I am thinking about getting a lab because I know they make great assistance dogs/service dogs but I am worried about them being boisterous and hyper? I need a calm and affectionate dog. What are the pros and cons of owning a lab? Any good resources i.e books etc for learning more about the breed?
Hi, I'm a first time lab owner - Monty is just over 15 weeks now. From my experience and reading other posts on this site I would expect a labrador puppy to be very hard work, and unlikely to be 'calm' a lot of the time (although they do sleep a lot at this age). There are lots of resources on this site and posts that will tell you what to expect from a puppy - biting, chewing, zoomies and lots of other fun behaviours. I have The Happy Puppy Handbook and The Labrador Handbook - they are great resources with lots of sensible advice. Perhaps an older dog might suit you more - after adolescence it seems they calm down quite a bit.
My lab is a delight, calm and affectionate. However, those behaviours like in any dog come from patience and consistent training. Also with a lab you need to be able to excerise them enough, preferably off the lead. If you are prepared to put the work in, intensively for at least 18 months or so, a lab is the dog for you. Have a read of the old threads, they will give you a really good insight into the breed. I would not be without a lab now.
Amen, Edp!!! Also meet the parents of any puppy you are considering. That gives some indication of projected temperament. Hillary was a typical pup in a lot of ways, but easy to train with a fairly laid back temperament. She's now going on five and mirrors her dam and sire who are both the chillest labs you could meet.
