Christmas Lab

[alwaysonthemove]

Well I think it is time for my boys to get a lab. Does anyone have either a Chocolate lab, white lab, or Yellow lab. I am not looking for a AKC registered dog since I will not be breeding. Just looking for a solid dog for my boy's to grow up with.

[GFNER]

Check out that C list under pets. I see alot of nice labs both older and pups that need homes.

[wormdunker]

All kinds of good dogs out there. If you don't mind let me share a story with you. I tend to share the story often because I am passionate about the message. 20 years ago when I got my first lab, I researched and studied. I consumed as much info as I could. My intention was to learn as much about the breed and what to look for so I could make an educated decision as I looked at various litters. No luxury of an informational forum like this back then.

So anyway i did all this work and finally made a decision. I found a stud and dam I liked and secured a pup from the litter. One thing that was really important to me was the take home date. My dog happened to be a Christmas dog as well. I had learned that there is a very key time litters need for socialization. 8 weeks is the perfect date to take a pup home. Typically less time and dogs don't socialize effectively with other dogs longer and they don't socialize to humans.

The breeder assured me that my pup would be with the litter until 8 weeks. We visited the pup at 6 weeks, gotta tell you it was TOUGH not to want to being that pup home at that time. We left that day looking forward to taking our pup home in 2 weeks.

Turns out our breeder failed to live up to her end of the bargain. just days after the 6 week mark one family took their dog home. A day later, Christmas and 4 more dogs gone. the next day 3 more gone, my dog was left alone for a week. That dog was was very attached to humans but had some major issues with other dogs.

Christmas is one day, you will have the dog forever. The desire to hand your boys that puppy is understandable just keep my story in the back of your head. If your breeder tells you you cannot have the pup until 8 weeks and that is a week past Christmas respect their desire to hand you a healthy pup. Then make sure they hod their end of the bargain. Have fun and good luck!