Hi Everyone So I've been lurking for a while and researching and am finally at the point where i am going to (hopefully) select a puppy from a litter this week. Looking at a black working type lab. Decided to go working as although i will not be working him he will have to hopefully keep up with an active lifestyle. Only boys left in the litter so it will be a boy. so far through emails I'm happy with everything he's said. I will be able to see the mum but a stud was used so won't see the dad (can see information and pics). Pups will be 4 weeks old when i see them. all very exciting but still despite tonnes of reading a little unsure as to what to look for in the puppy (hoped the gf would come and help decide but can't arrange a time she can come as well). Any Tips?
Hi and welcome from me and 4 year old girl, Harley. Here is a link that will hopefully give you some ideas on what to look for: https://www.thelabradorsite.com/8-steps-to-buying-a-healthy-labrador-puppy/ No’s 4-8 will be best for you to read. Hope that helps
Welcome from Holly and me in Wales. The article that @Naya recommends is very good. There are other articles linked to it that are also worth reading. Its often the case that the sire is not available, but make sure you have a good look at the dam to see what she's like. Make some allowance for the fact that she might look a bit rough after having a litter! I think the only thing I'd add is to let your head rule your heart. Its easy to fall for a litter of lab puppies because they exude cuteness, but be sure to see the hip/eye/elbow scores, pedigree and other background information before you make your decision. Don't be afraid to walk away.
If you live in the uk you can go onto the kennel club website you can look up the dam and sire by name it also gives you access to their health test results and you can check the COI if they are registered. Hi and welcome from me and my 2 dogs Rory and Moo
Thanks guys. Have been told hip elbow scores of parents and was expecting to see certs when I got there but have just looked them up and agree with what he said. Also found some online articles mentioning the sires field trial results so that seems a good sign. Have seen pics of mum and she looks good in pic (as does dad) Have also seen a video of all puppies and mum together. We are currently based on the outskirts of west London, England,
So The Guy Rudely cancelled my viewing for tomorrow as has sold last pup so annoyingly have booked a day off work to drive up to see pup pointlessly. The Hunt Continues.
Please bear in mind that a pup from field trialling lines could have very different attributes than you would like to see in a pet dog. Good luck in your search.
Welcome to you from Mags, Tatze and Keir from Manchester UK Tatze is my pet dog, a black Lab and she's four years old. Tatze means 'paw' in German. Keir is my fifth Guide Dog puppy, a yellow Golden Retriever/Flatcoat cross and he's nine months old.
Hello and welcome from Maxx and I in Sydney, Australia. Good luck with your search and please keep us posted.
This is very true - I have two from quite strong FT lines and they aren't easy dogs as they both suffer from anxiety which presents in different ways. This is NOT to say that all FT lines are over-sensitive, that's just not true, and these two of mine are brilliant in so many other ways, but just be aware that temperament and health are the twin pillars to your perfect puppy, so try not to be blinded by the achievements in the lineage. By the time I was researching for my latest puppy, I had become painfully aware of this, so ensured that she was from a line of very naturally confident dogs. It can be hard to quantify this as an inexperienced owner, as a dog can appear confident when it's simply well trained - certainly true of the parents of my first two. The way I went about it with Squidge was to actually go down the other "route" and found a puppy from strong show lines. This is because any dog that can succeed in a show ring must be confident as it's such a crazy environment and a nervous dog just won't be able to do well. Because I was looking for a dog I could also do some gundog training with, I chose a breeder who works her show dogs, as this demonstrates that they are biddable as well as confident and pretty I'm not saying that's the path you should go down, far from it. It's entirely up to you to choose your own criteria, but that's what worked for me. Don't be swayed by people telling you that working line dogs can't settle down and need more stimulation and/or exercise, or that show line dogs are fat, stupid or lazy; I find that all three of my dogs are equally able to snooze during the day and enjoy the same amount of exercise, stimulation and enrichment.
Hello and welcome to the forum. I have two working line dogs and as Snowbunny said they can be sensitive. They do need a lot of exercise. Good luck with your puppy.
Thanks for the advice guys. Saw a great little boy yesterday and put a deposit. met the mum and she was adorable. So friendly and happy and then the owner took her out in garden and did some retrieve demos. v impressive. The little guy is a v light yellow and 5 weeks old now.
So pretty sure I've got everything sorted, but is there a check list of bits to get so i can see if I've missed anything?
Not sure if there's a checklist but I went with; Collar Name tag Lead/harness Food Treats Food/drink bowls Puppy pads Crate Crate liner Cuddly toy to sleep with Blanket Shampoo/conditioner Stair gate Floor mat/dog bed Chew toys Grooming glove/tool Toothbrush/toothpaste Poopascoop/bags
Welcome from me, Wispa (6) and Tuppence (4). You could add a Kong or two to the list (useful to settle puppy down when stuffed with tasty treats) and, of course, the Happy Puppy book! Some old towels would be useful too.
Thanks guys. got that but still feel like i should have more lol. I've got a fairly long drive to collect the pup any tips for that?
