working full time - should we get a dog (lab) or not?

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working full time - should we get a dog (lab) or not?
given that we work full time, should we consider getting 2 of them so that the dogs have company?
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desidawg

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Posts: 1

Joined: 6/21/2009

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Posted: 1:47:45 PM 7/19/2009

Hello, we live in a small home with decent yard size and are thinking of getting lab as a pet. Given that we work full time, and need to be away during the day during the week, should we even consider getting a dog? Will it be better to get 2 of them so that they have company? Or does it make it worse. It might be possible to spend some extra time during the day during the growing up phase (4-5 months), but eventually we will need to be away during the day.

thanks

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illusionminis

Senior Member

Posts: 1355

Joined: 10/30/2007

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Posted: 5:20:05 PM 7/19/2009

I see no problem with getting a dog. If you are getting a puppy, then I suggest one at a time. You could also consider rescue. There are alot of labs in need of good homes. Most dogs do fine home all day, you just have to ready to play when you get home. They lab will be full of energy, and need walked, played with etc. They have high energy for a long time, even into adult hood. Alot of working breeds are like that.

BIG HEARTS IN A SMALL PACKAGE

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NoDogYet

Senior Member

Posts: 1734

Joined: 1/28/2006

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Posted: 8:44:48 PM 7/19/2009

I think you are right to wonder if a dog will fit into your life right now -- especially a lab.

Some breeds are more people-focused than others (think: hunting breeds that are bred to take lots of directions from their masters). I've known lots of labs that love people -- so much that they are especially stressed when people are not around.

Other breeds have more of a take-it-or-leave-it approach to people (think: some independent herding breeds).

In both cases, getting an adult might work out better. You will have a better idea of the dog's personality, and how "needy" they might be.

Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood

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agentcooper

Senior Member

Posts: 517

Joined: 9/26/2006

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Posted: 9:58:59 PM 7/19/2009

I would suggest getting an adult dog from a rescue. Adults are generally lower-key. If you can house train- that be ideal- so the dog isn't in a crate all day. Or if you are able to put the dog in daycamp or even hire a dog walker to let the dog out during the day? I have an issue with dogs left all day in crates, but I know a lot of people do it. Some people can come home for lunch to let the dog out- is that an option for you?

It takes a lot of time/energy to own a dog, but it is very rewarding! Good luck!

Indifference turns clarity into denial. ~Quan Tracy Cherry

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pyrmom

Moderator

Posts: 6260

Joined: 6/7/2004

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Posted: 6:13:36 AM 7/20/2009

I agree with Cooper on getting an adult. Labs are wonderful dogs, but are very active and very much a breed that needs their humans. They will turn themselves inside out to please you and need the interaction.

A more mature Lab from rescue would be better able to deal with the daily "alone time" as long as you are dedicated to a routine of daily walk time/play time once you get home.

Labs are long lived, our purebred girl lived to be 17. Our "pound puppy" who was a Lab/Dane mix lived to be 11 (Danes are short lived).
So you will enjoy many years of happy companionship with a more mature dog.

"Some days you're the dog; some days you're the hydrant". author unknown

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