So, you think you want a puppy???

Search Your Soul

Sure. You have the desire, but have you searched your soul and asked yourself if you are really ready to take on all of the responsibilities of dog ownership?

Are you prepared to take on a new family member? One who depends upon you for everything? Will you be able to provide it with adequate companionship, nutrition, exercise, grooming, veterinary care and training?

Do you have a fenced yard? A stable home life? Are you anticipating any life changes which might cause you to consider giving up your dog? Are you prepared for this 10 - 15 year commitment?

A LABRADOR IN YOUR LIFE...are you sure this is the breed for you?

Are you familiar with the less desirable nature of Labradors? They chew, dig, eat a reasonable amount of food, and have a HUGE amount of energy. Have you read at least two books on Labradors? If not, perhaps this would be a good idea before you make the commitment.

HAVE YOU SPENT TIME WITH ADULT LABRADORS?

A cute fuzzy Labrador puppy is little for about four weeks...it then becomes an endless amount of adolescent Labrador energy. The adolescent period of a Labrador lasts about two years! If you know an adult Labrador personally, ask its owner if he/she remembers the damage the dog did as a puppy, and how much training it took to make that dog a well behaved pet.

ARE YOU FINANCIALLY CAPABLE OF CARING FOR A LABRADOR?

Labradors eat about three to six cups of high quality dog food each day. Additionally, there is veterinary care, crates, a house or a bed, equipment, supplies, toys, and any of the dozens of "extras" that come along with dog ownership.

HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT ADOPTING AN ADULT LABRADOR?

There are many Lab rescues across the country, and many breeders often have adults available for placement.

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED COLOR AND GENDER PREFERENCES?

Very often we hear that people think that females make better pets. In the Labrador breed this simply is NOT true. Labrador males are silly, affectionate, and love you with every cell in their body. It is the females who are more reserved in their nature, although the differences are hardly noticeable. The male Labrador is larger and takes slightly longer to mature, but they make wonderful and sweet pets. No labrador of either sex is loyal or protective... they'll go home with anyone. They make terrible guard dogs, except that they are a reasonably sized dog, which often is enough to deter someone from wishing to enter your yard.

You have no doubt heard of major differences in temperament, medical problems, and activity levels of the three colors in Labs. Now that all of the 'experts' have filled you with their prejudices, you should hear the truth. Basically, the coat colors in Labs are similar to the hair colors in people. I am sure you know some dumb blonds, some ill-tempered red-heads, and some smart brunettes, but I'll bet you also know some very smart blonds, very sweet red-heads, and some really dumb brown hair folks.... Don't you love how people generalize?