Just Like Marley

Without giving away the movie, we can tell you that Marley gets himself, and his owners in some sticky situations.  How do you make sure the puppy you pick turns out to be a good dog?

Typically, Labrador Retrievers make good pets, but as these future dog owners soon found out in the movie “Marley and Me,“ this adorable little puppy turns out to be quite a handful for the owners.

Animal behaviorist Karen Okura says “I think Marley is probably a dog who wasn’t properly trained, who wasn’t properly exercised.  They’re an intelligent breed, so they need a lot of physical exercise, but they need mental exercise.  You need to teach them a lot of stuff.“

And just like what happened after “101 Dalmatians” was released, or “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” came out, everybody wants the dog on the big screen.

Robyn Barbiers, the Anti-Cruelty Society President, says “it brings attention to owning a pet.  We also get a lot of calls and of course that breed is hilighted in the movie becomes very very popular.“

The downside?  Many of these same dogs end up at shelters because some people aren’t prepared to care for them.

So if “Marley and Me” makes you want to run out and get a lab, do a little homework. 

This is Disney, a three-year-old lab and almost the spitting image of Marley.

In general, labs are not good dogs for people who are couch potatoes.  They are extremely active, need lots of exercise, and obedience training is highly recommended.

Karen Okura says “Labradors never grow up.  They stay puppies and adolescents forever.  They don’t mellow out when they hit 10.“

Another decision you have to make is whether you want to buy a dog or adopt one.

Buying a full breed dog can be quite expensive, and you need to make sure to find a reputable breeder.  Breed rescue shelters are also an option, as is adopting from a place like the Anti-Cruelty.

Robyn Barbiers says “these are the dogs that need homes.“

There are plenty of full breed dogs up for adoption, as well as mixed breeds, which also can make wonderful pets.