Wow thanks for everyone thay answered my previous question of one or two lab puppies ! We are definately going to get a black male but the thing that worries me is that we both work from 8-5 so the reason why we wanted two was so it wouldnt get lonely... Has anyone had a Lab by itself ? Will they get over being lonely after a while or is it better to have a companion?
2006-12-22 19:48:07 · 10 answers · asked by Ehlana 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
A dog by itself can adapt easily. If you give them treats, toys and a little space that they can call their own...they are just fine! It may seem harsh, but its not. Its always nice to have a playmate yes...but alot of dog owners only have one dog and they get along just fine. For the first year or so, I would have a kennel so the dog doesnt get bored and tear your things up. Eventually, they'll learn to love their kennel. My dog is left out of her kennel when I leave now..when I come home, I find her in her kennel witha toy. Its her safe place and she loves it. I alway sleave a kong stuffed with treats or anther toy that you can put treats in. They can play for hours trying to get the treats out!!
2006-12-23 03:35:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs are pack animals by nature. Part of the reason labs make good family dogs is that they enjoy being around the members of their family, who simulate a pack. If your puppy will be left alone for extended periods of time it would be better to get it a companion. It will be happier and less apt to destroy things. Labs can get very destructive if they're lonely or bored. They will chew up everything in sight: furniture, fences, clothing, etc. By the time you arrive home from work it will be too late to discipline the dog's bad behavior. The dog will be excited to see you, you in turn will be angry over it's misbehavior while you were away. It sets the stage for a poor relationship between you and your dog. Owners unintentionally set up this scenerio constantly, it's part of the reason so many dogs are taken to animal shelters every year.
2006-12-22 21:15:43 · answer #2 · answered by Industry_Kitty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Those are really long hours of working. I wouldn't get a puppy in that situation. It is not fair for it to hold its bowel movements that long and would be hard to housebreak. I hope you aren't planning on leaving a puppy outside. Getting two pups at once is a lot of work because you have double the puppy problems and is harder to consentrate on one dog to train. It can be rewarding and they can be great playmates. But son't get the other if that is the only reasong why. Having an only dog is fine. In either situation the dog(s) will need a lot of attention and once you get home you need to pay attention to them and have daily good walks if you are going to be gone from 8-5. I don't even know if that is considering driving hours. You should consider getting a dog walker to let them out half way during your work hours. Please thoroughly consider your situation. Adopt an adult from a shelter.
2006-12-22 19:58:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
In my experience my lab didn't seem to be lonely for another dog playmate. When he was a pup he was around my parent's, and sister's dogs occasionally. He eventually would get jealous of their dogs getting my attention. I worked 8 hours a day and was single then, so he was in his kennel for that time. I would spend lots of time with him when I was home though...he was my first "baby".
2006-12-22 20:09:34 · answer #4 · answered by mrsjav 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes everybody needs a buddy.They will keep each other from being lonely,and keep each other occupied.I had a dog that hated other dogs.I had him for years.One day about a year and 1/2 ago I brought home a puppy and he didn't like him at 1st but now they are inseparable.My older dog is a changed animal.He runs around outside more and seems happier.As for the pup, he's got a home, a person , and a buddy !!
2006-12-22 19:58:59 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
These dogs crave Human Attention. As long as they are getting love from you they will be fine. They do however need a lot of exercise and wont be happy unless they do!
You should not purchase this breed if you cannot give it sufficient daily walks.
Labs love to swim and they are very good at obedience training.
Again - It's human attention they want most. They are usually very good with other dogs so let them play with other dogs when on you daily walk and they will be in doggy heaven.
2006-12-22 20:23:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We have one black labby. He is a cuddle going somewhere to happen. His best friend is a rotti. Have had no trouble with either.Labbys need company as they are very active. The labnby compliments the rotti. Rottis are lazy dogs, but with the mix the rotti loves swimming and the 2 of them are partners. They are 6months apart in age. I just love them both 2 bits. Both very different personalities, but both devoted to me
2006-12-22 20:24:45 · answer #7 · answered by Pip C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No you don't need to have a companion for him, my dog is king of the castle and has a hard time accepting other dogs in his domain. Your dog may whine when you first leave, but he will stop as soon as he can't hear your car anymore. Just love him bunches first thing when you walk into the door. We give ours treats when we come in.
2006-12-22 19:59:58 · answer #8 · answered by Fruit Cake Lady 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think that it is better for any breed of dog to have another dog as a playmate.
2006-12-22 19:51:00 · answer #9 · answered by iluvmyfrenchbulldogs 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
no not if the family gives it lots of love and attention. mine loves being the only dog, he is jelouse, like a baby!! he would not be happy if we got another one.
2006-12-22 19:51:57 · answer #10 · answered by mommy2mymonkeys 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋