Getting a lab puppy, what can i expect?

Question

I have never had a lab, and we are picking him up the week after Thanksgiving. I have owned a pit bull before, but i am wondering what i can expect with this puppy, and if there are things i should be aware of. Thanks

Answer 1

You can expect that you are getting the best dog there is! Labs are very intelligent, many times smarter than the average pit bull. One thing to be cautious of is that Lab puppies are known to be chewers, especially when teething. Keep your shoes picked up, or you'll likely end up with some ruined ones. You're getting a dog that will be very loyal to you and want to be around you all the time. Labs don't like being outdoors if you are inside; they think they belong wherever the people are. Enjoy your new best buddy!

Answer 2

Probably too late, but you would be far better advised to wait. Until your puppy is at least a year, and better yet 18 months. By then, you should be able to tell whether castration, which should never be used as an alternative to training and proper housing (so there's no possibility of him getting out to roam the neighbourhood), is going to be necessary. Leaving it will allow him to mature a bit too and there are issues with early castration somethings causing bone cancer. Castration does not suit all males either - I had to have two of my Bassets castrated after they developed prostate problems in later life and I regretted having to have them done as they were mellow in the first place, and afterwards, they because extremely soft and lacking any zip they had. They had a tendency to put on weight, and their coats grew quick heavy. The bottom line is although it might help calm down a overly aggressive and energetic dog, there are no guarantees, other than the inability to actually sire puppies. It's your decision of course, but please remember this surgery cannot be reversed Sounds like you already know the basics re the actual surgery - and what you don't, your vet should tell you! Add - I'd just like to ask one question - if castration doesn't alter their personality one bit, why is it done to stop aggression? Just to clear up my confusion here.

Answer 3

Okay, I've had 4 Labradors in my life, and they were all wonderful. I've only had "one" male Lab, and honestly? He was harder to train than the females. But Labradors are extremely smart, so get ready! You are going to fall in love, and this dog "knows" it! This is how smart they are. The Lab I have in my life now is so cool. By the time she was 5 months old, she was bringing me my "matching shoes when she wanted to go outside to poop. She knows the difference between shoes & slippers.
IOne day I tied a rag to the refridgerater door, and in twenty minutes, I had trained her to get a soda (in a cooley cup) out of the fridg. give it to my husband, and go back and nudge the door shut with her nose! 20 minutes! One thing you need to know, a dog, no matter "what" breed it is, would rather you didn't hug it all the time, or spoil it with hanging on it all the time. They actually like rules and such, because to "them" that means you love them.
The more a person dotes on them, the less they mind that person, okay? I can tell my dog to stay on the porch, and then walk down the street, turn around, and she's still there. Be serious with them and you'll have a good dog. They will be so loyal to you & live to be about 15 to 17 years old. Good luck.

Answer 4

Labs are the best dogs ever! But at the same time can be pretty destructive. They are puppies until about 4 or 5 years old. And they can get really big depending on what type you get. For instance, I have a field bred lab, and she weighs over 95 pounds and sheds like a hairy monster! But she's really sweet and loves to play. The show bred labs have short legs and square shaped heads and are much smaller then field bred. Oh, and if you get a male puppy, make sure you get him nuetured before he turns 2 because they develope nasty additudes when they get older.

good luck and have fun with the new family member!

Answer 5

I just got a black lab (female) last week. She is four months old and a very affectionate little girl. The others have stated they like to chew, I have yet to see that with her. I do have a lot of raw hide bones and old stuffed toys for her so maybe that is why my shoes are still in tact! She loves to be around people, loves to run and most of all, LOVES kids. She loves to sit with us, so if you don't want your dog on the furniture when she gets bigger, don't put him/her up with you at all when you get her. Love, that's all they give and all they want. I hope you have lots of room for your puppy to run, good luck and congrats!

Answer 6

I just brought a 9 month home from the shelter(black). Everything said is true but if you supervise them at all times and crate them when you can't, you will have alot less chewed up stuff. Pick up everything you don't want the pup to get into. Lots of chew toys, Kongs are great, lots of bones but skip the flip chip rawhides. Only take a few minutes for them to devour it. Lot's of walks. Train it to come and you can unleash them rather reliably to fetch and watch how fast these guys can move. Find somewhere to take it swimming.

Answer 7

Congrats! Labs are great dogs and are wonderful with kids. However get ready, labs love to chew on everything, love to play ball and are very hyper dogs. Most are alittle clumsy as pups and trip over their own feet. Make sure that you know the family history of the parents. Labs tend to have problems with their hips and this is very painful for them and you as the owner. You usually wont see signs of hip problems till later in age. Over all make sure and keep you puppy current on his/hers shots and give them lots of love and attention!! :-)

Answer 8

Well, I have a yellow lab, and he was very hyper up until he turned 2 1/2. He is still a little hyper, but he is good. Labs are a good companion but mine chews up everything. I can't get a bed for him because he chews it up. I usually give him bones every couple of days to pacify him, but I also have a St. BErnard and a Blue Healer, so he has company. :o) Good luck on your new dog, but be warned from me, make sure you feed him the correct amounts becasue they get over weight easy, especially when they get fixed.

Answer 9

Heaven and hell. Lab puppies are a joy to play with and easy to train, but for about the first two years it will be incredibly destructive. Keep in mind that Labs are sporting dogs and need a lot of exercise. The more you train it and exercise it, the happier it will be.

Answer 10

This is an awesome breed. They have a tendency to get chubby if you let them eat too much, so watch out. They are very loyal and I think they make a great family pet because they can handle a lot of torture from little ones. Very even-tempered and love the water. Our pup did not like water for a lot time, but as she grew, she took to it very well. I love this breed because their dream is to serve their master. They can think of nothing better than to be around you, and be your best friend. If they have something to bark about, it's because there is something to bark about..Good luck!