Originally Posted by
singlemalt
M_P, good luck in your search for a Lab pup. Take your time and be fussy, there are lots of Labs of many types out there. As the old saying goes "the apple does not fall far from the tree" so take the time to see both parents and interact with them. If you don't like what you see thank the breeder and walk away. This will be a member of your family for 12-15 years so choose carefully. I also notice your wife needed to be talked into this and may not be 100% on board yet. This needs to be her dog to so absolutely involve her in the decision and the choice.
I hesitated to get involved in this discussion but I see we are practically neighbors. What Krackadawn, Labber and Dakota have said is all true. You should go to a trial or test and see the dogs there. You will see some amazing work and it will open your eyes to the potential dogs have. However, keep in mind the dogs are owned, trained and handled by VERY GOOD dog trainers. These people have chosen to spend a lot of their time with and on their dogs and have devoted a lot of time and equipment into getting top notch results. They like a very high energy dog to work with to get best results for their style of training. If you are willing to do the same you can expect similar results. However, if you are like many with a young family there are a lot of other pressures on your time and the dog may not be absolutely your first priority. Don't let yourself get talked into a Maserati if what you are really looking for is a Dodge Caravan.
When you are looking at a pups parents ask if you and your family can have a bit of time with the dogs away from the owner/handler. Maybe a bit of play with a tennis ball. Judge yourself if the dogs natural energy and excitement level will fit into your family. If you find one which does and it also has ribbons and Fch in its background put down a deposit. If the parents seem too high energy to you the pup will probably be the same.
Whatever, course you choose do insist on all the usual health certification of both parents, at least hips, eyes and elbows. It would be very sad to bring a dog with any of these heredity conditions into your young family.
I offer this advice only as a sympathetic neighbour who was once in the same position. I don't have pups to sell and I don't participate in trials or tests. I do have 50 years experience with hunting with gun dogs and currently share my home with three of three different breeds. One is a Lab and she is a very nice calm one and she has literally found hundreds of ducks in her 8 year career in the marsh. If you would like any other advice or even to see my dogs send me a PM.
