PICKING OUT A LAB PUPPY

[MACDADDY]

What do you look for when your picking a pup out of the litter ?

[Drakeshead]

The breed, reputable breeder, health certifications, pedigree, color.

[MACDADDY]

[mfalkner]

That's a better question. Once you've done your research on the litter, a lot of trainers say just grab one. I like to watch the pups in the yard and observe their behavior and try to pick one that impresses me. Usually the breeder knows which pups are more independent, for example - and that may not be what you want/need. I may toss something and see if they go after it, etc., but I think that's mainly to make me feel like I made some meaningful selection.

If the breeder has socialized the pups and exposed them to some real world, it makes your job a lot easier. Read the Puppy Post sticky on the gun dog forum before you go, that may give some insight.

[Dux Be Us]

Take a ball with ya. I went for the more mellow puppy as he had to be a family dog first. Couldnt imagine if Ida gone for a more hyper puppy. My pup did like the ball right off and is turning out okey for what I need from a working dog. If you can watch em for awhile...your puppy will pick you

[DeltaCotton12]

[teul2]

Like it has been said, take a ball, sit and watch / play with them.
You'll know which one to take in short order.
I always go for a more mellow dog, that has drive, likes the ball, and wants play with me.
If they have seen water, it's good to know which one's took right to it.

[levi127]

ball is the best thing to take, or dove wings. That is what I did. I watched how the reacted to it when throwing it. Some were interested, some didnt care and 2 were all about it.

I also took the hyper one becuase she had the most drive I guess you could say. She has learned quick and doing things good once I let her run and get it out of her. Then shes ready to work. I was shooting doves and noticed she wasnt going and looked over and she was asleep, 1 foot away from me!

Alot of people let them run all togther at 1st and see how they act. I did that and then went 1 on 1 with them to see how they acted with me and my daughter.

[fivemile]

You might consider buying a trained dog. Cost is not much more than a pup + training + etc. and your odds of getting a good dog are much greater. Plus, they love you just as much as a pup.

[rawalley]

[ransco33]

[MACDADDY]

[camlock]

[Dux Be Us]

Just a heads up...the wife is gona want to chop the puppy up and put em in crab traps the first year of its life....trust me. It does get better...trust me. Good luck

[Relentless]

crap shoot...