Future hunting partner and family member

[Ron.C]

Hi all,

I am considering getting a dog at some point next year. I just had to put my dog Buckley down a few weeks back and to be frank I miss the companionship, but im not emotionally ready to have another dog for a bit.

So I am looking at getting on a wait list for a puppy that I'll be ready for sometime mid to late next year. I know I want a lab (had one as a boy) and I'd love to have a retriever for waterfowl hunting. But I need to educate myself on training techniques long before a puppy arrives.

I don't want a robotic hunting machine that really is not a great family dog. So if anyone has advice on training systems that cater to a well rounded Hunter and family dog, I'd like to hear from you.

I will be looking at a purebred pup from good lines. I don't mind spending the $$ and have just started looking at breeders.
( please PM me if you have good or bad experience from a specific breeder, I will keep all information to myself).

Also, what are your thoughts on male/female.


Cheers

[labguy]

Hi all,

I am considering getting a dog at some point next year. I just had to put my dog Buckley down a few weeks back and to be frank I miss the companionship, but im not emotionally ready to have another dog for a bit.

So I am looking at getting on a wait list for a puppy that I'll be ready for sometime mid to late next year. I know I want a lab (had one as a boy) and I'd love to have a retriever for waterfowl hunting. But I need to educate myself on training techniques long before a puppy arrives.

I don't want a robotic hunting machine that really is not a great family dog. So if anyone has advice on training systems that cater to a well rounded Hunter and family dog, I'd like to hear from you.

I will be looking at a purebred pup from good lines. I don't mind spending the $$ and have just started looking at breeders.
( please PM me if you have good or bad experience from a specific breeder, I will keep all information to myself).

Also, what are your thoughts on male/female.


Cheers

Any training system, properly applied in conjunction with proper socialization should produce a well rounded family oriented/hunting dog.........the key here is balance and being fair to the dog during training.

The dogs you see that are more robotic and not really enjoying themselves, are probably poorly trained by someone who doesn't know how........and this includes many so-called professional trainers.

The training methods most used by knowlegable Retriever people are: Mike Lardy, Bill Hillman, Evan Graham, and a few others. They are fairly similar and will produce a well trained, happy Retriever if properly followed.

As far as "breeders" are concerned, there are not very many I would purchase a dog from because of the emphasis on profit at the expense of ethics. In addition, some breeders charge premium prices for mediocre breeding.

When the time comes I can provide knowlegable feedback as I have no horse in race.

At the bare minimum, insure that any dog you purchase comes from lines where both parents have been tested for:

-OFA Certification of hips and elbows with a minimum of a good or better rating on both parents.
-CERF....this test rules out certain genetic eye diseases
-EIC (exercise induced collapse)......a horrible affliction brought about by poor breeding practices......look it up.
-CNM ( Centronucular Myopathy).....similar to mad cow disease........again....look it up.

In addition to the above, insure that there is no history of Cruciate ligament tears in either parent as this is thought to have a genetic component to it.

Ive had both Males and Females and talent wise, there isn't a lot of difference. Females (much as I hate to admit it)
tend to be smarter and easier to train but can be a bit "soft" when compared to males.....not always.

I prefer males because they don't come into heat at inconvenient times.....

The above barely scratches the surface of the things I would look for but will give you a starting point. Good luck and if you need specific advice PM me.

[steelslinger]

Any training system, properly applied in conjunction with proper socialization should produce a well rounded family oriented/hunting dog.........the key here is balance and being fair to the dog during training.

The dogs you see that are more robotic and not really enjoying themselves, are probably poorly trained by someone who doesn't know how........and this includes many so-called professional trainers.

The training methods most used by knowlegable Retriever people are: Mike Lardy, Bill Hillman, Evan Graham, and a few others. They are fairly similar and will produce a well trained, happy Retriever if properly followed.

As far as "breeders" are concerned, there are not very many I would purchase a dog from because of the emphasis on profit at the expense of ethics. In addition, some breeders charge premium prices for mediocre breeding.

When the time comes I can provide knowlegable feedback as I have no horse in race.

At the bare minimum, insure that any dog you purchase comes from lines where both parents have been tested for:

-OFA Certification of hips and elbows with a minimum of a good or better rating on both parents.
-CERF....this test rules out certain genetic eye diseases
-EIC (exercise induced collapse)......a horrible affliction brought about by poor breeding practices......look it up.
-CNM ( Centronucular Myopathy).....similar to mad cow disease........again....look it up.

In addition to the above, insure that there is no history of Cruciate ligament tears in either parent as this is thought to have a genetic component to it.

Ive had both Males and Females and talent wise, there isn't a lot of difference. Females (much as I hate to admit it)
tend to be smarter and easier to train but can be a bit "soft" when compared to males.....not always.

I prefer males because they don't come into heat at inconvenient times.....

The above barely scratches the surface of the things I would look for but will give you a starting point. Good luck and if you need specific advice PM me.

X2. Well said

[tadpole]

There is a two types of Labradors, English and North American. As mentioned here before, English type is a craftsman and North American is a powerful and dynamic athlete. Research them and chose adequately.

[Wild one]

There is a two types of Labradors, English and North American. As mentioned here before, English type is a craftsman and North American is a powerful and dynamic athlete. Research them and chose adequately.

My past lab was an English/North American cross from good lines she was smart and powerful. Of course her training and life style was a big part of it. I may be biased because she was my dog but in her case the cross was great

[Firstblood]

Check out some day retrievers in Kamloops if you're in the area, just picked up a pup from Linda after I went and checked out her operation, I met a few of her dogs and saw her property and couldnt have been more impressed. My girl Ghillie is 3 months old, house trained, retrieving and swimming, coming to call even with lots of distractions and other dogs and all she wants is to be with me. Ive worked with labs before but Im no expert, just read up on a few different books and take your time. A lab wont give up on you so keep at the training. Shes also a lover, she is on my lap as I type this and loves attention.

[Sunzuki]

I'd suggest the female variety.
At least they don't pizz all over everything.

[Ron.C]

There is a two types of Labradors, English and North American. As mentioned here before, English type is a craftsman and North American is a powerful and dynamic athlete. Research them and chose adequately.

Thanks for the tip, and I have been reading. The consensus seems to be that the English are bred more for show and the American as a field/ working dog.

I am pretty sure that I won't be doing any field trials but I know very little about them so more research is needed. If in my research think that I may want to explore the possibility of field trials then I will look at the "American".

I love the striking look of the "English" lab but have been told that because they are bred for show that often some of the medical checks done for working dog lines are not a concern. But if I find a breeder that does all the required clearances and I don't think that field trials is something I'll persue then perhaps an English is a better fit. And from what I have read, they still make great bird dogs.

Lots of info out there.........Just need to keep wading through it

[835]

Not all the English labs are show dogs. That is just the style of dog they show.
if you want a high energy bottle rocket go Trials.... you want a easy going "English" lab go hunt test....

[ACB]

Check out Prairie Storm Kennels in Sask. they breed good field dogs and are clowns at home. They have quite a good website.

[fudge]

I got my guy from East Harbor Gun Dogs down in the states. He's in Washington great to deal with and my boy is as much as a house dog as he is a hunting machine

[jlirot]

Check out some day retrievers in Kamloops if you're in the area, just picked up a pup from Linda after I went and checked out her operation, I met a few of her dogs and saw her property and couldnt have been more impressed. My girl Ghillie is 3 months old, house trained, retrieving and swimming, coming to call even with lots of distractions and other dogs and all she wants is to be with me. Ive worked with labs before but Im no expert, just read up on a few different books and take your time. A lab wont give up on you so keep at the training. Shes also a lover, she is on my lap as I type this and loves attention.

I haven't seen her labs. But, I just got my girl (GWP) back from spending approx 6 weeks with Linda. I really liked Linda and her operation. She worked on reinforcing things I had already had my dog doing - and she did a damn nice job of it. She was VERY firm with the dog but treated her well IMO. Very high recommendation from me for training from Linda.

If I were looking for a lab I would certainly give her a call and get her thoughts.

[made in bc]

............

[Ron.C]

Thanks for all the PMs and advice. I've talked with a short list of recommended breeders and think I have decided on the right one for me. I'm now on a puppy list. Im going to meet with them in Oct and we'll discuss my preferences and expectations and figure out which of the two 2018 litters will be the best match for me.

[835]

Who did you go with ....

[Ron.C]

Who did you go with ....
........


Cedarbrae

[835]

You will like them.

[lorneparker1]

........


Cedarbrae

You will be happy with them. I am familiar with all her dogs, and she has been breeding and raising hunt test/ hunting dogs for a very long time. She breeds working conformation dogs for the most part. My hunting partner has a 6 month old from Tracey. They aren't fire breathers, but they will hunt with the right training and be awesome family pets.

[835]

which litter Lorne?
the one with three or the one with 8?
Timber my dog is from Nelson, the one with 3....
he is really stable and super easy to train. I am not as pro a trainer as some here but Timber is almost auto pilot.... you just show him what you want him to do and he does it.
he pulls triple wing retrieves without trying to bring all three in at once all held until I have him sit at heal and tell him to drop.

[lorneparker1]

which litter Lorne?
the one with three or the one with 8?
Timber my dog is from Nelson, the one with 3....
he is really stable and super easy to train. I am not as pro a trainer as some here but Timber is almost auto pilot.... you just show him what you want him to do and he does it.
he pulls triple wing retrieves without trying to bring all three in at once all held until I have him sit at heal and tell him to drop.

Her last litter I think there was 8 in it as I know 4 people with puppies. Lucy was the dam I have no idea who the sire was.

[835]

We almost got a girl from that litter. But wound up with a boy from Nelsen. We had to put Chase down last august.
He left a hole that needed filling. Dad owns one of her dogs and i really liked Pipers temperment. So allong came Timber

[Kasomor]

Any training system, properly applied in conjunction with proper socialization should produce a well rounded family oriented/hunting dog.........the key here is balance and being fair to the dog during training.

The dogs you see that are more robotic and not really enjoying themselves, are probably poorly trained by someone who doesn't know how........and this includes many so-called professional trainers.

The training methods most used by knowlegable Retriever people are: Mike Lardy, Bill Hillman, Evan Graham, and a few others. They are fairly similar and will produce a well trained, happy Retriever if properly followed.

As far as "breeders" are concerned, there are not very many I would purchase a dog from because of the emphasis on profit at the expense of ethics. In addition, some breeders charge premium prices for mediocre breeding.

When the time comes I can provide knowlegable feedback as I have no horse in race.

At the bare minimum, insure that any dog you purchase comes from lines where both parents have been tested for:

-OFA Certification of hips and elbows with a minimum of a good or better rating on both parents.
-CERF....this test rules out certain genetic eye diseases
-EIC (exercise induced collapse)......a horrible affliction brought about by poor breeding practices......look it up.
-CNM ( Centronucular Myopathy).....similar to mad cow disease........again....look it up.

In addition to the above, insure that there is no history of Cruciate ligament tears in either parent as this is thought to have a genetic component to it.

Ive had both Males and Females and talent wise, there isn't a lot of difference. Females (much as I hate to admit it)
tend to be smarter and easier to train but can be a bit "soft" when compared to males.....not always.

I prefer males because they don't come into heat at inconvenient times.....

The above barely scratches the surface of the things I would look for but will give you a starting point. Good luck and if you need specific advice PM me.

What Lab Guy said.... except you should really get a toller!!!

Hey Lab Guy, FWIW my just turned 3 year old toller completed her MH title last month!!:wink:

[labguy]

FWIW my just turned 3 year old toller completed her MH title last month!!:wink:

👍Its worth a lot......Not many reach that level...... especially so young.

Congratulations!!!

[Kasomor]

Its worth a lot......Not many reach that level...... especially so young.

Congratulations!!!

Thank you Brian.

There are only 16 CKC MH tollers. :shock: :shock: Kimber is one of those. She is only the 5th MH bitch. :grin::grin:

Linda

[Ron.C]

So I've decided that I'll order the Bill Hillmann Training a Retriever Puppy DVD. When it comes to a follow on program allot of people seem to recommend going to Lardy's Total Retriever Training or Smartworks.

My question is, are there not Hillmann dvds that work as a follow on to his puppy training that would work for a new trainer? And please excuse my ignorance, but is this where Hillmans training parts ways with others (Force Fetch) etc.

And whichever route I go with FF and or e-collar, I intend on soliciting help to get me off on the right foot.

[Foxton Gundogs]

........


Cedarbrae

You won't be sorry, Tracy has some really nice dogs.

[labguy]

So I've decided that I'll order the Bill Hillmann Training a Retriever Puppy DVD. When it comes to a follow on program allot of people seem to recommend going to Lardy's Total Retriever Training or Smartworks.

My question is, are there not Hillmann dvds that work as a follow on to his puppy training that would work for a new trainer? And please excuse my ignorance, but is this where Hillmans training parts ways with others (Force Fetch) etc.

And whichever route I go with FF and or e-collar, I intend on soliciting help to get me off on the right foot.

Ask Tracy her opinion on this topic. Shes had very good success. Lots of knowlegable Amatuer Retriever trainers on the island and some......not so much. Vancouver Island Retriever Club is a good place to start looking for a mentor.

[guest]

Ron, although old, there is a great book called Waterdog that is terrific in training. You end up with the best if both worlds, a great hunting dog, and the best hunting partner any one could ask for.

[Foxton Gundogs]

What Lab Guy said.... except you should really get a GOLDEN!!!

Hey Lab Guy, FWIW my just turned 3 year old toller completed her MH title last month!!:wink:

There, fixed it for you Linda. Congrats on the MH title

[Edzzed]

As my wife and I breed dogs, We have had times where people wanted to be on wait lists and by the time a puppy they asked for is born, They either found a new friend in the meantime or don't return calls. Total BS with wait lists. We just stopped accepting people on wait list unless they choose to put down a deposit. Just FYI.

[Kasomor]

There, fixed it for you Linda. Congrats on the MH title

VERY FUNNY!!!

Thanks

[Kasomor]

As my wife and I breed dogs, We have had times where people wanted to be on wait lists and by the time a puppy they asked for is born, They either found a new friend in the meantime or don't return calls. Total BS with wait lists. We just stopped accepting people on wait list unless they choose to put down a deposit. Just FYI.

Wait lists work for me because I don't add every Tom Dick and Harry who fill out application on to mine. People also understand that I do not take an extensive wait list. 7 at the most until I get an xray.... I have only had it happen twice in 13 years of breeding, where people have backed out at 8 weeks old. Most of the time my pups are "spoken" for before the girl is bred..... and I have never taken a deposit either. Getting a pup from me is about trust and respect, both ways. Before the pups are born I have usually spoken to the buyer multiple times and if they are local we have met. If they should change their mind.... GOOD!! GOOD FOR THE PUPPY!!! Which is what it really is about.

[Ron.C]

Getting a pup from me is about trust and respect, both ways. Before the pups are born I have usually spoken to the buyer multiple times and if they are local we have met. If they should change their mind.... GOOD!! GOOD FOR THE PUPPY!!! Which is what it really is about.

great perspective.