Flat coated retriever too extreme?

My family and I are going to get a new dog, and flat coated retrievers seem to be one of the best if not the best dogs to get. The reason I am concerned is because I have read that flat coated retrievers get separation anxiety and destroy things when people leave. My siblings and I go to school regularly and my parents are gone during the day, and I was wondering if the dog would do as I described earlier. I also heard they may be aggressive sometimes and attack people. Is that true? Thank you for your time.

Like any retreiver or lab they are very smart and have a great store of energy and good bit of endurance. It's what makes them such good hunting and agility dogs. And any dog with that many smarts and that much energy will become destructive if not kept busy. Training and socialization also helps. But unless you can give that dog the outlets it needs for it's energy I'd suggest researching other breeds.

But also, like the first poster I'd like to give you a high five for researching the breed first. Rather awesome of you I'd have to say.

Good for you for doing your homework first - I suggest going to a breed show and talking to people there. They're the best resource. So are the good folks from rescue - I'm sure you can find a breed-specific rescue on petfinder.com Good luck!

Any breed of dog is capable of having seperation anxiety and destroying house interiors... no one breed is more prone to it then the next. You could try crate training your dog so that he remains in his crate all day long, where he might feel safer then in an empty house all alone. Also, playing the radio or tv while youre not home can help the dog feel like hes not alone.

it possible. they are smart dogs, and can get into trouble if you dont train them properly. i would suggest getting a rescued dog. even if it is a flat coated retriever you are looking for, try going to your local animal shelter or rescue organization. they should be able to tell you about temperament and any behavioral problems they seem to have.
www.petfnder.com

To help with separation anxiety, fill a Kong with peanut butter & leave it for your dog every time you leave the house. Soon your dog will associate being left alone with having a peanut-buttery treat, and won't tear up the house.

Absolutely beautiful dogs!
They are high energy, retrieving, water dogs. They need a lot of exercise and playtime. If you provide proper training and exercise time, your dog will not become destructive.
For instance, if you and your family provide a walk in the morning before school, followed by some training or playtime, then go to school and come home and exercise him some more, he will not become destructive for you have provided him with an outlet for his energy.
These dogs LOVE water and retrieving, and need to do this on a regular basis.
Maybe the best time to get a puppy is when you can be home during the day while he is still a puppy.
Leaving a puppy at home all day while he is still young is just a bad idea to begin with.

If you are an active family who wants a loyal, high-energy dog, the Flat-Coat may be the one for you!


Good luck searching!

I don't think you can say all representatives of a certain breed do anything.

If your dog is raised properly, and taken to training, and given enough of the right kind of attention and training, your Flat Coat should be an excellent family pet.

Here is a link to a free book that can help you:
http://www.jamesandkenneth.com/new_puppy...

If you want a good, happy family pet, do training with only somebody who uses positive reinforcment. Learn how to train. Here is a recommended book:

"Family Friendly Dog Training
A Six Week Program for You and Your Dog " by Dr.
Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D.

http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/books-r...