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  1. #1
    Puppy Lyra's Avatar
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    New to the forum

    Hello! I am new to the forum and will be looking through a lot of the posts for general information. I do not currently have a dog, and I am looking into getting a Lab for a lot of reasons. Temperament is high on the list, as well as exercise levels and trainability. My last dog was a pit mix, loved him to death and he was a great dog; intelligent and affectionate. But, although I have no problems living with a dog that has a really high prey drive (I grew up with terriers, it's just what they do), the dog aggression was more complicated to deal with. I had no issues keeping him away from other dogs, but it would be nice to be able to have a dog that can be at a family function, not have to be left at home because that's the responsible thing to do.

    I've been doing a lot of research on the breed, and honestly I still have a lot more to do. I have just now started looking into contacting breeders so that I can ask some more in-depth questions, especially about the different lines that are out there. I am mainly looking for a pet, I have no plans to show, however, I am interested in doing some of the dog sports. Hopefully, by this time next year I will have a puppy (again, I am in no rush ).

  2. #2
    Best Friend Retriever Gibbysmom's Avatar
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    Welcome, lots of good info on here. Labs are such a friendly breed.

  3. #3
    Senior Dog Maxx&Emma's Avatar
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    Welcome! You will never be sorry you decided on a Lab, they really are special dogs. Super smart, friendly, highly trainable, loving and such a happy breed. I hope you come to love them as we all do.
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    Maxx and Emma Jean

    Ozzy - 10/2002 - 06/2011 - Rest well my sweet boy. You are forever remembered, forever missed, forever in my heart.

  4. #4
    Senior Dog coopersmom's Avatar
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    I am a first time lab owner and he has stolen my heart....as I am will happen to you if you get one!!

  5. #5
    House Broken GrandeLSM's Avatar
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    I'm 32 years old and have only had labs my whole life. No better dog in my opinion.

  6. #6
    Senior Dog MikeLynn's Avatar
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    Hello and welcome! Labs are amazing dogs, and I'm sure you'll find a lot of useful info here - a lot of knowledgeable people willing to share their experience. Good luck.
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    Lynn 5/17/1999 - 7/23/2013
    You shall never be forgotten, my friend

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  7. #7
    Senior Dog Halcyon's Avatar
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    Hello and welcome!
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    "He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true until the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." - Anonymous



  8. #8
    Senior Dog kelsyg's Avatar
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    Hi and welcome! The only problem with Labs is that you can't stop at one!
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    Cornerstone's Lady Rebecca, CGC (Reba)
    Born to love and be loved on July 31, 2010

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  9. #9
    Chief Pooper Scooper JenC's Avatar
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    Good luck...do a lot of research on what it takes to be a good breeder. You want to weed out the BYB's early on. Also avoid those that breed for color like those that advertise silver and white.

  10. #10
    Senior Dog Tanya's Avatar
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    welcome to the board and congrats on doing reasearch first!

    agree with the above, find out what a "good labrador breeder" does and is. "having bred for 20+years" does not a good breeder make.

    Look into health clearances - even for a "just a pet" and especially if you want to be active with your lab, you want a breeder that puts all the odds on the side of a healthy puppy. Unfortunately labs are prone to many health issues but luckily there are tests for most to ensure the best odds the puppies are not affected. Hips, elbows, eyes, heart, eic.

    Find a breeder that proves their dogs. Conformation is about more than "a pretty dog" - the build of a dog impacts health. If you want to do sports/activitites find a breeder that also does these things. Hunt, rally, agility, lots of breeders do more than just conformation.

    Your best bet is to head to a conformation show and see some dogs, see where your preferences lie and hopefully have some chats with breeders.

    note: will a high price doesn't mean a good breeder, a well bred pup will cost a bit more due to the extra expenses required. Health clearances, proving the dog, etc. Getting a pup isn't a time to bargain shop.

    Oh and remember environments and nurturing goes a long way as well. Make sure that once you bring the puppy home you do tons of training and socialisation all in a positive encouraging way. Look into puppy classes and safe socialisation (safe for their health - they are more suseptible to catching things and safe for their mental health by ensuring socialisation is positive and good iwth safe, friendly dogs).

 



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