Considering getting a lab, have questions?

Question

are they stinky?
do they shed a lot?
are they easily trainable?
are they big barkers?
are they active to the point of being distructive?

Answer 1

Labs are bred to be hunting dogs so they are very intelligent and very active. They need a good deal of attention, as does any dog. Because they are large, they can be destructive if they are bored as they will FIND something to entertain themselves. That often leads to "destructive" behavior simply because they play with something that you haven't taught them is "safe" to play with.

They are not particularly "stinky" unless you don't bathe them regularly (about once or twice a week). Dogs need to be bathed regularly to keep their oils in their coats from causing mats and to get rid of the fleas/other surface parasites.

They shed quite a bit but if you brush them out regularly, it's not a major problem.

They are very easily trainable because of their intelligence level.

The rule of thumb for "big barkers" is whether the dog is bored or not. Rarely does a dog who feels like he is a strong member of the family "pack" just sit around and bark.

If you are thinking about getting a dog to keep in the back yard 95% of the time, please get a cat instead.

Answer 2

I have two black lab mixes. They definately are not stinky - very clean actually. Twice a year they shed big time, the rest of the time they shed like we shed our hair. If you take them to the groomer those two times a year it will help a lot to keep the shedding under control. Mine were both easily trainable - Oops! forgot the boy took six months to learn the carpet is not a toilet. The girl knew that when we got her at ten weeks. I wouldn't consider them big barkers, but the boy is somewhat protective so barks whenever he senses someone nearby. My girl dog really needs a lot of exercise. If she doesn't get it she becomes very destructive - to the point of destroying thousands of dollars worth of newly landscaped backyard. Now it looks like a garbage dump. Well, not quite - but close. If you can exercise them enough it is a different story, but they do need to walk or run for about an hour daily, I'd say. Good luck!

Answer 3

They Only stink if they aren't taken care of, just like any other breed.
They do shed alot. Brush and bathing help alot. There are also medications such as stoe shed to help.
They are easy to train but you must be consistant.
They bark if not trained.
They require a lot of exercise and play or they will dig if outside. Labs are very loving and good natured dog. They get along great with kids and other pets. I would recommend them highly. I have an 8yr old female. She is great!

Answer 4

They can be stinky if they aren't washed regularly, plus they can get ear infections often which are stinky.

Yes they do shed a lot Regular brushing and bathing helps.

They are very smart and they pick up on things easily. My dog was pretty easy to train.

Mine is not a big barker, but it depends on the dog and how it is trained.

As puppies they are very active to the point of being destructive. Plus most don't grow out of the puppy stage until age 2. They need a lot of attention and exercise. I have chunks chewed out of my wall and my carpet thanks to one active lab puppy, though she is sweet as can be and I love her dearly!

Answer 5

A well bred Labrador is a delight, as are many of the Lab mixes..but, the most important thing is to meet the parents, and make certain that they are exactly as you want your dog to be..Used to have a Lab who was trained by guide dogs for the blind..great, intelligent dog!

But she was just too wonderful..she was stolen!

Answer 6

no
yes
yes
dog to dog difference, some do some don't
same as above

They are great dogs but pay attention to what you want and what the puppy's were bred for.
No other breed is "purpose breed" as much as Labs are.
So if you are looking for a "lay in front of the fireplace dog",, don't get a "field trial puppy".

Answer 7

The nickname for a lab is the lovable idiot. They are awesome dogs, only stink if they get into something that stinks, sheds a little, but with brushing, that can be controlled. Big dogs, need lots of exercise. Get one..........and enjoy!

Answer 8

i had ( he recently passed) a black lab, i got him at 6 weeks old, he was easily potty trained, very playful, i had a very attitive 1 1/2 yr old son that pulled, jumped, smacked, slept on, wrestled ect with Duey ( labs name) and he never growled or bit my son. very protective dog, only barked at strangers, or when my husband grabbed me to train him to protect me. he got stinky round the time it was time for his bath, and only shed in the tub and when he was brushed and blow dried after. the only problems i ever had with duey was during his puppy teething time, he chewed on everything and anything. so keep lots and lots of chew toys around, and don't leave anything valuable in doggy reachable areas. In my opinion a lab is a great dog to have and love.

Answer 9

1. they can be if not groomed and bathed
2. it can be prevented but they do
3. they can be stubborn but they are ussually extemely trainable, it depends what you are training them to do and how.
4. they do bark, and can be territorial, and are very good at protecting the family
5. they are a working breed and need to have something to do to keep them busy, and if they arent busy they will get destructive