My boyfriends work mate is moving abroad and had a 4 month old black lab. They don't want to lose it but they have to and have asked if we'll take it.
We have a cat but the cat is very brave and wouldn't be phased by a dog. I'm a cat person and have never had a dog, what should I know? Does anyone have any advice?
2006-06-14 22:08:24 · 35 answers · asked by Mandy R 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Only take the dog if you are sure you want it. Your cat may be very brave but it will still sulk if you introduce a new animal to the house.
1.) Is the puppy house trained? If not are you prepared to do it.
2.) The puppy will still be going through the chewing phase.
3.) Have you got time to walk the puppy?
4.) Are you going to leave the puppy for long periods of time on its own?
If you can't face the above suggest you put an ad on agilitynet.co.uk on the rescue pages.
Its better to make sure the puppy goes to a "forever" home. But well done you for actually thinking about it its a really nice thing to do.
2006-06-14 22:48:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you'll have any problem with the cat - most labradors just want to make friends with cats. Trouble is, the cat takes advantage of this and the dog quite often has a clip around the ears from the cat.
Labradors are one of the most faithful and loyal breeds. I have one and she thinks the world of me and vice-versa.
Will you have time to give it a good walk every day? That's essential for large dogs especially. There are some costs involved such as keeping the innoculations up to date, worming, de-fleaing and other possible vets fees that may crop up.
All the best to you, I hope it has a good home wherever it ends up.
2006-06-14 23:24:00 · answer #2 · answered by diana - b 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If u take this dog in...it will probably be the best thing u've evr done! i have two dogs and two cats, oh ive also got 3 kids!
dogs are so loyal!! i have a golden labrador and a springer spaniel-and if someone offered me a million quid for either of my dogs..they still wouldnt have a chance of getting my dogs from me!!
Honestly, labrador / retriever r so loving! they are clever, protective, usually good with other animals (ur cat will only need to give it a kicking the once!!) and personal experience shows that they are extremely patient and excellent with children!!
my kids are 5, 7 & 9 years old. when my oldest was about a year old we got my golden lab-she insisted on sleepin in the doorway of his room, until i had my 3rd baby...which meant the kids were in two rooms and since she cant be in both rooms watching all 3 kids-shes sleeps at the top of my stairs, between the bedrooms!! (only trouble being that she is 'chunky' so theres never much room left at the top of my stairs!!)
Go for it, take the dog...then email me if it doesnt work and i'll have it!!!
good luck with it!
2006-06-16 11:48:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Labs are wonderful dogs, but they get big so they need plenty of exercise. Remember they are natural working dogs, so if you are planning to have it as a housedog, you have to have a place and the inclination to take it for a long walk every day, at least once. Other than that, I highly recommend a lab - they're sweet-natured, very trainable, loyal... great companions.
Also be aware that in the puppy stages they love to chew. Make sure you give baby something he/she is allowed to chew on.
It's best to introduce a cat to a lab very early on, but yours wouldn't be too old, so they should get on well. Labs are pretty good with cats.
2006-06-15 00:52:25 · answer #4 · answered by theblondegenius 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Labs are absolutely wonderful dogs- gentle, non-aggressive and very affectionate; wonderful pets. However, the down side is- are you at work all day.....who will walk him? Shots for Parvo, distemper etc. have to be repeated at regular intervals....can you afford this?? Pet insurance is very good in case of accident, but does NOT cover shots. Where will the dog be if you go on holiday?....kennels are more expensive than hotels (the best kennels- the others should be ignored). As he is still a pup, your cat will accept him; there may be a few hissy-fits, but they will soon become friends. If you think you have all this organised, then have this little doglet- he really sounds in need of someone to love him. Very best wishes! x
2006-06-16 00:58:02 · answer #5 · answered by k0005kat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to be a cat person with 16 cats until I got a dog. Now I have two dogs and no cats. I still love cats, but nothing compares to a dog. Get the Lab.
2006-06-14 23:08:30 · answer #6 · answered by Prowess 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go for it if you feel you can offer it a good home. Why can't they take the dog with them any way? there's the new doggy passport scheme if you're moving abroad. Can't your friend discuss it with the vet?
If it's really not going to happen, if you take the pup in be sure to get a puppy book as they will tell you everything you need to know. Once you have a dog you'll be hooked for life!
I'd recommend the book 'the Perfect Puppy' by Gwen Bailey. An excellent read, with plenty of tips on training your new pup!
2006-06-15 00:36:04 · answer #7 · answered by wolfstorm 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs are responsibilities. Daily walks and play time. Feeding, bathing and vet visits. Also if you don't plan on taking them with you on vacation you have the cost of kennels. Money for food and flea stuff and heart worm checks and heart worm meds. A lab needs room. Think about all of this before you just take a dog cause they want you to. If you dont take it, help find a family that has what the dog needs.
2006-06-14 23:33:22 · answer #8 · answered by Mache 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to consider the following: Amount of space for the dog to run and play, the amount of time you will have to train the dog.
Dogs need alot more attention and care than a cat. You will need to take the time in training the puppy to go out to the bathroom. I would also suggest that if you get a puppy that small that you take the dog to obedience class. Alot of places offer a Puppy class. This serves many purposes. One is to socialize the dog, but the most important it to teach the dog to obey you the master.
You will need to have the time to walk the dog and continue to exercise him.
2006-06-15 00:17:59 · answer #9 · answered by bellacgc 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry about the cat, the labrador is young and when their raised together theyl get along, its usually older dogs and cats that are strangers, that fight. The puppy may even be glad of the company and if the cats not easily phased then id say go for it, labradors are a lovely breed.
2006-06-14 22:20:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋