Hunting dog

Lees daughter

Lees daughter

Active member
Ive been thinking for awhile, really since dad had to put Colby down of looking for a good dog for Blake. They both missed him terribly, and now that dad is gone I am seriously thinking it may be a great time to get to finding that dog for Blake. Dad has always had yellow labs even since I was little. Do any of you have any suggestions on a good all around dog, should I stick with a lab? I would like to try to train him as dad did with his dogs for hunting so that when Blake continues to hunt he will be able to take this dog with him.

Another aspect I am thinking of is, it would be great if they were with in driving distance (Sturgis MI) to get the dog so Blake could choose his own...

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!


Bridget
 
Ive been thinking for awhile, really since dad had to put Colby down of looking for a good dog for Blake. They both missed him terribly, and now that dad is gone I am seriously thinking it may be a great time to get to finding that dog for Blake. Dad has always had yellow labs even since I was little. Do any of you have any suggestions on a good all around dog, should I stick with a lab? I would like to try to train him as dad did with his dogs for hunting so that when Blake continues to hunt he will be able to take this dog with him.

Another aspect I am thinking of is, it would be great if they were with in driving distance (Sturgis MI) to get the dog so Blake could choose his own...

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!


Bridget
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Can't beat a lab for a family dog and to continue the tradition of yellows in the family.
 
I agree with Tod. I know there are other retriever breeds available, but I don't think I will ever be without a lab. I tried searching over on RTF to see if there are any litters on the ground in Michigan, but saw nothing. I am sure some of the Michigan guys can direct you towards a reputable breeder in your area, and I will let you know if anything shows up on the other site.
James
 
Hello Bridget,

It is really great to see you posting here. I have a good friend that I run UKC hunt tests with. He has a really nice yellow lab. If you go to his webb site you can view his dog. I know there a few breedings in the works.
www.BlueSkyRetrievers.com His name is Jim Thompson.


Good Luck, Tom
 
Bridget, We are on yellow labs # 5 & 6 now and I never want to be without one. Pick one that wants to please and you will find the rest easy. Keep checking here for free advice and keep us posted on progress. The very best of good luck.
 
I agree with everything that's been posted.

Do you see this as being more your dog, or more blake's dog? If it's more Blake's, he should be as much involved in picking it as possible. The only reason that came to mind is just in case he wants to get a black one or something, but if the family tradition is yellow, I'm guessing he's already picked up on that.

All I can say is please post puppy pics as often as possible!!

Good luck, we're all full of advice (among other things) so don't hesitate to ask!

NR
 
Ive been thinking for awhile, really since dad had to put Colby down of looking for a good dog for Blake. They both missed him terribly, and now that dad is gone I am seriously thinking it may be a great time to get to finding that dog for Blake. Dad has always had yellow labs even since I was little. Do any of you have any suggestions on a good all around dog, should I stick with a lab? I would like to try to train him as dad did with his dogs for hunting so that when Blake continues to hunt he will be able to take this dog with him.

Another aspect I am thinking of is, it would be great if they were with in driving distance (Sturgis MI) to get the dog so Blake could choose his own...

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!


Bridget
Click to expand...


One thing I'll add is to look for a dog from calmer parents. The last thing you guys want is a hot dog from field trial stock. A dog on the calmer end of the spectrum will be easier for you all to train and would be a better house dog.
 
Thanks for all the info guys, it would be nice to stick with a yellow tho Ive always thought a chocolate would be beautiful. The choice will be Blakes to make when we do find the right fit.

A calmer dog would be a good thing do you guys see much of a difference between male and females? Dad always had males...

Thanks again
Bridget
 
Major topic of debate there!

My best response is its personal choice. However, unless you know you want a litter of pups have the pup spayed or neutered.
 
Bridget I have always have femails and I feel there easyer to train than a male, that is my own personal veiw, to me the mails as always got cloth between their ears but once they get it and know what is required they make a good waterfowling dogs.
take care
Eddie.
 
Bridget,

I think a lab would be a fine choice for you and Blake. I agree that a calmer dog will be much more enjoyable than a very high energy dog. So many of the labs are high energy now that it may take some time to find the right one.

As far as male or female, my current dog, Otto, is #13 for me in my life. The first half most of the dogs were female and just the opposite in recent years. I can't say that one is better or worse than the other but I will say that unless you feel very strongly about breeding, that they should be fixed early on - ie 6 months for males and maybe 9-10 months or so for females.

Interestingly, your Dad had been talking about getting a dog for Blake but wasn't sure if he should keep the dog at his house or yours do to the work involved in raising a pup. I think if you and Blake both agree you want a dog you will do just fine. Oh yeah, he was talking about a yellow lab.

Best,

Pete
 
I sometimes hunt out of a canoe so I prefer a smaller dog. Otherwise I'd go with a lab & ignore color.

I'm a three dog expert & have bought the notion that females are easier to train & live with. I buy pedigree dogs, don't bother to register them & have them spayed.
 
I do not plan or intend to do any breeding or stud services with the dog. I looked into the sites you all sent. I remember when dad got Colby it was from Rome City Indiana I was thinking of trying to look up the same people, dont know now that after 14 years or so if they are still breeding but wouldnt it be cool to maybe get an offspring - litter pick from the same line of dogs....

Just a thought.....

Oh and I also wondered do you guys have your dogs micro chipped? I see that is a little common now days too....


Thanks again

Bridget
 
Tod's advice for a calmer dog is great advice. I also will second a spayed female. If you are dealing
with a reputable breeder they will guide you to the right dog for you. Through different testing
they have a good idea of each dog's temperment and CAN lead you to the best dog for you.
Having said that it MUST be someone you trust!!
Good luck with your hunt, John
 
I like labs as well, Buck is my 6 year old lab in my Avatar. Very calm parents, his overall demeanor is the same. I would assume you are looking more for a family pet that can occassionally hunt and hopefully retreive a few ducks. That is kinda what I have too. I know I don't have the time to get a field trial dog and do it any justice so we went more the pet route. Worked out well for us. Good luck with finding one. I neutered him at 6 mo.

As far as male or female, you will get debates on all sides of that one, personal choice is my recomendation.
 
Thanks Tom, I went on and emailed your friend about the possibility of a good fit with his dog - breeders.

Ill keep you informed if it goes anywhere...


Bridget
 
Hi Bridget,

Get a dog with a good hunting pedigree. Show dogs are bred for looks and conformation. Hunting dogs are bred for health and intelligence, and have the desire. I agree with everything here. Labs are the way to go...and I like chocolate, but that's me.

Hitch
 
Hitch, from your avatar your dog is a beauty! I was just looking at a site I came across with labradoodles some sort of cross breed of poodle and lab? Any idea what thats about?

Im glad to hear about the difference of show dogs and dogs bred for hunting. I would like to think I want a smarter dog who can not only train to hunt but also be a great companion to Blake. Ive seen some dogs who didnt want the time of day from the family or kids and I am sure I dont want that!
I want this dog to be Blakes right hand man....


Thanks for the input!
 
Hitch, from your avatar your dog is a beauty! I was just looking at a site I came across with labradoodles some sort of cross breed of poodle and lab? Any idea what thats about?
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Don't even look at those cross bred mutts. Nothing wrong with mutts but then you can just as well go to a pound and get a pup there and save a lot of money.
Labs are great dogs and I bet you can find one that comes from a line that has the temperament, size and skill you would want.

btw Your avatar is really nice.

Tim
 
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