I would really really love a labrador.  Lots of people I know have them and they are adorable.  Trouble is I work full time (9-5).  I have read a lot of posts on this site - some people say the dog will adapt, others say it wouldn't  (I have a 2 yr old cavi to keep it company).  He/she would have a life of riley living with us.  Your views would be greatly appreciated.  (I've even been looking at kennels with runs for the back garden). 

Hi Guest, I have sat pondering your question for quite a few minutes, trying to think of something encouraging to say. I think that it would not be impossible to make your situation work, but in fairness to the puppy, it will undoubtedly mean enlisting alot of help from several sources to visit and relieve the boredom. I could not in all honesty encourage you to get a Labrador puppy, or any other when you spend so many hours away from home on a daily basis.

Puppies need company and consistent training and supervision. Being at work so much, you would not be able to provide that. What you could end up with, is a bored, destructive, untrained problem dog. As I said, not impossible but very very difficult circumstances. I'm afraid I would not sell you a puppy in your current situation.

Sorry, I have no intention to be awful, but I think you deserve an honest answer to your question.

Dawn R.

Why not look at getting an older labrador?  When you say you work 9-5, does that mean that the dogs would be left alone all that time, because presumably you will need travelling time to be added on top of that which effectively will make it 8-6pm?  I wouldn't recommend you get a labrador and leave it alone for that length of time as the cost of replastering, redecorating, perhaps a new kitchen will soon make the labrador less than adorable.  Labs are highly intelligent dogs and really shouldn't be left for long periods of time as they can, and do, become destructive.  They're very different from a CKCS.  Think again.  You may regret it.  So many labs end up in rescue because people think they are good family dogs (and they are!) but forget they don't come ready-trained.  A bored labrador will soon make its own entertainment!!!

Hello Guest!  I also work full time (well, with some flexibility I start late/get back early some days and sometimes work from home) and we are about to get our puppy (also a lab).  We have invested in an outdoor kennel and run (cost us £320 on top of the £500 for the puppy + training + all the rubbish you buy for a new 'baby').  It's not cheap this puppy lark is it?  Anyway, on top of all this we've also arranged for my other halfs' mum to have the puppy during the day - probably all day for the first year at least! (She wants another dog but her husband won't have one as he had to take their old dog to the vet at the end and it broke his heart).  Having recenlty been through the puppy searching process and spoken in person to a number of breeders, I think you will find one who will sell you a puppy if you have all the bases covered, but not if you are going to leave the pup in the house all day.  I think you are always best to proceed on the basis that you will get a distructive puppy rather than kid yourself that your pup will be different, best to be prepared for the worst!

We've been advised to get a bitch as they are more loyal/smaller/quieter/generally less distructive - but this is all on the basis of other peoples experiences and I know other people on the site will disagree (I'm not under any illusions - I just hope it's our house that gets damaged and not the 'baby sitters'!!!).  Just to back up what another poster has said they can be terrors and really deceiving regarding behaviour!  Our neighbours have an adorable choc lab and you would think he's the best behaved dog ever - apparently not - he destroyed their kitchen, skirting boards, carpet, walls etc so if I were you, i wouldn't contemplate leaving the pup home alone for very long!

It will really irritate me letting someone else have a lot of influence and a bond with our puppy in the early stages of it's life, but I think on the whole it will be the best solution for us, our home, the puppy and the baby sitter will be chuffed to bits too.

Whatever you decide, best of luck!
Nx

PS.  This pup will be my first so I'm no expert - but I've read mountains of literature on the subject and spoken to loads of dog owners and breeders so I think my opinion is valid.....