Advice. Labrador/retriever. Good with kids? Trainable after 6 months old? Please help

[Kieron]

We've been offered a cross labrador/retriever.

Male dog - 6 months old.

Has spent it's life outside in a garden in the daytime due to owner working. Dog is very skatty - very excitable. Owner now on his own so doesn't want the responsibility anymore - it was a present for his partner at the time. No problem there of course - everyone has their reasons.

If you've seen the film "Marley and Me" - well this is exactly the same dog!

Jumps up at you a lot, licks and nips. Basically hasn't had any *real* obedience training. Will sit when shouted at etc.

When our kids approached it it jumps at them - feet first.

When walking it, spends it's time on it's back legs with front legs in the air galloping ahead.

Off leash in a park dog goes about 20 ft from you but comes back.

We have three children. Youngest is age three. Next up is six year old. Is this dog going to be safe - I'm concerned most of all over the dog attacking the 3 year old. Am I being stupid?

Six year old afraid of the dog. 3 year old fearless.

Ok, so I really haven't any experience with the "larger" type of dog. Had small dogs when I was a kid, but obviously the responsibility laid with my parents for looking after them.

Dog has had all injections to date.

Dog WON'T be out in our garden all day long - there is always somebody home.

Is the dog skatty due to being six months old? Due to little training?

Would having him "done" cure this - or at least help?

Is the dog suitable to be around a three year old?

Is this a typical family dog?

Many thanks if you can help. Have to work later this evening but will reply when I get in later. Would really appreciate any comments though.

[Astraeus]

As I'm sure you're aware, both breed of dogs (Lab and Retriever) are suitable for being around children and should, theoretically at least, be able to be trained at this early stage. I would, however, possibly err on the side of caution with an admittedly badly-trained dog as there will still be instances when it is around your children untrained - it won't be an immediate process.

Bear in mind too that whilst your three-year-old may not be afraid of the dog, that is not to say it is safe to be around. They can do a good job of taking a child off its feet or pushing them over, even being as small as they are at six months. If your six-year old already has a fear of this particular dog, it may be unfair to introduce the dog to the home and expect your six-year old to become accustomed to it - you know the whole thing about how we shape our feelings towards someone/thing within the first five minutes of meeting them.

By the way, is it definitely a cross? As in labrador and golden retriever? Or is it just a Labrador Retriever (i.e. the lengthened name for a lab)?

[the_watcher87]

I have a retriever, she's 3 and at that age mate they're crazy but in my honest opinion you will not find a better dog when you have kids.

Having him neutured may calm him down a little I expect but all the fella wants is attention.

As for being toilet trained, I never trained mine but she knows to hold it in until she gets out. Never once has she had an accident in the house.

All the best if you decide to go ahead with it anyway. Mine was a nightmare for chewing, she loved tipping flowerpots and rolling in the soil but they do grow out of it eventually.

[mhcq2002]

My niece is nearly 4 now and my sister and brother in law have a 3 year old lab. He is amazing with her, she climbs, pulls and sits on him and he has never done anything, not a bark, grawl or anything.

I myself have a 4 month old lab and he is the same when I take him over to see they, he's a little monkey with me and anyone adult with jumping up and chewing, it's a lot better now with some training which we go to. But soon as my niece appears there's something that clicks and he's a little softy.

[velveteer]

Part of the reason it is so excitable probably stems from the poor thing being on its own outside all day, having a lack of attention and stimulation/exercise. Dogs are intelligent animals and thrive on pleasing their owners. Having him fixed may help, but is no guarantee that it will calm him down. Training, along with plenty of exercise, will help.
I have a lab, and as said before earlier in thread, they are the best you can get when you have kids around.

With a previous dog of mine, we found a trainer through an ad at the local vet. Any good vet will know and be able to recommend a reputable trainer. Likewise, some places have obedience classes also. A search online, or again asking a vet, may yield some luck in this regard. These can be good for many reasons, including socialising him with other dogs.

With some patience, I'm sure it can become a well trained family dog, as they are very loyal. One thing I would say is no dog should be left alone unsupervised with kids, regardless of breed/temperament etc- they are animals after all, and as such have the potential to be unpredictable.
Good luck with your decision!
Graham

[Synax_Injector]

Labs are so kind natured, I mean they vairy of course, some are bouncy and clumsy but all love kids.

Personally mine will trot over to a kid and just sit on their feet, like today on my lunch break I walked him, there were 2 kids about 5, he went over to them...obviously you worry a bit incase he knocks them down as he's a lot bigger then them (he's a big lab lol), but he just sat there to be stroked....1 of them screamed and ran (like kids stupidly do!) but he's such a flacid dog, he just looked at the kid like "***??" and came back to me lmao.

He is a lazy git though, he won't play with other dogs, he'll just sit on my feet the whole time, he's only 2 bless him.

However, my mates dog just goes allllll day, non stop wanting to get the ball...and I mean it, mine won't go for it once lol.

All dogs are different, but ALL can be trained, don't bother shouting or losing your temper, no point, it just scares them.

Treats, consitancy (sp) and patience and anything can be done......Accept for eating sky remotes...something about the sodding rubber on them! (5 eaten...on the 6th lol)

[oj0]

My mother and father in law have 2 black labs, one is 9 and the other is 18months. The older is a little fatty and is a dream around my nephews (6, 4 and 1 year). The younger used to scare the hell out of them because she is just so boisterous (sp?) but now they're used to her they really couldn't care less.

As soon as you see her then she's jumping up at your waist for a few seconds then next thing you know she just runs off to burn some energy. I don't know if it's because she is only 18 months or if that is just part of her temperament, she is a direct contrast to the older one, but the kids are used to her now and she rarely jumps up at them.

Obedience classes would be my suggestion, there is a reason that labs have such a good reputation as family pets and although they *could* still be unpredictable, the likelihood is that your kids will grow to love him in a very short space of time.

Good luck with your decision,

Ben