 new puppy
#101478 - 03/20/2006 12:57 PM |
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We are going to look for a puppy(labrador) when we return from vacation in May. Are there any certain questions I shoud ask the breeder? Anything I should look for in the puppy? I have Mr. Frawley's video Your Puppy 8 weeks to 8 months. We have not had success with the adoptions we have had in the past. Very new to the puppy scene. Just want to start out right!
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Re: new puppy
[Re: Michelle Warren ]
#101479 - 03/20/2006 04:32 PM |
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Re: new puppy
[Re: Michelle Warren ]
#101480 - 03/20/2006 04:57 PM |
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Connie gave you some really great info. to start with.
Could I ask you what made you pick the Lab. as your choice of breed?
Have you looked into the breeds nature and needs and energy leverls ?
Most Labs are very high energy and can be hard to handle for a first time owner. They do calm down about 2 or 3 years old. Lab pups are very trainable but they are very high engery dogs.
Make sure your breeder can prove good hips and no history or artherist from either blood line. And good temperments from both as well. Labs have been poorly bred by some and there are a lot of labs out here with lots of problems.
Is this dog going to be a working dog or a pet ?
Labs are one of my favorit breeds and I've seen first hand what a bad breeder can do.
Not to mention that about half the the dogs around the age of 2 in shelters are Labs or Lab mixes.
Have a good time on your vacation.
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Puppy selection
[Re: Michelle Warren ]
#101481 - 03/20/2006 05:12 PM |
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Be aware that puppy selection for working line guardian breeds is done a little bit differently than it is for family pet sporting breeds (i.e., bird-dogs) -- You should check your local libraries for one of Richard A. Wolters' training books, such as, "Water Dog", or, "Family Dog", IMHO...
Both these books have a very helpful version of the Guide Dog puppy temperament evaluation test that's illustrated with plenty of photos -- You can order an "elementary level" video version of Family Dog (for novice dog buyers) from Mid-Carolina Media @ 1-800-310-4418 <:-)
How anyone can live without a dog is beyond me... |
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Re: Puppy selection
[Re: Candi Campbell ]
#101482 - 03/21/2006 10:37 AM |
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I should have clarified the dog will be a family pet. Why a Lab? My husband likes them and had them when he was growing up. I know, not real good reasons. I am concerned about the energy needs because we don't have a fence. I am a busy mom of four children but we are home most of the time and enjoy being outside. Maybe I'll look into some lower energy breeds. My husband is really set on a Lab., but he works all day! I'm the one who will be home most of the time. Thank you for the help. It seems I'll be browsing through those pages and taking a trip to the library. Thanks so much!
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Re: Puppy selection
[Re: Michelle Warren ]
#101483 - 03/21/2006 11:45 AM |
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Do you have the option of fencing in your yard? It's so much easier dealing with a puppy that way! When they're older it doesn't make a whole lotta difference since if you train properly they are OK off leash, but puppies needa run around and chase bugs in the grass for their exercise rather than mile long walks on hard sidewalk.
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Re: Puppy selection
[Re: Mike J Schoonbrood ]
#101484 - 03/21/2006 12:56 PM |
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Fencing the yard is not a possibility right now. I bought a 20' cotton line from Leerburg and planned on letting the pup play outside with that. We have a nice sized yard with grass. Do you think that's o.k.? Should I try to get my husband to consider another breed? One that's more laid back? He prefers large breed dogs. Thanks!
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Re: Puppy selection
[Re: Michelle Warren ]
#101485 - 03/21/2006 01:19 PM |
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Michelle...after about 30 years experience with Labs I can tell you that anything you do that doesn't include the puppy into the family unit will be a mistake. They'll chew, dig, tear up anything that isn't nailed down...and they'll attempt to go after the secured items as well...  What once looked like a house will begin to resemble a pile of sticks...BUT...once they're secure in their new family, they're a very good choice. My suggestion is to allow him to be with you (since you're at home) and when you can't be there with him for a couple of hours, then kennel him in his portable kennel. THEN...turn him over to hubby when he comes home (just to let him know how your day went) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
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Re: Puppy selection
[Re: David Layne ]
#101486 - 03/21/2006 01:39 PM |
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I plan on crate training him/her to be an inside dog. I was going to use Mr. Frawley's crate training method of when they are inside the house they are in the crate and then as they become more able to control their elemination the more they get to be out of the crate. This method will include taking the puppy out every 1-1.5 hours for a time to play, which is where the cotton line will come in to help him/her work out their energy. Am I on the right track? Again I really am new at this (actually, haven't even started). Thank you!
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Two things
[Re: Michelle Warren ]
#101487 - 03/21/2006 04:40 PM |
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Michelle, I just noticed you said:
1. We have "Your Puppy 8 Weeks to 8 Months".
2. We have NOT had success with the adoptions we've had in the past.
Here's my best advice:
Study that video of Ed's like your life depended on it <:-) then once you can TEACH everything in it to someone else, if you follow his instructions to the letter, all will go well with a properly bred puppy whose temperament suits your lifestyle...
But be aware that most reputable/responsible breeders & rescue groups won't sell to novice dog-buyers who DON'T have a securely fenced yard, or at least an escape-proof outdoor kennel run.
How anyone can live without a dog is beyond me... |
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