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Help - I think I'm addicted


Rose
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Hello - I'm courting opinion from those with greater experience.

I want a dog - I 've wanted a dog for years... I'd love a Lab and so would my son - we've not owned a dog before but talked about it for years... we have three cats [:D]

Now - here's the thing, should I look for a puppy or an older dog?  Where should I look?  What should I look for?

All thoughts and comments very welcome

xx

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It depends, have you the patience to train a puppy, or to welcome, say, a rescue dog whose history may make them nervous in certain situations?

If you adopt a senior dog, who'll probably give you so much love it'll make you cry, you are only going to have a shortish time with him/her.

Be aware that labs are a 'big dog' breed, and they need very firm handling. Look anywhere in France or GB, and you'll find 8 month to a year old labs given away or abandoned, when the owners realise that sweetie Andrex puppy turns into an adolescent hooligan, whom they gave no time to and no exercised not at all and it's climbing the walls in frustration.

The 11th lab puppy I have trained for guide dogs for the blind in France is at my feet as I type. 6 months old, so cute, so calm.... just now. You should see the deep holes she's dug in the garden! I had her in training mode at a big 'brocante' on Easter Monday and she was brilliant despite the crowds, other dogs, food stalls etc. Those hours of patient, determined work paid off. And she comes back when called, off the lead. In the next month or two she'll become impossible, they all do as teenagers. With any luck we'll pull through, together.

Having read my piece, if you're still interested in a lab how about a guide dog puppy who hasn't quite been able to make the grade, at 8 months to a year old? They are in need of loving homes, come from good stock and will love you forever as all labs do

pm me with your phone N°, for more info or just to have some 'lab chat'

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Rather than getting a dog straight off, have you thought of looking after a friend's dog while they go away for a couple of weeks?  Or longer, if poss.This would give you both an idea of what it is like 24/7. 

When I was a child and then a teenager, I begged constantly for a dog, and could never understand why my two (working) parents continually refused.  Now I am retired and and there are always dogs (and/or cats) in my home, but we have to plan meticulously for every day out or weekend away, organising someone to come in and let the dogs out, or booking them into the local kennel at vast expense.  I'm sure you have thought about this, but it is very different to experience it first hand, especially in the first few weeks when the dog is introduced to the home, and again on cold, wet mornings when the last thing you feel like doing is going for that walk!

Another thought might be to volunteer to walk dogs at your local refuge.  These places are usually thrilled to have help from responsible people, and you would get to know the different types of dog in there.  (I would agree that a lab can be high maintenance!)  And helping to clean out the runs would also be an introduction to the less jolly side of dog ownership.

Whatever you decide, good luck.

Chrissie (81)

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I agree that a young labrador may be boisterous til it is about 1 1/2 or two,  I ve got a labrador myself, but when you ve got a kid at home, I had one when we got our dog at 10 weeks of age, it gets a lot of attention and exercise, believe me .

When it is rainy or snowy, I just let the dog out in our garden , that is big, and it is perfectly OK, no need for a walk in those circumstances.

We took our dog to agility lessons for pups, that was just perfect, they teach you how to deal with your lovely little pup full of mischief, [:)], my dog learnt how to come back instantly when off the lead, etc, I found that very useful, and it is a social event! you meet  other owners, you talk etc; there were events organized, such as picnics, etc etc

My son, now just 17, has loved the experience too, and he is so close to his dog .... I often say he's got so many more kisses from him than I do !! [:)]

A dog is a new member in the family, ok, it changes your life, I would say, in a very positive way !!  We love our dogs to bits, and when we go away on hols, our lab goes into a kennel ; our smaller  dog comes with us, I know, it may sound unfair, but Jack has not been used to kennels, he belonged to an English owner who let him behind when going back to the UK . . .     Yes, we have two dogs, and they give us so much love I don't regret it in the least !!     And for a kid, it is very positive, it gives him a sense of responsibilities, for instance my son feeds them, plays with them in the garden, never missed a visit at the vet's...

   

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We have promised our sons for many many years about having a dog, but due to our life being overseas it was not practicable, BUT when we returned to UK after endless excuses from my husband and myself and pleas from our boys, we had an excellent reason to go ahead and make enquiries. Our sons had received  excellent awards and distinctions from school for a few years running, and we were settled into our life in the UK so we thought as a surprise we would start the search. Should it be long haired or short? My preference was for long, but the men won and we settled on short hair, big dog little dog, can't be seen walking a little dog they said, please note the word  'walk' so a large dog was added to the list. After what seemed an endless time in searching we settled on a golden Lab, we visited at 5weeks or so and collected him Spring B/H in 2003, the boys were beside hemselves, this little fella cried all the way home in the car, and was all feet, big eyes and wet nose. Put out on our lawn he went inside to pee, well this only happened on a few occaisions, and generally the boys got him so excited in play that little accidents happened, but the boys soon learnt, that clearing up was not that much fun, and played gently inside and roughly outside. He grew and grew, and spoke to us, yes, we knew what was needed and when, his actions and barks told us its time for .....

All in all yes they are a tie, the boys went to boarding school, and he missed them, so a lot more love was needed from us, but when they returned there was no stopping the rugby tackles and fun and the absolute worst of all, sleeping on the bed, going from one to the other and we were the last stop as he knew i was the one to get food ready and open the back door. Winston has proved to be a fantastic part of the family, and we do not regret our choice of breed, they are not naughty at times, and sometimes deaf, and walkies are always on his mind, though the boys only take him occaisinally, but when they do they are for miles and miles.

He is now 8 years old, and a little more savvy, we have our home in france and uk, and commute between the two, though getting in the car is a problem, once in he is ok, after he has best  and most place in the car, the boot.

Sorry to go on, but a dog is great company, I talk to Winston when out walking, I amsure anyone hearing me natter away and have an occaisional moan would think I am barmy, but when his looks up and those eyes and ears perk up, its magic.

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I've been to your lovely home, Rose, and I would say firstly that you need good, high fencing before you contemplate anything but an older, reliable dog.  That road may seem a long way away to you but would be a doddle for an energetic lab youngster.  You might well have a flat dog on your hands before you know where you are!

I've never had any trouble with puppies and the cats (even when  we had young kittens about the place) because I have made it pretty plain from day one that they are not to be chased and the cats have made it pretty obvious too.[:)]  I've had much more trouble with friends' dogs who have come visiting who don't live with cats and have no respect for them or their space and whose owners let them chase moggies or even encourage it.[:@]

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We had a Lab cross and the vet told me that in her opinion Labs were teenagers and generally energetic until they are eight ! A puppy is a lot of work and I think it depends on your nature whether its for you - no matter how hard I tried one word from me and he did as he liked, whereas one word from my FIL bought pretty instant results.....

Polly's suggestion about a Lab who wasn't quite right for guiding seems a good one.

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Oh thank you all for your replies and photos... when you talk about your Labs they sound so much part of your family - I'm very envious.

Coops - yes we would need to fence in the garden - Greyman is releuctant to do the whole patch as he says it's too big and we like the view down through the walnut trees... so we thought maybe we could fence in a part - maybe make a nice doggie area complete with a tree for shade?  This has always been a stumbling block for us here... the road is quiet but it's still a road so is a huge consideration.

Part of me wants to get a puppy because I want to rear my dog from that age, but another part of me sees the sense in getting an older dog... there are pros and cons on both sides...  I think Greyman would be happier with an older dog too.  Whilst I maybe unsure which way to go I am convinced I want my own Lab... I also think Polly's idea about the Guide Dogs is a good one so maybe we'll think more about that? 

Also, the pet-stting idea was good too... oddly enough it was dog-sitting that convinced me that a dog would be ok with us... I look after my friends dog if she goes away - she's fine with out cats and is the perfect house guest - we love taking her on long walks and it has given us a good idea of what it would be like having a dog of our own.  She's a collie and she seems to just know where our boundaries lie... she runs up and down the garden all day long but never crosses over the boundary... My friend tells me when she goes home she just sleeps... exhausted from all the running.

Thank you again for the ideas - it's a huge commitment taking on a dog but I just feel like something is missing.  I fell in love with the Lab breed years ago and I reckon I'm just about ready to bring one home :)

Now I need to find one!

x

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Your friend's collie is probably just doing her job of guarding the house, by running up and down the borders. We have a collie and she does that, when she's not herding the chickens.

But collies can be difficult too, and need lots of exercise and challenges or they get bored. They can be highly strung and neurotic too.

I hope you get the type of dog to suit you and your family.

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Pat you're right with her herding us all... when I go out in the car she waits by the entrance of the drive when I return, almost like she's escorting me back to the house :)  Whilst she's a lovely house guest my heart is set on a Lab... and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that maybe I'll find one very soon!

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Think you may have struck gold, Rose. Just the right age, a 2-year old is perfect, the breed you want, and a chance to make a poor mistreated dog so very happy. Have had two dogs from Sheelagh and Rick and their team at Phoenix; and they are always tried and tested first so that you shouldn't have any nasty surprises and they are only interested in finding the most suitable dog for you. They are a wonderful Association.

Hope you and your addi(c)tion will be extremely happy always. Well done you !!
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Hi Rose

Yes, please do consider getting a rescue Lab (rather than buying a puppy) - there are plenty out there needing a loving home and taking on a rescue dog can be a very rewarding experience for all!!  I am a volunteer at the Refuge in Cahors and have seen many adult dogs of all ages become much loved family members.  We have just taken in a young female Labrador cross found with an injured foot.  She is a lovely young dog and will soon be looking for a permanent home.  She is currently recovering from an operation on her injured foot in a foster home.  She is expected to make a full recovery and will make a wonderful family pet.

Jouals

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I've also just looked at Merry's details on Phoenix - she sounds perfect for you Rose! I bet she'll be a dog that will give you so much love and fun over the next 10 years or so that you'll wonder how you ever managed without her!

We've had labs for 16+ years and when looking for a new puppy last autumn I thought about all sorts of types/breeds, but ended up this time with a labrador x gordon setter and the first female we've ever had. She's an absolute joy and has given new life to our old lab too.

How can you resist?[:)]

[IMG]http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i312/Bouillaguet/Freya%20the%20new%20puppy/2011_01160005.jpg[/IMG]

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awww... love your doggie RR.

Well we're waiting for a home visit but sadly they are concerned about our lack of fencing... maybe we'll be able to fence in a part of the garden... I'll just keep our fingers crossed and see if we can find a solution.

x

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