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NJ Hunter / New Jersey Small Game & Waterfowl Hunting / Small Game Action / Dog advice - lab?
Posted:  03 Oct 2008 1:18 PM
Ive been wanting a dog for some time now.  I think I have decided that i want a lab.  I would like to get one within the next year, but alot can happen in that time.  But, before i actually do decide to buy a pup, id like to get some input.  I know what i should be looking for with regard to individual pups in a litter, but who are some good breeders in the area?  where should i be looking?  Keep in mind i do want to train the dog to hunt.  Id like to start testing the waters so to speak
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Posted:  03 Oct 2008 1:47 PM
what do you want to do hunting and the dog to hunt for
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Posted:  03 Oct 2008 3:54 PM
I just a got a black lab.(6 months ago) I had put a deposit on a pup a year ago. In the time since, my gf had taken a new job and with her hours we simply couldn't have enough time for a puppy. We cancelled with the breeder.....Turns out the breeder had gotten a phone call from a past client who had purchased a lab one a year and a half ago from her. Unfortunatly the mother of the family fell ill and they couldn't give the attention a lab needs any longer. So we got the call saying there is a free lab available(rescue dog) and if we were interested to call. My girlfriend did,and the owner brought the dog up all papers included(AKC,vet,blah blah) He decided we would be a good fit for her, and now I have a 65 lb. huntin buddy. Because she was pre-trained she listens very well,and is great around children and people in general.  You should look into these type of dogs. People care about thier animals..They would rather see them happy even if it means giving them up. It's a win win situation for you and the dog. Check it out...Good luck
Posted:  03 Oct 2008 4:13 PM
Stay out of the show dog breedings nothing but slugs, most that do have hunting titles are there to get more money not that they actually hunt the dog. Look in the paper, you also have RTF they have some good breedings on there, local retriver clubs in the area are a good resource. The background is what you want to research. You want to look for HT/ FT titles also possible hip and eye cert. Make sure they will gaurantee health. Normally you have to take the pup to a vet in a set amount of time.It will tell you what your buying. Once you do the reasearch if possible go see the parents before hand. Hope this helps some. Chris
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Posted:  03 Oct 2008 4:14 PM   Last Edited By: njplotts
Never, never buy a pup from a first cross for full price. Every new breeding is a gamble what the pups will turn into. I personally deal with line breedings. There are times when a outcross needed. Lock in the good traits & remove the less then desireable ones. Also keep in mind reguarding papers  UKC, AKC or both. REMEMBER! Titles don't always produce good dogs. Back to my comment about 1 st crosses. I always tell my clients if you don't have alot of time, resouces, place etc consider a trainer or a started dog.
I don't breed Labs but have produced over 200 pups in the last 30 yrs
Posted:  03 Oct 2008 4:26 PM
Go for a lab mix. Smarter & usually with less health problems .
Posted:  03 Oct 2008 5:59 PM
Deep Run Retreivers in VA is a great place.  Someone recommended them on this site to me and "Hunter" who we got at 4mos from them has been great.  As of yesterday they had 4 yellow lab pups from the same father as our dog.  I beleive they are delivering to hand already.  PM me if you want more info.
Posted:  03 Oct 2008 6:04 PM
Here are some pictures.  Hunter on his new Avery Stand
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u239/JacksonProStaff/IMG_0014.jpg

Retreving in first snow storm
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u239/JacksonProStaff/IMG_0350.jpg

At Bent Creek
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u239/JacksonProStaff/IMG_0324.jpg
Posted:  03 Oct 2008 6:07 PM
Deep Run Farm  they take you out and show you what the dog know before you leave

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u239/JacksonProStaff/IMG_0286-1.jpg
Deep Run
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u239/JacksonProStaff/IMG_0285-1.jpg
Park on way Home
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u239/JacksonProStaff/IMG_0292.jpg
Posted:  03 Oct 2008 6:08 PM   Last Edited By: Hoyt Hunter
http://www.deeprunretrievers.com/dogsale.htm
Posted:  03 Oct 2008 6:12 PM
hoyt never seen you on weekend. I Have the Zink.
Posted:  03 Oct 2008 6:19 PM
I was there Sunday with my wife and dog.  Did you have your own booth?   What do you mean you have the Zink?
Posted:  03 Oct 2008 6:46 PM
Try Holland Kennels in Holland township Hunterdon County...Great place
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Posted:  03 Oct 2008 7:50 PM
Don't get wrapped up in big name breeders, all you are guaranteed is your buying an expensive dog.

Find someone who has hunting labs and will guarantee their dog.

Make sure they have their OFA certification for hip dysplasia and it goes back a couple generations.

Check their eyes.

My yellow (Baily) was born on Nov. 28. And she is the best hunter I have ever had and a wonderful house dog on top of that. I bought labs and have friend who have bought them from very reputable breeders and have had them not even want to go in the water. They were just field dogs. My dog hunts all around, she will play in a puddle if she can.

She is the best $375. I have ever spent, and if I would put even more effort into her she would probably blow any dog away, and I will argue that to the death.
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Posted:  03 Oct 2008 7:51 PM
Hoyt Hunter, Looks like a great hunter you got their also.
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Posted:  03 Oct 2008 8:01 PM
Yeah he is good.  I got him at 4 months and he was $1000.  However, he had considerable training (ie live birds, swimming, retreiving etc).  Him getting a start from a good trainer has helped him tremendously.
Posted:  03 Oct 2008 9:06 PM
Think Njplotts was meaning me about the Zink. I had mentioned I wanted to buy a zink call and he said he had one for me.
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Posted:  03 Oct 2008 9:13 PM
ADOPT, ADOPT, ADOPT!!!! Where are you located? I can send you a list of shelters. 800-save-a-pet.
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Posted:  03 Oct 2008 9:30 PM
Thanks for the help. im definitly not ready to buy at the moment, but i want to start getting ideas and maybe going and talking to people.  I should be more specific that i want a lab mostly for duck and goose, but who knows i may use them once or twice for pheasants.  anyway, i have a few more questions.  1. should i train the dog myself?  or should i use a trainer? (for both regular obedience and hunting ability) 2. ow much would it cost to have (me and the dog) trained? 3. they say labs are average shedders, and ive been around labs and it seems that if you brush them often there isnt much left lying around. that sound right?
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Posted:  03 Oct 2008 9:41 PM   Last Edited By: Blackduck1
If you're ready now, one of those 4 month old pups at DeepRun that Hoyt Hunter mentioned would be great for ya.

When you get a 8 week old pup at Deep Run, its already been retrieving, in water, attacking live pigeons, heard gunfire, etc .... so a 4 month pup is going to have a real head start for ya.

I believe the remaining litters for this year are either all English, or English/American field litters. Not sure if you want them. You can talk with them to find out about litters in the spring.

You can not pick out of the litter, they choose for you. But they guarantee the pup. their dogs are certified for hips, elbows, eyes, heart, etc.

They have quite a place down there. A couple hundred acres maybe (??) where they train hunting dogs. The owners ..... Jack founded North American Hunting Retriever Assoc. Phyllis is a well known vet/researcher.

Where ever you get your dog, good luck. You're becoming quite the hunter.
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Posted:  03 Oct 2008 9:51 PM   Last Edited By: Blackduck1
They do shed a little. They lose their winter under coat every year. But, its no big deal. Though, my only experience is with American style field labs.

Yes, you can train yourself. Labs are eager learners. Pick one training book ... study it and use it like a Bible, with a training collar.

Aren't you near Colliers Mills WMA? The local NAHRA club trains there, and they love to have beginners ... dogs and their owners. Real nice people. And your dog will learn under hunting conditions, with distractions. I think they still meet their.
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Posted:  03 Oct 2008 9:51 PM
i got a chessie for a breeder in south jersey....redlion kennels, she also has labs...she shows her dogs alot, i dont know what the person before said that show dogs are slugs...but she has the lab litters more than chessies. she also will take you out training and teach you that stuff if you like...i have worked with alot of her dogs and all are great...i got my dog at 10 months was great because he was already house trained.  but look around and make sure you check in to all breeders, especially with labs in this area. good luck.  she is always happy for people to come and check out her dogs.....www.redlionkennel.com i think that is the site.  i have had my dog, who is from a show line, but he is working out great for me.  GOOD LUCK..
Posted:  03 Oct 2008 10:49 PM
I said most show dogs are slugs, not all . I've seen some very hard running show dogs that I would be proud to own, I've quite afew show dogs run in hunt tests that belong in the show ring not in the field. Jaine at redlion is a very nice lady and very helpful and knowledgable in HT/FT. She does have both labs and chessies. I know of one chessie she owns that I ran with this yr ran through juniors. As a matter of fact she ran a lab over the weekend at Tuckerton. Someone to look at in the future. I do want to correct myself to some extent, titles aren't everything and aren't nessicary. they do however give you, something physical in front of you on how the dog was used instead of someones word. My male dog for example has a both of titles in his family lineage. My female has absolutely nothing, but a bunch of hip and eye certs. Both good factors to weigh in the decision. Chris
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Posted:  06 Oct 2008 3:18 AM
bigmike:

Do you have a lab or chessie from Redlion?  If it's a chessie, tell me more.  I have one from Chesabar Kennels and he has been everything I could have asked for.  He is 9 yrs old and I'm thinking about getting another from a more hunting or hunt test oriented breeder.  Any info would be appreciated.
Posted:  06 Oct 2008 6:58 AM
Hoyt Hunter, That is a great looking dog!
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Posted:  06 Oct 2008 10:01 AM
For pheasants I'd recommend an English Setter....they are THE BEST bird dogs.  For ducks I'd recommend a lab or retreiver...
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Posted:  06 Oct 2008 10:24 AM   Last Edited By: BIGSTASH
My humble opion nothing will beat a lab for all around hunting good for fowl also excellent for upland if you are looking for a pointer the also have pointing lab's Try Skyline kennels for a dog

Don Hawkins E-mail Address(es):  skyline100@worldnet.att.net
They also are at the Raritan show in January

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d78/BIGSTASH/P1010047.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d78/BIGSTASH/PB110011.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d78/BIGSTASH/P1010042.jpg
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Posted:  06 Oct 2008 11:16 AM
i have a black lab 2 years old. Let me tell you the best companion ever. Also, a great dog with the kids. I hihgly recommend like evryone else said, get one from someone u trust and stay away from those puppy mills. I got mine from a guy in hunterdon county if you want more info i will give it to you.
Posted:  06 Oct 2008 1:18 PM
I think a Lab is an excellent choice. I have a yellow lab that has black and chocolate in his line. He was the only yellow in the litter, the rest were chocolate. He's five now and is the best dog anyone could ask for. Good luck with what ever you decide.
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Posted:  06 Oct 2008 4:20 PM
Like Big Stash, I have a Lab from Skyline.  All the basics described above are important regarding the hips, eyes, etc.  When I met Don, I explained I had to balance between having kids, and getting the dog out to hunt, when I could.  He actually picked the pup for me (not embarassed to say!) from the group. He works the pups with birds as soon as possible. My guy would eat the house if you let him, but he lives to please, loves water even muddy ruts in the road he will substitute for the flatbrook, and was the best $$ I ever spent.   I would post a photo, but am stumped on how to?  Help out there please ?