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Deciding on a lab
#5326275
09/25/14 08:02 PM
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 695
USMC89
OP
Tracker
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OP
Tracker
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 695 |
Sorry for all the questions. I have a chance to buy a finished 7 year old female with all health clearances. I have my 8 week old puppy I just got but won't be ready this season.
Was wondering how old will labs generally hunt to? And would it be a good choice to get the older female to kind of show my puppy the ropes?
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Re: Deciding on a lab
[Re: USMC89]
#5326323
09/25/14 08:23 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,250
Judd
#1 Creedmoor Fan
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#1 Creedmoor Fan
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,250 |
No, the younger dog isn't going to learn the level of training you need from the older dog. It just comes from working with a dog and getting them where you want/need them. Matter of fact, you add a dog to the mix with mine and she gets borderline stupid...her intensity level goes from about a 6-7 to 9-10 and it turns into a huge competition.
No shortcuts in this deal. But if you want a dog to hunt this year a finished dog is a great idea...seems most dogs seem to really decline between the 9-10 year range, from a hunting perspective. You might get more but those are bonus years if you get them.
Don't let your ears hear what your eyes didn't see, and don't let your mouth say what your heart doesn't feel
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Re: Deciding on a lab
[Re: USMC89]
#5326842
09/26/14 01:30 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,287
scalebuster
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,287 |
If the old dog was free I would take it. To me 7 is too old to put any money into. Spend time with your pup and get him ready for next year.
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Re: Deciding on a lab
[Re: USMC89]
#5329618
09/28/14 01:26 AM
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,673
kbobbjr
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,673 |
Seven is definitely not too old to put money into depending on the cost. Make sure you have the option to take the dog to your vet for a health check and get all your money back if the dog isn't healthy. As Judd stated, do not expect the older dog to train your pup.
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Re: Deciding on a lab
[Re: USMC89]
#5329849
09/28/14 03:53 AM
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 695
USMC89
OP
Tracker
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OP
Tracker
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 695 |
Thank y'all. The dog has all health clearances and good hunting line along with AKC registered. They are asking 400 and I put a deposit down already. If interested I have a pic of her papers and her if someone would like to see them for better opinions.
Really looking to get her to use this year and maybe breed my puppy to next year.
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Re: Deciding on a lab
[Re: USMC89]
#5330433
09/28/14 07:16 PM
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 349
Jordan A
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 349 |
I would say if $400 to hunt with a dog this year and the responsibility of having a dog that is aging is worth it to you then go for it. Note that just because the dog has health clearances does not mean it is 100% healthy right now. Taking it to the vet right off the bat would be a good idea. Health certs could've been done awhile ago and only test certain parts.
Also, do not expect to breed your puppy that soon. You will need to wait until the dog is 2 years old to get health certs done then you could breed. If you want the pups to be registered and all.
“If you turn the imagination loose like a hunting dog, it will often return with the bird in its mouth.” -William Maxwell
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