Opinion for new dog

[Scott Engelhardt]

My chocolate lab is crippled with arthritis. I have him on lots of meds for pain and swelling, he does not seem to be in pain. He still retrieves the frisbee but I know he will be unable to hunt.
He still is a great companion and will receive no less attention if I decide t get a new dog.
My question I am looking for opinions on is.
Has anyone ever bought a started dog?
I am hoping to get a dog that will take it easy on my Titan.

If I was just looking for a companion I would get a rescue dog and because I d not rescue I donate to the local shelter monthly.

 

[Scott Engelhardt]

Started (initial training) dog pros or cons

 

[440Coronet500]

My Chocolate Lab Ellie was a started dog to hunt pheasants. One of the best dogs I ever had! You need to know what level the dog is trained. The more training the dog has the price increases. I'd recommend a day afield with the dog and trainer if possible. That way you can evaluate if the dog has the potential to hunt to your preference/style. 440'

 

[khryslerkid]

If you're talking about Labs, I'd almost bet you could rescue one, even a part Lab and within a week the dog would pick up exactly just what to do. I've had the pleasure to own three and one wasn't a purebred. One of the smartest dogs, easy going, quick to learn, very devoted.

 

[Don Frelier]

You should see if you can get a used dog as your new dog.
There are often nice dog's that need good homes and I think the letdown of the big pet surge from Covid will put some of these dogs in need of homes.
As long as you've had dogs you can pretty quickly determine if a used dog will be a good fit.
This one was a rescue she is pretty smart and well behaved in the house.
Outdoors she's high energy sometimes to the point of annoyance.

 

[sam dupont]

I lost my boy this past summer. I recently asked a few breeders what their plans are. One emailed me today to say she had a 15 month male who was returned because he had only one testicle. A one testicle dog can't be shown, so they returned him, as per the sale agreement. I'm guessing he has been worked with, has some manners, (15 months is still very young with the breed) and he may be free. Good and caring homes are what good breeders dream about.
Somebody near you who trains and competes with hunting dogs might have one that is a good dog with plenty going for them, but they won't make the grade for competing at a top level.

In that case, the dog may be a proven hunter, but will be reasonably priced. A puppy is unproven, but still expensive. I would guess Lab pups are 1500-3000 (and up). Puppies are fun and over the top cute, but that goes away quickly. A young adult has a lot to offer.

 

[67charger383]

Springer Spaniel. Best dogs.

Great with kids

Great pointers that can retrieve too

10/10 would recommend I've had 2

Boomer

 

[Scott Engelhardt]

I have trained many dogs. I just don’t have the time.

 

[khryslerkid]

Every Lab I trained for Pheasant was easy. Just use a 25 foot leash for the first few outings. After the first bird they know what to look for. Eventually ditch the leash and they won't go any farther than that the next time out. When they spot a bird they will wait till you say ok. Reward them with some kind words and some petting and it's off to the next bird.

 

[coronet68mx]

ADOPT A DOG FROM A SHELTER.

 

[1STMP]

I've had many canine friends thru the years
and had the honor to experience a labs gentle
nature, a german shepherd's protectiveness.
I know full well the loss.
When our lab, Shadow, succumbed to cancer,
I vowed to never again let mans best friend
find a place in my heart. Well, that vow was
impossible to keep after a friend who bred
Red Healers (AKC) brought Tripper to our
home under the guise of him being my wife's
birthday present.
He was the runt, and his coat has brought forth
more of his heritage with that of a border collie.
He couldn't be sold as a healer.
He's the most amazing dog. Intelligent, attentive,
and enthusiastic with protecting his boundaries.

 

[Spare Parts]

I have a Australian kelpie. Fast,smart,well behaved,yet a good guard dog. He was a rescue dog,

 

[1STMP]

I have a Australian kelpie. Fast,smart,well behaved,yet a good guard dog. He was a rescue dog,View attachment 1173544

He looks a little like Tripper. My hope is that
Scott considers a breed that will quickly fill
the void. Trip has done it for me.

 

[Scott Engelhardt]

Believe me if I could rescue every dog I would. My wife keeps me from having a zoo. I do my best to rescue the stray cats. I do donate monthly to the local shelter.
I do want to buy a hunting lab. I think if I find the right one it will be worth the extra $$$ to buy a started pup.
I appreciate all of your opinions.

 

[WileE]

German shepherd. Always had one, including my current rescue baby.

 

[ckessel]

Get a shelter buddy. Preferably at least 2-3yrs old so they are not bouncy/rambunctious around the senior pooch. Maybe even 5 or older to cut down on the WWF body slams.

 

[Budnicks]

If you're not considering adopting
(Great you contribute $$$ to help them, good on you)
there are some really great breed-specific
dog rescue groups
experienced sporting or working dogs for outright purchase
or for fostering or adoptions out there
some free to the right home too

there's different options always

maybe look around, find a local/semi-local Lab/Retriever
or some hunting dog (breeds) rescue group,
many are trained well already or an experienced hunter,
they may be a lil' higher strung
but you can work with them to mellow them some too
some just need a good home, good master/good buddy

most are neutered, or spayed
it seems like a universal part of the adoption/fostering deal
as to not create more dogs breeding etc.

-----------------------------------------------------------

I think, either way, it will/can aid your aging dog too
hopefully not wear him out too much
been there done that, several times now
(my beloved Lord Budnicks, at 16+ years, may he RIP)

they are pack animals, they like a companion
but some dogs are really territorial too...

IMHFO Get another lab, you know the breed already
great breed, great temperament,
great family or field hunting &/or water dogs too,
they can be protective too, if need be
all my labs have been good at all aspects

or Golden Retriever (but even more hair to shed)

Believe me if I could rescue every dog I would. My wife keeps me from having a zoo. I do my best to rescue the stray cats. I do donate monthly to the local shelter.
I do want to buy a hunting lab. I think if I find the right one it will be worth the extra $$$ to buy a started pup.
I appreciate all of your opinions.

Albeit, I love the puppy stage, it's the bonding period too
Elvis my lab pup 6 years ago @ 8 weeks & Bubba @ 2 y/o the pointer lab mix rescue

it does take a min of appr. 6 months to get them fully professionally trained
some 12 weeks programs out there too
& then they're honed (you finish) for specific tasks after that too
many breeders offer that, it's not cheap
it's thousands usually
a good reputable breeder/hunter
will know someone or do it themselves possibly
many AKC/UKC breeeders are hunters themselves
& offer it after whelping
some are partially trained at 8-12 weeks too

It's nice to get a dog that has been thru training for hunting
especially if you don't have the extra time to do it yourself
a started dog is a great option
although I've never done 'the started dog' deal
I know a few that have had great success with started dogs

good luck & give a dog a happy home
ease the old guy out gentally