A girl's best friend (Labrador)

Member Name: laukez

Product:	Labrador
Date:	16/09/09 (40 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Exemplary nature, beautiful dogs

Disadvantages: Nothing worth mentioning - teething problems are insignificant compared to benefits of Labs

Warning - this review is heavily biased! There is however nothing at all I can do about that as the owner of Lily, a one and a half year old black labrador who is my absolute pride and joy. When our faithful Welsh Springer Spaniel died about two years ago we vowed we would never get another dog as we couldn't replace her and it was too much work etc etc. It didn't last long as we are basically a doggy household and missed the presence of a canine companion just too much!

So we decided on a Labrador. Their reputation as friendly, intelligent, loving, playful dogs really sets them apart among breeds - it's easy to see why they are the most popular breed for a pet in Europe and North America as they are generally so good natured and easy-going. That they are used as seeing and hearing dogs for people with sensory impairments again is an indicator of their nature - they are intelligent and reliable companions.

We bought Lily from a breeder for £350. For inexperienced dog buyers - always ask to see the parents! The puppy breeding trade can be ruthless and cruel with dogs imported in horrific circumstances, and genuine breeders usually will let you see the parents. Also check for relevant documentation if you are going for a pedigree dog - Kennel Club registration and history of the dog's bloodline.

So, after a deperate dash to Pets at Home for puppy essentials (we literally had five minutes until closing time) we took Lily home. She settled in incredibly quickly, playing with us and being boisterous and friendly immediately in spite of having limited contact with people before she came home with us.

It hasn't all been plain sailing with Lily - the usual toilet training issues meant several puddles on the carpets but she really did learn amazingly quickly for a dog who had lived outside for 2 months. She does require a lot of walking - when she was really young she was difficult to settle and constantly wanted to be out. This drove me to tears on several occasions. Even though she was being walked three times a day it wasn't enough. I had a dissertation to write and she needed constant attention.

While this was a difficult period it didn't last that long. It really is to be expected when puppies find themselves without other dogs to play with in a strange place. Lily settled after a couple of months and now is the laziest dog ever when she is in the house!

Another area we have had issues was with walking on a lead. Where possible we take her somewhere she can be let off and she is good at coming when called - except for a massive football fetish which has led to some amusing incidents! However, when on the lead she pulls and after trying a harness which made little difference we discovered the canny collar which is a noseband designed to train dogs not to pull - I'd recommend this to anyone training a labrador as they are so energetic and curious without some kind of control walking them can become a massive chore!

Lily suffered from separation anxiety when she was younger, and this limited our lives somewhat for a few months. This is apparently common for Labradors as they are such sociable dogs. Having tried all we could think of including leaving the T.V. and radio on to keep her company we eventually invested in a cage. I hated the idea, thinking it was cruel. However it turned out to be the best thing we have done for Lily! She absolutely loves having her own space, and we can leave her in there for a few hours and know she will be happy. It's not like we have to force her in - she lies in there through choice often and really loves it. I was dead against training her to be in the cage but it has been brilliant for us and Lily.

I feel like I have done nothing but pick faults with owning a Labrador - let me make it clear that any problems we have had are far outweighed by the sheer joy of having her in our lives. Labradors are basically just excellent companions, who love your company and are always good for a laugh. The do some barmy things and are so playful that you can't help but fall in love with a Labrador!

They do suffer from some health problems in later life, mainly due to their size in larger examples of the breed. However, in my experience having known Bernese Mountain Dogs, Newfounlands and other large breeds Labradors are much better off and suffer much less than some other large breeds. They are expected to live on average 12-13 years, again brilliant for a large breed dog.

All in all, my experience of owning a Labrador has been overwhelmingly positive. I wouldn't change a single thing about her, and as a breed I would recommend Labradors to anyone!

Summary: The most popular dog pet breed, and for good reason