Getting Another Lab

4221 Views 45 Replies 19 Participants Last post by Dani, Jan 8, 2010

Finalyst

Discussion Starter · Jan 6, 2010 (Edited)

We had my sister over for the holidays, and she brought her dog who is a terrier mix and Hunter really seemed to enjoy having a pal around the house. So much so that the terrier got sick of Hunter following him around to play.

So because of seeing that, we figured Hunter could use a brother/pal. So this past weekend we went to go look at some lab puppies that. The breeder is one who breeds white labs. They usually have a few yellows in the litters and that is what we were looking for.

So of course we fell in love with one of them and decided to buy him. We had a choice between 2 boys that were yellow, one just laid in the corner of the box and stuck to himself. He didn't move all that much while we were there. He would get up and sit, or lay down but the whole time we were there he stayed in the corner while the other pups moved around. The other yellow boy seemed to be very active. Walking around the box and playing with the other puppies (we chose the active one). There was another one, a white one that was a girl that was really feisty and kept fighting and nipping at all of the pups. It was neat to just sit there and watch their personalities. I guess it's like humans, there's the agreesive one, the passive one and the rest all seem to be in the middle.

They are 5 weeks at the moment. We are very excited to be bringing the new puppy into our home at the end of this month. And if Hunter could understand, I think he would be as well.

My question is regarding keeping the puppy from catching parvo. Hunter will soon be starting a class to get his yellow vest, and we often take him to the park and go for walks. How do we manage this with a new puppy? Should we refrain from taking Hunter for walks until the puppy is free from the threat of parvo? Our backyard is big enough where Hunter could get some exercise running around, but it's definitely not a huge backyard by any means.

Any help is appreciated.

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Rushpuppy

· #2 · Jan 6, 2010

You should not take the pup into any public places until it's completely through the puppy shot series. Taking it to the vet, don't allow it to walk around on the floor there, hold it or keep it in a small travel crate. Under no circumstances should it be around strange dogs or dogs that run loose. This is my 2¢ for what it's worth.

Finalyst

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jan 7, 2010

Thanks for the advice. That is exactly what we did with Hunter, but my question is more along the lines of "Can Hunter still do normal things, or should we lock him up in the house for 8 weeks until the threat of the puppy catching parvo is over".

Luvmydog2much

· #4 · Jan 7, 2010

I'd keep Hunter home when the pup hasn't been completely inoculated.

No offense intended, but you're buying and supporting a backyard breeder or a puppy mill.

I think at 9 months old, Hunter might be a bit young to be an older brother. You mention that you were looking for a dog because Hunter wants a pal, do you guys want another puppy? Are you prepared for Hunter to relapse into his crazy puppy hood?

I wish you the best of luck, but it sounds doomed to me.

Finalyst

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jan 7, 2010 (Edited)

Luvmydog2much said:
I wish you the best of luck, but it sounds doomed to me.

No offense intended? Really? But my situation is doomed and I am buying from a puppy mill.

You know, every time I post on this board, it doesn't matter what the subject is about, whether it be what kind of food I buy, the length of walk, or the simple question of whether or not to keep my dog inside before the new puppy has all his shots, my dog is always doomed.

Has anyone noticed this phenomenon? I've pretty much had it with this forum. I'm tired of the judgement, and the "Holier than thou" attitude of most everyone on this forum. You all really need to relax... And think before posting something so stupid as to say the whole situation is doomed when you have no idea what the situation is besides the vacuum of my post.

Doomed?! Are you freaking serious? The situation is doomed? As in what? What could possibly happen that dooms the situation? I would really like for you to tell me, and please don't infer. Please use the information I have given you in the vacuum of my original post to tell me how my situation is doomed.

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Luvmydog2much

· #6 · Jan 7, 2010

A 9 month old puppy with a 8 week old puppy? Doesn't sound promising to me, nor do I know any reputable breeder who would place a young puppy with a dog that age.

I am probably way off base, I am sure your 9 month old is well trained, has no issues, plays gently with puppies etc.

You are supporting a breeder who breeds 'Whites' let me guess, they're more expensive right?

TobysTrix

· #7 · Jan 7, 2010

Right. calm down. The threaten to leave drama is old. Ask or don't and expect that there will be someone who might tell you something you don't want to hear.

Now. Doomed might be too harsh. Full disclosure: I inadvertently supported a BYB (or one step above one), and then I brought home a rescue puppy when my first was less than a year old. It worked out fine. Not without its challenges but worked out fine nonetheless.

The answer to your initial quesion: I don't really know but I'd err on the side of caution and leave your older lab at home until the pup has its shots completed.

The reasons for the comment that caused you such offense: "white labs", generally indicate a less than scrupulous breeder, and the fact that there's a wide choice of puppies rather than a waiting list.

However, I think you'll find you're not the first nor the only one on this board (who have stuck around) who have gone the same route. I would advise against the defensiveness and quick condemnation against the entire board here just because a member or two have offended your sensibilities. Yes, it sucks getting what seems to be flamed for asking a question. But after the initial reaction, take the value of the answers you get.

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lisa

· #8 · Jan 7, 2010

Finalyst said:
No offense intended? Really? But my situation is doomed and I am buying from a puppy mill.

You know, every time I post on this board, it doesn't matter what the subject is about, whether it be what kind of food I buy, the length of walk, or the simple question of whether or not to keep my dog inside before the new puppy has all his shots, my dog is always doomed.

Has anyone noticed this phenomenon? I've pretty much had it with this forum. I'm tired of the judgement, and the "Holier than thou" attitude of most everyone on this forum. You all really need to relax... And think before posting something so stupid as to say the whole situation is doomed when you have no idea what the situation is besides the vacuum of my post.

Doomed?! Are you freaking serious? The situation is doomed? As in what? What could possibly happen that dooms the situation? I would really like for you to tell me, and please don't infer. Please use the information I have given you in the vacuum of my original post to tell me how my situation is doomed.

I am not sure why you got that response...But first let me address your question. I would keep your older dog away from other dogs until your pup has had all his puppy shots. I know a pup who got quite sick this way..so better to be safe than sorry.

Now as far as your situation being doomed...I have to respectfully disagree. We got my new lab puppy Lola when Gracie was about 11 months old. We always knew we would get one more, but we decided to get one sooner than later. One of the reasons, among many, was that Gracie just loved to be around other dogs. I have had no trouble with Gracie regressing, if anything I think she is better behaved with Lola around. Her and Lola follow each other everywhere...best buds

I don't regret getting another lab at all. So please keep me posted, I would love to know how everything works out. Don't forget to send lot's of pictures of the two of them. Best of luck.

p.s I don't understand the puppy mill comment either?

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Luvmydog2much

· #9 · Jan 7, 2010

lisa said:
p.s I don't understand the puppy mill comment either?

Any breeder worth their salt a) doesn't breed 'white' puppies b) doesn't have 3 puppies in a litter available, and let the buyer choose

This may be the best thing that could ever happen, but being this poster thought his 9 month old had a hip issue etc, I don't think that wrestling and romping is a good thing. If the terrier was upset by Hunter's constant playing, what chance does a puppy have?

lisa

· #10 · Jan 7, 2010

Luvmydog2much said:
Any breeder worth their salt a) doesn't breed 'white' puppies b) doesn't have 3 puppies in a litter available, and let the buyer choose

This may be the best thing that could ever happen, but being this poster thought his 9 month old had a hip issue etc, I don't think that wrestling and romping is a good thing. If the terrier was upset by Hunter's constant playing, what chance does a puppy have?

I know of some breeders that use the term "white " to describe a lighter than yellow pup, but did not use the term... breed mainly " whites" and did not charge a penny more for them. Maybe that is what he meant.

Finalyst

Discussion Starter · #11 · Jan 7, 2010 (Edited)

Oh yes, the hip scare. Yet another holier than thou moment I received on this board. By the way, I did take the advice and hunter has not been to a dog park since.

Hey listen, dont try to make it seem like I can't take constructive criticism. I am in business and I do real estate on the side. My life is chock full of criticism andf rejection. But I won't just stand by and take insults about me or my dog. The way the post was made was clearly meant to insult me. Lisa pretty much said the same thing but I didn't get mad or offended.

Regarding my choice of breeder. Hunter was bred by the well respected Wynmar labs in socal. When I contacted wynmar labs there were 6 labs available and she did end up letting me select my dog. Since I've had him I've received Numerous compliments on his temperament, coat, size, and general beauty.

Now granted, white lab breeders are less respected by some people here, but we did our research, and checked out the puppy's parents and were happy with what we saw. Not sure why I'm explaining this to you since it doesn't pertain to my question, but I thought you could use a lesson on why you shouldn't judge a situation you have no idea about.

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Tanya

· #12 · Jan 7, 2010 (Edited)

a breeder who knows the breed would NOT use the wording "white lab". but do ensure both parents have their elbows/hips tested thru ofa, as well as their eyes and heart cleared.

having said that, yes having two puppies (which is what you will have) is do-able, sure! but be ready for alot of work and craziness. maybe I am wrong but it seems like you jumped into a second dog fast (maybe I am wrong and you had considered this before) seeing as the dog visited over the holidays and we are january 10 and you have already BOUGHT a puppy.

Both dogs will need one on one attention for a log while yet. They will be expensive (another round of shots while you are looking at a neuter cost) and you will have two senios in some years (our senior costs us 100/mt in pain meds alone). Your pup is barely hitting the difficult "teen" period. two dogs doesn't mean saving time and energy as they play together, it means more work to train both (seperately) and spend time with each alone.

Is it doable? Yes. Is it going to be alot ALOT of work every single day, yes. I would just recommend you take a step back and give it more in depth thought, go thru the budget and see if you have time for two dogs.

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3TailsWaggin

· #13 · Jan 7, 2010

My advice, as owner of 3 labs, is ... if you have the energy level to keep up with them, go for it. Life is too short for the drama.

I would suggest keeping Hunter home as much as possible until the new pup has all his shots. Certainly don't haul the pup around (although I was very guilty of doing this with Magnum and Ruger when they were little, so I'm not one to tell ya what to do

until he's through with his puppy shots.

lisa

· #14 · Jan 7, 2010

3TailsWaggin said:
My advice, as owner of 3 labs, is ... if you have the energy level to keep up with them, go for it. Life is too short for the drama.

I would suggest keeping Hunter home as much as possible until the new pup has all his shots. Certainly don't haul the pup around (although I was very guilty of doing this with Magnum and Ruger when they were little, so I'm not one to tell ya what to do until he's through with his puppy shots.

Ditto

Finalyst

Discussion Starter · #15 · Jan 7, 2010

Thanks for the advice. We did make the decision relatively quickly. I guess I thought it would be better for the pups to grow up with each other than to have hunter at 2-3 years old with all of his puppy energy gone and a puppy tryig to play with him. I have never had dogs before hunter so maybe this was a mistake to do it this way but the wheels are in motion and we're going to make the best of it. I love Hunter wih all of my heart and would never do anything that I thought would harm hunter both mentally or physically (hence the not going to dog parks anymore). I am looking forward to the new puppy despite the challenge.

Hunter is well trained, but I think I will cancel is vesting class until the pop is 16 weeks old.

Labradorable

· #16 · Jan 7, 2010

Finalyst said:
Thanks for the advice. We did make the decision relatively quickly. I guess I thought it would be better for the pups to grow up with each other than to have hunter at 2-3 years old with all of his puppy energy gone and a puppy tryig to play with him. I have never had dogs before hunter so maybe this was a mistake to do it this way but the wheels are in motion and we're going to make the best of it. I love Hunter wih all of my heart and would never do anything that I thought would harm hunter both mentally or physically (hence the not going to dog parks anymore). I am looking forward to the new puppy despite the challenge.

Hunter is well trained, but I think I will cancel is vesting class until the pop is 16 weeks old.

You're braver than I am, but if its what you want, go for it. BTW, labs don't lose their puppy energy when they're 2-3 ... more like 7-8. LOL

Finalyst

Discussion Starter · #17 · Jan 7, 2010

I thought it was shortly after getting snipped. Lol

Tanya

· #18 · Jan 7, 2010 (Edited)

oh god no, they may find their brain (MAY) when they are 2-3 but they are fully pin until closer to 8. trust me, most 5 year old labs can give puppies a run for their money.

the neuter does not affect temperment or energy level. at most it will remove their need to escape and find a female, but no, they remain the same crazy dog as before!

our family dog didn't "relax" energy wize until his body started to get arthiritic at around 10-11

I have also seen some dogs ramp UP in energy level as they hit the 12-14 month mark!

Jefferson'n'Ted

· #19 · Jan 7, 2010

The only thing I am qualified to comment on is the energy level. Really rambunctious labs don't calm down until they are 4 or so. A friend of mine has a lab (from a byb) that didn't calm down until she was 8.
I have two--both rescues. They both have a ton of energy, the 6 year old has a tad bit less than the 3 year old.

3TailsWaggin

· #20 · Jan 7, 2010

Another thing to consider, and this is probably weird to some, is the dying factor. It is so hard to lose them close together. That is one reason I like to space them apart a bit. Not saying it's a guarantee when they will die, but I've had dogs die one right after the other, and for me it's much easier to have a few years between their passing.

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