Getting a dog......suggestions?

[Steelfish]

Sorry I missed this thread. I would like to comment as a veterinarian if I may.
If the "purebred" thing is not important to you, then may I suggest a mixed breed dog that closely resembles the type of dog you would like (I am guessing that is black lab). Few reasons for this:
1. hybrid vigor - mixed breed dogs tend to have less genetic problems than purebreds (eg. hip dysplasia is a problem in Labs)
2. Less expensive to purchase (even free)
3. Your local shelter will be able to show you several examples that you can interact with before deciding. Believe it or not, that can be important.

Whatever route you go, ensure your family knows and understands the huge responsibility it is to properly look after a dog. Too often the shine wears off after a length of time and the dog gets neglected to a certain degree. That being said, a dog can become and integral and important part of any family and can teach your kids lots about sharing and responsibility.

Good luck with your hunt!

Rod

Mighty is the mongrel! :d

Both the dogs I've had have been "mongrels" and they have/had been wonderful companions and friends.

Dodge........German Shepherd/Labrador X

Jack........Australian Shepherd X

 

[BADWIN BING]

So.......this is 'Dougie' at 5 weeks.

The pics were taken with a crappy (borrowed) camera. I'll take better shots when he comes 'home'.

We collect him on December 19th.

Looking forward to Christmas......should be eventful.

 

[BADWIN BING]

Bump......almost an hour has past! Someone tell me my puppy looks cute?

 

[RobbDizzle]

Bump......almost an hour has past! Someone tell me my puppy looks cute?

Cute? No. Super-duper-crazy cute? Absolutely!

 

[BADWIN BING]

Cute? No. Super-duper-crazy cute? Absolutely!

:lol:

Thank you RD..........even if you don't mean it.

 

[RobbDizzle]

:lol:

Thank you RD..........even if you don't mean it.

Don't mean it? Of course I mean it! No such thing as a pup that isn't cute

 

[G30]

Awww...

What a sweet boy and... he's a lab. You do know they're a wee bit hyperactive, don't you BING???

With some work, "Dougie" will make a great addition to the family. I'm sure he's a heartbreaker already.

 

[BADWIN BING]

Thanks my friend. I seem to be digging holes for myself of late. :frustrating:

Can't wait to get him. Neither can the kids! This Christmas should be one to remember.

Plenty of pics of Dougie on the way..................

 

[drrod]

Great looking pup. Cute hardly describes him. Now the fun begins. Great time to start training. Pups learn the best when they are this age. Just remember that their attention span is about the same as a small child. ie. measured in seconds. Take your time. Patience is the key but it will pay off big time for both him and your family.
Rod

 

[BADWIN BING]

Great looking pup. Cute hardly describes him. Now the fun begins. Great time to start training. Pups learn the best when they are this age. Just remember that their attention span is about the same as a small child. ie. measured in seconds. Take your time. Patience is the key but it will pay off big time for both him and your family.
Rod

Thanks, and also for the advice.

Ground rules are already set in place. He's gonna be trained well and smothered with love!

 

[ochaves]

Totally cute. Congrats!!!!!

As you can see in my avatar, I'm a black labs guy

One of the greatest dogs in the world

 

[BADWIN BING]

Totally cute. Congrats!!!!!

As you can see in my avatar, I'm a black labs guy

One of the greatest dogs in the world

Thank you.

 

[cybee]

Awesome! What else can be said but "man's best friend" and there's a good reason why a dog is known as that. Outside of the company of a woman a dog is next best thing.

Enjoy your new friend : )

 

[jeffw69]

Very cute puppy BB!!!
Congrats and enjoy him.

 

[Spboudart]

He's awesome!
Your house is going to be upside-down for the next year and a half, then it'll come back to normal.
My vet told me that to have a nice dog you need to have app that sleep a lot.
Our lab was beautiful until his last day, but slept around 18 to 20 hours a day all his life.

 

[trailboss99]

Awesome little fellow BB. Have fun!

 

[Phil G]

Nice choice of dog BB. I'm sure you'll all have a great time together. :

Good luck, Phil

 

[BADWIN BING]

cybee, jeff, boudart, boss, phil...........thanks for all the kind words. Much appreciated.

 

[mike 8]

Beautiful pup BB Best of luck !!!

 

[BADWIN BING]

Thanks Mike.

@ochaves - I've just gone over this thread from page1. I missed this first time around. Great pics and thanks for sharing.

My very dangeous dogs:

Mom:

The Boyz:

Beautiful dogs!