Wasted Labs

[singleshot12]

Professionally bred or back yard bred doesn't seem to matter. The future of most seem to get either mistreated,don't get to hunt, or end up in the pound, or worse yet dead! It makes me sick!  Seems anyone can just breed dogs,with their driving force mainly being profit without any concern for the breed and what happens to that dog after it's sold. There are way too many Labs going to waste and people keep breeding them and selling them to idiotic ignorant people that think they can take care of the dog for it's life span. Labs are a working breed and should only be bred and sold to people who can commit to the responsibility and prove they are worthy enough to own one. I could rant forever about this! but really how many Labs get the life they deserve? 1 out of 10?

[seth30]

My two labs are doing fine, but then again I come from a family that raised hunting dogs, so I KNEW what I was getting into.  I think many people buy a dog on its looks alone.

[Happy Gilmore]

Professionally bred or back yard bred doesn't seem to matter. The future of most seem to get either mistreated,don't get to hunt, or end up in the pound, or worse yet dead! It makes me sick!  Seems anyone can just breed dogs,with their driving force mainly being profit without any concern for the breed and what happens to that dog after it's sold. There are way too many Labs going to waste and people keep breeding them and selling them to idiotic ignorant people that think they can take care of the dog for it's life span. Labs are a working breed and should only be bred and sold to people who can commit to the responsibility and prove they are worthy enough to own one. I could rant forever about this! but really how many Labs get the life they deserve? 1 out of 10?

Well, there is truth to it. I don't think hunting should be a requirement to have a healthy, happy pet. Labs make great pets but, they need a job of some sort. The chances of a well bred lab, from a breeder who has a waiting list for their dogs before they are born certainly increases the chance the dogs do end up somewhere that will provide them a good job and a good long life.

A lot of folks get two "registered" dogs with the intent of having pets and making some money. This attitude usually ends up at the expense of the dog. They go to homes of folks who buy dogs at Duck Unlimited auctions....usually people who get wrapped up in a desire to win a bid more than having much thought of actually owning a dog and being 100% ready to have one for 10+ years.

[CP]

He'd get out more if could stay still in the blind:

[seth30]

Just adding a dislcmer to my labs, Yes they are from the same litter and of opposite sex but they are Fixed.  I have never, and will never own a non fixed animal.

[Dhoey07]

Just adding a dislcmer to my labs, Yes they are from the same litter and of opposite sex but they are Fixed.  I have never, and will never own a non fixed animal.

Why are you out retrieving your own ducks?  I thought that's what the dogs are for   

[JColony]

So, what shoule I do with my lab that can't hunt because he has bad hips???   Are you saying he is leading a bad unhappy life because he stays at home, gets loved, fed, roof over his head, loved, loved, loved, and more loved?? And to clarify, its a sporting breed.  A husky is a working breed.  As long as a lab is well taken care of, allowed to play and excercise, what's it matter if it hunts or not.  What's the difference between fetching a tennis ball and retrieving a dead quail?

[singleshot12]

So, what shoule I do with my lab that can't hunt because he has bad hips???   Are you saying he is leading a bad unhappy life because he stays at home, gets loved, fed, roof over his head, loved, loved, loved, and more loved?? And to clarify, its a sporting breed.  A husky is a working breed.  As long as a lab is well taken care of, allowed to play and excercise, what's it matter if it hunts or not.  What's the difference between fetching a tennis ball and retrieving a dead quail?

It's always great to see Labs out doing their thing(hunting) and I also salute those who love and take care of their dog all the way to the bitter end (bad hips or not!) And yes they are happy to retrieve anything if able.

It's a plus if they hunt, but I'm mainly talking about people either getting rid of their Lab after the novelty wares off or abusing them. In other words people that don't deserved to be owned by one 

[Fowlweather25]

I agree that to many dogs period are mistreated. Not just labs. Labs areva very popular breed because they generally are double feature dogs meaning that not only are they good for hunting and outdoor activity but they are good family dogs as well. I think a big part of the problem is that people see a puppy and think ohhh it's so cute but like you said they don't think of the long term aspect! They don't realize that they are a large breed that NEEDS to get out and burn energy. When they realize how much responsibility this takes they get lazy and choose the easy way out.

[seth30]

Just adding a dislcmer to my labs, Yes they are from the same litter and of opposite sex but they are Fixed.  I have never, and will never own a non fixed animal.

Why are you out retrieving your own ducks?  I thought that's what the dogs are for   

  Lol, that is because of taxi reasons.

[Stilly bay]

So, what shoule I do with my lab that can't hunt because he has bad hips???   Are you saying he is leading a bad unhappy life because he stays at home, gets loved, fed, roof over his head, loved, loved, loved, and more loved??

your dog, although well treated and loved would probably enjoy life a little more if he could go hunting and do his thing, just like any other dog with a debilitating disease, but it sounds like your doing your best by him as an owner and therefore are not one of the people letting their Labs/dogs go to waste.
Hip dysplasia is  another argument for tighter health clearances before breeding. Hip dysplasia happens, but its up to responsible breeders to try and control it.

And to clarify, its a sporting breed.  A husky is a working breed.  As long as a lab is well taken care of, allowed to play and excercise, what's it matter if it hunts or not.  What's the difference between fetching a tennis ball and retrieving a dead quail?

Labs are sporting breeds in title only these days. what do you call bomb detecting Labs, service labs, and drug detecting labs other than working dogs? a breed of purpose would be a good amalgamation of the two I guess. 
one of my Labs is a service dog, and she is constantly trying to help with doors and picking things up ect. this is bred into her so deep that she is constantly trying to anticipate what I want from her. were talking about a dog with hardly any bird drive that became a very serviceable hunter because she had a job to do. my other lab is of stronger hunting lines and he is ready to go hunting all the time. if either were locked up alone in a yard left to their own devices, they would undoubtedly use all that purpose driven energy for things like landscaping.
Labs need a purpose to get the most out of their short lives

Professionally bred or back yard bred doesn't seem to matter. The future of most seem to get either mistreated,don't get to hunt, or end up in the pound, or worse yet dead! It makes me sick!  Seems anyone can just breed dogs,with their driving force mainly being profit without any concern for the breed and what happens to that dog after it's sold. There are way too many Labs going to waste and people keep breeding them and selling them to idiotic ignorant people that think they can take care of the dog for it's life span. Labs are a working breed and should only be bred and sold to people who can commit to the responsibility and prove they are worthy enough to own one. I could rant forever about this! but really how many Labs get the life they deserve? 1 out of 10?

I agree and will ad that nothing pisses me off more than when I hear about someone breeding their dogs so that their kids can experience the wonders of nature and childbirth!   this teaches children more about how this is a disposable society and that life is cheap.  I wonder if these people go the full spectrum and take their kids to the back room in animals shelter and open the freezers that contain all the euthanized unwanted dogs - for the sake of this thread I bet my last dollar that most larger animal shelter's freezers hav a lab or lab X in them on any given week or even day.

there is too much breeding without discretion or forethought these days, and there are far too many unwanted pups. if you love dogs why would you want to contribute to the problem? and at the very least get some tests done and make sure your dog is healthy with no serious joint or eye problems.
 

[JColony]

I apologize, this thread just struck a nerve with me.  Both my labs are rescues, one hunts, the other doesn't and yes, he wishes he could go everytime.  Stilly, I like your compromise, a breed of purpose.  I like that

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

Not everyone hunts so not every dog will get that chance.  But people do want dogs that are loyal, great around kids, intelligent and protective.  Labs have more than one purpose than just hunting.  I have a lab and and husky.  My lab hunts from time to time, but is more happy playing fetch than sitting in a blind.  My husky doesn't pull sleds, which is her breeds main purpose, but sure loves chasing me on the four wheel when we go she's hunting.  Dogs have more than one purpose in life they are not just here to work for us.

I hate it when people lock their dogs in a kennel and the only time the come out its all business, training or hunting. They are usually more abused and mistreated than those who just want a new member of their family.  Labs, all dogs, should be a member of your family first, hunter second.  I would also like to see less people who don't care about the breed and do their due diligence before breeding dogs, breeding them.  Every time i go to cabelas, their is some pos selling labs out of a van, it's disgusting!

[7mmfan]

When I got my lab a few years ago, I had "0" intention of hunting her. I'm active, outdoors all the time hiking and fishing so I knew she would get all the outdoors time she needed and that she would be in a loving home where she is appreciated. Its only after I reconnected with a friend who had started duck hunting and invited me to go, that the idea of hunting her came into play. Now she is an indispensable tool as well as friend and companion.

The point I'm trying to make I guess is that in a perfect world every dog would be used for its purpose, but they don't HAVE to be, and if I was not able to get her and have her as my pet because I wasn't going to hunt her, my life would be a lot different and I'm sure hers would be as well.

Some even say that homes should be checked before dogs are allowed to be purchased, given away or adopted. The only problem with that is that is that many of those dogs that went to homes that may have been considered unacceptable, changed peoples lives. Dogs do that kind of stuff. Mine did.

My dog is just as happy swimming after a stick as she is chasing down a duck and as long as she's taken care of and happy thats all that REALLY should matter.

[singleshot12]

ttt     It's back!!!!


carry on

[JJD]

Singleshot,

Haven't ya heard?  Commitment is out of style. 
Marrige, paying your bills, it's always someone elses fault.
We are the instant society.
I haven't been able to get with it, but then I'm old and don't make changes very easy.

Wind at your back . . .
JJD

[Knocker of rocks]

My parents had a lab on their mini farm, and while she never hunted, she ran, swam and dug.  She was a wonderful dog and a full member of the family.  I think she had a great life, and I believe she would have agreed with me.

The most important thing with any dog is to love them.  Second is to properly care for them with the right food,  exercise and mental stimulation.  It is easy for a dog to get fat, especially breeds like labs who are prone to arthritis.  But as long as the owner loves their pet, all will be OK

[Rick]

The future of most seem to get either mistreated,don't get to hunt,

If we want to get technical,labs weren't bred for hunting. They were actually bred to work alongside fisherman,and their nets.

So unless you have your lab retrieving nets and fish,this whole "wasted" labs rant is a bit hypocritical.

[Happy Gilmore]

The future of most seem to get either mistreated,don't get to hunt,

If we want to get technical,labs weren't bred for hunting. They were actually bred to work alongside fisherman,and their nets.

So unless you have your lab retrieving nets and fish,this whole "wasted" labs rant is a bit hypocritical.

  get a chessie! 

[huntlakewood]

I have two labs and have never hunted them. I take them alot of places where I go. They are the kids that me and wife can not have. I dont think it is a waste to owne a lab ( or any other dog ) and not hunt them. labs are great family dogs. Mine get to go to the dog park, play fetch, sleep with us you name it my dogs are just plain spoiled. I had all means on hunting these dogs but do not have the time nor the money. My female I got off of Craigskist and my male from a friend (gasman). Some people would say when you are training a dog to hunt and never bring them in the house and all you do is freed them, take them out to train and right back in the kenle they go is mean and mistreating them. I do not think this cause every body raises there dogs different. so just because people do not hunt there dogs does not mean they do not care about them.

[singleshot12]

Singleshot,

Haven't ya heard?  Commitment is out of style. 
Marrige, paying your bills, it's always someone elses fault.
We are the instant society.
I haven't been able to get with it, but then I'm old and don't make changes very easy.

Wind at your back . . .
JJD

That's just the thing! most people are to busy for even their kids let alone giving a lab the life they deserve. It's a major commitment and priority when making the decision to get a pup. Most people think they can do it all and when they find out they can't it's usually the dog first that ends up getting neglected or discarded.

Knocker of rocks, well said and good to hear!

Rick, yes they were originally bred for fishing and hence why they are so good at water retrieves I'm sure. All dogs are hunters by nature and labs have been bred to hunt for man for many generations which makes them more birdy than fishy now.
My main rant is labs ending up in the pound,neglected,abused and not worked. It's fine if someone doesn't hunt the Lab as long as it gets love, good food, water, shelter, room to roam and having some kind of job. If it's just retrieving a ball that ok, it's work for the dog. Labs are very versatile and my personal opinion is they are more content having a job of some kind. I've had friends that don't exercise their labs, they just lay around eat,get fat, lethargic and depressed and usually die before their time. My labs I've always hunted and they've always been fit, content and happy to the end.

[singleshot12]

I have two labs and have never hunted them. I take them alot of places where I go. They are the kids that me and wife can not have. I dont think it is a waste to owne a lab ( or any other dog ) and not hunt them. labs are great family dogs. Mine get to go to the dog park, play fetch, sleep with us you name it my dogs are just plain spoiled. I had all means on hunting these dogs but do not have the time nor the money. My female I got off of Craigskist and my male from a friend (gasman). Some people would say when you are training a dog to hunt and never bring them in the house and all you do is freed them, take them out to train and right back in the kenle they go is mean and mistreating them. I do not think this cause every body raises there dogs different. so just because people do not hunt there dogs does not mean they do not care about them.

I agree, but there does seem to be some kind of difference in a dog if he gets to hunt, "not saying it's better than just a family dog", they just seem more satisfied to me if they hunt.

[rasbo]

The future of most seem to get either mistreated,don't get to hunt,

If we want to get technical,labs weren't bred for hunting. They were actually bred to work alongside fisherman,and their nets.

So unless you have your lab retrieving nets and fish,this whole "wasted" labs rant is a bit hypocritical.

hey,been biting my tongue waiting for the right response.. dogs love to play and be loved.give any dog that and they are happy dogs

[Happy Gilmore]

Dogs need a job of some sort. If I couldn't hunt for some reason I still couldn't imagine not having a dog around as a pet. They add to your life no matter what you do with them. Some people will be what they are and get a dog for all the wrong reasons but, for the most part I think the majority of people have better lives because they have a pet. No matter what breed it is.

Does hunting make dogs happy? Sure. I've also seen a lot of labs that could care less about a live bird when put in front of them so..... call the breed police!!!

[huntlakewood]

I have two labs and have never hunted them. I take them alot of places where I go. They are the kids that me and wife can not have. I dont think it is a waste to owne a lab ( or any other dog ) and not hunt them. labs are great family dogs. Mine get to go to the dog park, play fetch, sleep with us you name it my dogs are just plain spoiled. I had all means on hunting these dogs but do not have the time nor the money. My female I got off of Craigskist and my male from a friend (gasman). Some people would say when you are training a dog to hunt and never bring them in the house and all you do is freed them, take them out to train and right back in the kenle they go is mean and mistreating them. I do not think this cause every body raises there dogs different. so just because people do not hunt there dogs does not mean they do not care about them.

I agree, but there does seem to be some kind of difference in a dog if he gets to hunt, "not saying it's better than just a family dog", they just seem more satisfied to me if they hunt.

Singleshot12 Sorry if I took what you was saying the wrong way. Your right people that abuse there dogs should not own one. People that get one just because they are cool to have and when they find out how much they cost vet bills, food  so on so on then they get rid of them. It comes down to being responsible. does this count on making your dog work. When i was in the bathroom and had no tolet paper I had the daughter give a role to my black lab and she braught it to me. She did not like it but she did it

[Stilly bay]

can we all agree its a bad idea/negligent to bring a high-energy Lab from hunting/working/purpose/ fish net dragging lines home and not work them or give them some daily outlet for their energy???  there are many labs that  just don't have any drive or excess energy at all and they are perfectly content sitting on the porch and picking up the occasional tennis ball, but Im pretty sure that is NOT what single shot was referring to in his OP.

another reason to meet the parents if you can.

here is what Robert Service has to say on the matter...

MY DOG

    'Twas in a pub just off the Strand
When I was in my cups,
There passed a bloke with in his hand
Two tiny puling pups;
And one was on me with a bound,
Seeking to lick my face,
And so I bought him for a pound
And took him to my place.

Three acres by the shore I own,
A hut, a pint wood;
And there for fifteen years alone
He shared my solitude.
It was his own, his only world,
And when with hunting spent,
Each night beside my bed he curled,
And slept in sheer content.

My dog is dead. Though lone I be
I'll never have another;
For with his master-worship he
Was closer than a brother.
My foot is frail and I am old,
Yet how my heart can pity
Pups straining on a short leash-hold
And pent up in the city.

From all thought of self above,
And purged of sex emotion,
I know no form of living love
So deep as dogs devotion.
I have no hope at all of heaven,
I've lived in sin and strife;
But thank God! I at least have given
One dog a happy life.

[singleshot12]

That is a good and touching poem Stilly bay!  It turned me slightly pale, but still a good poem

[Stilly bay]

That is a good and touching poem Stilly bay!  It turned me slightly pale, but still a good poem

yeahhhh figured I was stepping out on a limb posting a Robert Service poem on this forum... might be too many young- whipper snapper- heathen types on here to appreciate it.... then again im a young-whipper snapper- heathen type so you never know.

[huntlakewood]

Thanks for sharing that poem Stilly bay