Looking for Advice

After many years of pleading our case, my wife has finally agreed to allow a lab into our family. I think the final straw was the disappointment my youngest went through this when after a long fruitless search, we failed to recover what would have been his first duck and him telling Mom a lab would have really helped. So we are officially in the process of having a black lab join our family.
So being absolutely green at the whole retriever, I am looking for advice. What are we looking for in a pup, breeder and training guides? We are located in the Copetown area - any one local that we could visit to pick your brain would be awesome.

If I could offer some advice having owned a number fantastic labs and other sporting dogs is don’t buy too much of a hunting dog. The number of days you use your lab to retrieve is probably way fewer than the days you will have your lab hanging around your house. I’m not suggesting getting a poor retriever rather dog one that’s relaxed but has the capabilities you will occasionally require. As an example I have a high end GSP that is constantly hunting 24x7. It doesn’t matter if it is April he is constantly going around my backyard looking for birds . He has an amazing amount of energy which has made him less than a stellar family dog. On the other hand my lab is more than happy to lie around and hang out for most of the year but can turn it on those half dozen times we go duck hunting.


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The above is good advice. I suggest you choose your breeder carefully to select the blood line you want, I have had a hunting lab, a 'house' lab, and a guide dog lab - all were slightly different in their energy level and drive.

Lots of questions for you to answer:
-pup or started dog
-whats your budget?
-are you going to train the dog?
-are you looking for a trainer?
-inside dog or outside?

In short I would tell you to buy the best dog you can afford, get the best bred dog from accomplished parents who have all health clearances in place. Look for titles in front of the dog's name, not behind it.

I'm not trying to sell you a pup but can comment on pedigree if you need assistance.

Give some thought to this.

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Originally Posted by krakadawn

In short I would tell you to buy the best dog you can afford, get the best bred dog from accomplished parents who have all health clearances in place. Look for titles in front of the dog's name, not behind it.

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If you are looking for working retrievers versus show ring, then watch the titles in front - AFTCH, FTCH are CDN FT titles, GMHR / MHR are NAHRA working titles, GMHRCH / HRCH are HRC working titles, while GMH / NMH in front and MH behind are CKC working titles. The CH title in front is a confirmation / show ring title and does not apply to any field work ability.

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PM sent.

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Originally Posted by M_P

After many years of pleading our case, my wife has finally agreed to allow a lab into our family.[COLOR=#ff8c00] I think the final straw was the disappointment my youngest went through this when after a long fruitless search, we failed to recover what would have been his first duck and him telling Mom a lab would have really helped. So we are officially in the process of having a black lab join our family.
So being absolutely green at the whole retriever, I am looking for advice. What are we looking for in a pup, breeder and training guides? We are located in the Copetown area - any one local that we could visit to pick your brain would be awesome.

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LOL That was pretty funny! Very creative. :)

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Originally Posted by acolic

If I could offer some advice having owned a number fantastic labs and other sporting dogs is don’t buy too much of a hunting dog. The number of days you use your lab to retrieve is probably way fewer than the days you will have your lab hanging around your house. I’m not suggesting getting a poor retriever rather dog one that’s relaxed but has the capabilities you will occasionally require. As an example I have a high end GSP that is constantly hunting 24x7. It doesn’t matter if it is April he is constantly going around my backyard looking for birds . He has an amazing amount of energy which has made him less than a stellar family dog. On the other hand my lab is more than happy to lie around and hang out for most of the year but can turn it on those half dozen times we go duck hunting.


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Sorry, but I don't think this is good advice at all, and it is likely meaningless, to the OP.
What is too much dog?
Most hunters are at risk of getting not enough dog. They are more common than the dogs that are "too much dog".
The trouble with internet advice, is you don't know anything about the expectations and hunting habits and needs of others.
Get yourself out to one of the retriever performance events. Watch the dogs run, talk to some of the handlers, then take your time deciding what you want, and how much you are dedicated to putting into a hunting partner. Then it's time to find a litter. My dogs probably average about 1 or 2 days a week throughout the yr where they are not retrieving something. I don't mind reining a dog in a little. I don't want a push start.

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Originally Posted by Labber

Sorry, but I don't think this is good advice at all, and it is likely meaningless, to the OP.
What is too much dog?
Most hunters are at risk of getting not enough dog. They are more common than the dogs that are "too much dog".
The trouble with internet advice, is you don't know anything about the expectations and hunting habits and needs of others.
Get yourself out to one of the retriever performance events. Watch the dogs run, talk to some of the handlers, then take your time deciding what you want, and how much you are dedicated to putting into a hunting partner. Then it's time to find a litter. My dogs probably average about 1 or 2 days a week throughout the yr where they are not retrieving something. I don't mind reining a dog in a little. I don't want a push start.

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Absolutely good advice and done in an open post!

Love the high flyers as well. They do however know that there is quiet time when in the house. It's no different than good parenting.

"You own what you condone", as ML would say.........