Blackberry is a very sweet dog but is very nervous when he first meets people. He is most comfortable in his crate and when he gets scared he runs in to it. He will need someone willing to work with him to build his confidence so he does not get so skittish in new situations. He would benefit most from a home with another dog whom is very confident and playful.

 

Foster Update 9/13/10 ~  Lucky Blackberry has gone into one of our wonderful foster homes so he can learn what it is like to live in a home. When I first got him home he hid in a corner behind a chair but would come out to you if you went and sat near him, now he will venture into my room and over to the couch (will not willingly walk past the TV). He sleeps in his crate very well, and we crate him when we're not home during the day. He seems to have filled out a little more in the week we've had him as well. He is nervous around men but very sweet most of the time, though he did growl and nip at someone who approached him too quickly. He is simply terrified of TVs and most other electronics. He loves to snuggle in bed though and sleep next to you on the couch. He is extremely playful and has never had an accident. He is walking a little better on leash but he pulls a lot when he gets nervous. He is a real sweety and we all love him already.

 

Foster update 9:17: Blackberry is a wonderful dog. It took him almost a week and a half to come out of his corner of my apartment but now he is romping around like he owns the place and is very happy and EXTREMELY playful. He is still going through his chewing stage and seems to prefer chewing on things that will get him attention rather than his own toys and chewies. He absolutely loves other dogs, and I highly recommend that whoever adopts him have a youngish or playful dog to be his buddy. I recently let him play in the pond in my complex and we found out that, true to his lab heritage, he is a natural swimmer! On the same note he is odd around certain people for a little while and will growl or snap if approached to quickly by those people but he gets over it quickly. We have yet to determine what makes him this way with some people but have not found the link yet. Because of this I would not recommend him be in a house with small children, he has been fine with my young niece and nephew but I always kept an eye on them. He loves to cuddle and he gets very attached to the person who pays most attention to him. He has also come a LONG way on the leash and we hardly have to use the harness anymore! Getting him into a car is still a two to three person job though, we are working on it! I can't believe the progress he has made in 2 weeks!

 

*** According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, the Labrador Retriever is a loving, affectionate, lovable, patient dog. Once known as the "St John's Dogs," the Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular breeds in the United States. Originally from Newfoundland, Canada the Labrador was trained to jump overboard into the icy waters to haul fisherman's nets to shore. Specimens were brought to England in the 1800's by English ships coming from Labrador, where the dog's fine retrieving instincts were honed and developed. One of the best family dogs and canine companions because of their gentle, loving disposition, the highly trainable Labrador also excels in drug detection, as a guide for the blind, and service dog for the disabled. The breed is also an outstanding obedience and field trial competitor. Highly intelligent, loyal, willing, and high-spirited. Lively and good-natured, they love to play, especially in water - for they love to swim. They have an excellent, reliable, temperament and are friendly, superb with children and equable with other dogs. They crave human attention and need to feel as though they are part of the family. Labs are easily trained. These dogs are watchdogs, not guard dogs, although some have been known to guard. They have a life expectancy of 10-12 years.