waterfowler050 Posted April 2, 2009 Share Posted April 2, 2009 ok i live in seattle washington and would love to look in to getting a good dog for waterfowl. im looking for something from a breeder with a good reputation and all that good stuff. my cash is limited and am also wondering what a puppy could come out to at an average price. lastly they need to be able to live in a house. thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jraducks Posted April 2, 2009 Share Posted April 2, 2009 I have a lab from a reputable kennel in Mississippi. He was $1,000 at 8 weeks old then add training, food, vet bills, kennels, etc it can add up! I don't really keep up with what my dogs "cost" because personally I don't care. They are my buddies! I have the Lab who is my hunting dog and then I have an 85lb doberman. They are essentially my children so they are somewhat spoiled. Right now one is on the couch with me and the other is on his bed. They both live in the house and I am gone 12-16 hours a day sometimes and they're fine. But I digress... You can get a dog from a backyard breeder for $250 and it could be a very successful dog but I would recommend saving your money for a few years until you can afford a dog with proven bloodlines with certified eyes, heart, EIC, hips, etc. I would hate for you to get and invest what money you have on a dog that gets hip dysplasia at 2 years old. Unfortunately these days reputable breeders are asking $650-1,000 a "certified" puppy but I think the peace of mind is worth it. One thing I might suggest since you are young is try and find a breeder/trainer in your area and VOLUNTEER to throw birds or wash kennels for him as a sort of payment plan for a pup if you can't afford one. You will get some GREAT experience this way and he will also be able to help you with the training. Since I am in Mississippi, can't really help you on local breeders but i'm sure if you dig a little bit you can find one or two in your area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waterfowler050 Posted April 2, 2009 Author Share Posted April 2, 2009 thank you so much. money is the thing. well that and my parents:rolleyes:. but i do make good mone in the summer atleast $700-$800 dollars and might be able to work something out this summer. and all i have read is go labs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jraducks Posted April 2, 2009 Share Posted April 2, 2009 Anytime! Dogs are a pretty personal choice like shotguns or clothing choices are. I have a lab and he is great but when my buddy finds a suitable mate for his Chesapeake I get first male pick of the litter out of them so I will be trying the Chessies out. I have seen his dog do 800 yard blind retrieves on snow geese several times when we have our big goose hunt. Pretty cool dog and a great temperament. I hunted over 50 days this year in 4 states and had at least one dog on every hunt, we had 11 or 12 on our big goose hunt. To me, watching the dogs is what its all about! Don't forget the initial price of the dog is minor in comparison to "upkeep" on the dog over the years, meaning food/bills/etc. I wouldn't trade it for a thing though! Find a breeder and offer to help out, most are very welcoming to people willing to throw birds or clean kennels for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waterfowler050 Posted April 2, 2009 Author Share Posted April 2, 2009 :Dok thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VINCIshooter Posted April 25, 2009 Share Posted April 25, 2009 my black lab was $500 from a well known breeder GO lABS!!! make sure you dont pick one just couse you think it will hunt well pick the dog that you feel best with as a hunting partner not somthing that will go get your kills good luck let us know when you get it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darkjedi351 Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 labs are great but just be ready for the terrible two's. they are quick to learn but have a tendency to destroy (chew) everything in sight until 2 or 3 yrs old. Find a good breeder with both parents on site. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TMAC Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 One last thing to mention....what ever bad behaviors your dog exhibits are typically more your fault than your dogs fault. I never tolerated jumping, chewing, and all those other pesty things. So your diligence will pay huge dividends. A lot of reasons people choose dog trainers to do the work for them. I like the challenge and the time to watch mine develope over the years, so to each his own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deadeyemojo Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 I have a Chocolate Lab I trained him by myself so I could Train him how I wanted him to he trainned and now he does everything the way I wanted him to do. My opinnion, train your dog yourself you will save alot of money and it helps you and your dog bond. The stronger the bond the better your results will be in the duck blind. Retreving wise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackDogs3 Posted June 15, 2009 Share Posted June 15, 2009 Check two books out of the library- Water Dog and Game Dog by Richard A. Wolters. Both books will help you choose and train you pup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Huck Posted June 15, 2009 Share Posted June 15, 2009 Wonder if I can get the dog whisper to help me to improve with hand signals and blinds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TMAC Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 Be cautious of what he whispers in your dogs ear Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverking00 Posted June 29, 2009 Share Posted June 29, 2009 If you are still looking for a good dog for cheap don't over look a not so pure bred. My chocolate female is not pure. But you can't tell by looking at her. For cheap training try tennis balls with duck scent on them. Use them as toy's then all you'll need to do is make the dog sit and stay when you throw while yelling "bang" and send the dog when you want them to leave. lots of positive praise for stuff done right . Bob In Wash State Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waterfowler050 Posted September 9, 2009 Author Share Posted September 9, 2009 hey thanks i think i found my dog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lefty81 Posted September 9, 2009 Share Posted September 9, 2009 Best wishes with your new pup. I recommend training the pup yourself. You'll get a much greater reward on the duck pond when you reap the benefits of YOUR time and effort you spend with it, you get to know your pup better, and plus and you'll save lots of money. In my experience, I've never seen a dog perform well for the owner after its been off at school (others might have different stories). Training is work but it's fun and you can't beat the joy of watching your pup do what YOU taught him to do, not what you paid some other guy to do who doesn't care for your dog like you do. "Water Dog" by Woltors is a great buy! What kind of dog did you decide on? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waterfowler050 Posted September 11, 2009 Author Share Posted September 11, 2009 lab. there is no substitute Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Huck Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 Tell us more about your dog. Where you find him? He or She? Color? An such. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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