Hi Guys, What are youre thoughts on what I should go for, an 8wk old Pup or should I consider a young adult? Just to remind anyone who dosent know of me, I have always in the past had German Shepherd Dogs but now wanting to move to a Lab. I do not intend Trialling (initially) unless the bug gets hold but do want to take part in some form of Working Tests etc. I know from past experience that I will no doubt make mistakes like we all do with the first one, I have and are still continuing to research as much as possible in order to make the transition as smooth as possible. Just wondered what your thoughts or experience may influence me. Paul.
Re: Puppy or Young Adult? i would go for the 8 week old pup there is nothing better then the bond you have with a young pup hope this helps ive had all my dogs from a young age
Re: Puppy or Young Adult? Hi Paul I have always gone for the ‘pup’ option because I enjoy the early training so much, and watching the puppy grow up and mature is all part of the pleasure for me. However, I know many keen gundog trainers that are more than happy with dogs that they have taken on at eight months or so. The key is whether the older pup has been raised in the best environment. If a trainer has run two or three pups on to pick the best for trialling, for example, then the one he rejects may have nothing more wrong with it than a little less drive or style than the others. I would not personally take on an older pup or young adult that had not been raised by a very experienced trainer. It can be hard work undoing other people’s mistakes! Pippa
Re: Puppy or Young Adult? If you can get an older pup, from an experienced trainer, and take it for a few days trial first (lots of trainers allow this when selling an older dog), then this would be my preference - because you can get a really good feel for their true personality, whereas with little pups its a bit of pot luck. That said, I have had a pup that turned out to have a bad temperament (not a lab!) so am probably over-cautious in that respect! Sam.
Re: Puppy or Young Adult? Hi Pippa & Sam, Thanks for your input, much appreciated. I can see both sides and will continue to consider my options. Hopefully speak to as many as possible at this weeks CLA Game Fair. Regards, Paul.
Re: Puppy or Young Adult? Hi Paul good luck with whatever you decide - I felt Barney my rescue needed company but I chickened out of getting another rescue after having to deal with a lot of issues with Barney (luckily none were really negative but still hard work) and hearing so many horror stories about difficult rescue dogs. I decided to get a young dog. This was after a lot of thought between puppy and young dog. Then I rang a breeder selling a young dog but was too late - fatefully she had a litter of fox red puppies 2 weeks old and 2 boys left. That was it, heart ruled head and 6 weeks later we brought Rusty home. I'm really pleased with him and even though he's my first ever puppy it feels a lot less of a journey into the unknown than getting Barney did. Carole PS I may see you among the 1000s at the gamefair - completely unknowingly of course I have no idea what you look like!
Re: Puppy or Young Adult? Hi Carole, Sounds like you had your work cut out with Barney!! But congratulations you stuck with it and he obviously sounds as though he has come through the trauma of being rescued and has got a loving owner to go with it. We read far too much of Animals not only being neglected but then having to be rescued, makes my blood boil, I personally think there are too many irresponsible people out there trying to make a quick buck, it appears easy to let nature take its course and then make money from it, any responsible breeder will tell you that preparing,feeding, rearing, socialising and then trying to find loving responsible homes for the pups that you have spent countless hours caring for is not easy! Unfortunately we will never change this in our life time, just wish there was more legislation to help prevent all of this. Regards, Paul.
Re: Puppy or Young Adult? Hi Paul yes you're right it does make me angry too but it's also worth mentioning how many perfectly loving responsible owners are having to give up their pets as they can't find anywhere to live. It's almost impossible to find a rental land lord that allows pets so when people hit financial hard times and the mortgaged house has to go they also face the trauma of having to break up their family. There got myself all angry again - off for a cuppa now. Carole
Re: Puppy or Young Adult? We find renting with a dog limits our choice to about a third of the suitable local properties. And the deposit is usually higher with a dog, but it can be done. Our council housing usually allows a dog too. The big problem is for people with several dogs, as once you have three it seems virtually impossible to get a rented home.
