From what you have said, I wouldn't recommend a lab, they can be very hyper, if you think a staffy is hyper...and labs are pretty big dogs, which you didn't want, esp if a dog, bitches a bit smaller. But all solidly built and strong. I also wouldn't recommend a pup, a pup needs someone home all day really or you are just asking for trouble, behaviour probs, training probs, housetraining probs, socialisation probs, e.t.c. and esp in an active breed like a lab. You'd be best off going for an older rescue, and best off going into a rescue without your heart set on any one breed or ruling out others. You need to judge every dog on it's own merit in a rescue. If you do decide on a specific breed (was it you wanted a bulldog yesterday now a lab?) then you need to spend a good while researching the breed, meeting as many as you can, talking to owners and reading as much as you can about them so as you can make an informed choice.

This is why I think there should be an age restricion on dog ownership. You can't just dive in and hope for the best. You need to give this a lot of serious thought and not just, 'oh yeh, a lab sounds nice' and look in the freeads.

I think it's a good thing to research as you are - just give it a bit more time and don't make any rash decisions! In my opinion, Labs are great but can be boisterous (Honeysmummy and Labradork know a lot more about labs than me though!). Also, a lot of labs are bred without any health testing, and as you know they, like many other large breeds, can suffer from hip dysplasia. This can be a very painful condition and can be expensive to treat, so it's worth making sure that parents have good hip score results as their offspring will be less likely to suffer from HD.

My cousin was in a very similar situation to you - she was living at home and wanted a dog that could fit easily into the family. She went to a rescue centre in Birmingham and fell in love with a medium-sized, tan and white cross. She's an absolutely delightful dog - easy to train, very gentle and quiet and I'm sure she'd be ideal for agility if my cousin was interested. Anyway, what I'm trying to say, is that your ideal dog might not necessarily be a 'breed'. Just go and meet as many dogs, pedigree or cross, as you can before you decide!

If you do decide to get a dog, instead of thinking about a specific breed, you could go along to a rescue, or keep an eye on websites of rescues near you and find the right dog for you that way. The right breed may not necessarily mean the right dog, if you know what I mean. All dogs of all breeds are different. With a rescue, regardless of breed, you'd know it's requirements and what the dogs personality is etc A rescue dog would be a good way to go for you IMO.

I don't think the OP is a troll, but I don't think a breed like a Lab is suitable for the situation he describes.

Sean, Labs are a breed that certainly need to be contained as pups. You could dog proof a room, but a bored Lab pup can cause destruction in a room with nothing but four walls. They do not take kindly to being left alone for hours at a time as pups (but the same can be said for a puppies of any breed).

I agree that it sounds as though an adult rescue may be the way to go if you decide to get one.

I would agree with some of the previous posts and say when your ready, why dont you head down to a couple of rescue centers and ask if they can find a rescue dog to suit your needs. Trying to focus on specfic breed can be quite daughnting, there are so many wonderful breeds out there!

Also, i disagree with one of the previous posts about calling the poster of this thread a troll. Whilst yes, there are probably a small proportion of trolls out there, this forum is supposed to be about helping out other dog owners and those interested in dogs. All the kid was asking for was a bit of advice, thats the same reason i joined this forum.

Totally agree. Everyone has to start somewhere and someone who is unsure of what they want isn't necessarily a troll!

Ok im confused. Whats a Troll lol. Ive never heard this word used before? Unless its that big ugle monster that wouldnt let the billy goats across the bridge?

Whether this new member is a troll or not, I don't think I'd be recommending they get any dog at this time, for various reasons, whatever the breed

Also, we all have a right to our opinion (yes AM and I too ).

I dont think anyone said you werent entitled to your opinions! Tho I thought you were the one who only a month or so ago was saying how Dogsey members arent being very welcoming and giving new members a chance?

Several people have commented on how unfair it was that AM and I suggested the member may be a troll

As for your last comment, I will grace it with a reply, even though you don't deserve one:

I have given an opinion that this member may be a troll. I've even given the opinion that if he isn't, I wouldn't be recommending that he get a dog at this time. This is acting responsibility IN MY OPINION. Just have a look at the posts and how they progressed, for goodness sake!

Now as for your comment about giving new members a chance. People that consider having a dog, to be crated a fair part of the day, no I won't give that a chance, as a breeder I don't think it's fair. I am aware of dogs needs and I won't be party to advising on breeds, when I don't think the possible new owner is in a position to take a dog on.

Also, if a breeder joined here asking about a situation that wasn't particularly right and whether they should have a litter, they would be jumped upon, from a great height (quite rightly in some cases). However, because this person isn't a breeder but also could be in the wrong situation, many of you feel it's being helpful to suggest breeds for the lad to get

I wouldn't be advising any 16 year old to get a dog. I have a 16 year old and believe me, they are busy people, with friends and no doubt within a year or two loved up, maybe moving out of home to rented accommodation where they can't take the dog. If the family wanted a dog, do you not think they would have one by now? That dog could very well end up in rescue but, because it's not a breeder we're talking about here, then it's all okay isn't it Well, no, in my book it isn't. Outcome could be the same, dog could end up in Rescue, not a situation I'd be happy to be party to, thanks

I've explained myself and I don't intend to continue the debate. I have a right to my opinion and I won't be changing it in this case. I won't be posting again on this thread.