We have a 12 year old American chocolate and he is incredible! Never really had a problem with him being hyper.... just wanted to play ball constantly and still does even as a senior dog. Just not as long! He was the most chill and laid back one in the litter and he’s been that way his entire life.

We brush him a few times a week to help with the shedding and vacuum often so it helps. The only thing we are not really crazy about is the drooling! It can be a real nuisance sometimes. Puddles everywhere. He’s the BEST dog and its a small price to pay for the sheer joy of having him. He has made our lives so wonderful by just being himself!

Congratulations on your new dog!!

Anonymous wrote:We are picking up our lab this weekend. Any tips to help with the shedding?

Furminator brush - use it gently, it's pretty sharp but great for the thicker fur areas.
Plastic Kong brush - great for the belly and legs, feels like a massage on my dog. She puts up with the furminator, but loves the kong brush.
Roomba - runs almost every day, or just be ready to vacuum a lot!! I also love my Miele.

I love labs and retrievers. The shedding can be ridiculous, some are worse than others. Enjoy your new dog!

We are picking up our lab this weekend. Any tips to help with the shedding?

It’s partly temperament and a huge part is energy/exercise. Our lab was noticeably calmer by age 3, but remember these are sporting dogs. They are bred to have lots of energy so the owner has to be consistent in the mental and physical obedience training.

My DH had 3 when I met him! I find them hyper, slobbery, dopey and completely annoying. And the Smell and shedding was horrific.

I spoke add we got our field lab because we think they are better looking to us. Longer noses. Thinner and taller.

Anonymous wrote:We have a an American “field lab” who at 2 year old is a dream active and a strong athlete and has a wonderful “chill mode in the house at just 2. Definitely dog dependent but I’d Highly recommend talking to crest hill kennel in Va. most of their labs are American but they have some mix of american/English as well

+1 Cresthill has great labs and has a responsible breeding program.

We have a lanky and handsome field lab. Like the person aboves dog, ours has energy outside but is a pool of butter in the house. Ridiculous snuggler, sleeps on his back with his paws up, the whole package of just adorable.

We have an English lab. He was active as a puppy, but has been calm since. Never barks. Never chews. He just lays around, likes belly scratches, likes his walks and sniffing the yard. Really perfect and gentle with children.

We have a an American “field lab” who at 2 year old is a dream active and a strong athlete and has a wonderful “chill mode in the house at just 2. Definitely dog dependent but I’d Highly recommend talking to crest hill kennel in Va. most of their labs are American but they have some mix of american/English as well

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Field bred labs will probably be hyper. Bench labs probably won't. But yes, individuals definitely vary.

Thanks to both PPs. I just looked up bench labs and it seems they are also call the English Labs? I have been looking at those in particular.

We have an English lab who probably calmed down around age 11. There are other dogs to get if you want a calmer personality.

Anonymous wrote:Field bred labs will probably be hyper. Bench labs probably won't. But yes, individuals definitely vary.

Thanks to both PPs. I just looked up bench labs and it seems they are also call the English Labs? I have been looking at those in particular.

Field bred labs will probably be hyper. Bench labs probably won't. But yes, individuals definitely vary.

Find a breeder that does temperament testing and tell them you don't want a hyper dog.

My brother had a yellow lab about 15 years ago and it was hyper until it was about 8 years old. So I have been completely turned off from them for years now.

But a friend of mine raises/fosters/trains them to become service dogs, and her dogs are FABULOUS.

Is this because of breeder? Or training? Or both?

If I get a lab and both train it well, and exercise it sufficiently, will it be reasonably sedate in the house?