Buy a Lab or not?

Question
I originally wanted a Great Dane since they are great with kids (I have a 3 and
5 year old) and they are dogs that do not need to be exercised constantly. But
after going to see them, their size make is logistically hard to take them
around on trips, etc. Plus they do not look super cuddly. We are strongly
considering a lab but I read they are super energetic and tend to bite your
hands and clothes.  My kids get back from school at around 3pm. They can
play with the dog and in the mornings and early afternoons, I can play for 15
or 20 minutes. WE can also take the dog for a walk once a day but I do not
want to have a dog that requires you to throw him a ball 24/7 because she
does not know how to stop when the rest of us want to rest.  Plus, I am afraid
my scary 3 year old daughter may run away from a puppy that wants to bite
too much. We love the idea of a lab but is this the right dog? Can proper
training help me with these two things?
Thanks
Estela

Answer
Hi Estela,

I have a natural tendency to favour Labs as family pets over any other breed - I'm sure you must have done lots of study and research to know why, but i'll help answer your queries on the lines of having a lab vs. any other dog.

Basic ground rules:

- Dogs of all breeds need training - else they are as stupid, mischievous and troublesome as a stray dog.

- Labradors have been bred for many years as family pets. Their temperament is excellent, they are very very intelligent, very patient and loving dogs. I have never trained a Great Dane - so cannot comment on them, but Labs make excellent home pets as well as guard dogs. That's the reason they are the single most popular dogs on earth - including those with the Police and special forces.

- Keeping a dog requires commitment and dedication. Dont do it half heartedly. Go the distance - take out time for your dog's exercise, vet trips, entertainment, combing, etc. It's like a child - take care of it and it will take care of you and give you all the love.

Now to answer your queries:

" We are strongly considering a lab but I read they are super energetic and tend to bite your hands and clothes."

Yes - that is true. They are super energetic and sometimes have the tendency to sink their teeth into anything soft. But that's only for the first 4 months of their life. Once they grow up - they become calm and do not bite.

"My kids get back from school at around 3pm. They can play with the dog and in the mornings and early afternoons, I can play for 15 or 20 minutes. WE can also take the dog for a walk once a day but I do not want to have a dog that requires you to throw him a ball 24/7 because she does not know how to stop when the rest of us want to rest."

This is what i mean when i say it's commitment. I strongly advise you not to get a Lab if you don't have time in the day. You need to take out time for your pet - play with him, give him love and affection. You'll see your pet growing strong and will protect you and your family.

Any dog needs regular exercise - you have to take out time. I would say - anywhere between 120 - 300 minutes in a day would suffice. (assuming your presence in the house at least 12 hours a day)

"Plus, I am afraid my scary 3 year old daughter may run away from a puppy that wants to bite too much."

Kids love Labs. And labs Love kids. You will be amazed at the bond that will grow between your 3 yr old and your lab. They will be inseparable. Labs are intelligent and they will never bite a little child - even when playing.

"We love the idea of a lab but is this the right dog? Can proper training help me with these two things?"

Yes - now that's a good question. If you want a dog for your family - a strongly recommend a lab, as long as you can give the pet time, energy and some committment. Training is a must and it will help your pet become disciplined and he will start to use his intellect to do smart things. (my 2 labs give out a single sharp bark when the phone rings - so i know the phone is ringing in the basement. When i take them for a walk - they walk alongside me on either side and stop when i stop - helps me when i'm crossing roads)

Take care and let me know how it goes.
Sam
sam.lucifer@gmail.com