Labs
 

Thinking of getting me a lab. This will be my first one. Anyone know of some reputable breeders ? And any advice ?

First question you gotta ask yourself is do you want a pet or a tool?

Robert Authement is a reputable breeder around your part of the world. I can pm you his number. And when you do get your pup, buy a proven program and stick with it. Evan Graham, Mike Lardy, Rick Stawski, and Bill Hillman all have good stuff. Little sticker shock, but you wont regret it.

X2 on the program, also look for a dog with all of them certification things, they have them for a reason

What if you use your pet as a tool during duck season?

I fall under this category

That's what mine were..... I never had many problems.

What do you mean buy a proven program? And thanks everyone for the info. I want it to retrieve and listen to the basic commands. Nothing fancy with the whistles and hand commands.

Programs are step by step procedures taught through dvd format, with tips and tricks along the way. You dont move on until that step is complete thus avoiding "holes" aka problems, with said dog. If you follow the program with a dog with drive and desire the results should be a well mannered hunting partner with the potential for hunt tests or even field trials. He'll do "whistles and hand signals" known as casting and handling along with cold blinds, diversions, doubles and triples. Answers to questions are always free here so when in doubt ask away...fyi I prefer Mike Lardy's Total Retriever Training.

Robert is my older brother. He has some great dogs. Usually has puppies.

10 months out of the year I want to kill my dog. Then huntin season starts and I remember why I keep here around.

I have definitely learned my lesson for what I need to do for my next dog.

Ok thanks for the info. I'm going to look into the different ones. And can you pm Roberts number. And do you have any tips on how to pick a puppy with drive and desire ?

Here's a clip from Evan Graham's Smartworks for retrievers.
http://youtu.be/qnNSMLPYLJc

Drive and desire, lets see....maybe flip a coin or bring a magic 8 ball, possibly tarrot cards. On the serious note as I hope you already know there are no guarantees in life so a puupy with a lot of young trained wrong could lose it anyways. Some say bring a tennis ball and pick the fastest retrieving one others use duck wings hoping for a birdy pup. Its kind of a go fish thing. You would have to see the pup on multiple days to get a good idea of his attitude.

X2 on This. But like you stated earlier, a titled pedigree stacks the deck in your favor. When you find a litter with a good pedigree and a dam and sire you like, pick the one that pooped last.

No doubt, dont want no puppy poop in your truck on the ride home

Make sure the pup is eic clear at minimum a carrier. Always ask for the for the test to at least be done on the parents to find out what they are. If you choose to go with Roberts pups he will have this test done. Do some research on the bloodlines it will pay off I the future. If you say you don't want the pup to do hand signals ask yourself if you drive without power steering? Once you have you won't go back, unless you like to keep a bag of rocks in the blind??? Ps, before you check for EIC. Watch the episodes on YouTube and you won't be sorry.

This is the certifications that I was talking about earlier. And x2 on bag of rocks lol, once knew a guy that threw unshot shotgun shells. Talk about some expensive ducks!

All this is really good info. I'd rather be fully prepared then be blindsided down the road.

Good luck and post a pic of the new pup when u find him