[bmwcyle]

Be the pack leader.

[girlscout]

I have a female yellow lab. As a pup we lost a couch, several pairs of shoes and library books. We were slow in learning that lesson. We can't leave any type of food on the kitchen counter top or else it will all go into her stomach. Armadillos are slowly learning to stay out of our yard or else she'll get 'em. She's a great diller killer. She's very loving and great with our grandkids. She feels like she's IT. If we try and hug on our other dog she pushes him out of the way and puts herself in his spot. Now that it's cold out she likes to pretend she's a chihuahua and sleep in bed with us under the covers. You will love your lab to pieces, just take precautions!

[ExpatCanuck]

Thanks so much to everyone who responded; my apologies for not responding to you all individually. There is some great advice here and we're looking forward to applying it.

[r9etb]

Exercise, exercise, exercise!!!! Black labs seem particularly prone to turning boredom into damage and holes in the yard.

The VERY BEST suggestion I can offer is to find your dog a friend to play with -- a good-sized dog who's patient and friendly and playful.

Not only does it teach your dog good manners, but it makes him happy, and TIRES HIM OUT!

[linda_22003]

Ahhhh, black labs. They love drywall. As a snack.

[RightWhale]

The dog will eventually eat your car.

[ShadowDancer]

.

[trisham]

How wonderful. You must post pictures!