My daughter and I want to get a puppy. My dad had labs when I was a kid, and they have always been my favorite dog. I just want to be sure they are good for children. If anyone has any other suggestions for large breeds that are good for children, please let me know.
2006-09-05 18:36:06 · 16 answers · asked by toothfairy 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Great question. I breed and show Labradors.
I would not get a puppy for any child under the age of 5, nor will I sell a puppy to prospective owners of children under this age without giving full education on responsible puppy ownership.
Lab puppies are exhuberent no matter their breeding. They are full on and take up much time. As much as a small child.
You will in fact not have 1 child in the house but 2. Be prepared.
They chew, dig, jump, nip, play etc. They need toys of varying kinds but they soon get bored and move onto the next thing available, yup a small child's jumper sleeve is great fun, specially when the child is pulling it back off puppy, what fun, tug-o-war.
You will need to house train, exercise, feed (at least 3 times a day) not to mention basic training, sit, stay etc. With ANY dog. Not just Labs.
Puppies are like kids, it is only human training that makes them the dogs we see on tv, so while a puppy looks cute, it is much work. To end up with the loyal Labrador sitting by your side, the dog that your kid lays on to sleep, well they are much older, already in the house and trained.
Please wait till your child is no longer demanding of you, or be prepared to give the puppy the attention it needs to be the life long buddy you seek for your child.
2006-09-05 20:19:16 · answer #1 · answered by lucas 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I breed labs and I tell all of my customers the same thing. This is the absolute best dog for people looking for an "all purpose dog". However, they will outgrow the children. Meaning that the kids grow slowly and the dog will grow very fast. If you can handle your daughter getting pushed around or even knocked down by an excited loving dog, then this is the best dog that money can buy. We are going to have Christmas puppies this year. Wish us luck!
2006-09-05 18:44:11 · answer #2 · answered by up all night 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We have had labs for 17 years and just last Oct of 2005 our 15 year old yellow lab died and our female black lab died of cancer in April she was 9yrs old. the yellow died from old age and we currently have a 5 year old chocolate lab. They are a wonderful dog and ours have been awesome with our kids and yes grandkids. They are very obedient but when considering them for your young child please remember even though these dogs are so full of love and will sack out where ever and be a pillow for your child. They also can be mistakenly used for a riding animal which can be a real problem for the hips and joints of these ready to please animals. I would recommend this dog for a family pet and yes they need to have room to play but a day at a lake or some open field or park these animals love to fetch to retrieve in water but are the happiest when they sit in a loving comfortable home being a part of a family. They are not a high maintenace animal shots heartworm meds a lots of attention. But I am the animal lover and I have 2 schnauzers and a yorkie which I rescued plus a cat they are all good tempermant but the smaller animals seem to be good with the kids but I got them when they were older and have introduced our grandkids and these animals to each other slowly. Dogs are like children get their feelings hurt they get pouty but they each have their own personalities. I would welcome a lab in our home for a family pet any day Our black lab was more than a family pet and the loss of her she hunted she went fishing she played for hours and hours she was like a wonderful gift. to our family. Everyone knew our Tessa up until Feb of this year she still had the energy of a pup but so gentle and loving.
2006-09-05 19:38:41 · answer #3 · answered by beverly c 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they are great with kids, but be prepared for the puppy's first 1-2 years to be very rambunctious and energetic. The puppy does not understand that he is not supposed to go flying through the house and knock the toddler off her feet. So you will need to be sure that you supervise them together while he is still a puppy and try to tire him out before letting them play together.
2006-09-06 00:29:06 · answer #4 · answered by ontario ashley 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Labs are a great dog for kids, but Golden Retrievers even more so. Keep in mind they are big dogs and need room to move. I have a special needs brother and a golden was suggested to us because they are docile and happy and are good natured (all that extra pulling and poking with a small child)
2006-09-05 18:41:45 · answer #5 · answered by Cherry_Blossom 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hi, Labs are great family dogs,You couldn't of pick a better breed.They are loyal,very smart,protecting the family and a great campanion.Stick with the lab,You can't go wrong with these breed.
Clowmy
2006-09-05 20:40:27 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have two labs and two kids ages 2 years and 8 months and the labs are great with my kids.
2006-09-05 19:10:03 · answer #7 · answered by lovemysailor02 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Labs are very laid back. I don't think there's a safer breed you could choose, but I would recommend keeping a close eye on any dog you get. Better safe than sorry.
2006-09-05 18:42:52 · answer #8 · answered by night_trekker 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get an english lab if you can, they are way better behaved than regular labs, on my street there used to be 4 labs, one was mine, the one down the street was ok, the one across the street was way out of control, and the one next door was really really hyper, but my english lab was great, well behaved, great with my little sister, she was a great dog (she recently passed away)
2006-09-05 20:24:46 · answer #9 · answered by wrathfulrevenant 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes! Wriggly fuzzy dog to hug, kissy-kissy tongue, soft floppy ears to gently pull and a wonderfully waggy tail that knocks everything to the floor within it's reach.
Get the lab! Or a golden retreiver!
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2006-09-05 18:42:59 · answer #10 · answered by Firefly 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋