Stressmagnet

agree. Why do so many dog owners think others will be useless? Never meant to imply anything of the sort. Everyone was a novice at point. Just pointing out that there are lots of abandoned lab and lab mixes because a lot of people believe the marketing. Certainly, they could be awesome owners. But dismissing the idea of a puppy class to ME as a lab owner, rings alarm bells. They were getting mini essay's from a friend of a friend, goodness only knows what else they discounted, or took notice of, all information is 3rd hand. I've never taken a puppy class in my life. I am currently mentoring a new dog owner who bought one of my pups, she is doing a great job, no puppy class there either, most wouldn't know what to do with a greyhound anyway. and I have seen young out of control dogs in the hundreds in pounds, I worked in one for 10 years. Well ok then. I'll shut up.

I live in the Central Coast NSW. Can someone please patiently answer: A) when exactly IS tick season? B) do I need to treat all year round for fleas etc as well? I'm currently using Advantix on breeder recommendations. It's supposed to help with the flying bitey things, and fleas over a month but ticks only every fortnight. C) Would an alternative treatment outside of 'tick season' be less harsh on my dog? And would it keep the other insects away as well?

I think you are doing a really great job. You must be exhausted and frustrated but I'm amazed by how much love for your boy shines through your posts. Your attitude towards him is wonderful. Be proud you aren't just putting it all in the 'too hard' basket. It would be easier.

*waving white flag* I get it. Sporting dogs are pets too. Understood. Just didn't express myself well as usual. I think she was trying to tell me that there may be parts of a dog's makeup you encourage more than if you are aiming for a couch potato dog. I promise I will repeat 'sporting dogs are pets too' 300 times before I get to sleep again tonight. Thank you all for taking the time to post your input and advice. Thank you a LOT for educating me - it's what I come here for, after all.

I think it's all about research, and avoiding impulse buys. Know your own limitations. Decide what's important. I love labs and grew up with them but Mum did all the work, obviously because I never remember my childhood labs being as full on as the pup I have now. And he's chilled and pretty calm - which is what I asked for.

Wow. I wasn't aware prices went that high. Obviously. But then I just read a piece in the smh telling me that 'beagaliers' and 'groodles' are that much. And so is my supposedly 'rare' chocolate labrador. I need to educate myself more. And the advice to the OP given by the folks in this thread is spot on. Make sure you cover yourself legally every way you can.

Yes. Ernie is one of the nicest, happiest, friendliest and loving dogs I've ever owned. He adores all living things. But I am fully committed to his daily walks - rain, shine or even chemotherapy days. He needs physical exercise. More importantly, like all dogs, he needs boundaries and rules. Even more so, he WANTS a job - any job. So he is learning obedience skills. I have had friends ask me why, once he's mastered 'sit/stay' why I keep reinforcing those every day and adding to his skills. Because mentally, he needs that wiorkout, even more than his walk. I may skimp on his walk and he adjusts, but if I haven't given him his mental routine - he becomes bored and destructive. It's not me showing off what I can teach him -- he wants to show me how much he can learn. In addition, every day, he tests to see if yesterday's rule still applies today. He is the eternal optimist but patience is a virtue when it comes to my boy. My Kelpie? Got told once and that was it. My amstaff, got told every day for a week and then tested occasionally. Ernie tests every day and is cheeky about it. But that's part of that labrador charm. I adore him and have always loved the breed - but the drive to be useful as well as loved and exercised is a very strong one and needs to be considered.

What clippers/tools do you all recommend? My pup is going to need them done soon - and I cannot remember or find the clippers I used on our old dog.

Those are lovely dogs. That 7 month old pup has me seriously tempted. What's one more lab pup?

I'm still trying to work out what breed/colour is worth 3K. I know Frenchies go for that much and, as I said, blue amstaffs but I agree, she's either exaggerating or she got ripped off. Unless of course, I don't in fact, know everything. :D

Oh man, I keep tripping up. :D

Lemme guess. A 'blue' amstaff? Or another 'rare' coloured dog?

agree. Why do so many dog owners think others will be useless? Never meant to imply anything of the sort. Everyone was a novice at point. Just pointing out that there are lots of abandoned lab and lab mixes because a lot of people believe the marketing. Certainly, they could be awesome owners. But dismissing the idea of a puppy class to ME as a lab owner, rings alarm bells.

Thank you all. Talked to Ernie's trainer Thurs night at class and she agreed - he's got a good life. She also trains agility/rally dogs but says what you want/require from a pet is much much different from what you require from a sporting dog. And then she said he's doing really well and it's obvious that we have a good bond even though I've only had him a month. So time to just... Breathe.

Sorry, didn't mean to imply they COULDNT be a great owner - just that a lab puppy can be a bit much, even for an experienced owner (but definitely do-able). Megan gave great advice as did the others who replied. I'm just speaking as someone in the midst of the mayhem! :D

Happy to send her photos of my cratered back yard; the mounds of dog hair and the sheer amount of paraphernalia. Included FREE - an audio of my kids whining about poo pickup. :D

I entered into a lot of correspondence with NSW breeders before I got Ernie. Tell her to start talking to the breeders on DOL and to ask the right questions. I am supremely happy with Ernie the Idiot BUT I a) have owned dogs all my life, b) was fixated on temperament NOT looks (lucky me I got both!) and c) I am STILL overwhelmed some days with just how much work a pup is. Renos? Novice owners? Why a labrador? Why a labrador PUPPY?

So depressed. I have a lab. *cue sad trombones*

Just bumping because I found this thread helpful. Ernie is really good on leash EXCEPT at the beginning of the walk OR if there's a dog in sight he wants to meet. I'm doing a combo of snails pace, sit treat and go past, and stuffing him full of treats like a Christmas turkey. He's now non reactive to squeally ladies, cyclists and joggers so yay Ernie. Other dogs? Not so much but I'll figure out what works before he has to join The Biggest Loser. :D

I feed a good quality kibble supplemented with pet mince x 4 a week, a chicken neck x 4 week and a tin of sardines x3 - 2 meals a day (but my pup is older). Best thing I ever did was add sardines to the diet. Any days not covered get a meaty bone.

A kelpie. Smart as a whip, focussed and friendly.

Well done. I wish you lived in Gosford so I could meet her (and you) on my many trips to the hospital.

I like Gail. She's very much into lure or positive training and she's realistic about what people want out of a pet rather than an obedience/agility dog. BUT: you learn techniques for training your dog, you practice them and she moves on. She expects you to practice what she teaches and it's painfully obvious who trains one night a week and who works with their dog outside of class. It's a bit of organised chaos, as pups of that age are idiots and there's a lot of desperate attempts to play in class - which is why it's so important to practice. She's only finished the second week of class, so your mum might be able to join mine. Get your mum to call her.

HAH. Tell my girls that. Apparently I'm too embarrassing for words, their friends think I'm cool but I'm really not and I'm FAR TOO STRICT. Oh, and I don't know a thing about anything. :D

Ooh don't tempt me. I have such a soft spot for Rotties but as I have a weak leg - the Rotties would be walking me!