Anyone with experience...,

Bigshizza

Owning a Chocolate Lab??? My wife and I visited 3 different shelters just looking for a new member of the family. We found a beautiful, energetic male who's just been altered. They said he was 5 but the guy there and myself believe he's around 2 years. The problem is we don't have a fenced yard. That's our first priority but this guy was so sweet and friendly but very strong and not leash trained. I shouldn't get him but I want to.. I'm stronger about this than my wife. She's never had kids or a pet..except as a child. Advice? Thanks!

Martel

jgibv

Bigshizza

I guess my issue is... I'm going for surgery and walk that well right now... I don't have a yard I can let him run around in... If I did he'd be here!! He's a sweetheart and I love dogs. But after I have surgery and re cooperation makes my wife the boss and I don't think she wants that... I'm sad...

jgibv

danielzreyes

I have many friends who's had or currently have chocolate labs. One thing I notice with them, they tend to mellow/chill out significantly as they get older.

bbass2

Underground fences are a great option if you're concerned about the dog running off and/or don't want a privacy fence enclosing your yard. We had one installed when we got our pup a few months ago and after just a few training sessions she won't get close to that wire even with a strong temptation like chasing one of us or a ball that crosses the wire.

Bigshizza

bbass2:

Underground fences are a great option if you're concerned about the dog running off and/or don't want a privacy fence enclosing your yard. We had one installed when we got our pup a few months ago and after just a few training sessions she won't get close to that wire even with a strong temptation like chasing one of us or a ball that crosses the wire.

Good idea... I've thought about that..what kind of dog do you have?

0patience

bbass2

Labradoodle. We wanted a lab, but my wife is allergic to dogs and having a dog that doesn't shed has been great for her. If you or your wife are still unsure about getting the dog you could contact a trainer in your area. I'm sure they would be glad to talk with someone before getting a dog to answer any questions or just ease concerns.

matkn293

Chocolate labs are awesome. You can train them and keep them without a fence

matkn293

You can also get a ground anchor with a length of cable that will be suitable for the yard in the short time

jd50ae

perkinke

Just to add a little to what's already been said, my family has always had at least one lab, my dad's choclate just died a few months ago but he still has a 5 year old yellow female. They are great dogs, generally really eager to please once they figure out what you want and are usually very social dogs. They're great hunters and swimmers but that hunting streak can make leash training a little challenging at times. The only thing with chocolates is that they are more prone to skin problems than black or yellow labs. My dad's didn't have any issues until she was 10 and some inexpensive meds took care of it for the most part. Oh, and jumping, we have had to break every one of ours from jumping on people, which with your surgery would be tough.

blutattoo

I agree with everyone here. Labs are great. They do require a bit of exercise, but any training you do will be magnified due to their inbred instincts to serve. If you don't have a fence I'd be careful of leaving him outside. All of the labs I've had have a strong drive to chase prey, so squirrels, rabbits, birds, generally anything that runs from them, will cause them to chase unless they are trained specifically not to. I've had both chocolates and black labs and haven't really noticed a difference in temperament. They are prone to hip dysplasia once they get older so be prepared for expensive vet bills if you need to have his hip replaced $3k or more. Awesome beautiful dogs that will do everything you want them to do. They are a jack of all trades. Good luck.