The day before Thanksgiving our 2 1/2 year old Lab was killed after being hit by a car. The worst thing about all of this is he was finally losing much of his hyperness and turning into a great family pet.
On to my question. We have found some Lab/Golden puppies and would really like to get one but I am wondering if the mixed breed is as highly strung as a pure bred lab. The first 2 years with this Lab where very trying for me as he was very hard headed and hyper. It also didn't help that this was the first dog I have ever owned and knew nothing about how to train a dog but the last few months of haveing him he was really coming along. I have told my wife that I will never get a Lab puppy again but would love to have another dog. I am thinking that since I now have more of a clue on how to train a dog that it will be easier this time but just hate to go through another 2 years of haveing a hard to deal with dog.
2006-11-25 07:09:30 · 8 answers · asked by pylonhunter 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
You need to check out the parents of any pup, and see how well mannered and trainable that the parents are. Labs are not hyper, if bred by a good breeder..They are often trained as guide Dogs for the Blind, and have to learn all that they need by 2 years old..A mix may or may not be less hyper, as it all depends on their parentage..
However, many dogs are hyper because of their diet..Just as with human children, too much sugar/starches will cause faulty metabolism, and food coloring affects dogs, just as it does kids..
Feeding a kibble that is turkey-based will also calm a hyper dog..(Canidae's second ingredient is turkey, after chicken) as turkey has a natural 'sedating' component...
Also, a tired dog is a good dog..lol...Lots of time chasing Frisbees and tennis balls will tire a pup out, and burn off excess energies..
I have had 2 Labradors that were rejects from the Guide Dog program, as they had minor issues that weren't conducive to being a guide dog.. both were WONDERFUL. easily trained, intelligent dogs..
2006-11-25 07:21:05 · answer #1 · answered by Chetco 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being a hunting breed the new pup is going to be much like your lab.
They can be hyper for the first couple of years.
Training will help as will making usre the new pup gets enough exercise. The more exercise the pup gets they easier it is to get them to focus on what you are trying to train them for.
I let my pups run about 4 times per day and they go about 30 minutes per time. We train with scent on filed dummies and shoot targets over them and we do all sorts of things in addition to them being out to run. We work them with an older experienced dog all year long.
Pups tend to be busy and hyper for the first two years or more.
If you are wanting a more settled dog look at adopting one for a rescue. They have lots that are a year or so old and looking for a good home. They are ususally housebroken and some of the hyperness is past.
2006-11-25 07:18:58 · answer #2 · answered by tlctreecare 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Puppies are puppies, and Goldens are just as energetic as Labs, so most likely: yes, you would have to go through all THAT again.
I suggest you go to www.akc.org & contact your closest local Labrador Retreiver rescue group. This is a breed that has overwhelmed it's rescue groups because of being so popular. So many nice, older dogs need 2nd chance homes - often because of divorce or transfer of their families. Rescue foster homes evaluate each dog so they can place it in a 'lifetime' home, not have it returned into the system. If you let them know you want a mellower dog, I am sure they will be able to help you pick the perfect dog - and you save a life. What a win-win!
p.s. most rescues require a fenced yard. I will assume you have one, but the dog slipped out or ducked out of his collar when he got hit? I am sorry for your loss, but the rescue people will have questions about your previous dogs.
2006-11-25 07:12:28 · answer #3 · answered by mustanglynnie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My lab pup was a dream...never chewed, wasn't hyper and learned everything quickly. The secret is in selecting the pup. DON'T go for the one that is jumping all over the place. Look for the one who is sleeping in the corner, and meanders over to you slowly. Much more even tempered. I don't think the cross breeding will be of assistance...just be sure to pick the RIGHT pup! Good luck. And I'm very sorry for your loss.
2006-11-25 07:22:03 · answer #4 · answered by Super Ruper 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The australian shepherd would not originate from australia. The breed became more advantageous in the western u . s . a ., whilst cowboys have been droving super herds of livestock. So... i think in case you prefer to import a canines, which would be your person determination, yet i'm telling you that there are a lot of superb breeders right here in the states. i might say for a puppy high quality canines $six hundred. instruct high quality $1000 and up. in case you purchase from a BYB farmer, $a hundred and fifty (i would not recommend that, nonetheless.)
2016-10-17 13:01:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just adopted a 2 yr old lab from a shelter.....that's my suggestion, rescue an older dog, why go thru the hassles when you can get a nice one at a shelter. They are trained and want your attention.....you will be glad you did.
2006-11-25 07:15:08 · answer #6 · answered by Carmen D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Labs and golden retreivers are closely related so yes you are likely to have to go thru all that again....;
2006-11-25 07:26:31 · answer #7 · answered by huggz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It typically takes about 2yrs for them to mature and "settle down". Since you've been through it already, it should be much easier this time.
2006-11-25 07:16:13 · answer #8 · answered by Mary J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋