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No one really warned me. I think people cryptically said something like:"They chew a lot". That's it. Does that accurately describe what a Lab does to a home that has never owned (or been owned by) a dog before?
I could make a very long web page entitled: "Doggie Destruction." For the first 6 months I threatened to get rid of Moose almost daily. We were clueless about how to potty train effectively. I bought videos and books, but nothing really helped until HE was ready to only go outside. All the carpeting in our house is ruined, of course our carpet is (was) white, Murphy's Law, ya know?
Something I remember saying a lot was "It's a good thing he's cute, otherwise he'd be outta here!" Now that we have survived the first year and Moose is firmly ensconced in our family's consciousness as being a part of us, he doesn't have to worry about being given away. Shedded dog hair is now a part of our lives and we are now quite used it. I thought I was going die after his first big shed when he lost his puppy hair.
Let me warn you if you're considering getting a Lab. They chew and destroy everything left on or near the ground for the first six months. But then that stops, Thank God! One activity they never get over is they stick their noses in everyone's crotches, I think that's Lab-speak for "Hi, Nice to meet you". That's after they jumped on you and tried to lick your face. Things get knocked over from a constantly wagging tail, they'll give you "sad eyes" while you're eating, and spend their entire conscious lives sniffing and scavaging for food.
The point of owning a Lab is to show you that LOVE is more important than material things. That's what I have learned.
Now if I haven't scared you off, let me also say the other truths about Labs. If you can get over the first part I have described --you will be adding a much beloved member to your family.
Labs are safe around children, as they LOVE children. Big kids can play rough with them and they LOVE that, too. They love, (and I mean L-O-V-E) going for rides. (And chasing cars and licking tires, but that's another Lab story.)Mooooooose!
He's a flabby labby!
Labs patrol the property and make "big dog" (scary!) sounds, if intruders come on, like the Fed Ex man or UPS or the trash men, but if you invite someone onto your property, they'll promptly lay down on their backs, and beg for a tummy rub. Sometimes they'll "pee with glee" when they are still puppies. Labs love attention and to be where the action is.
These dogs are exceptionally bright. Moose will learn "a trick, in three treats". He'll sit, stay, lay down, roll-over, and if you point your finger and say "Bang Bang, your dead", he hits the ground quickly and rolls over, paws up. Moose can ring the door bell with his nose and understands many words and phrases. His vocabulary is amazing. Also, he sings when my daughter plays the harmonica. Moose howls when he hears sirens. And he sings when my daughter plays her keyboard.
Moose can smell an animal, like a red fox walking across the yard when the windows are closed. Moose loves to chase deer. Not quite sure what he'd do if he caught one, but he sure loves to run after them. Moose runs the length of our property (2 acres) when anyone he knows comes or goes.Labs love unconditionally, and have THE best disposition I've ever encountered, in man or beast. They're constantly smiling. If you're depressed, don't use Prozac, get a Lab! Good luck, AND you've been warned!
