Looking for Advice

[Labber]

There is a perception out there that FT-HT Labs are too high strung, difficult to train, and too crazy to sit still in a hunting situation. Some people may not like a youthful excited dog in a blind. I love it. It bodes well for the seasons to come.

[Ugo]

My suggestion is that once you have done all the research and know which litter to pick from, let your wife do the selection of the pup. I think that in the environment your described, this could go a LONG way as pup develops into a dog.
I also like a big engine dog in the field however that does not mean it can't be the consummate couch potato in the home. Do your homework as previously suggested by those that truly know their Labs.

[be2man]

If it's in the budget you might also consider a started dog. Doing the ground work and all the proper introductions with a puppy and a young dog is a lot of work and the learning curve is steep if you've never done it before. Another advantage is that you'll have a good idea of the dogs personality by a year or so of age and the breeder can better match the dog to your expectations.

[welsh]

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.

This is great advice (as is the rest of Labber's post, in particular the reminder that internet advice comes loaded with assumptions).

The other benefit is when you decide what you want, you'll have met all kinds of people who can help you find it.

There is never a guarantee with breeding. There's variability in every litter. That said, working Labs are bred for low impulsivity. A dogs that's easy to steady in a blind is going to be easy to handle in the home. All young dogs come with youthful exuberance. Putting a handle on it is just training.

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[thunderbelly]

Just to add to what Welsh and labber said, take your family to the events when you go, get them involved as much as possible.

[M_P]

Thank you all for the direction so far

[Dakota Creek]

Just to add to what Welsh and labber said, take your family to the events when you go, get them involved as much as possible.

Keep your eye on the Canadian Hunting Dog Forum and if you are on Facebook the Canadian Hunt Testers page as they will post where and when picnic trials are being run over the winter months in the Southern Ontario region. That will give you the opportunity to see some of these dogs in action and speak with the owners.

[M_P]

Keep your eye on the Canadian Hunting Dog Forum and if you are on Facebook the Canadian Hunt Testers page as they will post where and when picnic trials are being run over the winter months in the Southern Ontario region. That will give you the opportunity to see some of these dogs in action and speak with the owners.

Thanks for the heads up.

[terrym]

The Labrador is one of the most popular breeds. That means you will have an enormous pool of breeders and pedigrees to sift through before you make a choice. My advice is to take your time and be diligent. Every litter will have a pup you would take home. Pay attention to the Sire and Dam instead. Go and watch some field trials and hunt tests. Excellent way to meet the most dedicated owners. Labs are popular for a reason, get a good one and you have a great companion/hunting buddy.

[Redsoilreaper]

The Labrador is one of the most popular breeds. That means you will have an enormous pool of breeders and pedigrees to sift through before you make a choice. My advice is to take your time and be diligent. Every litter will have a pup you would take home. Pay attention to the Sire and Dam instead. Go and watch some field trials and hunt tests. Excellent way to meet the most dedicated owners. Labs are popular for a reason, get a good one and you have a great companion/hunting buddy.

Agreed, lots of good advice on this forum!