Black Labrador Retriever Review

if you have time in your life for another child, then consider getting a black lab.  from puppyhood on up, a black lab is very similar to having another child.  it tooks months of wakeful nights to get our dog to sleep through the night.  the "potty training" took every bit as long as it did for both my children.  then, as they grow and mature, these dogs need much attention every day.  black labs are very sociable creatures and want to be a part of things.  they are not a dog to stick out in the back yard, though i don't think any dog is.  black labs are forever playful, never will quit playing if someone is willing to play.  

keep in mind black labs are work dogs.  they are bred to have a purpose - helping hunters retrieve birds.  they need to "work" every day, or they will go stir crazy  and start to be destructive in your house.  in our dog's case, her need to work manifests itself in a love of retrieving balls.  she's 5.5 yrs old and retrieves balls iwth the same intensity as when she was 1 year old.  if we don't take her out every day and throw the ball for at least 30 minutes, she is underfoot in the house, just very "needy," barking at us to get our attention, trying to engage us in play by bringing over toys, etc.