New pup or adult dog?

B

berettadouble

Member
I've got a real struggle and need some input.

My first hunting dog is nearing the end of her run. She is a soon to be 12 year old labrador who has incredible heart, but heart is about all shes got left. Physically she can't keep up with her will.

So it is time for a new dog, which presents its own problems. I'd been considering other breeds as my hunting has changed also. Highly among them has been the English Setter. I have hunted quite a bit with my father in laws Rymans and am familiar with the breed.

The dilemma: while I am ready for a puppy, my wife is not. She is a dog person but has alot on her plate with another masters, new job, kids etc. I know a pup is a team effort, and half the team don't have time. The timing ain't good, but I don't want to be without a dog either.

Soooo (finally getting to the damn point) I have come across 2 grown and trained setters, a 2yr old female returned to a kennel because they didn't ahve time with the new kid, and a 5 year old Llwellin male that the owner must find a home for due to medical issues in his family. Making arrangements to meet the dogs/owners now.

Am I a fool for wanting to go this route instead of a pup? Will the dog bond and ever consider itself mine? Will I just be taking on a worse headache than a puppy?
 
berettadouble said:
Soooo (finally getting to the damn point) I have come across 2 grown and trained setters, a 2yr old female returned to a kennel because they didn't ahve time with the new kid, and a 5 year old Llwellin male that the owner must find a home for due to medical issues in his family. Making arrangements to meet the dogs/owners now.

Am I a fool for wanting to go this route instead of a pup? Will the dog bond and ever consider itself mine? Will I just be taking on a worse headache than a puppy?
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While there are few things in life finer than birddog puppy breath in the springtime, there are times when people just dont have the time, grounds, birds or knowledge to do a new pup justice, especially a hunting dog puppy. They just dont come out of the womb trained.

IMHO, a well started or adult dog would be a good way to go at this time. Bonding should not be an issue at all. Just be sure you know what you are getting. I would insist on seeing the adult dog in the field and shoot some birds for it. And see how the dog fits into your household too. With the kids and your veteran dog. I would want a trial period before any money changes hands. Many times the reason people say they are getting rid of an adult dog is not the real reason.

Just saying...... Good luck.

NB
 
Nothing wrong with bringing in an adult dog. I like puppies, but there's always the unknown with a pup. When you buy an older dog you can see the dog run in the field and work some birds before you decide to purchase. I've bought two adult dogs in the past and have been very pleased with both. IMHO, the two year old dog is the way to go. That's a good age to get. Once again, I'd see the dog work some birds before you decide to buy.
 
In my opinion, this question represents a true dichotomy, which is entirely dependent on circumstance.

As you've pointed out yourself. Puppies (especially of the hunting variety), are a LOT of work. Some people simply don't have time for them, which would appear to be your primary issue. If you plan on training your dog yourself, there is no better reward that seeing the countless of hours of training pay off in the field. However, that's not feasible for everyone. If you send your pup off to a trainer, I really don't see any benefit over buying a started dog than you getting to choose the trainer, and check on his/her progress.

Started dogs are obviously less time-consuming, but the "convenience factor" may come with a price. As Natty said, the owner may be looking to find a new home for the dog for reasons other than stated. You may not like the way the dog was trained, etc. But then again, if you have the chance to hunt with the dog, work with him/her, and make sure he/she is a good fit in your home, then by all means a started/finished dog may be the way to go.

I would, like the others have stated, not blindly take an "adult" dog in unless you know he/she is a good fit for you, and you're a good fit for the dog. It's a two-way street I suppose.

Good luck.
 
I prefer the started/finished dog. I always put the dollars to it and feel I am money ahead spending 2K (usually bottom of price range) on a more or less finished dog. Between base cost of a puppy plus vet bills and training time. IMO, older dogs can be housebroken easier if that is needed. Like the others have said, you must watch the dog hunt. Unfortunately you are going through something all of us have or will face. Best of luck
 
Get a puppy. They do not stay a puppy that long and spring on is a great time to have one. I also strongly beleive in the bonding issue.

I am going to ruffle some feathers and say most of the people who want a started dog, not all, will not take very good care of a started dog as they really do not want the inconvienence of a dog in the first place. Their expectations exceed their ambitions.
 
Uncle Buck said:
Get a puppy. They do not stay a puppy that long and spring on is a great time to have one. I also strongly beleive in the bonding issue.

I am going to ruffle some feathers and say most of the people who want a started dog, not all, will not take very good care of a started dog as they really do not want the inconvienence of a dog in the first place. Their expectations exceed their ambitions.
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I obviously don't agree with that assumption at all. I'm surprised a senior member of this forum would stereotype a group of people just from personal experience. Just an ignorant comment.
Might as well take the "started dog" section off this forum, they just go to people who don't really want them. Yes, my feathers are ruffled
 
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agree with buck the countryside is littered with unwanted dogs from so called high rollers who buy a dog that is sopposed to come right out of the gate and hunt for them and do everything they want and then when their weekend hunt is over they dispose of it 1 way or another get a pup and build that bond thats my opinion
 
I know what both sides of that argument are, understand, and don't want any tones to degrade. I agree there are far too many dogs whose owners didn't have a clue. It's sad.
I really want a puppy- but have to be real honest with myself right now as to the time I can devote adn most importantly the family teamwork I can get right now. Price isn't an issue with the 2 dogs- the main motivation stated by both hunters is making sure they go to a good home. The 2yr old is already with the kennel. The 5 yr old is with the original owner. Both belong (ed) to fellow hunters, not dog trainers making money. Franklyu I lean to the 5 yr old as I can already tell its killing the guy to let him go. That tells me more than anything right now...

I'm leaning towards the adult, and a pup when I go to a one dog family in a few years.:(
 
I think you are correct in wanting to go with the 5 yr. old setter. It will be easier for the kennel to place a 2 year old dog than it will for the owner of the 5 year old. You will be doing both the dog and the current owner a big favor. Plus, it sounds like you will be getting a very good dog and that 5 year old still has a lot of good years left. Of course you still need to do your due diligence to make sure there aren't any hidden problems.

Good luck and be sure to let us know what you do. And after you have the new pooch home be sure to post some photos.
 
There is no reason you can't bond with an adult dog. I foster dogs for rescue and every dog that comes in lives in the house with me and even sleeps in bed with me sometimes. I run them every day off leash over land from 200 acres to over a thousand.
They bond to me, and then go on and bond to their new owners.
They keep track of me in the field, handle nicely and check in often.

Hell yes, you can bond with an older animal.
Sometimes, we have a trial period with the dog and the new family to make sure that everything is going ok. I'd do the same if I were you.
Get vet records, too.
Bring the family, bring the lab.

And housebreaking can easily be done too.

Good luck, keep us posted.
 
If you do go with the 5 year old, make sure you consider taking the previous owner with medical issues out hunting with you occasionally if he's up to it.
 
No problem at all with anyone wanting a started or finished dog for a variety of legitimate reasons (lack of time, no training experience, ect.), heck I've thought about it a time or two myself - just try to keep in mind that NOBODY gets rid of their best "started" or "finished" dog unless you just so happen into a rare family crisis or such & want to take advantage of a man down on his luck - beware, MOST times this is definitely NOT the case...

Some buyers with good intentions & at least a hint of a clue can purchase a started dog from a reputable owner or trainer & carry him on to good places for both dog & man - but I have also seen others (some of them personal friends) very disappointed with no idea how to even hunt the dog or issue basic commands, much less take care of it or build on what's there after they finally figure out that it wasn't ALL TAKEN CARE OF FOR THEM 4EVER by the previous/original trainer no matter how much was paid (& yes, there are some people who really shouldn't have a dog)...

Who am I to be the judge, just understand well what you're getting into with dog ownership & take care of the dog like it deserves whether a pup or a started or finished dog - cause I've seen the exact same undesirable scenario described with older dogs happen with some gung-ho guy with a brand new pup even more (actually, more times than I care to count)...

Bottom Line: If ALL a man is interested in is hunting & shooting birds, he would be much better off just going along with someone else who has a dog (whether that be friend or guide). On that note, I'm well past my two cents...
 
berettadouble said:
Dog found a home before I could get to see him. Damn. Back to square one.
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I have a litter of EPs due in May. I will give you a pup of 10 weeks. I want to put the pup through a few drills before it leaves. Let me know.
 
Max and Rose Dam and Sir
 
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bently said:
I obviously don't agree with that assumption at all. I'm surprised a senior member of this forum would stereotype a group of people just from personal experience. Just an ignorant comment.
Might as well take the "started dog" section off this forum, they just go to people who don't really want them. Yes, my feathers are ruffled
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I thought I set my answer up very carefully to avoid this type of comment. There is a reason they call me a senior and I would say it is 53 years of hunting, breeding and "placing" puppies.
I also tried very hard to make it clear I was not making a blanket assumption. I am sure their are some very capable and sincere started dog buyers out there, but I guess no one has ever explained their motives to me. Sometimes somebody loses a dog just before the season and wants to hit the ground flying. I understand that.
I recall an earlier post re the 3.5 year old pointer that when placed in a new environment, shut down. Ultimately things worked out praise the Lord,and I commend the new owner. I am just pointing this out as a possible situation.

I'll just put it this way again--I beleive in the bonding process. It's not critical in every pup, but I have dealt with some shy pups who really came out of their shell after they get away from the puppy pack. I just recently went thru this with a pup and when she went out at 10 weeks she was retrieving for me and hunting on her own in below zero weather. One guy turned her down when I stated she was a "little aloof" when I first got her. When the new owner walked thru the door with his two kids it was love and bonding at first sight. I don't run a puppy mill and often sell dogs that are 4-5 months old if sales are a little slow(usually two many males) but I have long conversations with the buyers before they go. If they tell me the dog will be outside in a kennel all the time, I find a new prospect.
 
Gove County Britts said:
agree with buck the countryside is littered with unwanted dogs from so called high rollers who buy a dog that is sopposed to come right out of the gate and hunt for them and do everything they want and then when their weekend hunt is over they dispose of it 1 way or another get a pup and build that bond thats my opinion
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That's a BINGO!
 
hen said:
No problem at all with anyone wanting a started or finished dog for a variety of legitimate reasons (lack of time, no training experience, ect.), heck I've thought about it a time or two myself - just try to keep in mind that NOBODY gets rid of their best "started" or "finished" dog unless you just so happen into a rare family crisis or such & want to take advantage of a man down on his luck - beware, MOST times this is definitely NOT the case...

Some buyers with good intentions & at least a hint of a clue can purchase a started dog from a reputable owner or trainer & carry him on to good places for both dog & man - but I have also seen others (some of them personal friends) very disappointed with no idea how to even hunt the dog or issue basic commands, much less take care of it or build on what's there after they finally figure out that it wasn't ALL TAKEN CARE OF FOR THEM 4EVER by the previous/original trainer no matter how much was paid (& yes, there are some people who really shouldn't have a dog)...

Who am I to be the judge, just understand well what you're getting into with dog ownership & take care of the dog like it deserves whether a pup or a started or finished dog - cause I've seen the exact same undesirable scenario described with older dogs happen with some gung-ho guy with a brand new pup even more (actually, more times than I care to count)...

Bottom Line: If ALL a man is interested in is hunting & shooting birds, he would be much better off just going along with someone else who has a dog (whether that be friend or guide). On that note, I'm well past my two cents...
Click to expand...

Great points but lack of time is GENERALLY not a good excuse.
 
V-John said:
There is no reason you can't bond with an adult dog. I foster dogs for rescue and every dog that comes in lives in the house with me and even sleeps in bed with me sometimes. I run them every day off leash over land from 200 acres to over a thousand.
They bond to me, and then go on and bond to their new owners.
They keep track of me in the field, handle nicely and check in often.

Hell yes, you can bond with an older animal.
Sometimes, we have a trial period with the dog and the new family to make sure that everything is going ok. I'd do the same if I were you.
Get vet records, too.
Bring the family, bring the lab.

And housebreaking can easily be done too.

Good luck, keep us posted.
Click to expand...

I agree, it happens all the time but why not stack the odds. I am all for rescue dogs, but would prefer that none had to be rescued.
 
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