Re: Which puppy for us?! I just wanted to add but I'm sure you've already thought about it. You will probably find a big difference between the behaviour and training of a Labrador compared to a German Shepard. Things a German Shepard does by instinct, for example staying close, you may find you really have to work on with a lab. My friend had and bred German shepherds for a long time. When her last one died she decided to get two Rottweilers. She has noticed a big difference in behaviour. For example her German shepherds would always stay reasonably close naturally, rarely wandered far even on their own property where as given the chance the rotties will go exploring. Find out as much as you can about the breeder. Meet the mum, and dad if possible, then pick the one you fall in love with.
Re: Which puppy for us?! Jen, your post reminded me (in a round-a-bout sort of way!) of something which happened when we were briefly living at my in-laws pub with our old dogs. We weren't home and my MIL had let the dogs in to their yard which was bordered on one side by the wall of a neighbour's house. We got home and went out to get them only to find that the neighbours had opened their window and that both dogs had jumped in and were fast asleep on their bed!! Soooo, we have hopefully found our puppy! It's a chocolate Lab, show with a good dash of working, I'm really happy with the breeder and with the kennel the stud is from. All being well she'll be ready to come home at the beginning of March. We do get last choice of the girls but I had a good long chat with the breeder and we're ok with it, we probably wouldn't be able to decide anyway
Re: Which puppy for us?! [quote author=bbrown link=topic=9578.msg138272#msg138272 date=1421766523] My personal opinion is that it's best to meet the parents and judge based on them. Do they have the ability to switch off? Do they seem to be fairly robust in their temperament? [/quote] I would agree with Barbara that the parents are your best indication of what the dog might turn out like but it is difficult to predict. We chose our working line puppy because we do intend to train her as a gun dog but we also want a family pet and while both her parents were FTCH they were also family pets and we got to see how they behaved around young children. My parents always have and still do have working line labs and I agree with the others that have said they are kept happiest of you do a bit of dummy work with them and give them mental stimulation. However I also feel that at the end of the day they are still a lab and they have all been excellent at switching off in the house and behaving with small children. Mum has a very exuberant 2 y/o who can be a real handful for her but watching him looking after my 1 y/o nephew, he is just amazing. I think it's just part of their Labrador nature.
Re: Which puppy for us?! Lovely Inca ;D I'm literally dreaming about dogs every night now, it's driving me a little crazy! Perhaps I should read something else while I'm awake now and again
Re: Which puppy for us?! Hee hee - waiting for the much longed for puppy... . The time goes very sloooowly.
Re: Which puppy for us?! Congratulations on your soon to be puppy, March is a great month to welcome a new pup , all spring and summer ahead , looking forward to hearing all about it
Re: Which puppy for us?! [quote author=JulieT link=topic=9578.msg140681#msg140681 date=1422696032] Hee hee - waiting for the much longed for puppy... . The time goes very sloooowly. [/quote] Oh yes! I felt like a kid waiting for Christmas!
Re: Which puppy for us?! I had a phone call today from a friend, the family her friend nannies for have a chocolate labrador puppy but the little boy is having asthma attacks so they want a new home for the puppy, straight away and for no money. I saw these puppies advertised locally a couple of weeks ago and they only had boys left so I didn't even ask any questions, they were pretty cheap, not KC reg but apparently parents are. This puppy is a boy (I want a girl - no particular reason, just going with my heart!) and is now 10 weeks old. There is a photo of the parents on the advert, they look sweet and medium sized. They are apparently health tested and the family say they saw certificates but I only have their word for that. I have said no - it's not what we've researched, it's not what we were looking for, but hubby is tempted - the money is a factor for him and he thinks knowing the puppy's line is helpful and your best bet of a 'good' dog but nothing is a guarantee and it all comes down to luck and hard work. I don't feel like we're prepared yet and was looking forward to getting a puppy in the Spring when it's lighter and warmer ... but what if nobody else wants this little pup?! We have seen a photo but I said there's no point going to see it because I'll just think it's cute and will want to bring it home and we should think with our heads! Any advice, am I right to say no?!!
Re: Which puppy for us?! Think about it! Only go to visit if you know you want it! We went to two places before we chose Tatze. It was hard to walk away, but I'm glad we did! (They were both health tested, good breeders etc and very good KC lines but the pups were born and raised in kennels and we wanted a pup which was used to being in a home form day 1 )
Re: Which puppy for us?! Suggest the family return the pup to the breeder who I am sure would be happier having him back, rather than not knowing what happened to him.
Re: Which puppy for us?! Thanks Stacia, I've told her to let me know if they can't find a home but today I'm very relieved I wasn't too tempted! I'm much more comfortable sticking by our current plans. We are going to see the pups on Sunday - we still haven't told the children!
Re: Which puppy for us?! I always say, if theres a doubt, walk away, its hard I know but I reckon you have done right
Re: Which puppy for us?! I agree with previous advice. The pup does not quite meet your original wish list so walk away. I totally agree with your point about having a Spring pup. We have always done that and found everything much more easy when its a bit warmer outside. Its no fun standing outside in this weather trying to housetrain a pup. Your perfect family member is just around the corner
Re: Which puppy for us?! Thanks all! The puppy has a new home now so I don't even have to wonder about him The little boy I look after is poorly today so I have a paid day off which I'm spending pondering important decisions such as the best place for our puppy's crate
