I know this breed needs a great deal of excercise, while both my husband and I work from early in the morning until 6-7 every day. I really wanted a dog that I can go to a training school with. And I want him or her to be very smart. But, then again, we cannot supply more then a short walk on week days to a bc lab mix. Should I think about adopting a differnet dog breed? Which breed is very smart yet more relaxed on the excercise it needs?
2007-02-18 07:35:26 · 6 answers · asked by Ladybug NH 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
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2007-02-18 07:42:07 · answer #1 · answered by marina 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can walk your dog a few days a week, and your home has room for it to walk and run in, then you are fine. I have two 7 month old pups - a Dal and a Golden Retriever. They get tons of exercise on their own just running up and down the stairs playing. They are often panting and tired as a result. I also try to get them out when possible. The key is that I have just enough room in my house for them to play. If you live in a smaller home or have zero yard, then you may want a different breed.
Often dogs take on the characteristics of their owners. So if you are more sedentary, so will the dog. You'll find it crawling on the couch with you. But if you like walks, so will the dog.
By the way, I took both of my pups to obedience training too - they were great! And I should stress, even if you have a huge yard, do NOT leave your dog out there unsupervised for hours. Dogs are social creatures. A dog left alone outside can cause damage, will be anti-social and can even be poisoned (by cruel neighbors). Only let your dog out in a yard alone for short times, or when you are there to supervise.
2007-02-18 07:40:05 · answer #2 · answered by doctoru2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
IMHO, you're lifestyle is not best suited to this breed. When you are not able to give the dog the exercise he requires you may end up with a number of behavioural problems. Labs are particularly prone to separation anxiety which can result in excessive barking, chewing, destruction, housebreaking problems...etc.
Any dog can go to training school and be well trained if you put in the time and effort.
A 13hour day is too long a day for a dog to be home alone. If dogwalkers or doggiedaycare are not options for you, you may want to put this dream on hold until your lifestyle allows for more time to spend with your dog.
2007-02-18 07:52:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
So how big is your yard? Will this dog have another companion? Will it be alone for hours and hours? All of these are important factors. No dog, I don't care how laid back, will like to be alone for 12 hours a day.
Really smart, clever dogs, need constant stimulation or they loose their minds! This is a wonderful mix that you are considering but I'm be hesitant to keep this dog alone so long. Perhaps you can get a small terrier type dog for companionship? they are also very smart dogs and are wonderful companions.
2007-02-18 07:42:18 · answer #4 · answered by dressage.rider 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a dog that you can be able to spend time with dogs are like kids and need attention too. Having a backyard where they can run around in is great so if you are not able to walk them but when you ar ehome make sure that you spend time with them dogs get depressed too
2007-02-18 07:40:56 · answer #5 · answered by Melissa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should get a pug! They are small and you get to take them to Training school if that's what it's called... They don't need to much exersice, but they can go on long walks, too, if that's what you want. Plus, they're super cute!
2007-02-18 07:46:06 · answer #6 · answered by kgreen17 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋