Getting a Dog

[RyanbabZ71]

Well I have grown up my whole life around golden retrievers. The last 2 yrs not being around a dog (other than when my parents visit or I go home) me and my fiance decided we are going to get a yellow lab. What are some things to be aware of (for the lab owners).

 

Thanks!

[different_seasons]

Just watch where you step.

[Roofer]

Don't pay too much. I got mine for free. It showed up at my house and no one claimed it. Fun dogs and easy to train.

[RyanbabZ71]

Heres a pic of some of them

 

[willieboy]

Hip dysplasia is rampant in the lab population. If you want to avoid that costly problem, make sure to get a dog from reputable breeders that have hip certified and OFA certified(eye issue) dogs. Other than that, it depends on what you want.

 

Hunting: Make sure the parents are proven hunters, and of the appropriate size for your prey (upland and ducks can be smaller, but you might want a big dog for geese). If you want an upland dog, make sure the parents have good noses, and watch the puppies, they should already be using their noses. If you want waterfowl dogs, obviously you want parents that swim well. On waterfowl dogs, also look at the feet. They should be webbed nearly to the end of their toes. They will make great swimmers. One thing for sure...DO NOT TEST NEW PUPPIES TO SEE IF THEY ARE GUN SHY!! I see morons do this occasionally, the seperate a puppy from its mom and mates, take it off to the back corner of the yard, and shoot a gun off to see if they jump. Way stupid. What dog would not jump, some stranger seperated you from your family group and fired a gun off, of course you will jump and be scared. Truth is, any dog that trusts you (of course you have to teach them to trust you) will trust that the gun will not hurt them when it comes time to train for hunting.

 

Companion/Hunting: I would really look at male labs. The males are much more likely to form a strong bond and be "pleasers." Strong bonded dogs are more likely to trust you no matter what, something you definitely want when hunting. Females tend to be a little more independent. Females can make very good pets, but males will be more affectionate. You also really want to watch the puppies when they are awake. The puppy that is off by itself playing, etc... is likely to be more independent and less affectionate. That crazy puppy in the middle of everything will be the most affectionate, and will likely bond the best. However, they may also be the highest energy and a little harder to reign in when puppies. They will however respect whomever it is they have bonded the strongest (usually whomever is the "trainer"). Anyway, a puppy in the middle of things, but not necessarily the instigator will be a nice "medium" activity, good bonding and affectionate dog, and might be a little easier to train.

 

I spent a lot of time learning how to pick a dog. I am by no means an expert, but I read a lot about it when I picked my big guy. I think Labs may be some of the best dual purpose dogs on the planet. They can be great family dogs, yet also remain very versatile hunters. Despite their excellent hunting ability, they will also be just as happy being a companion. Good luck finding what you want.

[RyanbabZ71]

We are going to go with a male.

 

The hips and eyes have been checked

 

I know about the swimming my moms goldens love to swim. From June-Sept they are beach bums (well she lost one recently so she only has one but she is looking at another one currently)

[Black02Silverado]

Proper diet as well. What to feed is a learning process. What works for other lab owners may not work for you. It is trial and error so to speak but it can save you big money in the long run. Sure the food might be expensive but so is going to the vet for problems associated by the wrong diet. Here is a good source of information.

 

We are also getting another lab. Our last one passed away this past May, she was 14.

[Wingnut]

Heck if I know what to look out for. I've only picked up strays or mutts from the local no-kill shelter. But as far as pure breeds go, I've never met a better dog than a golden or a lab.

 

I do know this though...It's going to be hyper as f***all and will chew on everything in sight for at least it's first year.

[Chestah]

I had a male Chocolate Lab that I was forced to give away to keep homeowners insurance.

 

One bright sunny day my 80 year old neighbor decided to come over with a huge straw hat, my dog must've thought it was something to eat, who knows.

 

The 90 pound dog jumps and rips her shoulder and right ear up, leaving her on the ground, bleeding. We had to call the ambulance, thankfully all she had was a broken arm. That being the first broken bone in her 80 years of life.

 

You just can't forget having a dog of that size is a huge responsibility.

[ricko2]

Really doesn't matter what kind of dog it is, as long as you name it Ruckus

[Abbaby]

Ever thought about getting pet insurance?

[Wingnut]

Really doesn't matter what kind of dog it is, as long as you name it Ruckus

 

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I name all dogs "Bob".

[Reineke]

The puppy stage 0 to about 2 years or more is one of the trying part of owning a lab. If you can get past that, you will have a great dog for many years to come. If you are planning on keeping him indoors, be sure to crate train and don't let him leave your sight when he is out. They are brilliant dogs and catch on really fast. It is quite rewarding to see a dog respond to your commands. Something I have done with my dogs is to use hand signals along with the commands. Now, I can just use the signal, and they respond.

[ARAMIK]

We were fortunate...we found our puppy and he was 7 months old, crate trained, housebroken and had a great temperment. We told the breeder we didn't care about AKC papers which dropped the price down to $200 including the cage...and our dog had all his shots and dew claws removed etc....he is now 4 years old and was the greates find...also, if you can wait till after Christmas, many people buy puppies without taking into consideration how much work they are and that their 4 year old isn't going to be able to care for it so they end up in the paper or Uncle Henry's...Lastly, if you get one from a breeder, definately get a 1-2 year guarantee against medical issues that arise like hip-displatia.

[Elwood 2000]

Our black lab is now 4.5 years old. He is the best thing we have done for the family and truely like another child. He has champion blood lines with great parents who have a very good temperment. Although I don't hunt, he is an excellent family pet. Protective, fun to be with and smart as hell. He is an inside dog and is crate trained. No matter what kind of dog you get, he is what you make him. Be gentle most of the time, stern when you need to and our lab is the most loving animal you could ever find. He is very social and loves people. He will follow you from room to room to keep from missing anything and he LOVES to play outside and go for rides.

 

When you take your pup outside, leash him and patrol your property borders. When he starts to head outside the yard, a little tug on the leash and a firm "No" will teach him your property boundries. This will make times when playing outdoors a bit easier when he is unleashed, but any lab will put their excellent nose on the ground and go. Before you know it, he can be gone. Also, watch your pup like a hawk indoors when potty training. When they put that nose on the ground and start to wander off by themselves, get him outdoors and give the command to "go potty". Rewards work great when things are done right. Chewing is another story. Labs LOVE to chew, expecially things that are well....chewy. Our dog has an addiciton to Barbie Dolls. If he is left home alone for very long, he may chew something of mine up and put it on my chair or at the back door. If we are gone for very long, we have to put him in his crate.

 

Labs are very energetic and pups for quite a while. Ours started to settle down about a year ago, but is still very active.

 

BTW, if you plan on hunting with your dog, NEVER play tug of war with him. A well bred hunting lab will have the instinct of a very soft touch with his mouth. This is so he does not damage the bird. Playing tug of war will quickly ruin this instinct.

 

All in all, our dog is a great thing for the family and a wonderful addition. Enjoy yours!