Potential first time buyer

Hello There! []
I think it's great that you're putting time and effort into the right dog for you both.

This has been suggested once before, but I also suggest that you take the time to browse through any local shelters for a dog. Where I volunteer, it seems that 90% of the dogs are young (from 4 months to 1 year), simply because irrisponsible people get the dog and realize pretty quick that a puppy is going to be a puppy. Then they dump it on the shelter.

I've also read a statistic somewhere that the big, black dogs are the hardest to adopt out... it would be absolutely wonderful if you found a young black & tan dog that you both "click" with. You'd be saving the pup from a stressful shelter situation/euthenization, and fulfilling your needs for a dog as well.

I hope everything goes well for you. Good Luck!  []

Good job on doing research before runing out and getting a dog!
 
I just wanted to say, that a Lab and a Doberman are like night and day. Both are can be excellent family dogs, with the right training. Labs love everyone and everything (usually) while Dobermans will be extremely protective of your home. You will need to extensively socialize a Dobe so he doesn't get 'too' protective. Also, Dobermans are a more 'dominant' breed....just meaning if you don't show them who is boss by proper training methods they will try to take the upper hand. They are extremely intelligent and will figure out ways to get what they want if you let them. I would suggest if this is your first dog to go with a lab instead unless you REALLY REALLY REALLY do your research on the Doberman breed. If you think you can handle it, than go for it. B/c they are one of the most loyal and devoted dogs I have ever been in contact with! Oh and if you do decide to go with a puppy, please choose a responsible breeder. The Doberman breed has alot of health issues that can *mostly* be avoided if you choose someone who is trying to improve the breed instead of just trying to make money.
 
I had a breeder chosen but then went with rescue. I have to say, not having to go through the puppy stages of housetraining was very nice! Also, I have heard that Doberman puppies never keep all 4 paws on the ground at once....so be prepared for ALOT of energy if you go the puppy route!

There are a ton of labs and lab mixes in shelters or rescues that would probably be great for you!  If you rescue, you can get a dog who has been exposed to and is good with kids and one who is hopefully out of the really destructive chewing phase (which many labs go through and which in my experience can last until they are 2+).  The lab we had while I was growing up was an amazing and wonderful dog.  She was devoted and sweet and loved everyone and everything - I wish you the same in your dog!

I woud like to recommend a book as well... the main reason being that I wish that'd I'd read it before I went and bought my first dog.
 
Before you get the dog, you and your son might want to read The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson. It is extremely ensightful and helpful; full of information on dog training and behavior.
 
 

My 2 cents here.  I'd do the following:
 
Get Culture Clash & both you & your boy read it.
I'd stay away from a Dobbie since this is your first, so of, dog.
I'd hit the shelter & adopt a young dog or even an older one.  The older dogs are great.  No house training, little or no destruction of property & you've saved a life.

I would say go to the nearest Golden Retriever rescue group and find a youngish, but adult (2-4 years old) middle-of-the-pack kind of dog.  I think that your schedule is way too busy to cope with a young puppy, and it doesn't sound like you have the experience yet.
Black and tan is too wide a category that includes everything from Rottweilers to Min Pins, neither of which are suitable for first time owners.  You need a dog that a teen can manage, train, and have fun with, not a dog that has problem behaviors or a less biddable nature.
Take your older dog to a positive reinforcement training class. (You can find one at [linkhttp://www.ccpdt.com]www.ccpdt.com[/link] or [linkhttp://www.clickertraining.com]www.clickertraining.com[/link]) so that your son can learn the proper ways to train, and will not be tempted to mishandle a dog, as so many young men do.  If he's been willing to spend time doing tasks for a neighbor's dog, even though he can't be held totally responsible for a dog, IMO he is ready to have one.
And, Glenda may be right, but guess what?  There were kids like me, too, who never "grew out of it" LOL, so judge your son on what you know of him, coupled with a grain of salt, and how likely you are to want to be left alone with Fluffy when son goes off to college (it isn't fair to rehome a family dog because the kid has to live life).
Incidentally, if you are a clean freak, beware.  Goldens shed - a lot!
Although some of them have a lighter coat than others.  The nice thing is their usual desire to please, making the training experience easier.  And, once he learns how to do it, your son will be a responsible owner, hopefully, for life.  What better contribution can you make to a humane world than to raise a humane child?
 
 

PS-
If you do decide on a Lab, go with a rescue where they can find you the nice, mellow, English type (fat otter tail, massive head), so that you don't end up with a too high energy field type that a thirteen year old will have trouble training.  A Dobe is NOT a dog for a first time owner, even though they are quite wonderful in many ways.  Also, you may have trouble with homeowners insurance in some areas if you get one.

ORIGINAL: spiritdogs

....A Dobe is NOT a dog for a first time owner, even though they are quite wonderful in many ways.  Also, you may have trouble with homeowners insurance in some areas if you get one.

 
I agree with this to some extent but a Dobe is my first dog. I have owned dogs growing up, and so has my husband, but never a dog in our 'adult' lives. If it wasn't for all of the time and research we put in before getting the dog, ANY breed would have been a problem due to lack of education. I think any breed can be right for anyone as long as they put in the time and research before hand. Also, Michigan has pending legislation to make it illegal for insurance companies to deny coverage based on the breed of dog that is owned. So that is a plus too!
 
 

I like to adopt dogs from rescues that have been fostered in a home environment (with kids, cats and other dogs).  That way you can get a real good idea of temperment, etc.

well thanks for your input everyone. Well summer vacation is coming so me and my son will have lots of time to take care of it. We will most likely get a labrador at the end of this month. We wud really like a puppy but i dont want it to be unfair for the puppy. In the summer when school is out we will have loads of time for the dog

I think there are some children that can handle the responsibility of a dog.  I would also recommend an older dog as well.  Also, training classes and books would be really beneficial.
 
Last April we got my brother (13 at that time) a dog.  I didn't want to get him a puppy since he was still in school and at his age I didn't think he could handle waking up every couple of hours at night, walking all the way downstairs, and taking the puppy out for a potty break.  When I got Lana, I only did that for about 2 days and the next 2 days she only needed to go once in the middle of the night and after that she was good throughout the whole night.  So, I wasn't about to do it again and risk doing it longer than I had to for Lana (yes, she spoiled me). 
 
Anyway, I have to say that he is very responsible.  We made it clear to him that if he wanted one, it comes with all the responsibitily.  He feeds Wynston, walks him 2x a day EVERYDAY, grooms him, trains him, plays with him, etc.  When we got Wynston, he was about 1 yr old so he was somewhat potty trained.  My brother had to make sure to reinforce potty training.  At times he does need a reminder on some training or grooming but overall, he does a good job.  He'll even sacrifice some social outings w/ friends if he sees that it will leave Wynston home alone for a long time or no one will be home to feed him. 
 
He went to training classes with us when we took Lana so he knew training techniques and was able to use them on Wynston which improved Wynston's training (he only really knew sit and wait when we got him) and gave them a great opportunity to bond. 

Having just gone through Lab Puppyhood (still in the thick of it actually) - I just want to give one strong word of advice!  PLEASE, if you are definitely going to get a puppy, go to a *reputable* breeder.   As a Lab person, I can tell you that due to the popularity of the breed, you will see Lab puppies for sale EVERYWHERE!!!    Please do some real research and find a breeder that does health testing (OFA/PennHipp).   I've attached a few links which will help you understand the difference between a good breeder and what we call a "Backyard Breeder".
 
[linkhttp://www.hkc.org/breederchoice.htm]http://www.hkc.org/breederchoice.htm[/link]
[linkhttp://www.kateconnick.com/library/breeder.html]http://www.kateconnick.com/library/breeder.html[/link]
 
I'm sure everyone else on this board will back me up in stressing the importance of NOT getting your Lab puppy at the Petstore, or from an irresponsible breeder. 
 
Good Luck to you! and please keep us posted!  We LOOOOOOVE puppies!  Also, check out the training and behavior sections.  You'll see tons of great discussions/advice about all the stuff you'll be going through with a puppy.  I couldn't have gotten through puppyhood without this board!!  

If I might offer just one suggestion.....try to get an OLDER pup if you want a pup.  From what I understand, Labs stay "puppyish" for YEARS!!

ORIGINAL: labcrab

[linkhttp://www.hkc.org/breederchoice.htm]
http://www.kateconnick.com/library/breeder.html[/link]

i read what is on this site and i especially liked the last statement....

" Good luck in your search for a breeder. And if this all seems too complicated, swing by the local pound and pick up a good, old-fashioned, all-American mutt puppy!"

We were thinking of not an adult or a puppy somewhat like a young adult? Also do we need a standard 6 foot fence? We are just so nervous to make sure everything will go in the right direction[]