Sou'Wester Posted October 15, 2015 Report Share Posted October 15, 2015 Hello all, myself and my fiancée have been discussing the possibility of getting a dog next year. After some 'interesting' discussions think we've decided on a Lab. Predominately a family pet but if I could train it to a level that it could come on the occasional rough shoot that would be good. Now my question centres around the conversation I've just had with the better half which she has told me that a kennels near us have taken in a 12month old yellow lab because the owners didn't realise he would shed, grow or need exercise. In their words "if you can't re-home it put it down". So would it be ignorant to rush in? What risks are involved assuming we won't know it's history? 12 months shouldn't be too old for training but what would you do? Thanks for any constructive advice Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbird Posted October 15, 2015 Report Share Posted October 15, 2015 (edited) I know what I would do but everyone knows what a softie I am when it comes to dogs lol 12 months is the perfect age to start training a lab and you'll have missed on the the puppy housetraining stage, which is great. Even if he isn't housetrained it's easier to do it with an older dog with a bigger bladder Go and have a looksee Edited October 15, 2015 by bigbird Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenboy Posted October 15, 2015 Report Share Posted October 15, 2015 As BB says she is a soft touch Good age to start training but see if its got a pedigree with it , if it is from show stock my advice would be walk away as it could well lead to a world of pain with its training . There are plenty of cheap unregistered Labs out there from good working stock if you are looking for a rehome for finacial reasons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sou'Wester Posted October 15, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 15, 2015 No it's not the financial aspect, but I don't think BB is the only soft touch as its pulling at my fiancées heart strings! She's pretty indignant that somebody would threaten it with the vets when by all accounts it's a healthy dog that is apparently 'obedient'..... Maybe I'll pop along and have a look, where's the harm? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbird Posted October 15, 2015 Report Share Posted October 15, 2015 'Where's the harm' lol lol :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenboy Posted October 15, 2015 Report Share Posted October 15, 2015 No it's not the financial aspect, but I don't think BB is the only soft touch as its pulling at my fiancées heart strings! She's pretty indignant that somebody would threaten it with the vets when by all accounts it's a healthy dog that is apparently 'obedient'..... Maybe I'll pop along and have a look, where's the harm? I would phone and ask about the pedigree first , its all too easy to let the heart rule the head when you are there looking at them ( I speak from experience ). At the end of the day a 12 month old lad needing rehoming is not going for a trip to the vets if its you that has it or someone else. 'Where's the harm' lol lol :) Stop encouraging him , your nuts you are ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbird Posted October 15, 2015 Report Share Posted October 15, 2015 Lol Fenboy I do agree with not touching a show lab with a barge pole though, we have one here who is a thug - it's a good job we love her!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sou'Wester Posted October 15, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 15, 2015 Okay I'm going to show my ignorance here. Beyond the potential health problems of show lines what are the temperemant risks? My fiancée always had mastiffs (her parents still do) which are some of the most stubborn dogs I've ever come across (and I couldn't cope with chasing it around with a mop to gather the constant drool) and I grew up with mongrels which my grandparents used with the sheep to varying degrees of success depending how much collie they had in them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenboy Posted October 15, 2015 Report Share Posted October 15, 2015 Its not so much their temprement as their trainability , if you want a working dog , buy a working dog , if you want a pet buy a show bred Lab and it will be fine , want a pet and a working dog then buy a working dog . Yes their may be exceptions but why take the risk , its a bit like thinking you need a landrover to get to the top of a hill but buying a family saloon and hoping it will get you there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbird Posted October 15, 2015 Report Share Posted October 15, 2015 ^ +1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sou'Wester Posted October 15, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 15, 2015 Land rovers/ family saloons, got it 😀 Already asking the questions. Thanks very much for the help so far. Expect more questions and thanks for the patience! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenboy Posted October 15, 2015 Report Share Posted October 15, 2015 Your welcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malmick Posted October 15, 2015 Report Share Posted October 15, 2015 'Where's the harm' lol lol :) You crack me up, you really do lol I really only came over to yours for a looksee, but I'm happy with the outcome Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbird Posted October 15, 2015 Report Share Posted October 15, 2015 Hahahaha I aim to please... Like a firing squad!!!! That'll probably clear the miss sent text message up, too! Lol x Glad you're happy, he's a wee superstar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sou'Wester Posted October 16, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 16, 2015 Just an update. Really fed up with the way some people treat animals! Dog was from a puppy farm and had horrendous separation anxiet, which is the main reason the owners wanted rid, started going mad if you left the room, but if you were with him he was great. Good recall, walk to heel. Despite that, not for us but another couple with a smallholding who work from home are going to take him so all good. If anyone knows of any planned lab litters next March time from working stock and reputable breeders feel free to let me know. Predominately as a pet but with the potential to be trained on, thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenboy Posted October 16, 2015 Report Share Posted October 16, 2015 A wise decision . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbird Posted October 16, 2015 Report Share Posted October 16, 2015 Well done, right decision and dog will be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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