I am considering getting a lab this next summer, I will be entering my Senior year of college. With that in mind, I am wondering what you think would be my best bet for getting a lab. Would it be better for me to get a puppy or a started dog? I have plenty of free time where I would be able to spend time with a puppy, my only concern would be the time it'd take to get the dog out on the duck blind with me. I know a started dog still requires work, but not as much. I have been saving money for years to get to this point. So after all that, what are yalls opinions on what the best option would be.

Started dog

It depends.

I like to get them as puppies because I enjoy raising and training puppies and watching them mature and develop.

....But Puppies are A LOT of work!

A good started dog will in general be more expensive but you get to skip over all the puppy stuff that is such a pain. The crate training and house training. You have to canstanly be supervising them to make sure they don't eat something that will make them sick or worse. The chewing...etc.

You also know more about what you are getting with a started dog. A puppy is more of a gamble. That's why they cost more.


It just depends on what you want.

If your a 1 dog house then 100% started dog. Eliminate a majority of the unknown that comes with a puppy.

If you want a dog to be ready for next season and that is imperative, then a started dog may be the best option. However, expect to spend quite a bit more $$s ($3k - $5k+). I would figure skipping at least one season(two if brought home late in the year) in readying a puppy. Of course, that too depends on what level of training you are wanting in the duck blind.

Thanks for all the feedback so far! Should of clarified this earlier, but what I am looking for in my future dog is one that will hold steady and make the retrieves I need. I am not in need of a dog running multiple 150 yard retrieves from the blind. Seeing that most of my hunts are walk ins, there are times where I cannot reach my downed birds due to the depth of the water. All I am looking for is a dog that will make those 50-60 yard single retrieves with the very rare double retrieve, as well as make a great companion.

Also, if anyone would like to recommend kennels that have started dogs, Id love to hear those aswell.

Washita Retrievers
Kanati Kennels

Even for a started dog that is through FF, CC, steady and delivering to hand you are looking at $3k+

A puppy with health tested parents, health guarantee, decent pedigree and raised correctly you are looking at $800-$1500+.

I second Kanati Kennels, Glenda and daughter did a great job on my girl Kate.

I wouldn't hesitate to get a puppy. I have two labs and graduate in 4 days. You'll never have more flexible schedule than you will in college.

If you have the time and patience, go with a puppy. It is a lot of work but it is fun. The puppy will really bond to you in it's early stages. You will learn a lot with a puppy that you can carry on to the next dog you get after that one retires. If you go puppy be ready before you get the dog and know what to look for when you go to check out the puppies. There are a lot of opinions on how to train dogs so I would recommend finding something that works for you and stick with it. You can always send your dog off to a training kennel if needed once it's puppy teeth are gone. If you get a puppy this summer it will not be ready for next season. Lab puppies can be extremely difficult so be ready for some property damage.

A puppy will typically make for a better companion/family dog.