bigman Posted February 6, 2013 Report Share Posted February 6, 2013 Been wanting a lab for a long time now , but iam unsure of a few important things that are holding me back Both myself an misses are out to work and I can't help think its unfair to leave the lab at home on his/her own for any length of time , Obviously for most people this is unavoidable so what would be the max amount of time that lab could be left Iv heard labs are prone to chewing the house up when left is this true? How is this overcome , Is it possible to get partial trained (house trained) labs ,would this effect any further training in the future Some days I'd be able to take him/her to work with me but not always , Iv got loads of questions going round my head but the leaving at home issue is eating me up as I really want a lab but want to be fair and not jump in blind so to speak Another question on dog or bitch ? Is there a difference in behaviour or just personal preference Atb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Actionpigeons Posted February 6, 2013 Report Share Posted February 6, 2013 (edited) If you are at work all day every day, dont get a Lab or any dog. IMO Edited February 6, 2013 by Actionpigeons Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigman Posted February 6, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 6, 2013 If you are at work all day every day, dont get a Lab or any dog. IMO Thanks for reply , that probably the only reason I haven't had one yet , was hoping to hear different Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pontbeck Posted February 6, 2013 Report Share Posted February 6, 2013 I realise it's difficult when you want a dog but unless you can have someone feed the dog mid day at 8 weeks old until probably 6 months, it' s not fair on the dog, they need 4 meals a day up to then, without compromise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gunsafe Posted February 6, 2013 Report Share Posted February 6, 2013 Hi my 2 gundog labs are 5 years old and been kennelled outside all their life, they are well exersized in the mornings and again in the evening, thay are quite happy being left in between so long as they have a warm kennel and a large enough run. I have never had a problem with leaving them. They are very well, kennel quiet and kennel clean. Very happy dogs. I work them hard in the field and I am out with them most weekends, so they probably glad of the rest. I would not however leave a dog all day that has been brought up with all day attention. My puppies do get extra attention mid day by my wife with the normal attention and training from me morning and night, there will come a time however when they will be kenelled all day, lots of toys for the pups though as they will get bored if left. Horses for courses I suppose, as long as their happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigman Posted February 6, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 6, 2013 I realise it's difficult when you want a dog but unless you can have someone feed the dog mid day at 8 weeks old until probably 6 months, it' s not fair on the dog, they need 4 meals a day up to then, without compromise Would getting a older lab around 6-12 months not be a option? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigman Posted February 6, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 6, 2013 Hi my 2 gundog labs are 5 years old and been kennelled outside all their life, they are well exersized in the mornings and again in the evening, thay are quite happy being left in between so long as they have a warm kennel and a large enough run. I have never had a problem with leaving them. They are very well, kennel quiet and kennel clean. Very happy dogs. I work them hard in the field and I am out with them most weekends, so they probably glad of the rest. I would not however leave a dog all day that has been brought up with all day attention. My puppies do get extra attention mid day by my wife with the normal attention and training from me morning and night, there will come a time however when they will be kenelled all day, lots of toys for the pups though as they will get bored if left. Horses for courses I suppose, as long as their happy. Thanks for that mate , maybe a little light at the end of the tunnel after all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hedd-wyn Posted February 6, 2013 Report Share Posted February 6, 2013 Is there any possibility that you could pop home for an hour or two at lunch time? Or have neighbours or family that could help out? I haven't had my lab pup yet but have been in the same pickle as you before finally deciding to get one. My office is only 5 mins away so I'l be able to pop home for an hour during lunch time as long as I work an extra half hour to make it up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pontbeck Posted February 6, 2013 Report Share Posted February 6, 2013 Your problem is not leaving an older dog, most of us do that. But a pup up to 6 months needs feeding 4 times a day, if you can organise that , fine Ideally they need socialisation and being away all day is not the best way to bring up a pup Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gunsafe Posted February 6, 2013 Report Share Posted February 6, 2013 I understand why people may be sensitive about leaving dogs all day, but I am sure there are many dog kennels out there where owners work all day. You have to think carefully about what you bring home, as stated by Pontbeck if a 8 week old puppy it will need a lot of attention food, water and otherwise. If you find an older more experienced dog, discuss with the seller/owner about the dog and is he kennelled inside or out and is he happy being left during the day, is he a quiet kennel dog etc. but as I do make sure that when you are around the dog gets all the attention and bonding they need, you will know if your dog is happy, and if not happy your neighbours will probably let you know!!! unhappy dogs will quite rightly complain by whining or barking. Good luck there is a dog out here for everyone, just make sure its the right one for your circumstances mate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigman Posted February 6, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 6, 2013 I understand why people may be sensitive about leaving dogs all day, but I am sure there are many dog kennels out there where owners work all day. You have to think carefully about what you bring home, as stated by Pontbeck if a 8 week old puppy it will need a lot of attention food, water and otherwise. If you find an older more experienced dog, discuss with the seller/owner about the dog and is he kennelled inside or out and is he happy being left during the day, is he a quiet kennel dog etc. but as I do make sure that when you are around the dog gets all the attention and bonding they need, you will know if your dog is happy, and if not happy your neighbours will probably let you know!!! unhappy dogs will quite rightly complain by whining or barking. Good luck there is a dog out here for everyone, just make sure its the right one for your circumstances mate. Cheers mate, getting excited again now , there will be attention on tap for the dog when myself of misses are around seriously I feel like its a missing link from my life , my grandad always had dogs he was a handler in the police an keeper , I'm sure it's in my blood Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pontbeck Posted February 6, 2013 Report Share Posted February 6, 2013 An older pup'6 months' may be the way to go but you will need to spend some time with the dog before you leave it alone all day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigman Posted February 6, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 6, 2013 An older pup'6 months' may be the way to go but you will need to spend some time with the dog before you leave it alone all day How much time we talking mate , I could take some holiday from work to settle him/her in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lurch Posted February 6, 2013 Report Share Posted February 6, 2013 If you are at work all day every day, dont get a Lab or any dog. IMO Agree. Don't put your own wants and desires above a dog's needs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Ghost Posted February 6, 2013 Report Share Posted February 6, 2013 Bigman it seems to me you would be a good dog owner, at least you are asking opinions when others just go out and get a dog. My last pup I had was like having a new born baby in the house, feeding at least 4 times a day and she got the runs and was not well. It would help if you could drop the dog off at dog minders while you were at work or get a dog walker to take it out while you were at work. Trust me when I say they are hard work and very demanding......but I would not be without a dog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pontbeck Posted February 7, 2013 Report Share Posted February 7, 2013 Bigman If you could take time off work to settle an older pup that would be great. If you could manage a week off that would give you time to get to know one another Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aled Posted February 7, 2013 Report Share Posted February 7, 2013 Bigman i am in exactly the same situation, and have read responses with interest. We moved house in December and now have the space for a dog. (Sorry if i'm hijacking your thread Bigman but it may be of relevance/interest). A question to you experienced dog people out there, is having two dogs together from the beginning a help? As one of the options we have discussed as a family is geting a worker, and also getting a young resuce dog as a company and to give another dog a loving home. Any advice ladies and gentlemen? Cheers Aled Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigman Posted February 7, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 7, 2013 Bigman i am in exactly the same situation, and have read responses with interest. We moved house in December and now have the space for a dog. (Sorry if i'm hijacking your thread Bigman but it may be of relevance/interest). A question to you experienced dog people out there, is having two dogs together from the beginning a help? As one of the options we have discussed as a family is geting a worker, and also getting a young resuce dog as a company and to give another dog a loving home. Any advice ladies and gentlemen? Cheers Aled That is a interesting idea mate , one for you one for the misses Bigman If you could take time off work to settle an older pup that would be great. If you could manage a week off that would give you time to get to know one another A week would be no problem , don't think I'd want to go back after Bigman it seems to me you would be a good dog owner, at least you are asking opinions when others just go out and get a dog. My last pup I had was like having a new born baby in the house, feeding at least 4 times a day and she got the runs and was not well. It would help if you could drop the dog off at dog minders while you were at work or get a dog walker to take it out while you were at work. Trust me when I say they are hard work and very demanding......but I would not be without a dog Thanks for the kind words mate believe me I know it's a huge commitment and I'm ready to take it on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenboy Posted February 7, 2013 Report Share Posted February 7, 2013 You can of course buy a fully trained , dog which would be 18-24 months old so that would solve the feeding a puppy problem . As for those that say don't get a dog if you work all day , then I say rubbish as long as it is exercised and you are spending time with it each day then get a dog if you want one. Having said that if it is going to be shut up for long periods then a decent kennel and run would be a better option than using the house. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigman Posted February 7, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 7, 2013 (edited) You can of course buy a fully trained , dog which would be 18-24 months old so that would solve the feeding a puppy problem . As for those that say don't get a dog if you work all day , then I say rubbish as long as it is exercised and you are spending time with it each day then get a dog if you want one. Having said that if it is going to be shut up for long periods then a decent kennel and run would be a better option than using the house. Hi mate that is another option Iv be thinking about but was wondering about bonding from a young age must be better? The longest dog would be left for probably around 5 hours or so an that wouldn't be everyday Been looking online at some really nice kennel/run combos I wouldn't mind Kiping in some of them myself , Some time hopefully this year we are planning to have children so the misses will be at home all the time then , that's if things go to plan but they often don't , Atb Edited February 7, 2013 by bigman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted February 7, 2013 Report Share Posted February 7, 2013 You know, very few people are with their dogs 24-7. However I shouldn't leave a pup in a house personally unattended. I know many who work normal hours yet their dogs get more attention than some give their dogs when they are mostly at home with the dogs kennelled outside Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted February 7, 2013 Report Share Posted February 7, 2013 Hi mate that is another option Iv be thinking about but was wondering about bonding from a young age must be better? The longest dog would be left for probably around 5 hours or so an that wouldn't be everyday Been looking online at some really nice kennel/run combos I wouldn't mind Kiping in some of them myself , Some time hopefully this year we are planning to have children so the misses will be at home all the time then , that's if things go to plan but they often don't , Atb Do kids first, more fun and better (kids cant fetch ducks from fast flowing gutters though better not try that one) - dogs and a first born? no thanks. You also get to set the rules, boundaries and limitations from day one which is better for both the dog and the kid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WGD Posted February 7, 2013 Report Share Posted February 7, 2013 (edited) There was a 12 week old lab in our house when I was born, its perfectly possible if not the easiest thing to do. Your missus will love you when you leave her with a baby and a puppy, put a hard hat on to come home LOL Edited February 7, 2013 by WGD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigman Posted February 7, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 7, 2013 Do kids first, more fun and better (kids cant fetch ducks from fast flowing gutters though better not try that one) - dogs and a first born? no thanks. You also get to set the rules, boundaries and limitations from day one which is better for both the dog and the kid That made me chuckle ,makes sense to do kids first I guess I'm sure the misses will agree with you also :-) There was a 12 week old lab in our house when I was born, its perfectly possible if not the easiest thing to do. Your missus will love you when you leave her with a baby and a puppy, put a hard hat on to come home LOL Ha I bet , full on body armor may be better , cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigman Posted February 8, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2013 Update , been thinking long an hard since this post and have decide unfortunately the dog is going to wait till after the first born hopefully this year , To be honest I'm a little gutted but have to think sensibly , Thanks for all the responses they have been very helpful in this decision ,in the mean time I'm going to be reading up on everything I can find on Labradors training and careing for Plus it'll give me time to build the finest kennel/run that I can Atb a rather gutted Bigman . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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