Dogs

Started by pearses, October 25, 2007, 05:21:38 PM

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pearses

My girlfriend has been dropping hints about getting a labrador for a long time, ive decided im going to try to get one sorted as a christmas present - anybody have any advice on picking a dog?

A few people i have spoke to have said this is a bad time to buy a dog as they can be farmed for christmas.

She has had dogs her whole life and knows a lot about caring for them and that side of things, but I have never had to actually buy a pet and it is proving difficult enough to find a breeder.  What price should I be expecting to pay?

Any advice more than welcome...  Thanks!

Puckoon

#1
A bitch will cost you more money than a dog, and generally if you want to get her fixed, its more expensive and a more invasive surgery than getting a dog neutered. Labs are great dogs, but they are really really high energy. Ive two golden retrievers myself, before that my first dog was a springer spaniel. If youve got a good fenced yard a lab will do well, but it'll still need alot of walking, or play time where it can really tire itself out. If it doesnt get this you run the risk of it developing all sorts of interesting behaviour that might be funny at the start, but can turn into real problems later on.
Most good breeders will make sure the dog is right for you, and that you can give it what it needs before letting you leave with it. Ive a cousin breeds chocolate labs in tyrone, If you are interested PM me and Ill get you his details (if he has any pups).

Sorry, things I forgot to suggest about picking a dog:

1. Meet the parents, and maybe the grandparents. Make sure they arent neurotic, or dont have any hip/elbow joint problems (big trouble with bigger breed dogs)
2. Ask how many times the bitch has been bred in the last year. Many breeders over breed their dogs for profit, but its obviously not a great idea.
3. Pick one that will compliment you and your wifes personality.
4. Try and get a guarantee of health, to where if the puppy gets sick, or develops some major health issue in the first 6 months/year, the breeder will guarantee you a pup from the next litter.
5. Get two of them, it makes it easier on you and on them when you arent around! The trouble and fun my two boys get into just cracks me up. ;)

Id also suggest the local shelters, a rescue dog will be the most grateful unconditional loving friend you and your girl might ever have.

An Fear Rua

Quote from: Puckoon on October 25, 2007, 05:29:43 PM

Id also suggest the local shelters, a rescue dog will be the most grateful unconditional loving friend you and your girl might ever have.

I agree , rescue a dog, you wont believe the satifaction you get from rescuing an animal.
Its Grim up North

pearses

#3
Our yard should be fine, has a good high fence the whole way round. The girlfriend had a couple of labs growing up and seemed to get really attached to them alright.  

So do you know how it works then with trying to arrange one for christmas?  Will the breeder hold on to the pup until it gets close to christmas or would I have to lift it and try to keep it with family.  Dont like that second option as it couldnt be to nice for the pup moving about like that.

Thanks Puckoon, will pm ya now...

The Iceman

not sure where you are in the country pearses but there is a very reputable lab man in Tandragee - Keith Matthews who could get you a good lab.  His contact details are under www.copperbirch.net He specialises in gun dogs but knows all the right things to look for in a domestic pet.

Typically you need to watch for Hip, Elbow and Eye scores on parents and grandparents of anything you buy.  Check the breeds and make sure its not great one side and terrible on the other side.

Labs are a great dog, full of energy and very protective and loyal.  Look into it and make sure your house or yard is prepared for the dog and you yourself have the time to train it.

Seriously give Matthews a look, he will only introduce you to good stock.
I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong and morally straight

ziggysego

Iceman, I got my dog in Tandragee, though not from him. Instead I got a wee Cairn Terrier.

I went up to see the all the pups and to see the pup's parents and grandparents. I then picked a pup that best suited my personality. She's a mad wee thing!  :D

Make sure you get the documentation on the dog.
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pintsofguinness

QuoteInstead I got a wee Cairn Terrier.

Greatest animal in the world.


:(
Which one of you bitches wants to dance?

ziggysego

Quote from: pintsofguinness on October 25, 2007, 11:42:57 PM
QuoteInstead I got a wee Cairn Terrier.

Greatest animal in the world.


:(

Why the sad face?
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pintsofguinness

Had one for about 13 years, before he got sick and died in my arms  :(
Which one of you bitches wants to dance?

pintsofguinness

She's looks class, mine wasn't that lively, 20 minutes of going mad was followed by seveal hours of rest.  He was on the lazy side, a bit like me! 
He was about 10 when he tried it on with a german shepard, the bitch wasn't having any of it and nearly killed him, ruptured his bladder and all this, several hundreds of euro later he was almost back to his best but was never the same.  It probably shaved a few years of his life.  He took a stroke or something one day,  couldnt walk or drink and I thought I'd have to get him put down but he fought back and came good, did well for a few weeks but then he started having a few funny turns and he died during one a couple of days later.
Nightmare

Don't think I'd get another dog. 
Which one of you bitches wants to dance?

Puckoon

Quote from: ziggysego on October 25, 2007, 11:49:19 PM


Had an English Springer Spaniel when I was a young cub, but unfortunately she was knocked out on the road and killed when I was in hospital in England. Was heart broken, they are like members of the family.



[

Have a 14 year old springer at home in Ireland, shes well on now. Dad reckons she might not make it through to the summer. Great dogs. Dogs are just great in general. So much happiness out of them, and they only want to ever do the right thing and please you. I wish they let dogs into stormont.

ziggysego

Quote from: Puckoon on October 26, 2007, 12:11:13 AM
Have a 14 year old springer at home in Ireland, shes well on now. Dad reckons she might not make it through to the summer. Great dogs. Dogs are just great in general. So much happiness out of them, and they only want to ever do the right thing and please you. I wish they let dogs into stormont.

You're right there Puckoon. I had her back in the day when I could walk, albeit it, not too good. She would welcome everyone by jumping up on them and placing her two paws on their chest. Very friendly. Instinctively she knew, without anyone telling her, that she couldn't do that will me. Instead, she would walk over to beside me and then let me rest on her. If I wanted to move, she would follow me, providing support if I needed it.

Intelligent breed of dog.
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Donagh

Chesapeake Bay retriever. Need to be out shooting every day to keep the fecker happy though...

heganboy

Donagh,
Dog must have been gutted when peace broke out in the wee six.
Oh that kind of shooting, ok...
Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity

Dinny Breen

QuoteId also suggest the local shelters, a rescue dog will be the most grateful unconditional loving friend you and your girl might ever have.

Have 2 rescue dogs, wouldn't change them for the world, one is the oddest looking you'll ever see, a cross between a corgi and a labrador.....short legs, long body and a massive head  :D
#newbridgeornowhere