Lab Puppy or Started Dog

Bump

Paid dig money , but bought a finished 3 year old last year. Best money I ever spent. I will never buy a puppy again. I may keep one of my dog's, but will never invest in an unknown upfront and over time with the hope that the dog will be what I want it to be. The dog is part of our family and has bonded as well as any puppy you can imagine.

quote:

---

Paid dig money , but bought a finished 3 year old last year. Best money I ever spent. I will never buy a puppy again. I may keep one of my dog's, but will never invest in an unknown upfront and over time with the hope that the dog will be what I want it to be. The dog is part of our family and has bonded as well as any puppy you can imagine.

---

you mind telling how much? im thinking of doing this

I've considered doing this and will likely do it next go round. It's likely cheaper and results are nearly guaranteed. I'd go started if I had a good source. Training isn't cheap

My point is that a started dog is likely cheaper in comparison to sending your pup off for training and that the product is nearly guaranteed or at least known. A pup is a shot in the dark for the most part.

A few things to consider. How much money do we have to spend. How much training are we going to do ourselves. What level of quality are we wanting in the finished dog. What level of training experience can we give to the dog. With all that said and going on my 15 years experience training, buy a trained dog. Without question the most reliable,sure bet, and most hassle free way of achieving your end goal. A lab will bond to anyone. If said lab doesn't bond it is an anomaly.By getting a trained lab you look at the finished product. Save your money and get the most dog you can afford. Depending on type male or female, black,yellow, or chocolate, you should expect to pay $3500-$6000 for a fully trained lab. With that said if the dog has not hunted with you it will obviously need time for ya"ll to work on communication because ya"ll will be a team. Being specific on what you want will help people find the best fit. Take your time and do your homework.

What other trainers do they have around here? I've heard about chuck Mccall and talked to a guy out of Lake Arthur that is Nuthin but labs. Seems to have some decent dogs. Ive contacted Marty already. He's got some great dogs but I'm not looking to drop 4K on a started dog. I trained my last one from when he was 1 and only knew sit and stay. He ended up being a great dog and made me proud every hunt. I would work with the new dog every day

This is true. A puppy is a gamble even with good training. A started dog would be cheaper. However I thought I read where they were wanting a finished dog. People have different degrees of what a finished dog is. I know that my finished dog overall cost was higher than any started dog purchase.... short of a Lean Mac started puppy.

I have a choc lab trained. Have to sell due to being away to long. If interested let me know. He went to a trainee for 6 months and I can give you trainer contact info. Excellent dog. Let me know

Shoot me your contact info Andrew. I'll come check out your dog