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Considering getting a lab, have questions2007-11-25 3:00:24

are they stinky?

do they shed a lot?

are they easily trainable?

are they big barkers?

are they active to the point of being distructive?

Answers:

Labs are bred to be hunting dogs so they are very intelligent and very active. They need a good deal of attention, as does any dog. Because they are large, they can be destructive if they are bored as they will FIND something to entertain themselves. That often leads to "destructive" behavior simply because they play with something that you haven't taught them is "safe" to play with.

They are not particularly "stinky" unless you don't bathe them regularly (about once or twice a week). Dogs need to be bathed regularly to keep their oils in their coats from causing mats and to get rid of the fleas/other surface parasites.

They shed quite a bit but if you brush them out regularly, it's not a major problem.

They are very easily trainable because of their intelligence level.

The rule of thumb for "big barkers" is whether the dog is bored or not. Rarely does a dog who feels like he is a strong member of the family "pack" just sit around and bark.

If you are thinking about getting a dog to keep in the back yard 95% of the time, please get a cat instead.

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They Only stink if they aren't taken care of, just like any other breed.

They do shed alot. Brush and bathing help alot. There are also medications such as stoe shed to help.