AlanMatic

Thanks all for the insight. There is no one size fits all answer I suppose. My boy has become laid back over the past year or so, he must be around 4 years old now, but certainly had issues with dominance as a younger dog. The pup to be introduced would actually be a much smaller breed, probably a terrier. I do agree that a female would be the easiest way to go but if the right personality came up at the right time, in a male pup, I would consider it for sure. I like male dogs, they just seem easier going in my pet owning experience.

Any experience with how a desexed male dog will tolerate an entire male youngster being introduced to the family? I don't wish to desex a new pup before six months of age (my informed choice and I don't need advice on this). Had thought a female would be best to avoid conflict but perhaps a pup of either sex would be tolerated? Maybe it is all in the introduction/leadership, or is it about my dog's personality? Any experiences or advice welcome.

You're obviously very personally affected by this issue and have read things into my post that are simply not there. Why would I post a topic asking for help with the matter if I were hoping it would "just go away without my really doing much"? That's quite an assumption.

Yep, he had a go at every dog he met at the dog park, two days ago. Prior to this our visits to the dog park had no hump happy behaviour - I'm guessing it's something he's grown into (like wanking...)! And his only other real chance to socialize has been puppy school as a wee thing - nope, no humping - and occasional off lead runs with friend's dogs. No humping there either. I'm guessing it's a teenage thing.

Might just reiterate this statement also, for those who have assumed that I'm allowing my dog to run at large, menacing all those we come across.

Agility dogs if that is in reference to myself, this has happened once. Two days ago. Some great replies and advice here - thanks all.

Geesh Rebanne - I'm glad walkers like you are in the minority. Most people have a shade more understanding in their character. And read up on Labs - 17 months IS a pup. Thanks to those who have provided helpful, constructive input. This forum is obviously the wrong place to ask for support from those with experience - you're much more likely to end up with judgement and a condescending lecture.

Does the tie-up & ignore tactic help to calm the dog down? Haven't tried this, maybe I should.

I break up the attempted humping as soon as I can see it coming: i.e. call him off, which typically does not work (bad recall when excited, yep, training fail on my behalf), so grab by collar to separate. I never just allow the hump to happen - no way! That could get real ugly. Yep, maybe cut his nuts off? I've been waiting for him to reach maturity prior considering it - but the time could be soon, he's 17 months now. 17 months + Labrador = 35kg of excitable pup. I guess I'm reading my own answers really - more recall training.

Big, small, giant or medium. Male or female. My Lab has a "go" at everyone. Yesterday he tried to sideways-hump an absolutely massive shepherd, it was comical - but terrible manners - and I'm a bit concerned as to why he feels this need to dominate every dog he meets. Understandably, the other dogs to meet his acquaintance tend to feel a little miffed by it. Other than that, his manners are fine, loves to play, never aggressive, just... tries to hump everyone. Normal behaviour or not? Will he grow out of it? Should I actively try to train him out of it?

Voted: other; our Lab always comes with us on trips/holidays etc. Loves travel.

My thoughts as well. What happens with the rescue dog if it is not as you thought & is not suitable ? Does it go back ? Do you have to find another home for it ? Surely there are dogs in Tasmania that need a home that you can meet first. With a young child also I would want to meet the dog & see the rescue place & chat to the person there too. Rescue is variable in quality & assessment too. Yep, plenty of rescue dogs however not of this particular breed, and this is the breed we have chosen to add to our family. Tassie is quite a small place. :D If the rescue dog did not work out she would be either flown back or held until placed with another family in this state. Mags, I would like to hear more re: your encountering issues with a pedigree pup if you have the time? Thanks again all for your input.

That's right - dog is coming from another state, and neither myself nor our dog will be flying to meet them prior. Here's another variable to the mix - I have a young child in the house. I've never raised a pup with a child in the home. ETA Thanks Cas for your input - valuable points. Labs are underestimated I think but obviously the potential for real harm is there.

I don't intend. If you know all the relevant criteria to do with dog selection and integration, then why ask for advice on what dog to choose. Yourself and the rescue group have established all there is to know about relocating an adult dog interstate, to get along with your current dog and your livestock. Not so much advice on how to choose - my life, my dogs, my choice, and I have to live with it! - more a 'what would you do' subject, hence the WWYD in the title.

I'm not sure if you intend this but your posts come across as rather "short". The questions you have posed are not anything myself/and or the rescue group have not answered for ourselves. "Sounds promising" was my summation, not the rescue group's. The dog is the "right" sex, as I've stated - which in our case is a female, we have a male. ETA: I think what you're saying is, you doubt that the dog's behaviour in one home reflects how it will behave in a different home, with a different dog and different animals? Is that right?

What does "sounds promising" mean? What has the rescue dog done wrt livestock and what is your specific requirement? Is the rescue dog a male or female? "Sounds promising" means that the dog has been tested with animals and children, with positive outcome. My specific requirement is either an even temperament around other animals or the ability to acquire one through training. Why is the dog's sex relevant to you?

I do see the pros and cons of both sides of the coin, IYKWIM. I raised our resident dog from a pup and know first hand just how much work it is; but on the other hand, doing so also gives you a real sense of trust with the dog you've raised and gotten to know so well. So the hard work can well be worth it. But then, an adolescent (18 month) dog, house trained, social, the "right" age/sex... When it's interstate, I suppose you just have to place a lot of trust in the rescue group/foster carer to lay it all on the table for you. I know the last thing they'd want is it not to work out so I do believe they're open about a dog's faults and strengths. They do know all the ins and outs of our home life and I trust their judgement. Leema - easier said then done! Who doesn't get attached with the thought of adding a new pup to the home?

Fair enough & understandable in that context. Personally I conduct email conversations as close to possible as a 'real time' convo, and can't ever imagine asking "how much, whaddya got" on the phone without even a brief intro.

We've been suitably matched with a rescue dog of the breed we are seeking, the dog sounds great and truly what we are looking for. With any "older" (non-pup) canine addition to our home, it would help for them to be sociable due to our livestock, kids etc and this dog sounds promising on that front also. This dog is also of a similar age to our resident boy. However... of late we have also been considering a pedigree pup (of same breed) and had become pretty excited about it. The pup in question has not even been born yet and no deposit has been made although we have already become emotionally attached to the idea. But puppies are so much work! However; pedigree means a better window into the future, health & temperament wise. Due to the rescue dog being located interstate and needing vet work the costs for each are similar. What would you do?

Aren't breeders being a bit precious if they choose not to advertise the cost of pups, and then turn people away for asking? In the real world, many of us have a budget...

Congrats on the pregnancy, with our resident dog we found he has adjusted well and without any real work, we introduced him to the baby shortly after she was born and he loves her. No jealousy issues as it is clear she is above him is the "pack order" as such and is simply another human in the home to be welcomed and respected. The love is mutual - she's now seven months old and smiles at the sight of him. Good luck with it.

Great pics & stories. We chose Alan from a breeder in QLD from six fat, cheeky black male pups. He vommed all over my partner's lap on the drive home. We had been talking about adopting a dog for some time though that afternoon, headed out without the intention of bringing one home. Couldn't resist. Alan was the second largest boy in the litter. ETA: Just wanted to say, no it wasn't love at first sight - it was bloody hard work raising a puppy. It still can be, and if I miss our daily hour long walk, Alan lets me know it's not acceptable! He's never been a terror as such, but definitely needs lots of work to blow off steam. I would say it's only more recently, at 12 months+, that we've really bonded and now he's well and truly part of the family. It's been quite a journey guiding a wilful lab pup into a 30kg+ teenager (now 16 months) but he's great company, loyal and protective of his property and watching him become friends to our resident cats is just hilarious. We're now starting the search for a companion yellow lab for him. He seems to be fairly happy with life...

Thank you to breeders for providing your breakdowns. I can see like most passions, it's done for love not money! Can I ask opinions/clarify: why are pups often sold at two different price points? A breeder has told me there is no difference in cost to register a dog as a limited or mains pedigree. Why do breeders often charge several hundred more for mains registration of the same pup?

With an hourly walk every day and common sense obedience training (for both the dog AND the child), our 30kg+ male lab is a perfectly suitable family dog. He's 16 months old now and definitely still a big pup but by no means an uncontrollable monster of a dog. He respects cats, chickens, loves other dogs and though he tears around the yard like a banshee at times, common sense averts dangerous incidents. I don't think he's cost a mint either though feeding raw helps with that. I guess with all dogs it just comes down to recognizing that unsuitable behaviour (playing up) is just a plead for more attention/exercise/training. Wear 'em out and you'll be right!

The issue was never that I can not afford to pay for a pup (maybe read my post more correctly?). Your comment was not really relevant.