I've only ever had tiny dogs, and my friend wants to give me a black lab puppy (I'm pretty sure to say "no" but I'm just wondering).
I can walk the dog for 1 hour or more daily, if necessary.
My little dogs don't mind sleeping on the sofa for a few hours (4 or 6) during the day, but I guess a lab would not be too happy about that? I don't have a yard for him to play in, but I could walk him the minute I get home.
Also, how would a lab get along w/ an 8 lb dog? Would he chase it like a cat?
What about chewing, stratching, furniture?
My 8lb dog is no trouble in these areas. Thanks.
2006-09-23 08:23:34 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
black labs, or any lab for that matter, are very gentle dogs and if raised to be around your other dogs as a puppy, he should be great with them... i never had to house train my dog, he just knew... i also never had to teach him to not get on the furniture.... we can't MAKE him get on the couch while we're there... although when i leave, he climbs up on the couch... it's so funny cuz when i come home, he acts all guilty, even though i've never gotten on to him for getting on the furniture... labs are fun loving and energetic dogs... he would need plenty of room to run, a lot of food and plenty of water... i have one of those five gallon dog waterers and i have to fill it up about once a week and i only have one dog... since you don't have room for him to run, you would want to take him for long walks to keep him from getting fat... Max didn't chew furniture, but we had another lab "Buddy" that did... but that usually goes for all puppies... i hope this helps... labs are truly a wonderful experience...
2006-09-23 08:40:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Labs are puppy's until they get to the age of......10! LOL
Labs also think they are lap dogs so be prepared for that. As far as special care there really isn't much difference between them and other dogs. They are bigger so the chewing stage can be much more damaging than a little dog.
Labs love the water and crave excercise so get them to a lake or river ...places like that. They are loyal to an extreme so they do need training when it comes to visitors being around...if they percieve a visitor is a threat (people wrestling and playing) they might "help out" their human...they wouldn't mean to hurt anyone but once again...they are bigger dogs.
Your little dog should get along fine with your lab but you need to make sure your little dog does not hurt your lab....yes I did say that. Labs are very reserved when it comes to other animals and it is very common for a lab to be the bottom wrung on the dog hierarchy. My lab will not go near the cat unless the cat approaches her first.
If you are gone..leave on the radio or t.v.
Good luck with your new family member!
KaptainK
All That Shopping (.com)
2006-09-23 15:43:49 · answer #2 · answered by KaptainKahn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Labs are one of the most gentle of all breeds, so if you introduce your new puppy to your other dog slowly, there shouldn't be any trouble between them. He will need as much exercise as you can give him since you don't have a yard, but the act of walking the dog has wonderful effects by not only burning off energy, but by increasing the bond between you, especially if you always remain in the "alpha" role and never let him drag you around on your walks. Keeping the leash at the very top of his neck (like show dogs do) will increase your control over him without constantly jerking him or dragging him. As for chewing, etc., make sure he has lots of chew toys and if you catch him chewing on things he shouldn't, take him from where he shouldn't be and encourage him to play/chew on his toys. Good luck to you and enjoy your new puppy!
2006-09-23 15:50:01 · answer #3 · answered by Christine R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have an 80 pound Lab/Boxer mix who lives with two cats. The elder of my cats, at 23 pounds is the undisputed ruler of the house. The dog gives in to his every wish. It really depends on the animals though in regards to if they will get along or not.
You can help the situation with a few easy tricks, making sure they both know that you are alpha in the household, making the young dog submit to your smaller one, etc.
But from the doubts you confessed it doesn't seem like this dog is a perfect match for you. Not all labs are high energy, but I haven't met any that aren't. There's nothing to be ashamed of from turning down your friends offer - it sounds like it's the best thing for you and the lab puppy.
2006-09-23 15:43:27 · answer #4 · answered by zombie_togo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Black labs are great dogs -- very friendly, and excellent with children. If you get him as a puppy, he'll most likely be very friendly with any other animals in the house. Training them is difficult -- they tend to be stubborn, and require a lot of patience. But they're well worth the effort.
2006-09-23 15:46:50 · answer #5 · answered by stevewbcanada 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well its not so easy at the 1 time but they learn to live inside, that depends on you. Actully the problem with a small dog and large dogs living together is because the large dog will kill you litter dog bacuse they play rude.And yes you not will have a sofa and everything in the house it will destroy because puppy destroy everything...And I think a walk a dog for 1 hour its necesary but 30 minutes it will be an off...
2006-09-23 15:34:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
THEY ARE THE BEST DOGS OUT THERE!!! Grab it while u still can. If it is a puppy it will take to the 8 lb dog. You could always crate it at first to give it sense of security.
2006-09-23 15:42:20 · answer #7 · answered by Kitty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
lots of love, attention, someone to cuddle with, and lots of toys. i think if you introduce the black lab to the 8lb dog it just might get along with the other dog
2006-09-23 16:28:46 · answer #8 · answered by ~j~*** 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋