Cuz labs and golden retreivers are naturally working dogs and st. bernards are rescue dogs.
If you don't put them to work but pay attention to them with love affection and give them exercises, would it be ok?
Why or why not?
2007-07-27 05:44:42 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
All animals are really just looking for love and affection. Let me see if I can answer this another way instead...Most humans don't like having to work everyday all hours etc...but when you get that chance to take the time off and just relax and pamper yourself do you not enjoy it? The same for the dogs they love the attention they get. Their playtime with you is their exercise time. To be nurtured and cared for by someone who loves them unconditionally. I would say it is fine not to use them as work animals just make them part of the family and heck one night it might just tuck you into bed for all the love you give it.
2007-07-27 13:52:59 · answer #1 · answered by goldielocks101364 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, you don't have to go hunting to have your Lab work. The exercise can be "work" for the dog... teaching your dog to retrieve is a great way for them to burn off energy, plus it gives them a job to do. And taking them for walks and runs is good for burning off energy. As for Saint Bernards, they are quite good at carting (draft dog) actually - they can even earn titles in it. Or, they can just help you carry things around the yard and stuff.
However, in breeds like the German Shepherd, Belgian Shepherds, etc. (those used for Schutzhund work) it would be best to avoid strong working lines if what you want is a family pet. Even you get one that is not quite as drivey, they need a lot of exercise!
2007-07-27 13:01:32 · answer #2 · answered by lickitysplit 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sure you can have a Working Classed dog as a pet. Labs and Goldens make wonderful pets.
2007-07-27 12:47:45 · answer #3 · answered by ♥♥The Queen Has Spoken♥♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure you can.. As long as you make sure that they are getting enough enercise to keep them happy and content.. You'll know if a working breed isn't getting enough exercise.. Cause he'll find ways to let you know that you need to spend more time with him, and he needs to run more.. They don't have to actually work, but it does help if you give them jobs to do.. But keep them mentally and physically stimulated and you won't have a problem. If you expect them to lay around all day waiting for you to come home, or for you to finally do something with them, then you are chosing a dog from the wrong Group.
2007-07-27 12:50:58 · answer #4 · answered by DP 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can definately get a working dog breed such as labs and retrievers, but a dog that is specially trained as a working dog, no. These dogs are trained to belong to people with special needs, not someone who needs a good pet. I dont know exactly what you are looking for, but I would recomend cockapoos. They are a mix between a cocker spaniel and a poodle, which makes for a dog as smart as a poodle and as sweet as a cocker spaniel. Cockapoos are a good size too, they are big enough to defend themselves should they be attacked (and defend you too) but small enough to cuddle up on the couch or lay on your lap. Cockapoos don't shed either. If I were you I would look into getting a cockapoo, because working dogs are for disabled people.
2007-07-27 12:55:30 · answer #5 · answered by dancingxinxthexrainx103 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Working dogs make wonderful pets, but you must remember that as working dogs, they NEED the activity . . .
It doesn't really matter what activity you put them too, as long as it fits the dogs nature, which, for working dogs who tend to me more intellient, you will need to be prepared to give that dog something to expend his/her intelligence on . . .
As an example, my wife and I have three Miniature Austrailian Shepherds, all three of which have strong herding instincts . . . (well, maybe Bart and Kisses . . . Tripod just likes to play tag . . . especially if everyone else is it and they are all trying to get him . . . :-)
Fortunatley, we live on a small farm with lots of things critters for them to chase . . . squirells, rabits, turtles . . . no really, you should see all three of them chase the local tortois population around the farm . . . I swear I've never seen so much energy poured into going nowhere . . . :-)
Woking dogs also need to burn off energy, or they will tend to get into more trouble . . .
2007-07-27 12:58:10 · answer #6 · answered by maredudd800 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lots of people do it.
But dogs ARE happier if they have a job to do.
It doesn't have to be their original job. You don't have to take your retriever hunting (although he'd love that), instead you could do obedience, agility, tracking, rally, or even just teach him a few tricks or have him fetch a frisbee.
The more you interact with your dog and teach him things, the happier you'll both be.
2007-07-27 12:51:58 · answer #7 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Of course you can. Lots of people have labs and golden retrievers as pets.
2007-07-27 12:47:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only pay for vetting done!!
2007-07-27 12:56:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋