labradors' temperament?

Question

can you tell whether it is a good idea for me to get a 9 month old lab? will it fit in my household which includes a 5 yr old boy?

Answer 1

http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogselector.do

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

This may help.

Answer 2

You have to be careful because a few places (especially pet stores) sell Labs with temperament problems. Whenever you find a Lab that looks like a good adoption, assess his/her personality with care. Bring the kid and see the reaction between the two. If the boy seems to have little interest in the dog, it's probably not a good idea to get a dog.

Tell the child that a dog is not a toy and needed to be treated with respect. Another thing you must mention is the dog needs to come to him.

Labs are susceptible to health problems such as hip and elbow dislapsia. These dogs have a short lifespan (9-10 years) so prepare for that. If he is going to be used as a hunting dog as well as a family pet, he still can get hypoglycemia. Good luck on finding a good match for your family.

Answer 3

Labradors are one of the greatest breeds, I have owned several breeds but I will never be without a Lab. They love everyone and everything, they are completely devoted, extremely loyal and loving. Do you know anything about this dog's past? I would try to find out as much as you possibly can especially if he has been around kids. Labs generally love children and are very tolerant, but I would see how this one was raised. Kids can always be tricky with dogs. My nephews can be really rough with my Lab but he puts up with it and so does my boyfriend's Lab. I would also bring the 5 year old around the dog and see how he reacts. If he cowers and hides or shows aggression I owuld be concerned then. Sometimes even a frightened dog can become aggressive out of fear. But generally Labs are one of the greatest kids dogs you can find.
I would try to spend time around this puppy and see how he is. Test to see if he is food aggressive or resource protective and how tolerant he is of things. Any sign of aggression, stiff posture, growling, snapping, etc would mean a for sure no. But you are looking at one of the most loving and devoted breeds.

Answer 4

Labs are the best dogs, rarely they have a temper. They are great to have around children too.

Just be warned. At 9 months the puppy will be extremely hyper. My lab was nonstop active until about 2 years. Now he's 5 and he's the most mellow dog I've ever owned.

Answer 5

If you want a dog who...



Is large and bouncy, with an enthusiastic attitude toward life
Has a short easy-care coat in your choice of three colors
Has a cheerful, tail-wagging nature
Thrives on vigorous exercise and athletic activities
Is steady-tempered and dependable with everyone
Is peaceful with other animals
Is eager to please and very responsive to training
A Labrador Retriever may be right for you.



If you don't want to deal with...



A careful search to avoid all the neurotic Labradors
Vigorous exercise requirements
Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young or not exercised enough
"Separation anxiety" (destructiveness and barking) when left alone too much
Mouthiness -- carrying and chewing objects, mouthing your hands
Shedding
A multitude of serious health problems
A Labrador Retriever may not be right for you.



If I were considering a Labrador Retriever...


My major concerns would be:


Unstable temperaments. Labrador Retrievers used to be one of the safest breeds you could buy, but sadly, this is no longer the case. Obedience instructors and behavioral consultants are seeing more and more Labrador Retrievers who are neurotic, hyperactive, or dominant/aggressive. It's the unfortunate result of popularity that the typically glorious Labrador Retriever temperament can no longer be taken for granted.

Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. Labrador Retrievers MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by becoming destructive. Bored Labradors can make a shambles of your house and yard.

If you simply want a pet for your family, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog running or hiking or biking or swimming, or to get involved in agility (obstacle course), or advanced obedience, or tracking, or a similar canine activity, I do not recommend this breed.


Bounciness. Young Labrador Retrievers (up to about three years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including people.

If you have small children, or if you or anyone who lives with you is elderly or infirm, I do not recommend Labrador Retriever puppies. The temptation to play roughly is simply too great with many young Labrador Retrievers.


Separation anxiety. More than most other breeds, Labrador Retrievers need a great deal of companionship and do not like being left alone for more than a few hours. They tend to express their unhappiness through destructive chewing and barking. If you work all day, this is not the breed for you.

Shedding and doggy odor. For such a shorthaired dog, Labrador Retrievers shed more than you might think. Their hairs come off on your hands when you pet them, and stick tenaciously to your clothing, upholstery, and carpeting. Be prepared for vacuuming.

Serious health problems. From joint and bone problems, to eye diseases, to heart disease, to cancer, Labrador Retrievers are risky in the health department

Answer 6

I had a lab . One of the sweetest and most devoted family dogs you'll ever know. Yes, they are great with children. Just remember that this is a dog that needs regular exercise. So, be prepared for walks and games with frisbees. When your son is a couple of years older, the lab will love to run alongside his bicycle.

Answer 7

it depends really on where you are getting it from, but if it is the shelter they usually will not adopt a dog out if there is some thing wrong with it. and if it's a Friend's and you know the dog, it is safe. but as a rule labs are great with children. good luck and you should ask the person why they want to get rid of it and get a vet check before you do that

Answer 8

Go to a book store and purchase a book on the type of dog you have. You will learn a lot about the dog you have. The class of dog you have is a working dog. Meaning they where bred to do jobs or work, (hence the name working dog) you proably notice how high strung the dog is. This is all the pent up energy he has because he need to do work. There are many different classes of dogs. Most are not (like cats-- docile) they need attention and are high maintenance animals. Good luck.

Answer 9

I have a chocolate lab, rotweiller, doberman and shepard mix puppy who is 9 months old. She is very loveable and protective and fun. I take care of my 5 year old granddaughter and my 10 month old grandson and she just loves them. She is very gentle with the baby and loves to play. I would say that if you want a loveable dog, a lab is very good with children.

Answer 10

Yeah, It will be great with your kid. I've had labs for 14 years, and they never did anything that would make them seem ill tempered. Now I will say that chocolate labs tend to be more aggresive though. I have a black lab, and have had golden ones before also, so I would go for one of them.

Answer 11

I have a lab mix and she is great with my four year old, but she has a high energy level and needs a lot of exercise.