Yonjuro Posted February 9, 2014 Share Posted February 9, 2014 (edited) ... it is not as hard to find a good dog that will suit you and your family as it may seem. You have done the right thing coming here and asking these questions and I think the $100 you will probably lose has been more than made up in what you will have learnt since posting your initial question. Have a look in the Breeds 101 section of the forum and there will be first hand experience from Lab and GT owners and breeders. If you wish have a look at other breeds that you may not have considered. This should give you enough info to make an informed decision. Then have a look in the breeders section at the front of this site. THere may not be a puppy immediately available and you may need to go on a waiting list. There is a breeders only section of the forum where you will see announcements of litters and when they are due. A few hours reading will be a great investment for your family. I waited around 8 months for my puppy - it was a hard wait but well worth it. Good on you for asking questions and you are already ahead of many that just cough up the money, take the puppy in complete trust only to end up with a heartbreaking and very expensive disaster. Edited February 9, 2014 by Yonjuro Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Ams Posted February 9, 2014 Share Posted February 9, 2014 Cheys I know we can be an overwhelming lot on DOL but give us a chance and collectively DOL can help you find the right companion for your family. Labradors: http://www.dogzonline.com.au/breeds/community/labrador-retriever.asp Golden Retrievers: http://www.dogzonline.com.au/breeds/community/golden-retriever.asp Even if you just compare the "pawprints" you can see the two breeds are very different in size, maintenance and exercise requirements. More info can be found here: Labradors: My link Golden Retrievers: My link You could then join the forum discussions by owners of these breeds here: Labradors I can't find a sub breed thread for Goldies. Ring a few different breeders of both breeds and get a feel for them, visit some shows (Durack grounds in Brisbane) and talk to people who show their dogs. Find someone you connect with, someone you can forge a friendship with and get to know them, how they raise their dogs and then make a decision. A dog lives for a long time so it is an important decision to make. All puppies are cute, it is important to make sure the fit is for life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted February 9, 2014 Share Posted February 9, 2014 Cheys - yes, apologies- we can be a bit full-on and enthusiastic at handing out advice --- it can be overwhelming ;) Ams wrote a very good post (as usual) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bjelkier Posted February 9, 2014 Share Posted February 9, 2014 I've had both breeds and personally I found the Goldie a much better fit for what I was after, mine was far more quiet, affectionate and intelligent than my Lab. But this is just my experience, other people will no doubt have different opinions. Everything important has already been said. Research your chosen breeds, meet breeders and their dogs, be honest with yourself about what you can really offer the dog and be willing to wait for the right puppy. I've waited years for the right dog at times and others weeks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VizslaMomma Posted February 9, 2014 Share Posted February 9, 2014 No I'm not the confrontational type at all I just want a nice dog to add to my family I have two children and have always loved golden retrievers but I guess I let my heart over rule my head in this instance my kids are going to be disappointed as well, but that is life I suppose my husband feels very uncomfortable buying this dog now as do I Start thinking this way (please). We have made a responsible choice by deciding to wait to pick a puppy that will be ideal for our family. and breathe and repeat. I have just had a wonderful experience with my new puppy ( different breed). But I am friends with the breeder, have contact with her, pet insurance to start off his early weeks. Best of all, I have a puppy that is in good health, well socialised. Cheys, you and your family deserve this too. When I was a mere 15 months old, a friend's Golden Retriever saved me from drowning in a river. This is the type of dog, well adjusted, that a family deserves. Your aim is to have such a dog/girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OSoSwift Posted February 9, 2014 Share Posted February 9, 2014 I bought a puppy from a similar situation to the one you are describing apart from the fact she was 8 weeks old. I euthanased her at 3 years of age due to an issue that had her parents been tested for is highly likely she would never have been affected with. It shredded my heart to pieces. I suggest you look through the breeders lists of both breeds. Choose breeders who have done all the breed appropriate health testing. Contact them. If possible go and meet them and some of their dogs. You need to figure out if you like their dogs and they are what you think will be best for your family. You also need to make sure you and the breeder get along well enough to have a good relationship post puppy purchase in case you have any issues or need any advice. A good working relationship with your breeder is Gold. When you find a breeder that does is these things put your name down for a puppy, the right puppy. The best person to help you choose the right puppy for you and your family is your breeder. They are with the puppies all the time, they will know their temperaments. It is your job to give them as much information about your situation and what you like in a dog so they can tell you which puppy is most like what you are looking for. I know what it is like to have a puppy like the one that broke my heart and I also know what it is like to have the dog that fits just right. Don't get disillusioned, go looking and you will find the perfect pup. It may take a little time but it will be worth it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dotdashdot Posted February 9, 2014 Share Posted February 9, 2014 I am another who will encourage not rushing in to buying the perfect pup for you, I waited a year before I had the chance to add my current puppy to my family, my needs were slightly different as I was after a show dog but the relationship I have built with Nala's breeder is amazing and something I will really cherish. I also have an amazing friendship with another breeder who was my original pick to get a dog from but the timing has never been right. The right breeder is as much an asset as the right dog, only today on facebook Nala's breeder posted a funny story about a trait that her original dalmatian had that has popped up in one of her current dogs, and another owner of a descendent shared that hers too did the same thing. My two girls are related to these dogs, and while they don't share that trait (yet) it's lovely to see the sharing of information that can go on between good breeders and owners. Nala's breeder also "likes" without fail, every photo I put up of Nala and enjoys watching her mature. I guess my point in all this is that the right dog is out there for you, and as much as I just wanted every gorgeous pup that I saw, I am so very glad that I restrained myself because I now wouldn't trade Nala for the world. And also, you don't need to restrict yourself to your local area, both of my girls are from Tasmania (I am regional NSw) but because I researched, and had built a solid relationship with the breeders first, I felt more than confident in purchasing only through seeing pics (in Nala's case, while her mum was still pregnant!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackJaq Posted February 9, 2014 Share Posted February 9, 2014 I think it is a great idea to meet a few dogs of each breed you are interested in as the actual real life dog will usually be pretty different to the picture you may have in your head from reading about them. I also find that GRs are more gentle and relaxed and perhaps a tiny bit more likely to at least swerve rather than bowl over a young child. I have also found the ones I have met a bit more intelligent than the labs I have met so far. You really don't want to get 12 or 24 months into puppy's life only to realize that you would have liked a gentler dog, or a dog that sheds less, etc. It really pays to do your research and meet some dogs in real life before making such a huge commitment. Think how disappointed the kids might be after having a puppy for a while only to have to give it up again if it is a terrible fit for the family or too sick to keep going. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OSoSwift Posted February 9, 2014 Share Posted February 9, 2014 Just about most of the stuff you read about Whippets are they are timid and hard to train.........................NOT While there are timid whippets out there I have met far more that are outgoing thatn timid. ALso I have trained three and would not class one as hard, they are far easier than my dobe ever was. Meeting them is the absolute best way to know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdierikx Posted February 9, 2014 Share Posted February 9, 2014 Labs and Goldens are quite different once they mature some - both can be quite a handful as pups/teens... and I swear that Labs actually shed MORE than Goldens... My Lab is not well bred - and her name is Trouble for a reason. She turned 8 yesterday, and is still as nutty as she was the day we got her at 10 weeks of age. I had a thought... would your family be amenable to a rescue Golden? You won't necessarily be getting a puppy, but you will get a gorgeous dog that will be a great fit for your lifestyle and family. Goldie Rescue does have plenty of young adult Goldens that may be perfect for your situation... http://www.grr.org.au/ - Wendy and Trish are amazing people, and have rehomed many awesome Goldens over the years to families just like yours. Well worth giving them a call IMHO. T. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted February 9, 2014 Share Posted February 9, 2014 I also find that GRs are more gentle and relaxed and perhaps a tiny bit more likely to at least swerve rather than bowl over a young child. LOl yep :) ..or at least they say sorry afterwards :p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clyde Posted February 9, 2014 Share Posted February 9, 2014 As a groomer (and ex vet nurse) I've seen a lot of aggression issues in Golden Retrievers. Curiosity always makes me ask the owner, and yep they've all come from unregistered breeders. They're a big dog and not something I'd want to risk. My neighbours bought a gorgeous Lab pup two years ago from a registered breeder, he was $900. Fully health tested parents etc. There is no way I'd spend $900 on a dog who didn't come from good lines and a good breeder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Ark Posted February 9, 2014 Share Posted February 9, 2014 Until we as a community start reporting each and every case of breeders breaking the existing animal welfare/companion animal laws with regard to the sale of dogs none of this will change. Whether or not this "breeder" is dodgy or just inexperienced/panicking/whatever she needs to be reported to the RSPCA/overseeing government department for offering a pup for sale at less than 8 weeks of age. Ignorance is no excuse, and if she is that uninformed before having a litter of pups then she needs to be stopped in her tracks right now. Having battled long and hard against seeing even more legislation implemented that will affect those of us already doing the right thing, it drives me insane to see people like this flying under the radar because no-one bothers to report them. People like her are invisible until somebody draws attention to them. Please report her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christina Posted February 9, 2014 Share Posted February 9, 2014 Going to get shot for this but obviously it is better & common sense really to go to a registered breeder who does the relevant health tests for their particular breed. The money saved, if any, is minimal by going to a backyard breeder. However many years ago pups did leave mum at 6 weeks old, it was acceptable back then. They were not all vicious, maladjusted & problem dogs who had a host of problems. With bigger breeds who have large litters the mother dog often wants to be away from pups who are hassling her & trying to feed at 6 weeks old. Mastitis is not caused by neglect either. It can happen in any dog & even in human mothers. A common cause of the problems today are lack of mixing & socialisation & training because dogs are not welcome in so many places as opposed to where they can be taken & are welcome in most other countries. Of course the wisest course is to pass on the puppy & risk losing your deposit. Find a registered breeder who does the relevant health tests for your chosen breed & keeps pups for the 8 weeks advised. Then do a home visit & make sure you are happy with the parents, the condition of all the dogs & how they live & are raised. If you have any concerns or don't like anything say no thank you & try another breeder. It is that simple. Tye worry about the pups is not your concern but it sounds like she will care for them & find homes. Better for you to go elsewhere though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted February 9, 2014 Share Posted February 9, 2014 However many years ago pups did leave mum at 6 weeks old, it was acceptable back then.They were not all vicious, maladjusted & problem dogs who had a host of problems. no - IMO , as there were many more opportunities for early socialising - NO parvo ..many more offlead opportunities .... and 'the public' had more general sense of what dogs were like . It is sad now that new owners have so many things to concern them - worries which get in the way of simply enjoying bringing a pup into their home. hang in there, Chey - it WILL all be good !! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raineth Posted February 9, 2014 Share Posted February 9, 2014 It can be a bit of work to find not just the right breed, but the right breeder for your future dog, but it can also be quite fun and satisfying :) If you can, go to a dog show. The good thing about both Labs and Goldens is that they should be fairly well represented at most shows. This gives you an opportunity to meet the dogs and talk to owners and breeders. You can ask all your questions about the different breeds such as the variation in their temperaments, grooming and shedding, questions about health and longevity, and about which dogs might be a good fit for your family and your personal likes and dislikes. Meeting the dogs and their owners and breeders in the flesh should help clarify a lot for you :) Good luck in your search. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boronia Posted February 9, 2014 Share Posted February 9, 2014 Until we as a community start reporting each and every case of breeders breaking the existing animal welfare/companion animal laws with regard to the sale of dogs none of this will change. Whether or not this "breeder" is dodgy or just inexperienced/panicking/whatever she needs to be reported to the RSPCA/overseeing government department for offering a pup for sale at less than 8 weeks of age. Ignorance is no excuse, and if she is that uninformed before having a litter of pups then she needs to be stopped in her tracks right now. Having battled long and hard against seeing even more legislation implemented that will affect those of us already doing the right thing, it drives me insane to see people like this flying under the radar because no-one bothers to report them. People like her are invisible until somebody draws attention to them. Please report her. It is unfortunate but the breeder cannot be reported to anyone TA. Unless the breeder is a member of an organisation like the Canine Control Council or a specific incorporated dog-group...in which case they can have their membership revoked as they have broken the organisation's constitutional rules. The breeder (in this case) can sell the pups at whatever age they like. The '8 weeks old for sale' is only a recommendation by RSPCA or Councils and there is nothing the RSPCA or Councils can do about it. I would be very happy if I can be corrected on my post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wundahoo Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 I would be willing to bet that the breeder's vet did not say sending on at 4 weeks is okay. Dealing with bite inhibition of an 8 week old raised carefully from an excellent breeder is still quite a handful. Can't imagine what it will be like with a 4 week old from a breeder with very little care or experience Agree with you SO much !! Very few vets would tell their clients to rehome pups at 4 weeks old !! Most will vaccinate pups at 6 weeks but would not suggest that they be rehomed until at least a few days after vaccination. For so many reasons this is a BAD situation and I think that the OP would be doing themselves a favour by walking away from this..... I suggest a very fast walk, breaking into a trot !!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Ark Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 As this is in QLD and I am in NSW I am not 100% sure of the legislation, however I do know that in NSW the Councils and the RSPCA will investigate cases like this. I reported one backyard breeder for advertising pups for sale at 6 weeks of age and that earned her a visit from the RSPCA. They didn't seize any dogs or take any other action BUT she immediately changed the ad and kept the pups for another 2 weeks, and now advises other people of the 8 week minimum. I would have rathered her be shut down forever, however my actions at least saved that litter of puppies from being shipped out at 6 weeks of age and she now knows that there are people who are watching her. I think it's worth contacting the authorities and at least trying. Sometimes there is some other technicality that they can catch these people out on - ie. Are the pups microchipped prior to sale at 4 weeks as required by law? Are all dogs on the property registered with local council? Or we can all just have a general whinge about it amongst ourselves and continue to let people like this go about their business uninterrupted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loving my Oldies Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 I would be willing to bet that the breeder's vet did not say sending on at 4 weeks is okay. Dealing with bite inhibition of an 8 week old raised carefully from an excellent breeder is still quite a handful. Can't imagine what it will be like with a 4 week old from a breeder with very little care or experience Agree with you SO much !! Very few vets would tell their clients to rehome pups at 4 weeks old !! Can I mildly suggest that you read the OP's Post #5 :) :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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