buy new or used?

Texxan · 08-31-2004, 10:20 AM

I've got a golden retriever that is getting very old and lazy so I'm starting to look for a new duck dog. When I got him, he was about 3 and already had the basics down. Friend had to get ride of him when he moved out of state.

Anyway, I'm considering either a lab or another golden. I perfer the goldens since I've owned one since I was a kid but a lab is a good fit for our family as well. My question is, is it better to buy a dog when it's a pup and work him yourself or is it better to buy one already trained.

I'm no expert when it comes to training dogs. In fact, I'm quite the opposite. Willing to work at it and learn.

Additionally, is it better to get a female or male, or does it really make a difference.

Thanks for the help.

losthwy · 08-31-2004, 03:17 PM

Female or male makes no difference, except when dealing with a female in heat. Puppy or older trained dog, a trained dog will run 2,000 and up. I would seriously consider getting a lab, the average lab has much more drive than the average golden.

Texxan · 08-31-2004, 03:24 PM

I don't mind spending the cash on a good dog. The way I figure it, I will spend 2000 in time and training if I did it myself. I was more concerned about weither I would instill bad habbits if he's already trained, or confuse him.

I'll take a closer look at some labs. I'm just partial to goldens since I've always had one. Most all my hunting partners in the past have used labs.

Does color make a difference? Like with goldens, the lighter colors tend to me more layed back and the reds are more hunt worthy. Just courious.

Thanks.

johnch · 08-31-2004, 06:55 PM

IMO a lab will try a little harder for it's master. I trained my lab myself and he trained me some to .IMO if you have the time and will stick to it ,both of you will learn more . I spent 30 - 45 min every week night and 2 times on sat&sun

losthwy · 08-31-2004, 07:58 PM

Color- There are many who say the gene pool of black labs overall are stronger. Judging from the number of FC and MH who are black vs other colors I won't disagree.

tx canvasback · 09-07-2004, 08:16 AM

Hey Texxan, Choosing the right pup is completely up to you. Well, in my case the old lady had alot to say about it when it came to color. I personally own a lab and I did train her myself. I am a teacher and I had the time but certainly not the money. Now, if you don't have the time to train pup and work with him/her and you do have the $$ then speak with a few trainers in your area. However, make sure you get a trainer who is also willing to train YOU. You want to see a trainer, in your area of course, that will let you come out and work with the dog as well as he/she every so often and check pup's progress. However, if you have the time then take it to read any info you can on dog training (i.e. videos, books, magazines, etc.). Having trained my dog myself it is a pure joy and it also lays a good impression on fellow fowlers when they come to visit too

!

Now, when it comes to labs or goldens. I have never personally owned a golden. Luckily I, and apparently you, live in Texas where we don't see as much rainfall here. If you were to go with a golden keep in mind the hair factor. I have often heard others refer to golden as "swampies" I guess primarily because when they do get wet the y can smell and tend to look like they just stepped out of a swamp. (Someone correct me if I am wrong). I have also heard that goldens can turn into a monster when you attempt to force fetch them especially after the age of 6 mos. I don't know. Other than that they are gorgeous animals and are obviously adored by many. I do see labs, I believe, as one of the easiest to train. So, if you are to become a beginning trainer you definetly want to stay away from the chessie! I admire anyone who has trained one of those guys/girls. I for one am not sure if I would be able to.

Male/Female - yes you do have to deal with the heat problem in females if you are planning on breeding her. Otherwise get her fixed. And if you do plan on getting her fixed do it preferrably before the FIRST heat cycle. THere are also advantages to owning a female. THey tend to follow more than lead and are more succeptible to tehir owner than males.

Males can have disadvantages as well. For instance when a female does go in heat. They can also be somewhat "bull -headed" and take matters into their own paws if they so choose to. THey can be a bit more aggressive than females and may have more of a hyperactivity level. Advantages - they tend to be of larger stature than the females. Males can be anywher4e from 70 - 100+ and can beat the *&%# out of a canada goose!!

Big dogs/small dogs - with that stated above a bigger dog may take up half you duck blind whereas a smaller dog if it came upon a big honker who has spread wings and comin' towards it, it may turn tail and come bolting back at you screaming "I told you you needed more practice at the skeet range!! Kill that thing next time!!"

Whatever you decide to do owning a great gund og is a pure joy. She/ he will also be a loving animal be it a golden or a lab and I'm sure it will enjoy it's precious but unfortunately short time on earth. It is sad that they can never out live us so we are the ones that have to go through thte loss. Take care and God bless.