Need some last minute advice / Majestic Oaks Kennel

[NickMcD63]

So here it goes, I put down a deposit on a black lab at Majestic Oaks Kennel in Zimmerman, MN. The whole time Carl (the breeder) has been a softer spoken/old school type of guy, so it has been difficult to communicate about the pup. I did get a recommendation from a friend, that is why I continued to process.

Here is where it get's to be a difficult decision....He wants us to pick the pup up on Thursday, which would put him at 6 weeks old. I have tried to let us leave him out there for another week, but the other 4 pups are going as well so he would be all alone. I have heard that his dogs are high-strung...

The deposit is refundable, so I want to know what you all think...Have you worked with him before?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[fishhead20]

We got a yellow female from him 9 years ago. And the dog is very mellow always has been. She is an extremely good pheasant dog and a so so waterfowl dog... Should have spent more time on her when she was younger.I think you should be fine. Good luck!

[NickMcD63]

PM Sent...anyone else?

[Ufatz]

I'm no dog expert but 6-weeks is pretty young. I usually give 'em another week or so. But if you are careful and closely monitor the little rascal things should be fine. But the dog IS at a pivotal point and much is not yet developed.

I am more concerned that you raise the subect of the "high strung" line of dogs. If you are nervous about getting a dog that is wound tighter than a top you might want to think it over. So many of the dogs today ARE too tightly wound for us senior gents but that seems to be what people want-thus, that is what breeders provide.

If you are too nervous about it or have reservations pass on it and wait for another dog.....might do yourself AND the puppy a favor.

[NickMcD63]

I'm no dog expert but 6-weeks is pretty young. I usually give 'em another week or so. But if you are careful and closely monitor the little rascal things should be fine. But the dog IS at a pivotal point and much is not yet developed.

I am more concerned that you raise the subect of the "high strung" line of dogs. If you are nervous about getting a dog that is wound tighter than a top you might want to think it over. So many of the dogs today ARE too tightly wound for us senior gents but that seems to be what people want-thus, that is what breeders provide.

If you are too nervous about it or have reservations pass on it and wait for another dog.....might do yourself AND the puppy a favor.

Thanks, Ufatz! I have a lot to think about..

[nofishfisherman]

If you aren't 100% sold on a breeder and his dogs then I'd walk away. You are likely talking about a fair amount of money and also 10-15 years of living and working with this dog, certainly no small thing.

If there is any doubt or something that doesn't sit well with you then I'd advocate for walking away. There are a lot of good breeders and great dogs out there, I'm sure you'll be able to find a situation that is more to your liking.

[NickMcD63]

If you aren't 100% sold on a breeder and his dogs then I'd walk away. You are likely talking about a fair amount of money and also 10-15 years of living and working with this dog, certainly no small thing.

If there is any doubt or something that doesn't sit well with you then I'd advocate for walking away. There are a lot of good breeders and great dogs out there, I'm sure you'll be able to find a situation that is more to your liking.

I don't have the best feeling about the way he runs his operation, but I have heard a few good referrals and he is where we need to be in our budget. If anyone knows of another breeder that is first class for around $500 please let me know....

Anyone else get a pup from this guy?

[jeffreyd]

nic tried to send you a pm but you are over limit. i have a dog that was from bemdji and is a great lab. let me know when i can pm you

[NickMcD63]

nic tried to send you a pm but you are over limit. i have a dog that was from bemdji and is a great lab. let me know when i can pm you

You can send me a Pm now. Thanks.

[Pherris]

My Lab is from a Dokkens Oak Ridge Kennel line. Many of my friends have had Dokkens dogs and all have been great dogs. I think he gets about $450-$500 and that includes puppy training (intro to birds and guns) at 5 months. It is a 2 week program. May want to give them a look. They will not let you take the pup until its 8 weeks which I think is pretty standard.

As has been said if you have any doubts about a puppy from any breeder trust you gut.

Good Luck!

[Nature'sCorner]

We purchased a yellow lab in feb 2012, and she is calm, smart, not high strung, beautiful healthy dog, & very satisfied with our dealings with Carl, recommend him

[NickMcD63]

My Lab is from a Dokkens Oak Ridge Kennel line. Many of my friends have had Dokkens dogs and all have been great dogs. I think he gets about $450-$500 and that includes puppy training (intro to birds and guns) at 5 months. It is a 2 week program. May want to give them a look. They will not let you take the pup until its 8 weeks which I think is pretty standard.

As has been said if you have any doubts about a puppy from any breeder trust you gut.

Good Luck!

I tried giving him a call, but I am sure he's out...Do you know if he has a litter coming up?

[Pherris]

I don't know but if not i am sure they can tell you when they have a litter due. Mine was born on July 24th 2011 so tis the season.

[NickMcD63]

I don't know but if not i am sure they can tell you when they have a litter due. Mine was born on July 24th 2011 so tis the season.

Thanks for the heads up! They seem very reputable. I wish I could figure out what they have available before tomorrow!

[Pherris]

I understand you need to make a decision. As I mentioned earlier if your gut is telling you something listen. The general protocol for separating a new pup from its litter mates and mother is 8 weeks. You may consider telling the breeder you are not comfortable taking the dog at 6 weeks and want to wait until its 8 weeks. This will give you time to explore other options. If he refuses I would take a pass. A good dog will be with you for years so it is not a decision I would allow a breeder to rush me into. This is just my opinion though.

On a side note if you are interested in seeing a Dokkens dog in action I would be happy to have you visit me and my dog. I work her everyday and will be around the rest of the week and you are welcome to join us for a session. I an very flexible and live in Bloomington. Just let me know.

Good Luck!

[cavalierowner]

I have been breeding dogs for about 15 years now (not the breed you want). That sounds MUCH too young from what little I know of the larger breeds. As someone else said, if you aren't 100% confident in a breeder, walk away. Even if have to pay a little more. A few extra dollars over the life of a dog is pennies a month.

BTW we keep our puppies until they are 11 to 12 weeks old. The Cavalier tends to mature a bit slower that a lot of other breeds and the difference a couple weeks makes in socialization with other dogs and temperament is definitely noticeable