I may be getting a 1 yr old, male, black lab who has been trained a little bit from a friend.
I’m responsible and up to this task, but she still needs a lot of convincing.
Here are my questions:
Can labs become very destructive when left alone?
What’s the cost of having (not buying ’cause it’s for free) a lab?
Is it very hard to take care of a lab?
I heard that they can be destructive when left alone. I’ll be at school, and then at sports practices right after. My dad leaves for work at about the same time my mom comes home. When my mom comes home she sleeps because she works the night shift. Will this be a problem?
I plan on walking and playing with the dog everyday right after my sports activities and homework will not be problematic. I have a lot of time for it during weekends.
My mom doesn’t want to have the most work for this dog like she did for my two rabbits. My dad will be helpful, though.
I plan on really taking care of this dog’s needs every single day.
I’ve also always wanted a dog. When I was 8, I had a great chance to get a puppy from my mom’s best friend, but in the end, my mom said no. Right now, however, I’ve been doing a lot to get this dog.
Sit Stay Fetch, Good Dog!
February 1st, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Dog Food Secrets!
All the stories I have heard do say that labs can be very destructive, professional training would be best…My friend had a litle lab puppy and the next month I saw it, it was VERRY huge, it had on a shock collar and they kept it in the crate all day because they didnt want to put up with it. I think all it wanted was attention. I think it will tale a lot of time and training plus patience of course. I’ve always wanted a dog too, but still dont have one. There are a lot of good books for dogs, especially Dog Training For Dummies, and Natural Pet Cures. Plus a very good book (true story) called Marley & Me about a lab…Good Luck!
February 3rd, 2009 at 7:50 am
Dog Food Secrets!
my bro has a blk lab and his is crazy….DONT GET ME RONG, THEY R NOT DESTRUCTIVE! this 1 just is a lil weird.. anyways, they dont cost much
also my bro has a yellow lab. hes very sweet and he listens 2 everything he says(most labs do!) they r very good dogs!
good luck =D
February 4th, 2009 at 12:25 am
Dog Food Secrets!
Like most dogs they need interaction regularly! Labs can suffer from seperation anxiety and you can come hom eot everything been tore up fropm your fave shoes to the couch! My suggestion to you is this. Get up early before school and take him or her for a walk. Like for 30-45 min. Then bring them home feed them let them back outside for a bfief second and then put them in a wire kennel so that way you have control of what is happening when you are not there. Maybe ask your mom is she can take them out when she gets home and then back in the kennel. When you get home take them for a walk again and do some exercise. A bored dog is a destructive dog no matter the breed! For some great suggestions read Ceasars Way it is by the dog whisper and you can get some great help there! Also don’t forget yearly vet checks and shots and then if they have some health problems. Labs are great dogs and can be very family oriented! I think you are up to the challenge! Enjoy!
February 5th, 2009 at 5:31 am
Start a Doggie Daycare
ok dumb ??? did u think there is any dog thats not destructive when left alone
uhhh der
anyway just ask a friend 4 help until u get the hang of it ok
February 7th, 2009 at 10:43 am
Dog Food Secrets!
It’s ok starting off with good intentions and I’m sure you want to look after the dog yourself but are you going to be around for the next 14 to 15 years? What about college etc? I’ve fallen into this trap when I got my daughter a horse then off she went to college guess who was left with all the work? Will you always feel like walking and playing with him after you’ve finnished everything else? Aren’t there days when you just want to go relax or hang out with your friends? It’s a huge decision to make.
Labs in general are easy to train and aren’t destructive but if he is left alone all day he will get bored and boredom leads to bad behaviour. You can’t expect mum to look after him and keep him amused when she has been at work all night.
Sorry to be so negative but it’s better to think long and hard now than have heartache later.
February 8th, 2009 at 2:54 am
Dog Food Secrets!
All labs differ. Mine is the laziest dog ever and tends to sleep all day everyday and trys to only go outside as little as possibble. There is this one crazy yellow lab you can find out more by reading a book his owner wrote about him, Marley and Me.
You should go over to this friends house and get aquainted with the dog and them maybe ask him or her if you can take the dog home for one night to see how the dog reacts to your home.
If the dog gets let out when it needs to go then there shouldn’t be a problem with you going to school and sports. BUT labs can be very strong so as soon as you get it train it to walk on a leash properly or you could end up being walked by your own dog!!!
February 9th, 2009 at 6:47 am
Dove Cresswells Dog Training
no there are very good natured.
February 10th, 2009 at 7:16 am
Dove Cresswells Dog Training
I breed labs as a hobby business and own three currently. I know labs pretty well. Yes labs can be destructive when left to their own devises. Labs were bred to hunt bird so they have a fairly high energy level. They need about and hr of exercise a day to be good dogs. Fetch is a good exercise for them. They were bred to retrieve so they love to play fetch. Also long walks or jogs are great and they enjoy them. If you neglect exercise you will have a unhappy dog that will dig, chew, and bark. Since the dog is a year old I am assuming he is properly house trained. That will be a big plus because a puppy couldn’t be left alone that long. If you really want to convince the lady that you are ready for this dog then you should get some books about labs and dog training and start learning. The more you know the better. Labs are excellent companions but they do need care and time to be a happy healthy member of the family. A neglected lab can be very destructive and miserable dog. If you ever need any lab advice don’t be afraid to write and ask. Good luck.
February 10th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Sit Stay Fetch, Good Dog!
lab ret is good to have or any breed as long as you accepts responsibilty. Once you have dog, it is considered as member of the family who’ll be treated more than a brother/sister because you will be the one to serve him to make him healthy, satisfies everything, get into exercise, train and even talk him as your companion. Lab could be destructive but at puppy age (mostly one yr below) and will depend how it is treated before it gets matured (1 yr above). When you left him at home tie him and put in the safe place (if left inside the house) where he can be comfortable and of course with clean water on his side. When you are about to leave just touch his head gently and say something like,”ok, you will be fine here,. i’ll be going to school, be good and i’ll be back very soon..” never leave him without touching and talking as this could help a lot to comfort him before you leave because dog understand master’s touch. Believe me it will work.. try it.
February 11th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
Sit Stay Fetch, Good Dog!
Black labs are a very good family pet. I’ve owned 4 labs in my life and I don’t regret any of them. Yes, they can just like any dog can be destructive. All dogs need exercise and toys to play with. Labs are a dog that need a little more exercise compared to say a bassett hound. Labs were breed for hunting and retreving ducks, rabbits, and birds. So as long as you spend time whipping a ball or toy of some sort and play tug of war in the house(or outside), have 3-4 different toys(rawride is a must keeps them from chewing on shoes, furniture, your favorite hat). You will need to buy dog food bag once a month,40lb bag, I suggest you use what the previous owner uses. I pefer diamond high energy or Enucanuba high energy due to better quality. You will need to buy a dog shampoo to give a bath once a month or more if he gets into something and rolls in it. My mini beagle tends to find something to roll in at least once a month. Also you will need a pair of nail clippers,either the clippers that tell you where the quick is(19.95 @ Petco) or a regular pair for 9.95(have a vet show you how because black labs nails are black and you don’t want to cut the quick because it will bleed). You will have a vet bill once a year as long as he don’t get into trouble. You will need to put flea, tick, flea eggs, and mostiqios killer on his back. I like hartzs it’s cheaper and works just as good as advantage. He will need to take heartgard every month, you can get this from your vet. Once a yr when you go to a vet he will need parvo shot, rabbies shot 1yr or 3yr(I do three yr), heart worm test. The vet bill usually runs $120. Taking care of a lab is the same as other dogs just needs little more time because they are an active dog. you have to make sure to change the water everyday and wash out the bowl so it don’t get slimey. Also fill it more often in the summer.
Your mom should be able to sleep with the dog there. The only time it might wake he is if someone comes up to the door.
All dogs can be destructive for different reasons. Most of all being bored, they get upset because you leave, and they are just a puppy. My bassett hound every time we would leave she would pee in my bedroom! My mom’s dog every time they leave lady runs up to my brother’s room and grabs any hat of his she can find. She somehow finds a way to get them when he’s got them hanging close to the ceiling!! Just depends on the dog. My mini beagle She doesn’t get into anything while we are gone even if it’s 12hrs she won’t pee on the floor, but we hear about it barking up a storm.
It sounds like you will have the time for him. I wish you the best of luck.
February 15th, 2009 at 3:56 am
Dove Cresswells Dog Training
Labs are chewers by nature, particularly when they are pups. Be sure to have plenty of chew toys on hand! All dogs can be destructive when left alone for any time length. Key is to keep them occupied. If the dog is already crate trained, keep this up. If not, I recommend it once you get the dog, as he will be in a new environment and this will keep the dog safe and out of trouble if you are unable to watch the dog constantly.
Labs are awesome dogs, and require very little grooming…although they do shed *a lot* and will need frequent brushing. They learn very quickly and are eager to please. They are highly intelligent and crave stimulation, and it is important to keep them active and learning, otherwise they get bored….this is when they start getting into trouble! Daily walking is essential, a large yard for running/playing is important as well.
Good luck to you and your new Lab!