Need a puppy...any advice?

Highliner · 11-03-2003, 01:43 PM

The family is considering a new pup. We are working breed literate as we have had several malemutes and are experienced in the kennel ops. At this time I do not bird hunt but do spend a considerable of time on the water. Looking for a water dog, probably in the lab family. Also considering a Chesapeek bay. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

11-03-2003, 03:21 PM

Consider a rescue dog...if you are wary you can usually do a trial period. My rescue chessie is fantastic, but I read his letters of recommendation from the foster home first. My nephew got a second Lab from the lab rescue network., What a great dog.

[ 11-03-2003, 04:24 PM: Message edited by: Tulley ]

Tilla · 11-03-2003, 03:30 PM

How much are you ready to spend for your best friend?

skein · 11-03-2003, 04:10 PM

Labs are a great choice because they are not only wonderful family dogs, they LOVE the water - in it, on it, around it. But then they can go home and lick your face, climb up on your lap, and chew up your shoes. :grin:

Chessies, on the other hand, seem to weigh heavily on the hunting/outdoor part, and are less noted as "family dogs." And, yes, I know there are many, many Chessies who do not fit into that mold, so please don't think I'm putting them down.

I agree with the rescue scenario. You can get a good dog for very little out-of-pocket expense, and have the added bonus of the good feeling that comes with helping out a dog that needs a home.

Whatever you do - Good luck!

Skein

Chromaflage · 11-03-2003, 04:27 PM

I have an idea:

http://www.ifish.net/ubb/ultimatebb....;f=18;t=001425

:grin:

ORS

Spotted Owl · 11-03-2003, 04:39 PM

Rescue(sp) dogs can be very good family animals. Just be sure that you do your homework on the animal first. Trial periods already mentioned are a very good idea. If you have kids see that the animal will react good. Ask if the have used kids around the dog, or if they used a child size doll. The second is not the best test although it is sometimes the only test that is needed. I know of a few dogs that have come as rejects from assistance dog programs. Nothing wrong with the animal the just didn't pass the test on the level needed. The ones I have seen were already well beyond the basic sit,stay,heel trainning. Good recue breeds we have been around have been Chesapeak, Newfoundlands, Labs and Goldens. The first two we have had in our home and were both wonderful family pets with small kids. They were also on the total opposites with each other. Chesy was a ball of fun and energy, The Newf was a lazy fuzz ball with a tounge. Either way you go do your homework on the breed and animal if possible. Have a wonderful time with your new family friend.

FishinTechnician · 11-06-2003, 05:25 AM

If you go with a pup from the retriever line insist on seeing paperwork on certified hips and eyes from the Dam and Sire. Some even certify elbows. If you can wait I will have pups ready in late January from healthy, trained parents. She had three colors last time. At seven weeks pup will be trained to come to the whistle and will be retreiving.

blackdog · 11-06-2003, 06:23 AM

shotshell said

Quote:

At seven weeks pup will be trained to come to the whistle and will be retreiving.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">I'm not going to claim that I'm any lab training expert, but I've raised and trained a couple and read a bunch from noted trainers from Lardy to Wolters to Graham and don't remember anything about having a pup trained to do those things that early. Isn't that expecting a little much a little soon?

At seven weeks I worry about them getting house trained and not chewing on the lady of the house's good shoes. :grin:

FishinTechnician · 11-08-2003, 05:46 AM

Read Wolters book again. He started with those pups as soon as he got them home on the 49th day. Starting in the fifth week I blow the whistle for them everytime I feed them and use the whistle and food to get them out to their exercise pen on good weather days. I use the same game to get them back in the kennel at night. They soon learn that coming to the whistle has a good reward, namely food. No chasing these guys around. They come when that whistle is blown. Each dog is individually "played" with beginning in the fifth week. I throw a sock for them and and blow the whistle when they pick it up. I sold two seven week old pups out of my last litter to DU auctions while I was living in Virginia and did the whistle and sock routine and the pups brought $1660 between them. The attendees couldn't believe pups that young were retrieving. Most pups that I have seen at every other DU dinner I have attended lay around in a box or crate and can't do anything because most breeders don't spend any individual time with the pups. A few do. The difference between training at that age and when serious training begins later is ..."NO DISCIPLINE" and don't over do it. Keep it fun! My pups have daily human contact from day one, know that we are their buddies and frankly they will do some pretty amazing things when you spend a little time with them, even at that age. Come see my puppies when the time comes.

Big TULE · 11-09-2003, 05:00 PM

Will have awesome black labs, ready to go right before christmas. If you are interested contact me.

Tilla · 11-09-2003, 11:37 PM

Shotshell is correctomundo!