I have no experince with labs, but as long as they know what a bird is. I can have a english pointer, pointing and holding in 1/2 day to one day. Being a young dog you may not keep her attention long enough to work an entire field in one outing. Young dogs are fun too. If there was enough quial around here I'd get another english pointer or two we could train her with.

 

My Black Lab will be 16 years old in Feb. I dread the day he passes, but he has had a long wonderful life. He has been the best dog I have ever had. I just wish he was a little younger. My kids are finally getting old enough that they want to play with him , but he is just too old anymore.

Good luck with that pup, and may it bring you as many years of joy as mine has.

 

16 years is a long life for any retirever. My previous one died at 12. She was a sweetheart and still missed everyday.

 

Congrats on Maya's birth. Puppies are so much fun!!

 

Congrats on the Lab. I have one and shes the best dog I have ever had. Here is a pic of my little friend:

 

I agree with UC. As excited as you are ( i would be too) it's best just to let the pup develop a little bit more. You have a whole life time to spend with her/him. Just take your time and let nature take its course. The pup will still be there in a week 8 or 9. Puppy development is very important. Remember a week to a puppy is probably the same as a month to us.

 

I understand your and UC's concern.....but to me....this is a Chevy vs. Ford argument..........like I said before.....this is not my first dog.......

....as far as puppy development goes......a puppy goes on pure instinct for the first 3 weeks....on the 21st day....it is almost as if a switch is flipped in their brain and all of the puppies senses start to function......between week 3-4 is when the puppy gains much of its development from its mother and litter mates and is when it needs them the most.........around the 5-7th week is when you begin much of its "exploring" process.....Puppies that remain with litter mates after the seventh week will develop bullyish or cowed tendencies which will remain with them into adulthood......by the end of the 7th week the puppy is emotionally developed and ready to learn.....the 8-12th week is when you should begin the basic obedience training as well as some of the fundamental "work" training.........weeks 12-16 are critical for an owner because this is the time that the pup will try to establish a dominate role in its "pack" (i.e. your family).......you must be prepared for this because if you do not counter-act this process properly....you will have a very hard to control dog....

....like I said.....I am experienced in this process.....if you have any specific questions....let me know....and I will let you know some more specific information for your questions........but it is a myth that you must let a dog develop with its litter mates and mother for a longer period.....I know first hand that this tends to lead to behavioral tendencies that are not desired by most owners.........

....most owners do not have the time nor the experience to properly raise a pup in a manner that will allow for proper development........again....Chevy vs. Ford...........3000mi vs. 5000mi..........

 

You're confusing me. You're saying there is room for interpretation but then you bring up ford V. chevy.

There is no interpretation when it comes to Ford V. Chevy. Ford is far superior in every way.

 

..........my point exactly.....................this statement will ring true on a Ford forum.....but will be laughed at on a Chevy forum........

......just like I know that what I am currently doing with Maya is appropriate....just as it has been for EVERY one of my previous dogs and pups of litters.........it is all personal experience.........

 

His anology would have made more sense had he used the 3000 or 5000 as time to change oil, or even the argument as of 5-20 oil compared to 5-30. One thing you have to admit tho, he presents it as if he knows something about pups regardless of whether he does or not.

 

My experince raising coon hounds, we let the mother decide when it was time. When the mom weened the pups she ussually began ignoring them too. Ussually 6-7 weeks, 8 weeks was the longest, if they werent all sold by 8 weeks then we ussually went ahead and seperated them at that time unless they were still suckeling. There is no magic number and it can't be predicted. She'll likely do fine at 7 weeks, but I wouldn't pull her off the tit if she is still suckeling at that time.

 

Good Point Matt...........

..........The breeder which I am getting this pup from is a very experienced breeder (you should really check out his website.....especially if you are looking for a pointing lab line...he has one of the best and oldest lines that exist)........he weens the pups at an appropriate age and all are ready for pickup by 7 weeks (8 if shipped.....but who would want their pup shipped)....


....like I said before.....it is all dependent on experience and the individual growth of the pup......but it has been my experience that the longer you wait to develop a pup....the more behavior issues you will encounter....


.......anyhow......onward with the discussion........

Matt........the father that sired this litter is a GMPR (Grand Master Pointing Lab).....his name is GMPR Wannamakers Hot Tub SH from Blackjack Kennels......I have heard this name a few times from those that travel on the APLA (American Pointling Lab Association) circut.......the breeder that I am getting my pup from has a 10mo old pup from him and he is already pointing......so I am pretty excited that I am investing into this line.....I am serious though.....you get some land to hunt and I am more than willing to make a trip out your way for a weekend next season........I am always looking for opportunties to hunt..........but Maya really wont be complete in her training until the 2008 season.....but I hope to get a little out of her in 2007.........

 

Land isn't hard to come up with, land with birds on it is another.
I havent quail hunted in probably 8 years, "dang coyotes".

 

I've taken both of my pups from reputable breeders right around 7 weeks. My first Chessie lived till 12 and was the sweetest dog. The Chessie I have now is 4 years old and also has a sweet temperament.

 

LT.....you wouldn't happen to be a fowler would you?....or your hubby (if married)?.........I like Chessie's......they are great retrievers....especially in the cold waters.........