I have big paws

[lovelife65]

Yep. He never really grew into them. He's somewhat small field lab at 60 pounds (unless you have to lift him... LOL). A little soft on the paws.

[NorthernFocus]

That's an awesome shot. Yes those are some feetses. He really is small for a male lab. With that paw to weight ratio he should scoot around pretty well on snow.

[Shadowman]

Nice shot.

[LePetomane]

He's a handsome boy.

[rpcrowe]

I love it!

[lovelife65]

Thanks Richard, Paul David, John and Dan. He's quite spoiled. He also knows he's my boyfriend. ;-).

Yes, he's fairly small. His sister is as well, she was the runt of the litter. She's about 50 pounds. Field labs tend to be a bit smaller, and we have *really* controlled their food (they don't eat dry dog food), so important with a labrador.

[Evertking]

I would love to get my children a pet. Everyone says "get em a lab" I'm just not sure if it would be fair to the dog as we work a LOT and stay busy but not the dog loving busy, if that makes sense.
I see there is a few dog lover's here, that's awesome.

[fatehproductions]

Nice Click.

[NorthernFocus]

I would love to get my children a pet. Everyone says "get em a lab" I'm just not sure if it would be fair to the dog as we work a LOT and stay busy but not the dog loving busy, if that makes sense...

You just described the setting for a "problem" dog. Working/hunting dogs are very intelligent and energetic. Without an outlet they tend to do destructive things to entertain themselves and/or get your attention. Actually much like bored kids. If you do decide to get a dog research breed characteristics and choose one that fits your family's lifestyle.

[lovelife65]

Thanks for all the kind comments.
Dan is so spot on Mike. Labs are especially social dogs. If they get lonely or bored, my oh my....you will have one very unhappy and destructive dog.
Labs are also not for the sedentary. Field labs especially need good exercise. Our dogs have been up many mountains. Swimming...they smell water. They are forever puppies. Bounding, wagging, attentions seeking. They need a job to do. I always tell people, our labs are sweet, but not for the faint of heart. Even at 10.5 they are ready to go.
I was always able to tell if we missed a couple of days hiking with them, hey we're bouncing off the walls.
So, make sure you do as dan suggests. Get a smaller dog (or two to keep each other company) not quite as needy as a dog like a lab. Best dogs ever, but not for everybody.
Sorry for late reply on this. 😯

[rpcrowe]

Mike... Children, busy parents, and dogs are not the best formula for success.

[LePetomane]

Mike, dogs need a "job" and they need to be socialized at a young age. Every dog we have owned has been involved in some activity. Hunting, obedience, nosework, agility. A tired dog is a happy dog.

[lovelife65]

Even after 10.5 years they still play like this. Labs = Forever puppies.

[Cantab]

Dan is so spot on Mike. Labs are especially social dogs. If they get lonely or bored, my oh my....you will have one very unhappy and destructive dog.

Yes, and you may have unhappy neighbours if the bored/unhappy/stressed dog barks throughout the day while you're at work (I speak from experience--as the neighbour).

[lovelife65]

Yes, and you may have unhappy neighbours if the bored/unhappy/stressed dog barks throughout the day while you're at work (I speak from experience--as the neighbour).

I do think working and having a dog can be done. (Not long hours, normal). What I think is you have to either get two (which we did) and also train them a little. We never made a big deal about leaving or coming home. We often leave background noise on. We get them lots of exercise and stimulation. I know our yellow has a bit of separation anxiety, and having some things for him to do, the background noise, and also a distracting guilt treat work. Hubby works from home now and has for awhile. Spoiled dogs.