and they don't train till then..is this true.. if so why do we use them as guide dogs. she also said that they are a dumb breed?....how can a loveable dog be called that?
2006-10-03 14:04:34 · 13 answers · asked by Louiebaby 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Big dogs do take longer to mature but not four years. I think personally alot of the misconception is because they are so big. I have a lab mix who is six months old and he is very gawky and the messes that he makes are bigger than a small dog would make therefore they are more noticable. As far as training, my lab puppy has been a breeze. He picked up on the basics VERY quickly, quicker than my smaller dogs. In any case, I would recomend considering a mix. There are so many lab mixes that are beautiful dogs and very intellegent that need good homes. Sometimes, the goofy purebred dogs are due from in-breeding too much. Good luck!
2006-10-03 14:18:31 · answer #1 · answered by Karri G 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a Yellow Lab, and he's 1.5 years old, and he's very much a puppy still.
4 is when their bodies, minds, and spirits seem to mature as a whole.
In dog years, 4 is actually 28 for a dog. In only 3 years, they are around 21.
Most people don't mature emotionally until around 28, but are considered physically grown at 21.
I can compare a dog equally to that, so it gives you a good idea.
This isn't just with labs. This is with all dog breeds.
Also, my dog is an Assistance Dog, and he provides me with mobility and hearing assistance.
He is only 1.5 years old, and he does 38 commands 100% of the time, and about 20, part-time, but he is still learning. They do not even graduate most Guide Dogs or Assistance Dogs until between 2 and 3 years old, because they are not mature enough.
Oh, my source of info is that I work for PAWS.
:)
2006-10-05 19:35:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know about the 4 years, but big dogs do take longer to mature, physically and mentally, than small dogs. Also, I've taken dogs to obedience school, and the age requirement was 6 months, breed didn't matter.
And you are right, if they are smart enough to be used as guide and helper dogs, they're plenty smart. They do have a reputation for being good family dogs, but I once had a friend who was a meter reader for the electric co. She said she'd only been bitten twice by dogs, and both times were by black labs. Go figure
2006-10-03 14:11:20 · answer #3 · answered by warriorwoman 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Labs are not a dumb breed, period. Your friend obviously has no experience w/ the breed. You should NOT wiat until they're 4 to begin training them. At that point, their behaviors are already learned, and it will be extrememly difficult to break them of bad habits. You begin with simple training the day you bring them home. Every lab we have owned has been obeying the sit, stay and come command w/in a couple weeks of being in our house. some don't grow out of their puppy stage until they're 4-6 yrs old, but this just gives you more time to enjoy their energy for life. Labs are very intellgent and affectiionate dogs if raised with love.
2006-10-03 14:18:41 · answer #4 · answered by earthlove32 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a 5 month old choc. lab, she is very smart and picks up on new things very quickly. She is still "ackward", she's just bigger than she knows how to handle right now, but it's getting better. I've been taking her to obedience school and it has worked really well with her, she enjoys learning and working together. My first large breed dog, and loving it.
2006-10-03 14:31:06 · answer #5 · answered by Froggorf 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most large breeds dogs are as big (height wise ) by 1 year and weight wise by 2. most puppies dog get much past potty training, coming when called (in the cute lil baby talk) and maybe sitting for a treat, walking on a lead until after they are 12-16 weeks. but they are a breed that catches on pretty quick, but they dont have mind of there own.........will do what you want before what they want.
2006-10-03 14:11:18 · answer #6 · answered by lizzy_2121990 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Newfies are not done fully maturing until they are about 4 years. Labs can be like Newfies. Some people breed the hyper "American: type Labs that are hyper until they die. If you want to avoind that, find a breeder of the show, or "English" Labs. They are calmer.
2006-10-03 14:19:35 · answer #7 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lol well it al depends on the animal. Also it depends on how well you can train them . Yes Labs are very active and love to jump on people and love to be cuddled , Remember you are the master and you must be firm . NEVER BY HITTING YOUR DOG !! I say if you are ready for 4 fun and busy years go for it . Labs are wonderful .
2006-10-03 16:28:37 · answer #8 · answered by Houtxchico 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually they are pups much longer than that. Its what makes them so lovable. They are a hand full, BUT if you do training (that can be a chore too) he will be a great companion for life.
2006-10-03 18:41:24 · answer #9 · answered by LisaMarie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is some truth to it. Labs are "nut jobs" sometimes. They can still be goofy up until they are 12 or older. It just depends. If you work hard, you may be able to train them very well. But it takes LOTS of work. Labs and Goldens are just alike. They can be calm, sweet, and very loving. Or they can be hyper, and sometimes "out of control" so to speak. You just have to work hard at it!
2006-10-03 14:09:16 · answer #10 · answered by lilbit 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋