Another Possible ... Lab.

[Abulafia]

Ok. So, we closed on the beach property out on the WA state coast. Small property, with a small cabin on it, but just a dune forest trail out to the beach... it's perfect. Hoku and the boys (my husband and son) were out there this past weekend picking up the keys and cleaning up the place. Hoku adored it, had off-leash time at the beach, running and jumping in huge tidal puddles. She was in heaven. Heaven!

However...

Hoku's breeder has an older dog (6 yrs) available. I don't know the price, but I am seriously considering her. She's well-behaved, well-trained, past puppyhood, and I am thinking...

[MightyThor]

Dooooo ittttttttt.

I spent last week at the 10 acre property (fully fenced!!!!) that we're closing on in a few weeks and all I could think about was how many dogs I am going to have.

[dxboon]

Your breeder won't have problems placing her 6-year old or her 11-month old that's available to a fellow exhibitor or pet home. Personally, I'd give Hoku your primary focus and attention for a while longer, and stick to what sounded like a good and well-thought out game plan for adding a second dog later.

[JenC]

Clearly you want another dog. I think when you feel it's right, you won't even bother asking us for advice!

[Georgia]

We have always been a multi dog household. However my DH didn't want to go through puppyhood again so we decided to adopt. It was a very wise decision for us to get an older dog. Frank has fit in beautifully with our family!

[Abulafia]

Well, the plan was to add a second dog in the second year or so, so this would not have been too premature. Also, the "in the second year" part was to get Hoku through the bulk of her puppyhood before adding another. So adding a mature dog sort of canceled that.

But anyway: the dog has been placed w/ an old friend of the breeder's, who has had several of her dogs in the past. I'm very happy, and kind of sad. It's also made me (and my family) realize that, yes, it is time to start thinking about the next one. I don't know if we'll go for a puppy or a mature dog—I'm just going to let fate figure that out, and keep in touch w/ our breeder.

[barry581]

Everyone's situation is different. I really wasn't 100% ready for a puppy when I got Bruce, but I loved the mating and let my heart be my guide. Sophie was only 2 1/2when Bruce arrived, still very much a puppy herself. One big error I made was to let them have unrestricted play time together, so they developed a very tight bond. There were times when Bruce would cue off of Sophie and pretty much not listen to me. I'd never had two dogs that close in age, and that young. I have zero regrets in getting Bruce. He was an amazing dog, and my heart still aches from his passing. If I had a chance to do it over again, I would not let them interact like I did.

All I can say is you'll know when it truly is the right time. Enjoy Hoku's puppyhood, it really does go by way to fast.

[Meeps83]

I think you'll know when Homu is ready for a friend, puppy or adult. You'll look at her one day and realize that she's matured to a point and that all of you are ready. I think her personality will dictate the age of your next dog. She seems like a mature, well mannered, well behaved, and stable girl and would probably do well with any age. I do agree with Barry. Enjoy every second of her puppyhood because it goes by too fast. And I'd also stick with Hoku's breeder. Communicate your thoughts and desires and let her help guide you to your next dog, both personality and age. Good luck!

[Labradorks]

I agree! Enjoy her puppyhood and all the changes she'll make over the next couple of years. They change so much until they are about three and then they sort-of plateau into the dog they are going to be as they continue to mature. Linus will be three this summer and, even though like Hoku he was more "serious" as a pup and seemed mature, he's really blossomed and continues to change and grow and become a confident (for him) young adult. I wouldn't want to miss that being sidetracked by a puppy! Plus, dogs in the 4 year old range can make EXCELLENT babysitters! They are mature yet full of energy.

[Abulafia]

Oh, we are enjoying her so much. And I agree—from all I can tell, she's a really mature pup. But she continues to mature and change, and it's really amazing to watch.

I think we are more likely to go for another one when she is at least 2. Unless we took in an older one.

But we will definitely stick with this breeder. Huge respect, and genuine like. I communicate w/ her regularly, and while we are not close (I just mean that we are not personal friends, not that we are "distant"—our relationship is dog-centered), I feel like she has a feel for our family, and Hoku, and I trust her.