Alright guys, I've recently gotten back into duck hunting and want to purchase my first lab. I was wondering if you guys have any tips on the process and general costs that I should be aware of. I wan't a good dog, but I can assure you I don't have $4,000 laying around.

Are there any differences in the behavior between black/yellow/chocolate labs? Female/Male? Or is it all dependent on the dog and its training?

Also, I noticed most kennels do health checks and screenings on the dogs before thy are sold. What health issues do you need to look out for with labs in general?

We currently have kids and other dogs at our house? Any tips here?

Is it better to buy a pup and send him to school or buy a dog that has already been trained. Also what are the various training certifications to look for that indicate a decent hunting dog.

Just any general information would be greatly appreciated. I always hunt with people that have dogs and have come to the conclusion that I want one of my own. I really like chocolates or blacks over yellows and would probably like a smaller framed female.

Thanks in advance.

Check w/Dawn @ www.ironspikeranch.net.



This is Jack that I got from Dawn in feb. He's turning into a great duck dog starting w/teal @ 9mo. He just turned 1yr. Dawn did an excellent job of answering all my questions and matching my pup w/me!!!

1. You don't need $4,000.00 to buy a nicely bred, quality, retrieving machine.

2. No difference between the colors, just watch for those breeders that breed strictly based on color. Color isn't an indicator of potential.

3. Gender, I will let someone else chime in with that. The only down side I have seen with a female is the heat cycle. They both can be hard headed, stubborn, soft, sensitive, high strung, hard charging, intelligent, good looking, and out right bad asses.

4. OFA hips & elbows, eye CERF, CNM & EIC tests done on sire and dam.

5. Never had an issue

6. Personal preference would be purchase a pup, some training material, enlist the services of a pro or training group to help you when you hit tough patches. And learn, thats always been rewarding for me. Purchasing a started dog has its advantages as well.

7. I have a chocolate due to whelp on the 21st of this month.

My .02 cents.

I have purchased a started dog and a puppy. Get a puppy!
Yes, you put up with all the "puppy things" that they go through, but bringing that little guy/gal home at around 8 weeks is priceless. The bonding you go through during that puppy phase is unmatched.
Talk to some breeders and tell them what you're looking for.
I purchased a pup from Tioga Retrievers and have him there now for training.
Couldn't be more happier in my decision.

Thanks for the good advice from everyone. I'm looking forward to getting a good dog.

I agree with Yeller. We just picked up our dog from Dawn a couple of weeks ago. Best decision we made was going with Iron Spike Ranch.

speaking of....I have misplaced Dawn's number. Can anyone pm me and furnish it please?

Camo Mamma I pm-ed you Dawn's number

You don't need $4k for a dog and you don't need to spend $3k on training.

Buy you a couple $10 books on training water dogs before you buy the pup. In ten minutes a day, you can train it yourself and you will have a bond with that dog that you can not get by sending it to a trainer.

Not saying there isn't a place for trainers.

If you buy a started dog they have already had alot of training (basics). They will still bond with you and the family, but they will be further along in their training than what most of us can do. You will also be able to see more of how the dog will be as an adult, while as a puppy it is a guessing game. There is alot to be said for getting one already started.

Robby

Excellent points made here

If the dog is well socialized, then bonding will not be an issue whether at 8 weeks or 2 years of age.

[quote=Camo Momma]speaking of....I have misplaced Dawn's number. Can anyone pm me and furnish it please? [/quote

Check her website iron spike ranch.net

I bought my lab 4 years . I've had yellows and blacks . I think my black lab I have now is by far the smartest lab I've ever owned and I've owned many I bought him as a pup. I looked at 5 different litters before I found him. I made sure his papers went back at least 10 generations and trained him in the field on his first hunt. I have not lost a bird since. If it is in their blood they will pick it up fast . I made sure his parents hunted. His mom was a dock jumping champ and his dad was a duck dog for a hunting guide service. When you look at litters make sure you will have at least 8-10 pup in the litter to choose from Once it gets to be slim pickens you will only have few options. I know it sounds goofy but I picked mine bc he seemed the most calm out of the bunch . I walked over to him after all the other puppies jumped on me and saw him sitting over by himself not as interested as all the others picked him up by his neck skin and he didn't whine. I knew he was the one I paid 600$ for him and if I had to do it over I'd pay 6000$ For duck hunting find you a long haired German lab They are short and stocky and don't get cold Most yellows have shorter hair and usually are American labs.