My auntie just recently lost her xbreed girl (we think she was a mix that had JRT and maybe collie) they are now thinking about getting a new dog and she has just sent me a message about a lab girl looking for a new home. I was just about to reply when i realised i dont know that much about labs! My brother in law owns a working lab and i have met a fair few in the park but thats it! She is a two year old chocolate lab bitch, spayed & chipped with papers being rehomed privately because the owners have been put on the same shift at work. I know to advise her about hips and diet as labs can be a bit foody but what other advise is there to consider when it comes to labs?
As the bitch is only 2 years old, she may still be quite lively. If your auntie was used to a more sedate Jack Russell cross then this might come as a bit of a surprise. This Lab may require more exercise than her previous dog. Depending on how much training this dog has had, it may be a case of starting from scratch. Without consistent training, young Labs can lack manners. She should be prepared for a dog that may be rambunctious in nature. They shed profusely. I can't really think of anything else. Is this a dog she is looking at from a rescue or a private rehoming? if it is a private rehoming, bear in mind that the owners may not be truthful about the dogs personality and/or the reason they are giving the dog up.
My Lab is two - at that age they tend to have a lot of energy! Your relatives will need to be prepared for a very strong, possibly very excitable dog that will need up to 90 minutes/two hours exercise per day. Labs are adorable and great fun - typically they love everyone and are happiest when out at the park, socialising with all their canine buddies and rushing over to meet potential new friends. However, this means that if a Lab has not been trained to come when called, it can be rather difficult for the owner, especially in the summer with all the kids around! Please urge your relatives to check into precisely why this dog is being rehomed - people do not always tell the truth with private rehomings....
Thanks all! This is a private rehoming, the add was in the local shop. Will pass the info on as by the sounds of it she may not be the best fit for them. Molly (the JRTx) was a bit of a nutter in her youth but she was an old lady when she passed so they have been used to a more sedate dog the last few years.
Chew till their two and Shed till their Dead! well that what I was told when we got our Labrador pup. Bruce is the most, loving and affectionate dog going. However he is hard work and I have to be very firm with him. He used to be awful to walk on a lead but once I took the advice given on Dogsey and put it to the test I have to say it did work! My dogs worst trait is his obsession with food and bins! He dives in head first! I really must invest in a lockable bin. Please make sure you find out the real reason this bitch is being rehomed. Keep us posted.
Ruby (my black lab) sheds hair it seems all year long, 1 walk a day even for well over an hour isnt enough to kerb her boundless energy -shes 22mths old- They can put on weight at the drop of a hat too! Other than that I found Ruby easy to train,& a very loyal & loving girly. Good luck with whatever they decide x
Just to add that Labs are also very much a breed that likes and needs a lot of attention and affection. Dexter will follow me into the shower if I let him! (I don't, I hasten to add!) Some Labs are calmer than others, of course. Has your aunty met this Lab yet? I think the main things she will want to check are: - if the dog has papers, is there a record from her breeder of parents hip scores and eye tests...? - has she been trained at all; can she walk nicely on a lead and is there any recall in place? - how excitable is this Lab? Even with two hours of exercise a day, my Lab still wants to play and romp around and go for another walk later in the day. They can be very energetic That said, though, Labs are tremendous fun!
Little update it seems he said he didn't know but he had definitely got all her papers. He didn't seem to know anything about hip scores so I'm not sure she will have been from health tested parents. I have also advised to ask what she is like alone as i know they wouldnt be able to cope with a dog that has SA. I think they may go and see what she is like in the fur.
Another update for anyone interested. My aunt went to see the dog and the papers were for a yellow lab dog not a chocolate lab bitch! It also seem like she was already having some problems with mobility and was turning her one foot in and limping when walking (poor girl). So they decided to leave it and have gone to a local dogs home instead. They now are getting a new dog called roxy who is a xbreed, here she is:
Smokey - Thats just what i said to her she looks like a GSD lab type cross. She came from a small rescue place attached to a bording kennel my Aunt said, not sure which one TBH. Will find out more when we pop and her, then introduce her to the mob! They did just hand her over with out any home check or anything though that much I know as she is home with my aunt now.
I wonder if it's Hilbrae? The are a boarding kennels and have Doberman rescue there I believe. We've had 3 dogs from there (Becka, Harry and Millie) and not had a home check but I know people who have had.
I thought that as well but would be a bit of a distance for them. I know they were going to Birmingham dogs home but it doesnt sound like she is from there. A lot of places were full to bursting with staffy crosses she said which is so sad
