Should I adopt a dog?

[plazul]

As the loving father of two adopted cats I'm not sure if I should get a dog. They've been around my friend's dogs without to much fuss but it would be a test.

My neighbor has some black lab pups for sale and he's offered me a big discount. I used to have a Black Lab and he was a very trusty fellow. That was a while ago though and I'm not sure that I'd want to kennel him when I'm gone. Cats are much easier to take along because they just don't require as much space and attention.

Anyway, just thought I'd throw that out to see what your favorite breed of dog is.

[Tombstone]

Getting a new dog is almost like having a baby! Lots of time and commitment!

That's why cats are cool. :-) I love dogs. But once you get one, they can change your schedule pretty drastically.

[plazul]

Very true. There's just something about a puppy, especially sad eyed labs, that make you think you can adjust to it. I'm giving it some serious thought.

[Tombstone]

We just got our second dog. Love him a lot. Actually, since we already had one - what is one more?!

[capt_buzzard]

You can take a dog anywhere,at least anywhere in Ireland. A dog is a Man's Best Friend, (after the wife of course) we learned many years ago. I take my dog everywhere with me even on the scooter And for those long walks in the Dublin/Wicklow hills she's a great companion. Great company. If I lived where you are Tombstone,I would have two or more dogs. Go on be a sport.

[Wren]

I used to work in the pet supply field for 9 years, so I feel equipped to answer your question. Since the puppy you speak of is a Labrador Retriever, I would say "Sure...go for it!" These are one of the best breeds to have around cats and children alike. They are sweet, gentle and playful and I have even seen cats sleeping next to this breed.
It may be a bit of an adjustment in the beginning, as your cats might feel threatened; however, if you give your cats love and attention, letting them see that the new puppy is not a threat, rather, an addition to your family, things should be just great.
Hope that helps.

[plazul]

Yes, I used to have a black lab. I've had shepards too but I like the lab temperment. Not as agressive.

My cats are so spoiled I think they'd be jealous.

[rachelg]

HI,

I'm new to this forum, but since I raise and show dogs (American Cockers), this is a question I can answer.
Any ethical breeder will sell you a dog and agree to take it back within an agreed upon time if it proves to not be a satifactory pet. Ask your friend to allow you to try the dog and see how the cats accept it, as well as how you like having a dog. Labs have great temperaments, but they tend to stay puppies for up to three years. I once adopted an innocent looking black lab who was in the pound (the most common breed in the pound is Labrador) and she was "destructo-dog"! She ate 2 garden hoses, a spare tire, about 1/4 of my wood pile, the corn that was for my chickens, every nylabone I gave her, and a lot more. She also was an escape artist and dug under my fence and let everyone else out too. It took me years to find someone who wanted to adopt her from me, and by that time (she was 4) she was just beginning to settle down.

[valerie]

Just a hint: A tired pup is a good pup. If you're able, there are very few
behavior problems that can't be cured with lots of exercise. A lot of the more
intelligent breeds (Border Collies, Labs, Shepherds) need either jobs to do
or a lot of "road work". Rack up the miles with them and the rest of the day
they spend zonked out on the couch!!

And as a GSD owner/lover, I hafta say that I like their personalities on the
whole much better than any other breed. They are what you make of them,
and mine is a sweetie and protective when she needs to be. I had many
labs as a child (took care of them for a neighbor who went away to dog
shows occasionally) and while I do love them, the shepherds all around are
much more to my liking. Labs may bark but they are bred to have "soft"
mouths and usually will welcome the bad guy in and point him towards the
color tv!

My husband and I take our shepherd pretty much everywhere with us,
heck she even went on our wedding trip with us to Lake Tahoe.

Okay, I'll get off my soapbox!

[rachelg]

Hi Valerie,

The reason there are more than 120 AKC breeds is that different dog breeds suit different people's lifestyles and needs. I think Labs would be great for someone with a lot of kids or someone very active. The arthritis in my hip doesn't allow for "roadwork". the reason I fenced in my yard was for the dogs to get exercise and since my Lab insisted on digging under it and letting everyone out, she had to be tied. That is the reason I placed her. I just can't stand to see a dog tied up and she left me with no option. Inside the house, she was like an elephant. The cockers are the best breed for me. I turn them out and they will fetch the tennis ball until my arm drops off if I want. They play together and get good exercise. I set up a grooming table in front of the TV and keep their coats in show shape. They are good in the house and are just the right size to sit on your lap. The sheer number of Labs in the pound during the couple of weeks I was looking for a larger breed to patrol my yard shows that they aren't the breed for a good number of people. I'm not condeming the breed. I just think people should not jump blindly into ownership of any dog, and there are drawbacks to every breed. My breed, Cockers require a lot of grooming. While I enjoy it, my experience as a dog groomer showed me that many people don't, can't or won't groom and shouldn't probably have gotten a cocker. I think a lot of what becomes animal abuse started with aquiring the wrong pet for your lifestyle, and my reason for my original post was just an example for the man wanting a Lab puppy to hear, in case he didn't want such an active breed.