Well, DH frequently peruses Craigslist. Today he found a 7 month old yellow lab. He is neutered, micochipped, utd on all shots. We met him on neutral ground with just Hunter to see if Hunter would like him as much as we thought. They were very good together. The pup even shared his big stick with Hunter. Passing the first test, we asked the owner to bring him over to our house to see how the three dogs interacted. Nutty was pretty good with him, she let him know that she was boss when she thought that she needed to. Overall I think it went really well. He was a bit jumpy - owner said that it's just because he doesn't know us and he seemed a bit mouthy to me. I know that these both can be corrected. They are rehoming him because he is "higher maintenance" than they thought. He had labs growing up but didn't remember the energy level. The pup has been through basic obedience and had a terrific down/stay even with Hunter prancing around.

Are there specific questions that I should be asking the current owner? The dog is AKC registered, do I need them to sign something to transfer ownership? I just want to make sure that we are doing this right. I think they may also have to sign something to release the vet records too? Any advice would be appreciated.

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Nutty and Hunter's Mom

Labs are awesome dogs and are one of my favorite breeds. However, a lot of people think that they are just a short-haired version of the Golden, but they're really not. In general, Labs have a MUCH higher energy level than Goldens and usually tend to have a bit more of a prey drive. I had a couple of labs and lab mixes growing up and I was amazed by just how much energy they had. I also have a few family members who currently have young labs and they are the same way. I also found that they shed even more than Goldens and, since their hair is so short, it's very hard to clean up! I still love them, especially black ones. I say go for it!

Regarding the AKC, they would need to pay $25 (I think) to transfer ownership over to you. I'm sure that they could just get a copy of the vet records to give to you.

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The AKC is transferrable, I would insist on seeing copies of all vet records, and getting "full disclosure" on exactly what they determine "high maintenance" to be.

Having said that- I bet this boy will fit into your home beautifully! Labs are wonderful dogs and all they really need thats any different from what a golden needs is a little more exercise and a little more direction. He will be a "puppy" longer than you'de imagine. Just getting the ATTENTION and some patience will go a long way in his training. They have all the same wonderful attributes of the Golden, but with a little more independence.

Now- Small rant time: If I had a buck for every irresponsible dog owner who backed away from his or her commitment to a dog because they "got too big", or "had too much energy" or "took up too much time", I'd be a wealthy woman. It makes me crazy to deal with people like this. What did they THINK was going to happen to this puppy?

Rant over. I really hope adopting this boy works out for you!

Definitely get a full copy of the vet records before agreeing to take him, just to be sure there is nothing you should know medically. And yes, do have them sign something transferring ownership to you, and have them sign the AKC registration over to you too.

I hope you get him!

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If possible, it would be good to get the information on the pup's parents, see if they had any clearances done. Getting the vet records ahead of time, or at least talking to their vet, would be excellent as well. If they have gone to any training classes with him, talking to the trainer would be very helpful.

k9data now is set up for Labs as well as Goldens, so there is always the chance his parents are listed.

Also, if the pup came from a responsible breeder, they may have signed a contract to return the pup to the breeder-definitely would check into that. People tend to "forget" about stuff like that

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Linda
Tahnee Golden Retrievers

Thanks for the advice so far. I feel pretty comfortable with what we've seen and heard so far but definitely have more questions (thanks for the list GRF Friends!). I will ask them to provide the vet records and if they can't show them, permission for me to call their vet. I will also double check if they have a contract where they return the pup to the breeder. Here's a picture of him and Hunter. Keep the questions coming, I have my list started.

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Nutty and Hunter's Mom

OMG! You have to keep this baby! look at that face; They're going to have a big time together!

Geez,he is just adorable! Look at that face

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Linda
Tahnee Golden Retrievers

Having one of each I can say you will love having a lab. They are high energy and very intelligent. Pearl is great at catching a frisbee or playing chuck it, she is also a great couch and lap dog.

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John,Becky,Pearl,&Cricket...Millie & Brandy at the BRIDGE

Might take a lot of work but I loves me a yellow lab. Yes they shed a lot, but they love a lot, too. Smart and dumb, Goofy and fun. Will love you with all their heart.

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Abby and Finn