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Original poster

Need advice re Labrador/assistance dog

66 replies

Doggydogdogdog · 12/11/2023 21:47

Need some sensible opinions…

Basically, I am potentially looking to get a lab, I have the place identified, I just need to think whether I actually want to go ahead or not.

I am autistic and would like/need an assistance dog. I have a 4.5 year old border terrier but whilst he is brilliant he’s not assistance dog material if I’m honest.

So, here comes the lab part. The place I have identified, breeds and often trains labs for gundog work and pet homes and also a few for assistance dog work.

I do not want a young puppy, I could not cope with that, the toilet training that sort of thing. But I can cope with an older dog.

If I were to go with what I am thinking the dog would be a year old plus. It would be trained in standard obedience type stuff, to a very good standard. We wouldn’t get the dog till next autumn.

They would pick the suitable dog, and assess the dog as it grows and swap to another dog if needed if the original dog became unsuitable as it grew.

So has anyone done this, not necessarily the assistance dog part, but the working lab from a gundog breeder that is part trained? If it’s fir an assistance dog it would be even better.

I’ve also never had a lab, I’ve only ever had a cocker cross and the current border terrier. We also have two cats.

So hopefully someone can give me some advice on labs and this situation.

Thank you

OP posts:
IngGenius · 12/11/2023 21:51

Is it the breeder doing the training or an organisation?

Honeyroar · 12/11/2023 21:55

Why not look for a lab from assistance like nes rather than gundog lines? I’ve had rescue labs from all types and the gundog ones are not the easy trained dog people seem to expect. Ours was much more energetic than the one from show lines or the ex assistance dog.

margotrose · 13/11/2023 07:07

I'm not sure I would want a working lab bred to be a gundog as an assistance dog in a pet home.

You'd be better off looking for a Labrador that's bred from a line of assistance/pet dogs.

Tygertiger · 13/11/2023 07:36

It depends what you want it for I think. What would the dog actually be doing? If it’s tasks such as loading the washing machine or similar, a dog from working lines would probably enjoy that and be good at it. If it’s more just being good company for you and very well-behaved to help you with anxiety, I would be looking for a dog originally from show lines.

Original poster
Doggydogdogdog · 13/11/2023 09:04

IngGenius · 12/11/2023 21:51

Is it the breeder doing the training or an organisation?

The breeder. He specialises in breeding and training for working homes, pet homes and assistance dog homes

OP posts:
Original poster
Doggydogdogdog · 13/11/2023 09:07

Honeyroar · 12/11/2023 21:55

Why not look for a lab from assistance like nes rather than gundog lines? I’ve had rescue labs from all types and the gundog ones are not the easy trained dog people seem to expect. Ours was much more energetic than the one from show lines or the ex assistance dog.

he breeds specifically for working homes, pets and asssitance dogs.

he has bred multiple assistance dogs, as well as pets and working dogs. His dogs are very capable it seems.

that’s why I’m looking at this place.

OP posts:
Original poster
Doggydogdogdog · 13/11/2023 09:08

margotrose · 13/11/2023 07:07

I'm not sure I would want a working lab bred to be a gundog as an assistance dog in a pet home.

You'd be better off looking for a Labrador that's bred from a line of assistance/pet dogs.

The dogs aren’t just working dogs though, that’s the thing and why I feel encouraged. He breeds a lot for pet homes with young kids and stuff. The dogs seem very adaptable.

OP posts:
Original poster
Doggydogdogdog · 13/11/2023 09:09

Tygertiger · 13/11/2023 07:36

It depends what you want it for I think. What would the dog actually be doing? If it’s tasks such as loading the washing machine or similar, a dog from working lines would probably enjoy that and be good at it. If it’s more just being good company for you and very well-behaved to help you with anxiety, I would be looking for a dog originally from show lines.

The dog would come with me everywhere. Do deep pressure therapy, med reminders, anxiety response/calming that sort of thing

OP posts:
Original poster
Doggydogdogdog · 13/11/2023 09:11

I realise it seems like I’m trying to argue against you all but I’m just trying to explain

OP posts:
margotrose · 13/11/2023 10:39

I think the point people are trying to make is that although working line dogs can make good assistance dogs, you also need to make sure you can fulfil their other needs too.

IngGenius · 13/11/2023 10:56

Doggydogdogdog · 13/11/2023 09:04

The breeder. He specialises in breeding and training for working homes, pet homes and assistance dog homes

Show quote history

I would ask for references from people that they has already trained dogs for.

There are several breeders who do this. Depends on which one you are looking at as to whether this is a good idea. A couple I would consider a few I would not touch with a barge pole

Quiz them a lot ask to see the dogs and ask to see the trained assistance dogs. Have a very clear idea of what you what the dog to do and see if they train the specific behaviours you need.

Good luck

Original poster
Doggydogdogdog · 13/11/2023 11:11

IngGenius · 13/11/2023 10:56

I would ask for references from people that they has already trained dogs for.

There are several breeders who do this. Depends on which one you are looking at as to whether this is a good idea. A couple I would consider a few I would not touch with a barge pole

Quiz them a lot ask to see the dogs and ask to see the trained assistance dogs. Have a very clear idea of what you what the dog to do and see if they train the specific behaviours you need.

Good luck

Show quote history

Thanks.

I have spoken to someone online that has one of his dogs.

we went to visit yesterday and saw his set up and dogs, and puppies and he explained everything to us and stuff.

this guy is just south of Perth.

he wouldn’t train it to be an assistance dog, as such, I would train that part with a trainer. But he would do the obedience and that sort of thing.

OP posts:
Original poster
Doggydogdogdog · 13/11/2023 11:14

margotrose · 13/11/2023 10:39

I think the point people are trying to make is that although working line dogs can make good assistance dogs, you also need to make sure you can fulfil their other needs too.

I have a border terrier, already, and he could go all day. I know he’s smaller than a Labrador, but I can meet his needs easily. I just have no experience of labs, apart from one who was very exuberant and fat.

this guys dogs were much calmer, different levels depending on the dog but not at all what I expected a lab to be like

OP posts:
margotrose · 13/11/2023 11:59

If you can definitely meet their needs then it's not a problem ☺️

It's just a lot of people don't seem to realise how much more work the working strains can be when compared to the show lines.

I'd also say that his dogs are probably as calm as they are is because they're getting everything they need, if that makes sense, so he obviously knows what he's doing!

muddyford · 13/11/2023 18:14

I don't see why you need a working lines Labrador for such quiet tasks. Even when obedient they are active and intelligent dogs and need more than walks and reminding you to take your tablets.

Original poster
Doggydogdogdog · 13/11/2023 18:32

muddyford · 13/11/2023 18:14

I don't see why you need a working lines Labrador for such quiet tasks. Even when obedient they are active and intelligent dogs and need more than walks and reminding you to take your tablets.

It’s not that I need a working line, it’s that I can’t cope with a puppy, but can with an older dog. And this guy just happens to breed and train working lines and they have been recommended to me for assistance dog work. It’s not that I’m specifically seeking out a working line. I’ve never seen anywhere that trains show lines like this.

OP posts:
Lougle · 13/11/2023 18:33

We have a ¾ show ¼ working lab puppy who we're hoping we'll be training to be an assistance dog in the future. She's only 15 weeks, so at the moment she's doing puppy classes. She has a real desire to please and is keen to train, but has a lovely calm disposition and is able to settle really nicely. I can't imagine trying to keep on top of a pure working line lab.

Idratherbepaddleboarding · 13/11/2023 19:00

My working lab has had no assistance dog training but he would make a fantastic one. He instinctively knows if I’m upset or anxious, he is very good at deep pressure and although he doesn’t remind me to take my medication, he certainly reminds me when it’s his dinner time at half 4 so I’m sure he could. We were once in the local pub and a friend’s DS who has autism came back from his dad’s to the pub. He was understandably overwhelmed and his under the table. Without a second thought, my dog went underneath with him and snuggled up to him until he felt better 🥰.

Alwaystheplusone · 13/11/2023 19:26

I would avoid a working line dog in your situation. I have a beautiful working line lab but he’s very high energy and quite nervy when we’re out on busy streets despite all of the right socialisation.

Wolfiefan · 13/11/2023 19:33

i would be very wary of anyone offering this service. Decent trainers work with the human to give them the skills to train the dogs. I can’t see a trainer managing to give a whole litter enough time and energy to meet their needs. Sounds like a money making scheme TBH.

Autumn1990 · 13/11/2023 19:35

We’ve only ever had working labs and they have all made good pet dogs. Yes they do like exercise but a working dog when it’s working isn’t just running round randomly they are using their brain to find the game (unless the human is into field trials which is mindless for dogs) your dog will be using its brain.
Working dogs tend to be a leaner build. Some are more out going characters but there’s an equal number that are wuiet and careful. The calmest seem to be black dogs ime. It really depends on the characteristics of the pup.

Original poster
Doggydogdogdog · 13/11/2023 21:53

Wolfiefan · 13/11/2023 19:33

i would be very wary of anyone offering this service. Decent trainers work with the human to give them the skills to train the dogs. I can’t see a trainer managing to give a whole litter enough time and energy to meet their needs. Sounds like a money making scheme TBH.

They have multiple trainers, they offer some puppies for homes straight away, and others they keep on. It probably is at least partially a money making scheme, there’s very few who would do it for nothing. They’re not cheap but not any more expensive that smaller places offering the same service. And they get back to you very quickly. In the first message I got back from them, it said come and visit, see what we are like.

we went and saw it, the dogs are so affectionate, calm, clean. The place was so clean and tidy.

im sure it’s not perfect but honestly I was impressed and reassured and happy when I left. I had a lot of reservations about it.

OP posts:
Original poster
Doggydogdogdog · 13/11/2023 22:54

Also should add, he said you can visit regularly to get training and bonding time too

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 13/11/2023 22:57

You sound like you’ve decided. Honestly it sounds like a commercial breeder who gets owners to pay extra for them drilling pups into submission.
I wouldn’t.

margotrose · 14/11/2023 06:57

Idratherbepaddleboarding · 13/11/2023 19:00

My working lab has had no assistance dog training but he would make a fantastic one. He instinctively knows if I’m upset or anxious, he is very good at deep pressure and although he doesn’t remind me to take my medication, he certainly reminds me when it’s his dinner time at half 4 so I’m sure he could. We were once in the local pub and a friend’s DS who has autism came back from his dad’s to the pub. He was understandably overwhelmed and his under the table. Without a second thought, my dog went underneath with him and snuggled up to him until he felt better 🥰.

I mean this in the nicest way, but don't all dogs do those things? Confused