What are the Pros and Cons of purchasing and raising a Lab puppy?

Answer 1

Labs require ALOT of exercise. They are very smart dogs, which also gets them into alot of trouble. They are chewers, anything and everything. Make sure you will have the time to run her everyday, for the next 15 years. Many labs end up at the pound because of people not being able to properly care for their needs. They are shedders, and like to Run Run Run. If you think you can give her this, she will be a wonderful dog. Cons....They are also prone to hip problems, tumors, and one of 3 top dogs for seizures. Pros....They learn quick, and will adore you.

Answer 2

Lab puppies are adorable, but lots of work. I decided to adopt 1 year old lab which really still is a puppy just a big one.

I think that many people get labs not realizing that they have unlimited energy and then change their minds and get rid of them.

Because my dog was meant as a house pet and not for service I felt that adoption was the best option, I had no problems training him, labs are very smart and learn quick even if they are already adults.

Answer 3

The pros to raising a Labrador retriever puppy is that a puppy is a clean slate that you can socialize and train yourself. Puppies tend to meld in better if you already own pets, because they aren't as threatening to your cat or other dog as an adult would be. I personally find it pretty fun to be training and controlling a bouncing yellow, brown, or black ball of energy to listen to your commands.

But raising the lab as a puppy isn't necessarily the "better" option. Getting a good, well-mannered adult dog might end up to fit into your lifestyle way better. Puppies go through a terrible teething stage, and labs are especially bad when it comes to putting their mouth on everything! Labrador retrievers as a breed tend to reach mental maturity way later than other breeds, so you're going to have a energetic puppy in a big, powerful body for at least 3 years. Puppies have to be housetrained patiently, and they need lots of opportunities to vent their energy or they'll get extremely hyperactive. Labrador retriever puppies are probably among the most bouncy and uncontrollable of purebreds. And, puppies in general will need a lot of patient training. They will make mistakes, because they don't know any better. They will jump on you, knock things over in their exuberance, chew up your best shoes, mess on your clean carpet, and cry when you leave them alone.

And never purchase a puppy for the cuteness factor. A little 8-week-old lab is only little and cute for a few weeks before you have to go through months of consistent training.

If you're interested in a Labrador retriever puppy because you think the breed would fit in well with your family, then consider getting an adult. Labrador retriever rescues are fairly common, and they will offer purebred adult labs for adoption. You may end up finding just the dog for you this way. Adults are finished their teething stage, are probably a little calmer than puppies, and may already come housetrained. Of course, you may still have some problems in the dog that have not been trained out of him/her, but it's worth it to make the effort. Given time, an adult dog will still bond to you and will soon become one of the family.

Answer 4

One major con is if you are looking a purebred puppy, you are going to pay out quite a bit (unless you adopt from a shelter or rescue group). Not just for the puppy, but for quality food, etc.

Labs are extremely intelligent, however, some are difficult (behavior wise). Like all dogs, they need obedience training. Because they are so intelligent, and they are -retrievers- they tend to get bored easily and will display this through a number of behavior problems (chewing, separation anxiety, destorying things, barking). They can be somewhat demanding. They also are prone to over-eating. They need A LOT of exercise. Not just a walk every 1-2 days. They need to be taken out daily and some need to be taken out multiple times per day (if not... you are looking at behavior problems). They really aren't apartment dogs (unless you can take them out a few times a day for a few hours). Labs are also year-round shedders. They don't need extensive bathing unless you let them romp around in the mud all the time. They won't need tons of extra (professional) grooming, unless you don't want to clip their nails). They are very friendly and most get along very well with other dogs. Most are good with children. When trained, they can be very obedient and well behaved.

If you get a puppy, you will be able to prevent a lot of behavioral problems because you will be able to set boundaries and work on training for their lifetime. You will also get to see your dog grow up (something I always enjoy).

Answer 5

Pros:
They are incredibly cute!
They are extremely loving dogs
They are good behavior dogs
They are great family pets as they get older
You will have that attachment to it since you've had it since a puppy

Cons:
Puppies are a lot of work!
You need to keep an eye on it constantly
He may chew some wanted items
You have to make sure to keep a good schedule
Puppy vet bills can be expensive!

Puppies are a lot of work but definately worth it! They are truly "man's best friend"! If you have the proper space, time and money, then get it!

Answer 6

Pros:

Very gentle
Loving
Funny
Loyal
Playful
Smart
Easy to train



Cons:

Big
Need lots of room
Need lots of attention
Need to be walked every day
Eat a lot
Tend to jump up on people
Slobber a lot
Vet bills
Meds like heartworm and flea treatment more expensive than smaller dogs
Really big poops

Answer 7

They make excellent guard dogs.Lovely family pets,good with kids. They are very smart easy to train.They are fun dogs to own.Very loyal and protective of their owner and family. They need a lot of space.They like to run. And for the first 5 years they will chew anything and everything that they can get.They can be lazy and get very fat.I have owned a black lab, Zulu was his name and he loved me and his family very much. I still miss him allot. They eat allot too. I hope this helps.They get hip and joint problem when they get old.Before you buy get a vet to check them out

Answer 8

Labrador is a good breed of dog... they're kind even with children. they also have good temperament, love to play in water. (but having a good dog really depends on how you treat and teach your dog so there's really no problem from which breed they come from. coz i have 2 rottweilers and 2 pit bulls and they all behave well)

Answer 9

Everyone here is correct. The only bad thing is they are prone to Hip Problems....Best dog you can own though

Answer 10

cant see any. They are the most intelligent dogs on earth.