Author Topic: Question about Labs (Read 918 times)

Michael Brigman · « **on:** October 15, 2004, 03:23:56 AM »

I want to start duck hunting, and have decided to buy a Lab pup, but I don't really know much about Duck Dogs. I've been looking in the paper and on the net and I've seen Yellow, Black, and Chocolate Labs but I don't know what the difference is between these dogs.
Is one kind better than another, and which is best? Thanks...

lewdogg21 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 15, 2004, 05:41:01 AM »

Labs are a great choice for the field and the family. As far as color variations they are just that. Only differences is the color. A good place to start is make sure the parents both have their papers and are registered (its also good to make sure they aren't prone to hip dysplasia (spelled wrong but you get the idea). When you go to look at the pups its nice too if both the parents are on site as well.

As with any hunting dog natural insticts and drive will only take it so far, they still need training. I've seen a lot of hunting/family dogs that the people complain about how wild the dog is etc. Well what I generally see is a dog thats kept in a kennel or on a chain all day and just wants some attention.

I'm sure someone here can suggest some good lab training books, etc.

Michael Brigman · « **Reply #2 on:** October 15, 2004, 02:05:27 PM »

Another Rookie Question...
When I go look at a litter of Lab pups will they show any signs of fetching? What I mean is, if I toss a stick will they go get it? How do you pick a good Lab pup?

Specklebelly · « **Reply #3 on:** October 15, 2004, 04:40:13 PM »

Michael

Check this site out for your questions on labs:

http://deepforkretrievers.com/

I talked with the owner in detail about labs when I was looking and he was very helpful. He will answer your questions by email as well. Just be careful, his dogs are sold in 4 digit range.

I have always heard to take a pigeon with you when picking a dog out and get the puppy which shows the most desire to pounce on it (notice the picture on the website). I have no clue where to get a pigeon but that is what I have read.

I agree that the color of labs doesn't matter but I do have one comment on it. I worked at a Vet for 4 years in high school back in the 80's. I bet I saw 200 labs during that time and every chocolate I saw was not worth a darn. I am sure their are plenty which are outstanding duck dogs, I just never saw any.

Good luck on the pooch.

Michael Brigman · « **Reply #4 on:** October 17, 2004, 05:29:36 PM »

Thanks for the info, SB.
I found a 6-month-old male Chocolate Lab in the local paper on friday. The guy told me that the pup is a fetching machine. He also said that the pup loves water and they can't keep him out of the pool. So I went to see him on saturday afternoon. He was a very solid looking pup with a wide flat head. I asked to see the pup fetch, so the guy got a ball for the pup, a he was right, this pup is a fetching machine. Then I asked him to throw the ball into the pool, and he did. The pup, Gunner, ran at the pool at launched himself into the pool to fetch the ball. Gunner fetched the ball every time we threw it, so I bought him on the spot.

Later that day I took Gunner to the lake to fetck sticks that I threw.
So help me God this is the truth: I threw the same stick out into the lake 25 or 30 times and Gunner brought it back to me every time.
Then on sunday I went to the sporting goods store and bought a bumper for him to fetch. We went back to the lake and played all day. I don't remember exactly how many times I threw the bumper (30+) and he brought it back every time.

I'm very excited about my new pup. I'm a new duck hunter and he's my first Lab, and I think I'm already hooked, LOL. I never would have guessed that throwing a plastic toy into the water for a dog to fetch could be so much fun. I love it!

Specklebelly · « **Reply #5 on:** October 18, 2004, 01:04:07 PM »

Michael

Congrats on the pup.

Hopefully the lab will be your hunting buddy for many years to come.

Mine is now twelve and its kind of sad to think this is probably the last year she will go with me. :cry:

lewdogg21 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 19, 2004, 06:19:30 AM »

Congrats on your dog. It seems you dog has the one thing you can't teach, desire and drive.

Michael Brigman · « **Reply #7 on:** October 20, 2004, 11:03:02 PM »

Thanks guys. I really like my new young dog, Gunner. He will sit on command, he just won't stay seated too long. I've been working with him every morning and evening, he'll get the hang of it before long. I'll tell him to "Sit" then I throw the bumper. Sometimes he will stay seated and wait for my command, but most times he bolts and goes after it.
Any advice or ideas? Thanks

fffffg · « **Reply #8 on:** October 21, 2004, 05:31:13 PM »

i made a box with a slidinging lid on it.. inside id put a bit of hot dog or dog food.. for starters i would tell my dog to sit and if she bolted i would not open the lid that was on a long string to me.. she would go over there dig and paw and id call her and start over/ when she did what i wanted she got the treat.. it didnt take long.. then i would put the box out 40 yards and put her out 40 yards right or left, and give the direction signal with my arm and say fetch.. if she bolted when i was going back to my spot for the goodies she couldnt get it.. before long she was going right left forarda and back like a perfect lady.. be sure to start gun training her right away.. use a cap gun and fire it 15 feet away while feeding.. then com a little closer every three days seeing if she notices.. if she looks up slow down.. when your done youll be fireing the cap gun 1 food over her head and she wont give adarn about anything but dinner.. dave