockets and can deal with potentially disabled pet… poorly bred labs that have been given the wrong type of jarring, repetitive exercise when young can have long term and very, very expensive medical bills. A very commonly used injectable painkiller is about £120 pcm around here. Food, about £50 upward a month, decent insurance,£40+ per month, overnight care, £50 per 24 hrs etc etc etc. lovely dogs but go into it with your eyes open and your purse unzipped

Mommasgotabrandnewbag · 05/07/2023 18:55

How do you know she will agree to let you adopt

Original poster
Primrosefrill · 24/09/2023 01:46

Hi all, an update. So we’ve adopted her 😭🥰
she’s a big hairy slobbering smelly beautiful thing and it’s true love. I’m learning to adapt to any smell by a blanket on sofa, she sleeps in her dog bed but not allowed on our bed. I’m brushing her lots but she does reek when she’s been in the sea which is a lot.

She’s crate trained but I just can’t bear to put her in a cage. What does everyone do when they go out?! We’re clueless 🙈thanks so much for all the tips so far.

OP posts:
AliceOlive · 24/09/2023 04:15

Congratulations!!

Our Lab puppy is 15 weeks old. We are using her crate - when she’s eating, playing with us or taking a walk she’s out. Otherwise she’s in her crate and actually seems very content. It was hard at first but she has a soft clean blanket and her favorite toys plus something to chew on. She’s a baby - you wouldn’t leave your baby lolling about on their own, right?

SlipSlidinAway · 24/09/2023 05:29

Primrosefrill · 24/09/2023 01:46

Hi all, an update. So we’ve adopted her 😭🥰
she’s a big hairy slobbering smelly beautiful thing and it’s true love. I’m learning to adapt to any smell by a blanket on sofa, she sleeps in her dog bed but not allowed on our bed. I’m brushing her lots but she does reek when she’s been in the sea which is a lot.

She’s crate trained but I just can’t bear to put her in a cage. What does everyone do when they go out?! We’re clueless 🙈thanks so much for all the tips so far.

She'll probably just sleep when you go out! We've had labs for years and never used crates (hate them).

SlipSlidinAway · 24/09/2023 05:33

AliceOlive · 24/09/2023 04:15

Congratulations!!

Our Lab puppy is 15 weeks old. We are using her crate - when she’s eating, playing with us or taking a walk she’s out. Otherwise she’s in her crate and actually seems very content. It was hard at first but she has a soft clean blanket and her favorite toys plus something to chew on. She’s a baby - you wouldn’t leave your baby lolling about on their own, right?

Your puppy's in a crate unless she's eating, playing or out walking?! Don't you let her just potter around/sit and watch you/snooze outside her crate? How sad.

OP's dog must be about 1 now so not a baby.

Ifallelsefailschocolate · 24/09/2023 05:39

We have never locked our mini dachshunds in a cage and they are quite safe when we’re out, mainly sleeping in theirs beds.

Food is always out of reach in pantry. Bin is out of reach in cupboard ( learnt from bitter experience!) . All bedroom doors shut. Everything that could cause harm is out of reach.
We installed a metal child safety gate to keep them in one area at the back of the house and that helps them settle and prevents chaos!!

Ladybird69 · 24/09/2023 05:45

I’ve had 3 labs , one rescued. They are the best dogs ever. Do it they come with endless love and devotion and loads of fun. I took mine to groomers and my house never smelt doggy! I’m jealous ❤️

Riverlee · 24/09/2023 05:45

A nine month Labrador is a teenager and is hard work. Our lab is 14 months and is still full of beans. Are you prepared to have another being in your household to look after?

Also, what’s your daily life like? It us a commitment. You’ll always be thinking about the dog, how long he can be left, etc.

Also, cost. There’s another thread running about the cost of dogs. With insurance, worming tablets, food, toys , etc, it’s easily a hundred pounds a month.

Teaining is ongoing, not just a few puppy classes. Mental stimulation is as important, if not more important tgan physical stimulation.

Not trying to put you off, but to be realistic in what it’s like owning a lab.

Ladybird69 · 24/09/2023 05:47

Ooops just seen update. Congrats. Never had a problem with mine they would just curl up on the sofa while we were out. X

Riverlee · 24/09/2023 05:47

Just read iodate - congratulations. Regarding going out, we fine it for when he’s asleep (in his crate) or have someone at home. We’ve also just started using a dog sitter.

SlipSlidinAway · 24/09/2023 05:47

Riverlee · 24/09/2023 05:45

A nine month Labrador is a teenager and is hard work. Our lab is 14 months and is still full of beans. Are you prepared to have another being in your household to look after?

Also, what’s your daily life like? It us a commitment. You’ll always be thinking about the dog, how long he can be left, etc.

Also, cost. There’s another thread running about the cost of dogs. With insurance, worming tablets, food, toys , etc, it’s easily a hundred pounds a month.

Teaining is ongoing, not just a few puppy classes. Mental stimulation is as important, if not more important tgan physical stimulation.

Not trying to put you off, but to be realistic in what it’s like owning a lab.

If you look back about 5 posts you'll see OP has already adopted.

floofbag · 24/09/2023 05:58

You can bath them so they don't smell as much .

ApolloandDaphne · 24/09/2023 06:14

Great update. Where is the picture you promised? I adore our lab but she is 11 now and getting a lot slower. I dread the day she is no longer with us. They are wonderful dogs.

Twiglets1 · 24/09/2023 06:14

Primrosefrill · 24/09/2023 01:46

Hi all, an update. So we’ve adopted her 😭🥰
she’s a big hairy slobbering smelly beautiful thing and it’s true love. I’m learning to adapt to any smell by a blanket on sofa, she sleeps in her dog bed but not allowed on our bed. I’m brushing her lots but she does reek when she’s been in the sea which is a lot.

She’s crate trained but I just can’t bear to put her in a cage. What does everyone do when they go out?! We’re clueless 🙈thanks so much for all the tips so far.

When mine was young we would leave him in the kitchen (big room) when we went out so he couldn't do much damage! Put his bed in there plus water.

As he got older and a bit more sensible we let him have the whole downstairs house to roam in. Not that it made any difference, he just slept when we were gone anyway!

OpalescentFly · 24/09/2023 07:18

she does reek when she’s been in the sea which is a lot.

Presuming by reek you just mean wet dog smell, if you put her in a drying coat after swimming it contains the smell.

Primrosefrill · 24/09/2023 07:23

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

Original poster
Primrosefrill · 24/09/2023 07:24

Might get mn to delete eventually as paranoid but enjoy for now

OP posts:
ApolloandDaphne · 24/09/2023 07:29

She is beautiful. I can see why you adore her!

Gingerninja4 · 24/09/2023 07:34

We ditched the crate by time mine was about 5 months old ( was just a safe space for him as a puppy or when got over tired and he just slept on sofa or his bed never had any issues
He is 9 now

Yes to wetdog smell we use a drying towel and it does help
Don't shower him to regularly either but occasionally use deodorising spray on h

SueDonnym · 24/09/2023 07:39

Labs are really intelligent and you will be able to train her.
They can retrieve things - I just think that makes them so much more fun than most dogs - most dogs will run after a ball, most won't bring it back.
Also their sense of smell is great - get them to search for things.
Loyal and friendly. But they do cast hair at certain times of the year. Being on a beach makes walkies easy (but they will eat horrid dead things that they find there given the chance - but here's where training comes in).

faeriesandelves · 24/09/2023 07:42

She's beautiful. I always think labs look as though they are permanently smiling. I used to love the smell of my old lab - so comforting - and her dusty paws always smelt of popcorn in my mind. What joy they bring.

hattie43 · 24/09/2023 07:46

She's beautiful. Labs were the only breed we were allowed as kids and they were all wonderful . You can sit back and watch your children make wonderful memories .

Twiglets1 · 24/09/2023 07:49

She’s lovely - no wonder you couldn’t resist that face 😀

Buildingthefuture · 24/09/2023 08:19

Ahhhhhhh, she’s a beauty 🥰🥰 Am loving this thread particularly as there has been so many dog hatey ones recently. Agree re: drying coat, mine all have the Ruff and Tumble ones and they are really good. What are you feeding her? She really shouldn’t reek, so perhaps look at changing her food (gradually, over time because if you change it all at once it can lead to an upset tummy)
Would also really recommend an outdoor dog wash. You don’t need to pay a fortune, we got a plumber to put in a hot and cold tap with shower mixer head just inside the garage door. We can then rinse them off outside (particularly useful if they’ve rolled in something vile) before bringing them in.
When we go out, we make sure they have been well walked first, then they go to bed in their allocated spaces. I don’t leave mine with treats, too much opportunity for them to scrap over them if I’m not there, but with one dog you could leave her with a licky Matt etc to keep her occupied. Cameras in my house show my lot never do much when we are out, just snooze. Crate training is a really good idea. I do not use crates generally but, if you have to (if they need an operation etc ) it’s good to have them trained.
I use Primark throws on my furniture. They are brilliant, only £5 wash well and keep the worst of the hair/muck off.
Oh and, if she will let you, brush her teeth! You can buy special doggy toothpaste, all mine like it. It reduces stinky dog breath and the need for dentals (which cost a fortune and often are not covered by insurance). Enjoy your new doggo, she’s a very lucky girl 🥰🥰🥰🥰

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