Hello - New to the forum and Labradors

[AlmondKC]

I have always had Scottish Terriers and just love the breed. After loosing our boy (Piper) to kidney failure at only 5 years old, my wife and I decided that we would check out different breeds. Our son has a lab and many friends do as well. So we went and checked out a fairly local breeder and fell in love with English Labradors. We are over-the-moon with the breeder, she is fantastic. Love her philosophy about caring for her labs and breeding. She is a very responsible breeder with all the best facilities for her pups and even has a man-made lake for them to swim in occasionally. She is a wealth of knowledge and has been very communicative and open during the process of going out to her facility (home) and seeing everything and meeting her dogs. Our pups mom is currently due and "hour" now and we can't wait. She is a Chocolate Lab and so is her hubby. Beautiful dogs and fantastic personalities. The breeder has had both parents checked for everything from eyes, hips, EIC and several other elements. Going in with eyes open on this one and making sure we check everything out and coordinated with our Vet who we are fortunate to have, and he has helped review the tests and make some suggestions and alleviate our concerns.

This will be a long 8 weeks to get her, but is has already been 8 months, so this will seem quick (I hope).

Looking to be an active member of the forum and have already started reading everyones inputs on puppies and foods and the opinions about your puppy having contact during the vaccination period.

Thanks for letting me join!

Proud Chocolate Lab dad - in progress
David

[SunDance]

Hi, David...welcome to the board to you, wife, and puppy. I'm without dogs now but have a special place in my heart for Chocolates (had two males) and find myself not wanting to leave these fine people even though I have far less to contribute than I used to. It's a good group!

No one will be upset if you like to share pictures when you have them (hint).

Barb

[SullyBear]

Hey there welcome. I am new too!

[smartrock]

Hi and welcome! It's hard to wait for the day you can bring them home. I'll just say to rest up, our lab puppies have been pretty energetic! We'll look forward to hearing more about you and your pup!

[Kleb]

Welcome to the board. My first lab, Bruno was a chocolate as well.

[Snowshoe]

Welcome to the board. My Labs were black and while well bred dogs within the weight standard (Oban 66-68 pounds) I have gone to a smaller breed as there is always a time you have to lift them. Puppies of any breed are a joy, a challenge, a disruption to your household. Labs, as a mouth using retriever breed, are said to be more mouthy/bitey puppies than some and there are posts here if you encounter that. Have you picked out a name yet? Some use the parents' name, or themes. Some wait till puppy comes and seems to say, Hey my name is .....

[AlmondKC]

Thank you all for the hearty welcomes. Yesterday the litter came to the mom and there are three girls and two boys. The breeder is so terrific, she sent little video's of the puppies after they were born and just let me know that one of the three girls has a white heart on her chest. Can't wait to meet these girls. As far as names go, we have some picked out but really need to meet the new family member to decide which one really fits. The mom is beautiful and so doting to her pups and as a new mom (first litter) she wasn't sure what was going on when it was time for the pups to eat and she quickly got the hang of it. We are retired and were a bit concerned on the size, but I figure if I can work with my daughters 71lb Bassett Hound and pick him up this should work. I have been looking at the ramps for the back of the car for when the pup is an adult - we plan to take her everywhere, even when we go for coffee and walks in the parks nearby.

[AlmondKC]

Snowshoe: Beautiful lab and must have loved being in the water, such a beautiful area.

[katALlabs]

Welcome!

[barry581]

Welcome! Keep in mind that Labs are working dogs, and Lab puppies can be pretty horrible. They bite, the chew, they jump, and can really test your patience. Right now I've got two youngsters, a 2 year old field bred female, and a almost 1 year old English field bred male. I can't say I really wanted two this close in age, but circumstances being what they are, it was kinda meant to be. I also have a 7 year old yellow male, who as a puppy tested me on a daily basis. Fortunately he's grown into an awesome dog.

I will say this, the two things you have to have to raise a Lab pup, one is patience, and the other is love.

I wish you the best of luck with the new addition and can't wait to see some pics!