Anyone have a Labrador Retriever?

[jeepnGS]

I've always felt dogs have different personalities just like people do.  Some people make me crazy, some dogs make me crazy.  Yappy people...yappy dogs.  nuff said.

I had a black Lab that was absolutely beautiful (show quality) but dumber than a box of rocks.   Durn near had to remind him to breathe.   Anything with water was an immediate attraction (puddles, ponds, lakes, sprinklers, pools).  But he loved to be loved and was super protective of me from anything or anyone. 

[LPC2104]

I have to say I disagree with the complaints people have listed here about Lab behavior.  It's not to say that labs don't exhibit this behavior, but I'm a strong believer that dogs' behavior is a reflection of the owners' caretaking style.  I know people may bristle at taking responsibility, but I'm proud of my lab's current behavior, which is a far cry from what he was like when we brought him home from the pound.

I agree with this to a degree but the dog's breed plays a major factor in their behavior.  I've raised both my dogs the same way and they are complete opposites in everything from obedience to personality.

I believe one can achieve the result they desire from their dogs but some dogs take much much more work to get the "good dog" stage than others.  My lab was really easy, I'm still working on my Husky.  At least this has been my experience with my dogs I've personally raised.

[rob1bike]

I've got a lab/chow mix. Found 16 puppies in a plastuc bag while out mtn biking.
7 lived, keep one.
She has turned out to be the best dog I've ever meet! She's 10 now. Only had some bad dog issues when she was less then a year old. But now she rocks!
I can put a steak on the coffee table and tell her no, leave for 8 hrs and its there, untouched!
She does need atleast 1 good walk every day, rain or shine. I try to get 2 in. I've got a 2500 sqft fenced in yard, she's happy to be in side, just watching the day go by.
Gets along with other dogs fine. Can be a snatch and run feeder when a little one is around with some food, like they'll tease her or whatever. Not a single mean bone in her though.
Labs are a working dog, put them on task, make it fun. Give em toys, let them know what you want, that's there job and they'll love you like you'll never believe.



I like my dog huh?

[RVertigo]

I had a Chow...  She thought she was a person.  She'd watch TV  and was perfectly content chillin' on the couch all day.

[spc]

That's how my Aunt's chow was Damn thing wouldn't die either lived to 21

[RVertigo]

My Chow could have lived longer, but her life would have totally sucked...  In under a year she went from pretty healthy to blind in both eyes, deaf, and she could hardly walk 'cause her hip dysplasia got much worse...     No dog should have to live like that...  She wouldn't even get up to piss or eat.

[nightrider]

Good luck!  Charlie is literally considered family, and our relationship is so rewarding.  We teach each other.

What a cutie.

I think I am part lab, I was very chewy/barky/diggy when I was younger, now I am mellowing out a lot. Im about 4 in dog years. Dont chase cars or lick my johnson half the time anymore. 

[csnowman00]

Yup...her name is Pebbles.