Well since we are a multiple breed home, with a lab,shelties,and a blind cat,what I can offer is this.
Earnhardt was here first. Labs are rambunctious,rebelious,and sometimes just plain stubborn. Earnhardt was the typical,bouncy ankle biter. But he was the only dog here as a permanent dog for man.y years.
Prior to shelties,many fosters came and went,but not one time did Earnhardt portray any negative behavioral issues.
I will say that they require a great deal of patience,time to developed into the mellow labs that both Sophie and I are blessed with.
That being said, we are firm with Earnhardt. He respects us,and we respect him. The strength of labs full grown is huge,both personality wise and body structure.
I am glad we had Earnhardt first. When we were looking for our first Sheltie,we specified that we wanted an outgoing,kinda a puppy that was not shy. I wanted a pup that would hopefully not withdraw from Earnhardt,but would have a strong bond with him.
We have that and more in ours.
Now with Mia, she is blind and deaf. Not only do we trust Earnhardt with Mia,she looks to him for reasurrance.
