Sharlene: Welcome (I'm a little late getting to this topic) and congratulations on your dog. Labs are great big boisterous children and smart. What are some of the more "common" breeds in Venezuela? You might consider a terrier or herding dog to companion your lab, both smart, active breeds. I used to have seven dogs at one time, but they didn't all agree on everything, so one went to a new home, one got put down after she bit my hand (an error she didn't intend, but it wasn't the first time), and a couple went back to my mother and daughter, whose they were. Now, I'm down to one dog and two cats and they all get along, but another JRT (Jack Russell Terrier) will be joining the pack within the year -- I just have to find the one I want. Anyway, Sharlene, and all the other new folks (I should talk), this is the greatest site for discussion of doggie things ever. Enjoy.