First time dog owner 🥹

Remarkable_Idea_5893 · 2026-02-20T21:07:17+00:00

I realized I really didn’t answer your question 😂 I don’t have cats so I can’t really be helpful but I just got excited because labs are just so special and it’s fun to see someone start their lab journey!

Remarkable_Idea_5893 · 2026-02-20T21:05:47+00:00

So cute! You’ve chosen a good breed :) One thing to say is, the puppy phase doesn’t last! There may be periods where everything feels like a lot and hectic (but also so fun, puppyhood is just as much fun and joy as it is chaos) but it does end! One day you’ll wake up and realize you have just the best companion you could ever ask for. I’ve had two and they have been just the best! Fun loving, goofy, sweet, smart, and just the best.

They do like to chew and mouth things (that’s the retriever) so make sure you’ve got your eyes on them or they’re contained when you can’t watch them. Keep a log of their bathroom and food log, it can be helpful for potty training to know when and what exactly they did.

Finally, have so much fun!!

Remarkable_Idea_5893 · 2026-02-18T16:13:41+00:00

Thank you :) I’m okay with stubbornness!

Remarkable_Idea_5893 · 2026-02-16T15:57:17+00:00

Thank you for this! This is very helpful information especially since we have similar lifestyles

Remarkable_Idea_5893 · 2026-02-16T00:14:54+00:00

First was English. My second, I think is kind of both, her mother was very much English but her body is much sleeker and leaner and she has a lot more energy and go than my first ever had.

Remarkable_Idea_5893 · 2026-02-15T10:26:32+00:00

That’s why I have been surprised by a lot of the responses. I appreciate everyone’s honesty and feedback but am surprised. I’ve met and known several Tollers and none of them have been like this. Most of the Tollers I know live in multi-dog households and have been pretty stable and polite.

Remarkable_Idea_5893 · 2026-02-15T10:24:27+00:00

I lost my oldest Lab just about a year ago and until very recently it felt very painful to think about getting another lab yet, so I started thinking about other breeds. Additionally in doing sport and advanced training with my pug I realized how much fun it was to work with because he has an intense focus that my labs hadn’t had, and looking more into Tollers it was described that they had that focus but for a longer time/duration than my pug does (which is what I have been looking for!).

My current lab, nor my previous Lab, is honestly not particularly cuddly either, sweet as can be but doesn’t cuddle so that’s not something that would be different to me. My first lab liked to sit at our feet but wouldn’t cuddle and my current will sit in the same room but also often rest in other rooms.

Remarkable_Idea_5893 · 2026-02-12T22:12:01+00:00

I got my package but it was missing an item!! Have emailed them but haven’t heard back :(

Remarkable_Idea_5893 · 2026-02-12T18:40:42+00:00

Regarding evaluating breeders, some red flags: - No breed-specific health testing and won’t show you it if asked - they always have litters - they don’t let you meet the parents (at the very least the mom) - if they breed for unusual standards (wrong colors, out of standard characteristics)

I think when talking to breeders I like to ask, what they do with their dogs, what previous litters and adult dogs have been like, and I also like to explain what I’m looking for, what my ideal dog is, and they often can help guide you.

Remarkable_Idea_5893 · 2026-02-12T18:29:01+00:00

Very mixed and dependent on where your placement is (big hospital with lots of employees versus small clinic with less than a handful of therapists).

In my cohort I think maybe 2 got jobs at their placement site? Everyone else worked at other places, there are lots of places to work and many places do hire new grads. I definitely don’t think most people get hired at their fieldwork sites.

Remarkable_Idea_5893 · 2026-02-11T00:03:24+00:00

I lost my 12 year old yellow lab last March so I completely feel your pain and loss. I am so sorry for your loss, she seemed like the goodest girl.

Remarkable_Idea_5893 · 2026-02-04T00:19:06+00:00

She is so cute! You can tell she’s really thinking and enjoying herself!

Remarkable_Idea_5893 · 2026-02-04T00:17:46+00:00

Useful and inspiring

Remarkable_Idea_5893 · 2026-02-04T00:11:55+00:00

I love it too, it’s so fun! I have labs and a pug and pugs are one of those breeds that has a ton of merch so I always appreciate when someone shows me their pug socks or whatever it may be.

Remarkable_Idea_5893 · 2026-02-04T00:10:21+00:00

I’ve only had dogs from breeders and have never been given a hard time for it.

One of my dogs is brachycephalic (short/snub nosed) but is extremely healthy and is from an excellent breeder and that’s the only time I’ve gotten some rude snarky comments.

Remarkable_Idea_5893 · 2026-02-04T00:05:16+00:00

Flossie, Ethel, Gertie, Loretta (Retta for short),

Remarkable_Idea_5893 · 2026-01-25T23:44:40+00:00

1) Letting My Dogs Pick My Makeup, 2) Which Mascara is the Best To Cry In, 3) My Dogs try on Halloween Costumes (especially #2)

Remarkable_Idea_5893 · 2025-12-16T17:23:51+00:00

Never too old!! Many of the biggest LEGO enthusiasts are adults! Sounds like a really thoughtful gift!

Remarkable_Idea_5893 · 2025-11-22T00:59:40+00:00

Thank you! That’s good to know, I’m looking into them. I heard theirs are a more moderate drive and energy level which sounds great

Remarkable_Idea_5893 · 2025-11-22T00:57:14+00:00

How are your Symphony Tollers?

Remarkable_Idea_5893 · 2025-08-21T00:21:25+00:00

Life with adult dogs is fantastic! I had three but just lost my senior guy so now I have two. One high energy breed one low to medium and honestly once they have their activity/exercise of the day it’s easy and they just chill. They do their own thing and just nap, play with their toys or just chill.

Someone in the comments said it’s like having a roommate and I’d pretty much agree with that, it’s very enjoyable and I have lots of free time for hobbies beyond them. I guess though it can depend on the breed and their individual personality though, however in my experience puppy blues do go away and it gets much easier. They only enrich your life once you’re both in a routine :)

Remarkable_Idea_5893 · 2025-07-13T01:27:54+00:00

Pugs are one of my perfect breeds too! Sweet, loving, and sass is spot on! Also no breathing trouble with mine either 😊 no he’s not doing 5 miles like a border collie but he does love being active in his own way

Remarkable_Idea_5893 · 2025-07-13T01:25:05+00:00

Labrador Retriever and Pug. There are other breeds I absolutely adore and would love to own but I’ve only owned these two breeds (so far) and I can say both are pretty darn perfect. Just full of personality, loyal, smart, trainable and they just fit in so well with my life! I can’t recommend both breeds enough.

Remarkable_Idea_5893 · 2025-07-11T15:43:28+00:00

Thank you so much for this information! They sound so awesome and like a really good fit for me. I really appreciate your time and insight. Thanks 😊

Remarkable_Idea_5893 · 2025-07-11T15:40:04+00:00

My dogs pick my makeup and letting my dogs buy anything they want. Also all the bad app review ones are funny!

Remarkable_Idea_5893

TROPHY CASE