Think about your how much time you spend away from home. If you are often not home due to work or other lifestyle factors, then a Lab may not be the ideal pet for you. [2] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Determine whether you are willing and able to train a dog. Labs are easy to train and they enjoy the stimulation. Before you decide to get a dog, think realistically about how much time you will be able to devote to training your Lab. [3] X Expert Source Cameron ThompsenDog Trainer Expert Interview. 31 March 2022. If you do not plan to train your dog due to time or energy constraints, then a dog may not be the best choice. [4] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Consider other lifestyle factors. Labs are great with kids and other pets as well, so a Lab may be a good fit if you have kids and/or other pets. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
For example, will you be willing to get woken up every couple of hours in the middle of the night if your puppy is crying? Will you be able to manage if your puppy chews up one of your favorite pairs of shoes? Are you willing to clean up urine and feces accidents during the housetraining process? If not, then consider adopting an adult dog. [7] X Research source On the other hand, there are some positives to getting a puppy. Training your Labrador from a young age creates a fantastic bond between the two of you and you will get to enjoy watching your pet grow and mature.
One potential downside of an adult dog is he may not be trained, and adult dogs may be harder to train. Also, some dogs may not have been well-socialized and may get spooked by certain things such as other dogs, strangers, etc. Consider whether you have the necessary training skills to correct these problems should you encounter them. [9] X Research source
Male dogs tend to be a bit more aggressive, but these behaviors can be controlled with training. Female dogs often more easygoing, but Labs are such a relaxed breed that this doesn’t really matter too much. Regardless of the gender of your dog, make sure that you spay or neuter the dog unless you intend to breed it.
If you are looking for certain characteristics in a dog for working purposes, then be sure to source a purebred dog from a breeder who raises dogs with the characteristics you require. [11] X Research source
Keep in mind that all dogs have different personalities and abilities regardless of color, so color choice is more about your personal preference than anything else. [13] X Research source
You may be able to get contact information for local rescue organizations from your local humane society, veterinarian’s office, or pet shop. Keep in mind that dogs who end up in rescue programs are not there because they are bad. Owners may give up their dogs because of life circumstances such as a divorce, job loss, or physical condition. Other times a dog may end up in a rescue program because the owner did not fully consider the financial and/or time commitment that a dog requires. [15] X Research source
Even if you do not have to or want to do a trial period, it is important to meet your potential new pet. Spend some time with him or her before you decide if this is the dog for you. Shelters often have special areas for prospective pet owners and their family members (people and pets) to get to know a potential new member.
Try searching the AKC directory for a responsible breeder in your area: https://www. apps. akc. org/apps/clubs/search/index. cfm
Young pups without a mother are a strong indication that you are dealing with a puppy mill. Do not encourage this immoral trade by purchasing their pups.
Never buy from a breeder online without visiting the breeder’s location. If a breeder does not allow you to visit and wants to meet up somewhere else, then this should be a red flag to stay away from this breeder. Never have a puppy shipped. Shipping puppies is very stressful on them and often results in a sick, frightened puppy when you pick them up from the airport.
See how the Lab reacts to you. Try some basic commands see how he responds. See if the puppy is curious and comes to investigate (this is a good sign) or if he cowers in a corner (this is a sign of timidity). Watch how he interacts with the other puppies as well. He should seem playful and energetic. [21] X Research source
Be aware that Labradors are prone to a number of hereditary diseases which are passed down along the generations. Responsible breeders will try to eliminate these diseases, which involves the breeder submitting their breeding stock to genetic tests and radiographs to work out if they are carriers or at risk of transmitting, certain conditions. Keep in mind that these tests cost the breeder money, so you will need to pay more for a puppy from screened parents. The payback is that the puppy is less likely to develop serious conditions such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, or eyesight problems. [23] X Research source
