Gun Dog Buying Advice
 

Ever since I left home for college I have dearly missed having a dog in my life. For those of you reading this, you likely know how big of a void they fill. Though I badly badly wanted a dog over the last few years, I could not justify bringing one into my life simply because it would not have been fair to the pup. Having had dogs growing up I understand how much care/attention they need and deserve and from college work, to social activities, to living in an apartment, a dog would not have had an appropriate lifestyle.

However, now as I am entering the last year of college (god knows it took long enough) I am confident I could better care for a dog.

Being an avid hunter of waterfowl, pheasants, roughed grouse, deer (both bow and rifle), and small game(mostly Jack rabbits), I find myself hunting about 3 days a week and scouting/clearing trails another 1-2 days a week. When the seasons aren't open, I am building stands, walking trails, plinking, clearing shooting lanes, or fishing. So while I realize just about everyone recommends NOT having a dog in college, understand that it would get more outdoor activity than most dogs. Furthermore I take an evening walk about 3 times a week with my girlfriend.

Next year (when I would be buying the dog) I will be living in a town house with a garage and back yard with two roommates, both of which are ok with having a dog.

Also, I can afford a dog, including routine medical costs. (Unexpected medical costs such as surgeries would just mean Cabellas got a less money from me that year).

SOOOO...the reason for my long soliloquy was to help you better understand my circumstances for the question I am about to ask.

If I were to purchase a Male black lab (or something else?) for a hunting partner, what time of year should I buy it? Due to the nature of my work, summers are an easier time to get up early and train the dog. Also, I'd love to get it chasing birds as soon as possible so it would need to be timed properly so it was mature enough to be doing that come fall. I live in Fargo ND so winter is a mean time of year.

Also, how much should I look at spending for a dog that can adequately retrieve birds as well as flush them out. Furthermore, a dog is a friend whom will do just about everything with me (even going for a car ride to the grocery store) so I want a good tempered dog. This will be the first gun dog I have ever purchased on my own so any other advice/tips are welcomed with open arms. Also, keep in mind I am finishing up college as well as a hunter so you KNOW I don't have oodles of money to throw a round. I'd like to spend no more than $600 (so this pretty much rules out expensive blood lines).

Depending on what I learn, it may simply turn out that I shouldn't purchase a dog yet; which isn't what I want to hear but a decision I could make.

Thanks for enduring the book I just wrote and thanks in advance for your help.

BurdBuster

P.S. I am a noobie to the forum scene so any advice in that aspect would be welcomed as well.

pup
 

I would tell you December or January would be the best time to buy a puppy. That way they are old enough and well started the next fall for hunting season.

If you are wanting to wait until spring buy a 5 or 6 month old pup, or even spend a little more and buy a started year old dog.

If I were you, I would buy a lab. But they aren't the best for pheasants and grouse. They are good, but not the best. I have an english springer spaniel, who is a great pheasant dog. I am trying to get him in the waterfowl game, but he is such an energetic dog and so used to pheasant hunting that it is hard to keep him still for so long. But I've seen Springer Spaniel retrieve waterfowl with no problem. You just need to make sure you include exercises that will help him learn retrieving techniques.

When you buy a puppy, don't base it off of when it is born. Make sure you also look into the pedigree. Look at it's parents and see how steady, smart, and hunting smart they are. My dog had Field Test and Hunting Test accomplishments, and he is naturally bird smart, which makes training easier and cheaper (time is money). But good luck!

Thanks for the advice.

How would I go about purchasing a pup that is 5 months to a year old? Are there breeders that specialize in this? Whats the cost for this?

What are the pros and cons to this?

In years past I've really enjoyed molding a puppy from the start...emotionally is it any different?

Pro, they are typically started on training (thus the term Started Dogs). Con, they are going to more pricier. I trained my pup right away at 4 weeks old. Small stuff. Yes, there will be pee, but the puppy days are the best memories.

I suggest getting a puppy, regardless of age. Who cares if he isn't ready by next fall. Game farms are open year round.

If you're looking to use a dog for all the hunting you describe, you might want to look into some of the German versatile breeds (Pudelpointer, Deutsche Drahthaar, Deutcshe Kurzhaar, and others).

When you figure out your cost, don't forget the price of the pup is the smallest amount you're going to pay. After food, vet bills, meds, birds, collars, equipment, etc... I figure a hunting dog costs at least $ 2,000 per year (assuming no major difficulties). Make sure you figure this cost in, or figure out what your training endeavors will cost so that you don't get stuck on the back end.

I think the best time to buy a pup is late winter-early spring. By the time the dog finds his legs, it will be time to start exposing him.

Good luck

Most/all Sporting Dogs required a lot of exercise, so this must be the crucial factor in deciding to get a good bird dog. I would also research into the different breeds- pointers - flushers and retrievers.

Like sportsman22, I also have a Springer. He's 7+ years now is a wonderful family dog as well as a great (yep great) bird dog. Here in NH we hunt mostly pheasant and grouse and he excels at both. They are also very smart (sometimes too smart for their own good :s4: - and are easy to train. Spingers are not as big as some other bird dogs, although my buddy is almost 60 pounds, big for a Springer. He also stays with me 24 hrs a day and I mean right next to me. Even if I'm in the shower, he will be outside the door waiting.

Maybe other folks here can give more information about their breed of dog. If I can answer any questions or concerns about Springers, please let me know.

Good Luck!

Just a good article on cost of pups: http://www.peteducation.com/article....+1671&aid=1543

As far as I am concerned you get every penny's worth of enjoyment and companionship right back out.

Also, the sad thing is, most of us hunters spend more than that at Gander or Cabellas each year anyway.

First and fore most when checking for any dog do your research. Research on the type of dog you want to get as well as the kennel you are buying it from.. Labs have been getting bred an awfull lot and some have been known to have some biting issues.. ( not all that is for sure) Doing your home work on any dog and kennel is the most important thing you can do before your purchase..
Trying to understand the breed as well as being able to call the kennel you purchased from for any training issues you do not understand can be helpfull. I find it to be bit strange when checking into a kennel, they are rotten on the phone and then call beck being nice as pie to you. That would automatically mean a no sale to me. Believe it or not that had happened to me when checking a kennel out.
Also look for reffrences from the kennel you are planning on purchasing from. Most of these folks will be honest to you about thier purchase as well. This may appear to be alot of work but it's worth it.. Unless you know a kennel close by that has a good reputation you can save all this work.. Any ways good luck to you..

Besides checking the references, what are good questions to ask (and the answers you want to see) the kennel?

Other tell tale signs of a good or bad kennel?

My understanding is that AKC certs don't guarantee much these days.

Any other hints/tips/tricks for determining if a kennel is good or not?
Also, what is a reasonable price to expect to pay for a male black lab from a "good" kennel.