Hi all, amazing thread!! helped me a lot...
a bit about me --- new to this.. been wanting to have a dog forever...
family has never had one but loads of friends have...and i absolutely love dogs!

looking to get a LAB/ Golden Retriever PUP in a few months time as want to get holidays out of the way!

i work in london and travel about 45min each way. moving in with OH soon and getting a nice 1 bed with a big communal garden in a month;s time.


both of us will work full time. However, both of us can walk the pup in the morning, come during lunch time and spend plenty of time with him/her in the evenings. and ofcourse there are weekends!

ive been doing a lot of research as want to make sure that this is fair on the new member of my fairly new family!!
been reading that its OK to leave the dog alone for a few hours each time.
I am certain that we will spend the first few days (10days -2weeks) with the pup training him as much as we can. After that, we will have to leave the pup home alone for 3-5 hours every day.

I would greatly appreciate feedback and comments. its July right now - thinking of getting the pup in December as it will be holiday time and downtime (allowing both of us to spend max time with the pup!)

thanks!!!
UD

3 hours should be fine if someone can come back after that to take the puppy out to the toilet and some play time. One thing with goldens is some lines have bad temperments but people on here can advise you on good breeders to look at. Good luck with finding your new family member

__________________
"A dog is not "almost human," and I know of no greater insult to the canine race than to describe it as such."
John Holmes

Owned by Buster cairn terrier mix and Leo netherland dwarf mix bunny

Would also warn about getting a pup in December. Most good breeders avoid having litters at this time because of the problems associated with buying puppies for xmas and it not being the ideal time for a puppy to go to a new home. Whereas it's a byb and puppy farmers prime time for selling for the same reasons. Not saying there won't be any good, well bred puppies about, but they will be thin on the ground.

Both Goldens and Labradors will require hip and elbow scores and eye tests. Not sure what else Goldens require, but preferably Labs should have at least one parent pra clear too.

thanks v much for your replies!

i have already got in touch with a "registered and accredited" breeder through the KC website.

i have heard about the Golden temperament problems and on reading more realised that most of those issues are due to bad training early on. I could be wrong!!

re: the hip and eye tests, where can i read up on these? not even sure what a good score is!?

re: the timing... can be flexible about that if thts the case..

once again - thanks peeps ... appreciate the advice

UD

Not sure what the hip score averages are for those breeds but basically both parents should be below the average. The eye tests should be clear. Any good breeder will have carried these out and be happy to give you the results of the parents.

Most temperment problems can be fixed with training but you're better choosing dogs from lines that don't have the resource guarding issues to make it easier especially with your first dog.

__________________
"A dog is not "almost human," and I know of no greater insult to the canine race than to describe it as such."
John Holmes

Owned by Buster cairn terrier mix and Leo netherland dwarf mix bunny

A member on here has a very good website regarding labrador health tests (also will apply to goldens re hips and elbows and eyes).
It also gives examples of the certificates the breeder should show you (don't take their word for it - often they say they are done but have mysteriously mislaid the certificates when you ask for them )

Welcome to Labrador Health

lots of useful info on health tests that both parents should have.

I can't comment on the golden temperament as not my breed, but I would say that temperament IS inherited. Obviously training and socialisation play it's part too, but it is important, irrespective of breed, that the temperament of the parents is second to none.

Rocco33 - thanks v v much for the website re: Lab health!!! just what i was looking for.

Spoke to a breeder and at first, she wasnt happy about me getting a pup but convinced her tht i was making an educated decision and not getting a "christmas present" without thinkin through.

Will keep in mind the temperament issues peeps!
thanks again.

would welcome advice on raising a pup when working full time.... pls keep the good stuff coming!!

-UD

Hi,

I can suggest some of the tips:

1. First of all look, whether the breed of the puppy you are thinking to buy can survive in the environment you live.

2. Do deep study on various varieties of dogs.

3. Look for which color of the puppy you want.

4. Do you have the sufficient time to take care of your puppy?

5. Look for the price of the puppies.

Thank You

This is an enormous thread, and I'm new, so apologies if this point has been raised already:

One thing many people say is that "the puppy chose me" - i.e. The puppy was boisterous and friendly, and was jumping all over them 'asking' them to buy him (/her) when they first went to meet him.

This may seem cute to us, but this is not the way to choose a puppy. Such behaviour is displayed by a dominant pup, and could very well spell trouble in later life - especially in the 'guarding' breeds of dog.

You should really choose a puppy who is calm, well socialised in the pack with his siblings (and with his human companions), and who is happy to be stroked and petted, and doesn't spend all his/her time shying away in a corner - which could also spell trouble in later life with a fearful dog.