Should we get this dog or not?

[bock]

I am not sure if he has separation anxiety. His paper said he was found as a stray, but I think he just got away or was dropped off. He was way to sweet to have been away from humans almost his whole life. If he did have separation anxiety I don't think that would be a good dog for us at all. That would be way too hard to deal with, since they are usually home alone 5 hours a day, except on weekends and on vacation.

I am sorry you have to deal with that.

 

[Tala]

Quote:
It's possible that if he spent a bit of time roaming on his own, he might be plenty happy on his own. SA is generally caused by dominence issues or perhaps being over-attached (spoiled) so if the dog is kinda used to being alone he might not have issues with it.

Plus having other dogs he won't be totally alone so he might be fine.

Also if the SA is caused by dominence issues you can work on that with training, and you can also use a crate to mitigate damages. I think it's worth the gamble if you really think the dog is a good fit for your family.

 

[SillyChicken]

Crate training is very helpful to prevent your home from getting destroyed.

 

[Ema]

Quote:
I have 4 labradors and one st. Bernard mix and mine still do that when they are out in their pen. they want attention, or sometimes need it really badly. If it was trying to get at you in a vicious manner it would have growled and continued to bark, curled his lip jumped at the fence. whining is a way for the dog to communicate, letting you know he needs something right away.
Labradors are great family pets, but I will honestly tell you they take a lot of work and patience. the dog has probably at one point or another been with a family, but given up because of his chewing habits etc...labs are notorious for chewing things up. I provide mine with plenty of toys and sticks and bones. that keeps them satisfied. Labs are very affectionate, and if he was whinign for you to pet him, chances are he likes you a whole lot. go back and ask them to take him to the yard where you can see his behaviour, also bring him a small treat when you go and ask them if you can give it to him while he is still inside the pen. when you give him the biscuit and he is eating it put your hand flatly on the gate, if he growls don't get him. If he is fine continue to outside.
Keep in mind labs can get hyper, so he might jump on you, with a little coaching this behaviour will stop. they love to swimm and go for runs. Mine are all rescues and super babies, they have favorite blankets and toys and a fovorite plain donut and I have 2 that still jump all over me at times but they know when my voice gets stern they stop right away. Pound dogs are soo greatful for second chances, and 90 percent of the time make the best pets!!!