Taking on a couple of 2yr old choc. Labs
Discussion
Been thinking about getting a pair of Labs and out of the blue....
My sister in law has asked my wife and I if we can take on their pair of Chocolate Labs as they have become too much for them. They're two years old, full pedigree and to my knowledge they've had little to no training but seem well mannered and good around kids.
one downside I can see is you miss out on the cute puppy bit but then you don't have the chewing everything bit.
Any opinions? We've not dogs before and understand there's as much training to be had on our side as the dogs. Just thinking that we can offer them a better home.
TIA
Mark
My sister in law has asked my wife and I if we can take on their pair of Chocolate Labs as they have become too much for them. They're two years old, full pedigree and to my knowledge they've had little to no training but seem well mannered and good around kids.
one downside I can see is you miss out on the cute puppy bit but then you don't have the chewing everything bit.
Any opinions? We've not dogs before and understand there's as much training to be had on our side as the dogs. Just thinking that we can offer them a better home.
TIA
Mark
Will one of you be around during the day? Are you prepared to take them for walks on a REGULAR basis i.e. every day come rain or shine. Are you aware of the associated costs?
I had not had a dog until about 5 years ago, in my mid forties and Mrs TT said she would like a GSD - We decided to go for a rescue dog and we admittedly took on a mild basket case but we turned her around after a year or so of hard work and she was very rewarding.
After 2.5 years she became ill (aged around 4.5) and our £2.5K of insurance was swallowed up in treatements followed by another £1,500.00 of uninsured costs which would have been considerably more if the vet had not taken pity on us.
Make sure you can care for the dogs, that they won't be left alone for extended periods and that you realise just how much exercise they will need.
Above all, make sure you insure them.
Oh, and enjoy!
I had not had a dog until about 5 years ago, in my mid forties and Mrs TT said she would like a GSD - We decided to go for a rescue dog and we admittedly took on a mild basket case but we turned her around after a year or so of hard work and she was very rewarding.
After 2.5 years she became ill (aged around 4.5) and our £2.5K of insurance was swallowed up in treatements followed by another £1,500.00 of uninsured costs which would have been considerably more if the vet had not taken pity on us.
Make sure you can care for the dogs, that they won't be left alone for extended periods and that you realise just how much exercise they will need.
Above all, make sure you insure them.
Oh, and enjoy!
Edited by Tyre Tread on Monday 10th October 12:06
My Wife's at home all day so they'll get a walk in the morning after the school run and a longer one in the evening when I get home from work.
I understand it's like taking on another kid and appreciate the costs, neither of which are a real issue.
They'll have nearly an acre of garden to run around in during the day. May have to fence the chickens off though.
I understand it's like taking on another kid and appreciate the costs, neither of which are a real issue.
They'll have nearly an acre of garden to run around in during the day. May have to fence the chickens off though.
I read....
I foresee 2 VERY happy chocolate labs
krusty said:
My Wife's at home all day........
they'll get a walk in the morning.........
a longer one in the evening ..........
a kid to play with and cause mischief........
an acre of garden to run around in.........
bark at chickens........
No doubt they will get trained properly too...they'll get a walk in the morning.........
a longer one in the evening ..........
a kid to play with and cause mischief........
an acre of garden to run around in.........
bark at chickens........
I foresee 2 VERY happy chocolate labs
Sounds like you have the perfect home to offer them 
Can I suggest you read Complete Idiot's Guide to Positive Dog Training by Pamela Dennison as this is your first foray into the world of dog ownership? It's far from being for idiots and explains things about behaviour as well as being a good, interesting and informative read
Let us know how you get on!
Can I suggest you read Complete Idiot's Guide to Positive Dog Training by Pamela Dennison as this is your first foray into the world of dog ownership? It's far from being for idiots and explains things about behaviour as well as being a good, interesting and informative read
Let us know how you get on!
R300will said:
Chocolate Labs are prone to heart murmors or other related issues so if you can then check the breed line and have a vet look them over before you decide.
Why would Chocolate Labs in particular be prone to heart murmors (sic) as opposed to golden or black 
We have a lab, done a lot of research on the breed and spoken to many breeders and I have never heard of this particular defect being associated with labs, perhaps you have your breeds mixed up.
66comanche said:
Why would Chocolate Labs in particular be prone to heart murmors (sic) as opposed to golden or black
We have a lab, done a lot of research on the breed and spoken to many breeders and I have never heard of this particular defect being associated with labs, perhaps you have your breeds mixed up.
It is called Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia and is something to do with the breeding according to vets i have been with so it is a genetically inherited anomaly. It may have been bred out of them since i last spoke to them but as it was only a year ago i'm not sure. I will ask my professors tomorrow to confirm.We have a lab, done a lot of research on the breed and spoken to many breeders and I have never heard of this particular defect being associated with labs, perhaps you have your breeds mixed up.
Edited by R300will on Monday 10th October 19:47
I wouldn't worry too much about behaviour issues, as long as they haven't been mistreated they're likely to be boisterous but consistent discipline should sort out any problems.
Be aware of the commitment you're taking on - they will need walking everyday and even a weekend away will become impossible without forward planning.
Labs are big dogs so any vet bills will be that much higher just due to the amount of drugs they can need. Either get them insured or have money available in case you need it.
If the labs have had vaccinations their hearts will have been checked when being given the vaccs so any major problems should have been picked up then.
Be aware of the commitment you're taking on - they will need walking everyday and even a weekend away will become impossible without forward planning.
Labs are big dogs so any vet bills will be that much higher just due to the amount of drugs they can need. Either get them insured or have money available in case you need it.
R300will said:
It is called Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia and is something to do with the breeding according to vets i have been with so it is a genetically inherited anomaly. It may have been bred out of them since i last spoke to them but as it was only a year ago i'm not sure. I will ask my professors tomorrow to confirm.
Can't say I was aware of heart problems being an especially big issue for labs - I'd be more concerned about hip and elbow dysplasia, but given the OP is taking on these animals rather than choosing a puppy there's not a great deal that can be done.Edited by R300will on Monday 10th October 19:47
If the labs have had vaccinations their hearts will have been checked when being given the vaccs so any major problems should have been picked up then.
gd49 said:
Can't say I was aware of heart problems being an especially big issue for labs - I'd be more concerned about hip and elbow dysplasia, but given the OP is taking on these animals rather than choosing a puppy there's not a great deal that can be done.
If the labs have had vaccinations their hearts will have been checked when being given the vaccs so any major problems should have been picked up then.
Absolutely, if they have had their vaccs then heart and joints will have been checked for full function and motility so hopefully all will be well.It is just that vets have told me that chocolate labs are more prone to the condition than golden/black labs so the OP deserved a heads up. Based on my limited knowledge at the moment the chocolate coat colour requires them to be homozygous recessive which results in less genetic variation and maybe problems can be more likely to occur because of it.If the labs have had vaccinations their hearts will have been checked when being given the vaccs so any major problems should have been picked up then.
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