Damn bub, gonna be busy with a pup in the house! Working breed dogs demand being worked, so keep that in mind. Kids are gonna get knocked over, faces licked and ice creams taken. Just part of it. My plan with my elnglish lab was have a working dog. He was so good as a family dog as a pup, I never did train him. Didn’t want to ruin him with intense training. 12 years later, I feel like I made the choice because I really didn’t need the project.
My family was about the same age as yours at the time. Many other dogs have came and went since then. This English lab will die with us and fits our family the best. His tail has cleared tables and beat kids faces. He freaking stinks and farts too. I drinks from the toilet or anywhere else he can get water from. Gets in the trash a couple times a year. Can’t leave a bag of snacks next to the chair or he’ll eat it. All typical dog things. But even as an old stinky almost black lab, a baby can get on the floor with him and he just rolls over.
Dog came from champion lines....never retrieved a single animal, followed a single blood trail or done any “work”. He’s always been happy to just lay around or follow someone around.
Our life has changed paths many times and this dog was the only one we’ve never even thought about getting rid of. All the different hunting dogs along the way, they weren’t family, they had a job and didn’t care who took them to do the job. Not sure what I’m saying here, just rambling along about our journey with our lab. Can a working dog be a good family dog? I’m sure they can, but it takes some real dedication. Once this boys gone and the kids move out, I’m gonna get me one of those Deckers I posted.
My wife also has a lab, American lab. Two totally different dogs. Way more energy and needs worked daily or she will drive you crazy.
guessing he would have had no problems. Listened really well and was eager to please. He would also take a blood trail when asked.
