Newbie here.... Thinking about buying a lab...

[shellbell]

If the litter is ready to come home mid-December, I would consider seeing if the breeder could hold on to the pup until after Christmas. It is a very busy time of the year, and depending on what Christmas activities are like at your house, might be less stressful on the pup to come home after the holiday madness has died down some. It is stressful enough on them to leave their litter and go to a new home.

[Whitetail90]

What would you Lab experts recommend for a collar? Is there one that is adjustable so he can wear it a long time? Or do i need to get a small one and then a bigger one when it is time. Also, what brands of food is a good choice? Beneful, Black Gold, Purina, IAMS.....

[Snowshoe]

What would you Lab experts recommend for a collar? Is there one that is adjustable so he can wear it a long time? Or do i need to get a small one and then a bigger one when it is time. Also, what brands of food is a good choice? Beneful, Black Gold, Purina, IAMS.....

Your reputable breeder will probably send you home with a bag of the food she uses and recommends and it's best to stay on that food for some time, at least a whole big bag's worth. If you cannot, cannot get that food where you live ask your breeder what she suggests as a substitute.

I had a couple of collars as puppy grew. The little one didn't last long, size wise, but even if it was that expandable it would have been too narrow for an adult's neck. It was only about 1/2 inch wide, the current adult one is one inch wide.

[Whitetail90]

I've been looking, I really like the 1.5" leather collars for when he gets bigger. I called the breeder, she said she would send home what she uses, and said it is a brand that is easy to get.

[Tanya]

agree if you pick a reputable breeder they will recommend a food they know works for their lines (but no beneful is low end, generally avoid foods you would find in grocery stores).

you mentionned bringing the pup on nightly runs, i assume on leash? its recommend to let tbe dog finish growing (their joints) before starting, for a lab this closer to 18-24 months of age.

sounds like your mind was pretty made up when you first posted and you are pretty set on that one breeder...

[Whitetail90]

A couple of my friends has Labs from this breeder and they are amazing, no issues at all from 4 dogs. She is a nice lady and really has a nice clean place, she has a heart for her pups. She asked all about our lifestyle and household and surroundings because she won't let them go to any household.

My sister owns a local hardware store and they carry the Black Gold line of dry dog food, is this a good brand? It seems to have good reviews online. Also, this may sound dumb, but will I get a record book on when he should get all his shots during his lifetime?

Thanks again everybody on your knowledge!

[Labradorks]

I second everyone else's advice.

Some Labs make really good family house pets and some, not so much! Temperaments vary widely. Many small children are afraid of Lab puppies and your wife is going to have to put up with a lot of screaming and crying as the little landshark bites, jumps on and steals stuff from them. This is not a behavior issue but a typical Lab pup with children. You'll have to teach the children how to act. No running or screaming which just gets the pup riled up. When I did Lab rescue the majority of those giving up their Labs had children and that was the reason for surrender. That said, most of these people got the wrong type of Lab for their young families.

AKC registration is a dog database. That's all. Like your social security card that means you were born and the government knows it. It means nothing as far as health or temperament. Puppy mill dogs, the offspring of a mother bred to her son, genetically deformed dogs, vicious dogs -- all are registerable as long as they are Labs (or whatever breed). Make sure you see the clearances with your own eyes and meet the parents of the pup you'll be taking home. She could be nice and sweet as can be but if your dog ends up with dysplasia or goes blind, it's not going to matter. There are a lot of really nice BYBs who love their dogs. Do insist on health clearances!

I would also start asking around to other breeders in your lical Lab club. You will receive an education not to mention you may find a litter you like better or that is better suited to your family.

Never heard of that brand of food. Keep the pup on the breeder's brand for about the first year then switch to whatever you want. Your breeder and vet should talk to you about vaccines.

Living in the city should not be an issue. It doesn't really matter. The dog won't exercise itself and will prefer to be within a foot of his people at all times.

Finally, I'd recommend the book Puppies for Dummies. I review it with each new pup and loan it out all the time. It goes over how to pick a breeder, what temperament to look for, potty training, collars, crate training, basic training, etc. It will be good to be ready when the pup comes instead of seeking answers afterward. If you've never had a Lab pup, depending on the breeding/temperament of the puppy, you could be in for a long two years so you want to prepare. Choose wisely! :-)

[Maxx&Emma]

There are LOTS of nice people that breed dogs, it does not mean they are doing it right. Please insist all health clearances be done on mom and dad, prior to breeding. Just because friends have dogs from this person and all are "ok" does not mean anything. You have no idea of the myriad of health issues you could inherit from a puppy of untested parents, it is scary.

I have no experience with the food you mentioned. This is best discussed with the breeder, they know what works best for their lines. The breeder and your vet will help you with the vaccination schedule.

It does sound as if you had your mind made up before coming here. I do wish you the best of luck and I pray you heed the wise advice that has been posted. We are not trying to kill your joy, we are trying to save you from potential heartache.

[JenC]

What does the breeder do with their dogs? Do they hunt, do they show, or do they just breed puppies to sell. If its the latter, I might do some more research before committing.

[outrag]

welcome