Chocolate Lab, Picking from the litter question

[jcc]

My son's chocolate was born this weekend and we will have 7 weeks to get ready. He has his choice of one of the only two females from the litter. We plan to use the dog for both waterfoul and in the field. Any advice from Lab owners on what to look for when picking your pup would be appreciated. We had a Setter years ago and are going to be new to the water dog thing. Were excited to have the new addition to the family.
Thanks!

[jackalope]

My son's chocolate was born this weekend and we will have 7 weeks to get ready. He has his choice of one of the only two females from the litter. We plan to use the dog for both waterfoul and in the field. Any advice from Lab owners on what to look for when picking your pup would be appreciated. We had a Setter years ago and are going to be new to the water dog thing. Were excited to have the new addition to the family.
Thanks!


I only have experience with Coondogs but when picking a puppy that will be for field use. I look at the entire litter. I don't want the rolly poley and I don't want the runty one.. Some of both make great dogs though.. But I go for the average well built dog, not to heavy on the feet and a good stance. This can be hard to tell with pups because they have the pup wobble.. I look for a pup that hold his head up. Not down and wobbly or cocked to one side.. Once i find this dog. I'll pick him / her up. Hold her for a while and see if she attempts to get down squirms a bunch which I don't like. Or if that pup just wants to play with me. Licking looking and sometimes trying to climb higher on me to get closer.. That’s a good start. I'll then calm her down and touch her front paw. Does she let me do it? Is she ok with it if she is Ok with it that’s good in my book. I don't want to fight dogs while clipping nails because she was born not liking people to touch her foot.. I will then squeeze her paw not to hard spreading her toes.. Does she yelp. If she does she may be light footed and not like rough or prickly terrain or rocks. For a coon dog I'll twist her ear a little.. If she doesn't mind that’s the dog for me.. The I'll place he back down on the ground and let her rejoin the pack.. I'll clap my hands kind of loud just once and watch her reaction. This isn't a catch all though. I don't believe dogs are born gun shy. I think they are made gun shy.. The clap is to merely judge her reaction to the noise.. does she look at you is she inquisitive to where the sound came from. or did she look down and tuck tail..

If she passes all the tests. I should have an eager dog who is tough and eager. She isn't so head strong that it makes training difficult. Capable to deal with some pain and will continue the job no matter the hardship be it rough surfaces, rocky shores, or prickly bushes. She listens and is inquisitive when given loud commands or correction. And by climbing all over me strives for my approval and affection, not just fight to get away.

[Cap't Ernie]

That's a good place to start with what Jackalope said.

I can't speak for the hunting part, but I can for the breed. We had the runt of the litter. The best way is to get down on the breeder's kitchen floor and play with the puppies (our neighbors have golden's, and we went over around Christmas to "socialized them", different people playing with them, different scents, etc). See which ones won't come near you, which ones play with each other, etc. I remember we had it narrowed down to two out of two litters and the runt went up to my dad and started clawing and biting at his watch. Done deal. Eleven years down the road later I was bawling my eyes out when we had to bury my best friend. I will own labs for the rest of my life, but I will never have a dog quite like her. She was just a house dog, I can't speak for their birding abilities although she loved playing fetch and man those dogs LOVE to swim. She was very obedient, kind, funny- everything you want in a dog. I remember a few years back we had relatives visiting and someone put my baby cousin and he was on her back pulling on her ears and at one point slid off her back while holding on her ears- Ouch! But she didn't even flinch and knew enough to not lick him either. Oh the stories....You can't pick a better dog, period.

With labs, make sure the breeder has a guarantee on the his dislysia (sp?). I know that beyond that the breeder that we bought ours from said that she would buy the dog back at anytime during its life, she loved her dogs and trusted them enough. And although it sounds like you've got a breeder picked out, it's worth mentioning that some people prefer an English lab (smaller) than an American lab. They both shed!

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e74/Captainernie_0870/Molly.jpg

[Kaiser878]

I like to look structures over when picking a dog! I like well built parents, good temperments and obedience! I always check teeth and gums. A good bite is very essesntial. I also run my hands under thier armpits and under their hind legs and squeez a bit to test for tenderness. I picked leo because he stood out, he was a bit more active than the others. Well serves me right today because he is a spaz! ha Although he has phenomenal determination while we are hunting. Hips are a big deal as Capt said! Leo will be gonig here shortly to get his hips, elbows and eyes certified! He is supposed to be a daddy this summer! We will see what happens! Everyone likes a diff style of lab! I like the Brittish labs, I like a slender head and well built frame.

Here is my leo!
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee73/Kaiser878/jan09005.jpg
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee73/Kaiser878/deer041.jpg
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee73/Kaiser878/dec007014.jpg

[Thunderflight]

Hip dysplasia isn't the end of the road for your dog. My four year old lab has it BAD and it's amazing at how well he gets around. When I picked him outta the litter he looked healthy, friendly, and in great shape. Six months later we noticed he looked like he was walking with his butt clinched. $100 in xrays later confirmed that he had a severe case of hip dysplasia. I'm sure that when Bubba gets older he'll have some serious issues though. He's the best dog I've ever had and like Capt Ernie said I'll never own anything but labs.

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2323/40/14/1272975532/n1272975532_30056966_9397.jpg

[bowhunter1023]

Some good advice on here already. I can attest that Zach knows what he is talking about when it comes to picking a good lab. Leo is amazing dog and I was really impressed with his drive the day I hunted with them. I cannot offer much in terms of chosing a good hunting dog, but I have done well chosing a good dog in the past. When I went to pick out Remington, I spent as much time with his parents as I could before I looked at the pups. Both parents were very well mannered and his father was an impressive looking, and acting dog. Both parents had papers and were eye, elbow, and hip certified. Mom was American and dad was British, so I felt he would be built almost exactly how I wanted him to. I picked him because he had the biggest feet and the best eyes. He also seem to have the best build in terms of structure. He will be 21 months next Sunday and all in all, I am happy with how he turned out.

I'm always looking for an excuse to show pictures of him, so I apologize for being a picture hoochie! But I love my dog!!! Good luck and I hope you get a great pup. If you are looking to train him to hunt, check out Ohio Waterfowler if you don't already. Those guys over there are serious about their labs...

As soon as we got home, he got his favorite toy...

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q273/bowhunter1023/100_0799.jpg

Proper training is a must...

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q273/bowhunter1023/100_0823.jpg

This is one of my favorite pictures taken on my birthday in '07...

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q273/bowhunter1023/100_0934.jpg

Here is on his 1st birthday...

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q273/bowhunter1023/102_9296.jpg

All business on our last training session at the river...

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q273/bowhunter1023/DSC00613.jpg

[Kaiser878]

I have not seen adult pictures of him lately! Remi is quite the goodlooking dog! Got any hotos of him from the side jesse??? He and leo could be brothers!

[bowhunter1023]

I have not seen adult pictures of him lately! Remi is quite the goodlooking dog! Got any hotos of him from the side jesse??? He and leo could be brothers!

It is amazing how much they look alike! I can't believe you didn't post THE picture of Leo. But don't worry, I got your back!!!

Remi in September. (His legs are probably 3" longer now.)

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q273/bowhunter1023/102_9312.jpg

Leo the main man!

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q273/bowhunter1023/lastday010.jpg

[Thunderflight]

When we return to the states I'd like to get another lab, but I'll probably wait until I retire.

The ONLY beef I have with my dog is that he SHEDS like there's no tomorrow.

[rnradventure]

A few things I've learned from raising labs with my dad, as far back in my child hood as I can rememer. You can tell more by the distance between a puppy's eyes on how big he will get, not so much on how fat he is as a puppy. If you want a good dog that will be able to get it in a field, look for a pup that is up on his feet good, meaning not rolled back on his heals. temperment is a controlable things with labs as far as I'm concerned. If you get that dog at 8 weeks he should never leave your side for the first ten months, and you will have a dog that will do anything for you no matter how cold or rough of water that duck falls in.

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq207/rnradventure/digitalcamera128.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq207/rnradventure/100_1036.jpg

[Cap't Ernie]

I love how us lab owners can't help but show off our best friends.

1023, I've got ask, are you paper training outdoors? Hahaha, that doesn't make much sense. But I enjoy your pup taking a crap on that state up north.

[jbrown]

I have not yet picked a dog out myself, but a guy I know has had many over the years. He is a punts regularly at one of the clubs in Port Clinton, so his dogs get a lot of work in the marsh and the fields. The one thing that he swears by is picking the runt female of the litter. Not sure what it is about it exactly, but I know that if he can't get the runt female he won't pick one at all from that litter. I've hunted with him and with many other guys with dogs in the marsh, and his dogs have always been the best. I do know that when I do finally buy a dog, I am going to go for a small one, not one of the big, blocky ones that have become so popular. When I'm in the marsh or a boat I don't want to have to struggle to lift my dog out of the water and into the boat. It seems like the smaller ones make for better swimmers too.

[Cap't Ernie]

The one thing that he swears by is picking the runt female of the litter. Not sure what it is about it exactly, but I know that if he can't get the runt female he won't pick one at all from that litter. I've hunted with him and with many other guys with dogs in the marsh, and his dogs have always been the best. I do know that when I do finally buy a dog, I am going to go for a small one, not one of the big, blocky ones that have become so popular. When I'm in the marsh or a boat I don't want to have to struggle to lift my dog out of the water and into the boat. It seems like the smaller ones make for better swimmers too.

Agreed. Ours was the female runt and I have no idea how that could be a bad thing at all!

[Thunderflight]

When I'm in the marsh or a boat I don't want to have to struggle to lift my dog out of the water and into the boat. It seems like the smaller ones make for better swimmers too.

Amen to that. My dog would be a horse to lift in a boat.

[Thunderflight]

I love how us lab owners can't help but show off our best friends.

I tell ya, they are just great dogs. I've never had one that was so loyal and smart.

[bowhunter1023]

I love how us lab owners can't help but show off our best friends.

1023, I've got ask, are you paper training outdoors? Hahaha, that doesn't make much sense. But I enjoy your pup taking a crap on that state up north.

I checked the mail and that SI was in there. As soon as I let him out, he started to squat and I threw the mag under him and snapped a pic. One of my more proud moments!

[Wildman18]

http://%5Bimg%5Dhttp://www.ohiosportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/cody.jpg%5B/img%5DI have a lab and I have a springer spaniel the have a lot of similarity's the one thing that I wish my springer had would be a lab coat. I can't duck hunt him in the sold cold weather. My lab is 14 and is a terrible hunter. I am to blame for that she is the old collage dog.

Both dogs are ungodly loyal the springer spaniel is a much more high strung dog than my lab ever was. From the moment I hunted with my lab I know that I would hunt over a dog till the day I died. absolutely fell in love with it. That was with a dog that wasn't very good Buckstar will validate that.

" The duck Cody the duck! No not the stick the duck!!" " Hey man can you get your dog to get my duck" Now that is the way my old college dog hunted.

This is my old girl. We just had a big tomer taken out of her hip. she's the best dog a man could ask for!! Yea, she fat That pic she was 12. Sorry, Went on a tangent About my dog. Yes labs are great dogs!

http://www.ohiosportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/cody.jpg

http://www.ohiosportsman.com/forum/%5Bimg%5Dhttp://www.ohiosportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/cody.jpg%5B/img%5D

[TStroud]

I would assume that your breeder will not allow visitors for the first five weeks. If that is the case, by the fifth week that pup should be ready to explore. I would do one of two things on my 5 week visit. Take a quail wing on a string or acquire a live pigeon and tape his wing. The pigeon is the better choice. Take that pigeon and just set him down with each of the chocolates one at a time. Watch their reactions to the bird's movements. Are they getting excited when the bird moves? If they have similar looks and conformation, I would pick the one with the most drive to go after that pigeon. It worked for me, and now I have a 10 month old, 70 lb., bird maniac!

[Wildman18]

http://%5Bimg%5Dhttp://www.ohiosportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/cody.jpg%5B/img%5DI have a lab and I have a springer spaniel the have a lot of similarity's the one thing that I wish my springer had would be a lab coat. I can't duck hunt him in the sold cold weather. My lab is 14 and is a terrible hunter. I am to blame for that she is the old collage dog.

Both dogs are ungodly loyal the springer spaniel is a much more high strung dog than my lab ever was. From the moment I hunted with my lab I know that I would hunt over a dog till the day I died. absolutely fell in love with it. That was with a dog that wasn't very good Buckstar will validate that.

" The duck Cody the duck! No not the stick the duck!!" " Hey man can you get your dog to get my duck" Now that is the way my old college dog hunted.

This is my old girl. We just had a big tomer taken out of her hip. she's the best dog a man could ask for!! Yea, she fat That pic she was 12. Sorry, Went on a tangent About my dog. Yes labs are great dogs!

http://www.ohiosportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/cody.jpg

http://www.ohiosportsman.com/forum/%5Bimg%5Dhttp://www.ohiosportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/cody.jpg%5B/img%5D




R.I.P. Cody my lab died today she had been in bad health for the last 6 month's. Not to be hooky but she was my collage dog Motocross dog and family dog and as good as a dog could be. I am relieved that she went on her own terms. But it does suck!

[benehunter]

R.I.P. Cody my lab died today she had been in bad health for the last 6 month's. Not to be hooky but she was my collage dog Motocross dog and family dog and as good as a dog could be. I am relieved that she went on her own terms. But it does suck!
Sorry to hear that Wildman18. The memories will always be with you.

[Kaiser878]

Man wildman! I am so sorry to hear about your loss! I couldnt imagine losing one of my boys! I feel for you and I will keep you and your late cody in my prayers. They say the best way to heal from a lost dog is to brighten things up with a new one! Leo is gonna be a dad late this summer! Good luck!

[Cap't Ernie]

Wildman,

Sorry to hear about your loss. It hurts like hell. Someone told me that a grown man or boy shouldn't cry over the death of an animal, and they obviously must have been a cat person.

Capt

[laxin]

Sorry to hear of your loss Wildman18. I know you will cherrish all the great memories you had over the years with Cody.

[Wildman18]

Thanks guys, Yea it is ruff. It would of been a lot more difficult if I had to put her down. So I am grateful that she went the way she went. It was really hard on the kids. It is one of life's hardest lessens.

I haven't decided if I am going to get another lab or not. I am studding my springer in a month or two and I may keep one out of the litter. I do want a lab to duck hunt. Springer's just don't have that winter coat.

Kaiser878 PM me on the price of your labs. I may take you up on that offer. Thanks