Looking to add to the family
02-17-2010, 03:50 PM
#11
Yeah training is key and identifying temperament early on in their life when choosing a puppy is key. Most breeders won't actually let you pick the puppy. They will ask you about your life style and pick the puppy for you. This is a good thing in a few ways, the breeder deals with the litters and adult dogs way more then you do and they can tell temperament a lot better then you can. Plus with all the puppies running around the one that comes up and is all over you is the one most people will take, 'cause it likes me', but that usually ends up being the dog with the hyper/behavioral issues.
My family refers to me as the Sargent when it comes to training dogs (my wife calls me that for other reasons
). I have always been the one to train the dogs in the house (once I was old enough to understand the process), they have always been the ones letting the dog have it's way. But good sound consistent training is key in building a healthy relationship for you and the dog and who ever comes in contact with the dog.
My family refers to me as the Sargent when it comes to training dogs (my wife calls me that for other reasons
). I have always been the one to train the dogs in the house (once I was old enough to understand the process), they have always been the ones letting the dog have it's way. But good sound consistent training is key in building a healthy relationship for you and the dog and who ever comes in contact with the dog.
02-17-2010, 03:51 PM
#12
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You can rescue a puppy - Trevor was about 6 weeks when we got him. There are plenty of shelters or breed specific rescues on-line and locally (not sure where you are located) that do get puppies. I totally understand that you would like to start with a pup vs. a dog a bit older that may or may not have some issues that need dealing with. I know plenty of people go the purebred route and that's fine - I just will always take a rescue over going to a breeder. Just a personal preference I guess.
Good luck with your search!
Good luck with your search!
02-17-2010, 03:56 PM
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02-17-2010, 03:56 PM
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Oh and Lainey - Any sporting dog takes a long time to "settle down" - Trevor was 5 before he was whate we would consider "normal". Thank goodness for the invisible fence! He could run until his heart was content!! He still does but it's usually at a slower pace!
02-17-2010, 04:03 PM
#15
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Originally Posted by Twiztid,Feb 17 2010, 08:56 PM
you can rescue puppies as well
02-17-2010, 04:04 PM
#16
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02-17-2010, 04:09 PM
#18
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Originally Posted by S@Heart,Feb 17 2010, 08:56 PM
Oh and Lainey - Any sporting dog takes a long time to "settle down" - Trevor was 5 before he was whate we would consider "normal". Thank goodness for the invisible fence! He could run until his heart was content!! He still does but it's usually at a slower pace!
i don't have to run home to walk them, feed them, bath them
they are pretty self sufficient where as a dog is up your azz (sometimes literally 
) 24/7 
02-17-2010, 04:11 PM
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www.sterlingshelter.org
They have lab puppies!!!
http://www.sterlingshelter.org/adoption/An...on=View&ID=3040
They have lab puppies!!!
http://www.sterlingshelter.org/adoption/An...on=View&ID=3040
02-17-2010, 04:13 PM
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Steve - Your cats would rather claw your jugular out rather than look at you. Dogs are usually friendly and enjoy human companionship. Your cats only care that someone is there to feed them 12 times a day!