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CallaLily
Thank you, Saint Gerard!
Member since 10/07 4937 total posts
Name:
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Labrador owners...please come in
DH and I are thinking of adopting a 5 month old yellow lab from a shelter by us. I had dogs growing up, but this will be my first with DH. I've never had a lab before...any advice? Anything I should know about the breed? TIA!
Oh, just to add, right now we have 2 cats and 3 rabbits. Do labs get along with cats?
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Posted 11/13/09 10:38 PM  |
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Megs4
LIF Adult
Member since 11/08 1619 total posts
Name:
Megan
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Re: Labrador owners...please come in
Technically my dog is a lab mix, but they think she might be lab-golden retriever, which is pretty close to being a lab!
My family dog (now 14 and a half) is also a lab, and my extended family always has had labs and goldens.
Based on the labs I know, he or she will likely love the cats and rabbits more than they love him/her. My dog wants to be friends with any and everything!!
They are high energy though - today she is a bit out of control because we didn't get in our usual long walks due to weather. They need a lot of exercise but I find it is so worth it because she is much better behaved when she has gotten enough exercise.
They are prone to hip dysplasia, and often have allergies (mine has a skin one), but they are loyal, loving, and just want to make you happy!
Greenfreak is an expert though!! She has done a ton of research on labs and has a chocolate of her own.
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| Posted 11/13/09 10:57 PM |
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greenfreak
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Member since 9/06 11483 total posts
Name:
greenfreak
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Re: Labrador owners...please come in
Posted by Megs4
Greenfreak is an expert though!! She has done a ton of research on labs and has a chocolate of her own.
 Thank you Megan 
To add to what Megan said, yes, they can have high energy especially at that age. They keep their puppy behavior long beyond what we consider a puppy. That's part of their appeal to me though. Mine is very mellow, only a 'medium' energy level but we make sure we keep him exercised to avoid problems. He gets about an hour of walk time per day plus lots of indoor running around, and on weekends we usually go somewhere with him - the beach, the park, the school to play fetch, playdates, dog parks.
If they don't get enough exercise and training (and that varies by the individual dog) they can be destructive and unruly. Chewing furniture, peeing in the house, humping other dogs, exhibiting food or toy aggression, separation anxiety, being overly vocal. It's really important that they get what they need to keep their bodies and their minds occupied to avoid that.
Now for the good stuff! You will never be alone, they will follow you around and adore you. They are such happy go lucky dogs and really easy to train partly because they live to please you. I can't go to the bathroom without mine trying to follow. They are very friendly with strangers and kids although many shelters will say they shouldn't be with young children... Because they have a habit of knocking down or whipping anything that gets in the way of their enthusiastic bodies and wagging tails! It's something to consider if you're going to have very young children around them.
That said, be very careful with the cats and rabbits. Labs are predisposed to hunting and chasing things that move low to the ground. This instinct is really strong in my mellow, kind Lab and he could never be in a home with a cat. He's already caught a bird in my backyards, chased after cats, rabbits and squirrels and even runs after leaves blowing on the ground!
You must ensure this puppy doesn't already have the instinct to catch smaller prey before you adopt it. Keep in mind that this may not be the dog for you and your energy level, what you're willing to give them too. It wouldn't be the end of the world and there are plenty of needy Labs out there - check out Labs4Rescue on Petfinder, based out of Killingworth CT. They're a huge rescue group with hundreds of Labs all over the east coast and put the dog's challenges out there for anyone to consider before wanting to meet or adopt them.
I'm sorry this is so long!! I tend to be long winded, what can I say. I'd love to help with anything I can!
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| Posted 11/14/09 9:40 AM |
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CallaLily
Thank you, Saint Gerard!
Member since 10/07 4937 total posts
Name:
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Re: Labrador owners...please come in
Thank you both for your replies. I am concerned a little for the cats (especially since they are DH's and he's very protective of them). Is there a away I can find out if the dog is cat aggressive without taking him home? It would kill me to have to return him to the shelter. As for the rabbits, they are in a separate room so I don't think that would be a problem. I guess we have a lot to think about. Thank you again!
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| Posted 11/14/09 10:45 AM |
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greenfreak
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Member since 9/06 11483 total posts
Name:
greenfreak
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Re: Labrador owners...please come in
Do all shelters test dogs with cats? I know Save-A-Pet does. Rescues have them in foster homes so they tend to have more information about that kind of thing and go out of their way to test. Since they want the dog to be in a forever home and not be given up again because it doesn't get along with all the family members.
I think you should call the shelter and see if they have tested him with a cat. If not, you should request it to make sure it's a good match.
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| Posted 11/14/09 12:12 PM |
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SnickNNick
In our new house!!
Member since 8/08 2119 total posts
Name:
Nicole
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Re: Labrador owners...please come in
Everything said sounds right to me, but just wanted to add that although our dog (who is now 10) does chase cats and squirrels and things outside, if we're at other peoples' houses who have cats she leaves them alone and basically pretends they aren't there. She had never lived with a cat before and one moved in with her when she was about 4 or 5 (back when she lived with DH and some roommates) and she basically ignored him, even though she always goes after cats outside and he antagonized her all the time. So, just b/c they chase other animals outside they may not be the same with one they live with or know. 
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| Posted 11/14/09 12:34 PM |
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MamaB17
Back for baby #3
Member since 5/09 4065 total posts
Name:
N
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Re: Labrador owners...please come in
We have a 4 year old yellow lab names Flash. The issue with the cats is that our dog is very playful, and the cats will not want any part of it. My mom has a cat and Flash wants to be friends so bad, and the cat hates him. We put a gate up in the hall so he can't bother the cat all day when we visit. Flash sits at the gate waiting for her, and she comes up and hits him in the nose and runs away. This goes on for hours. I think it might work if they were together all the time. However, you are going to have to be careful that the cats don't beat up the puppy. Also labs are hunters, and the rabbits may be an issue. I know Flash has caught bunnies, birds, etc.. in the yard. So you have to be careful.
Labs are a great breed. They are very friendly, loyal, playful, great with kids. However they need to get exercise or they will be crazy. I walk Flash for 1/2 hour at least twice a day if we are not going to be home. On days off we take him for hikes, etc.. This breed is much happier when they burn off their energy. Dog parks are great too. They love to be outside. He would live outside if we let him. They love water and swimming in nice weather.
You just have to set boundaries when they are puppies so they don't end up all crazy. We trained Flash to sit and wait when we come in so he doesn't jump. Sometimes he just runs to find a toy, and bring it to you instead. He sleeps in our bed, but isn't allowed on the couches.
What else. They are messy drinkers/ eaters. They are messy dogs in general. He dribbles water all over when he drinks. They shed a good amount too. They defin need to be crated int the beginining too. Until they are trained. Otherwise you will have lots of accident, and ruined furniture. They like to chew when they are young and bored. Exercise is the best way to keep a handle on these dogs. If you have any specific questions feel free to FM me. Labs can be a great companion, but they are a job also.
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| Posted 11/15/09 6:08 PM |
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MeeshMosh
last month on leave!
Member since 6/08 4551 total posts
Name:
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Re: Labrador owners...please come in
we had our cat first, and then adopted hershey (lab mix)
as you can see, they are BFF:
it took about 6 months for them to be like THAT -- but they have always tolorated each other
i think it really depends on what your cat is like... my miller is VERY laid back and fat lol and all he wants to do is hang out -- he doesnt have a mean bone in his body! so i think that made it easier for them to get along
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| Posted 11/16/09 9:22 AM |
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PaddysGirl
Little princess is here!
Member since 4/07 5923 total posts
Name:
Crystal
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Re: Labrador owners...please come in
Greenfreak has great advice. I just want to add they LOVE to chew. My baby girl is 6ish months and boy oh boy we have to have TONS of chew toys. When she was around 4 months and we had just gotten her she needed to be under extreme supuervision cause she decided that my brand new bedroom set (and the modling) was a chew toy  She has learned that those are no nos but I still keep a close eye on her.
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| Posted 11/16/09 3:40 PM |
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katiebug
I'll love you for always
Member since 2/08 4624 total posts
Name:
Katie
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Re: Labrador owners...please come in
I have a black lab mutt that I adore. She absolutely LOVES cats and rabbits. I know it is strange, but she actually snuggles with them. It cracks me up and melts my heart all at the same time. 
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| Posted 11/16/09 5:29 PM |
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karacg
Babygirl is 4!
Member since 5/05 17076 total posts
Name:
Kara®
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Re: Labrador owners...please come in
I am on my 2nd Lab. They are great dogs -- gentle and patient with children, yet they have the size to be intimidating to a stranger.
They love to play and run around. I would say to be sure you have the time to play with your dog. We take Scout to the park about 4 times a week so he can get a lot of energy out.
I would recommend them to anyone. THey are very bright, easy to train, and really are pleasers.
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| Posted 11/16/09 9:43 PM |
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KimberlyScott
Graceyn=My World <3
Member since 10/08 4173 total posts
Name:
Kimberly
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Re: Labrador owners...please come in
greenfreak nailed it.
They do love to chew so make sure you have plenty of toys around!
If I didn't already have 3 I'd be getting another one!
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| Posted 11/17/09 5:32 PM |
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scubashell44
LIF Adolescent
Member since 8/09 790 total posts
Name:
Michelle
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Re: Labrador owners...please come in
I think this sums it up.....
Mine LOVES LOVES LOVES toys
Message edited 11/17/2009 7:14:45 PM.
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| Posted 11/17/09 7:10 PM |
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partyof6
b nice like u want ur kidz 2
Member since 7/06 7752 total posts
Name:
jeannine
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Re: Labrador owners...please come in
I can only tell you every dog is different.
I have 2 dogs from guide dog foundation, had...3 ducks..the dogs were fine with them, had a large bird they were fine with him.
I now have 2 parakeets, the 2 dogs and a pot-belly pig I adopted and they lovvvvvvvvvvvvve him....
but they are very calm.
You can wind up with a Marley and me..you just do not know.
Good luck!
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| Posted 11/17/09 11:41 PM |
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