Author Topic: Which puppy should I get?!!!! (Read 17373 times)

Peter Staley · « **on:** April 30, 2009, 06:34:41 pm »

I've been a cat person my whole adult life, adopting a total of five shelter cats since I moved to NYC in 1983, including the two we live with now. My bf has been pushing me for years to add a puppy to our family, so in two weeks, we're going to buy one of the yellow lab puppies shown below.

First off, please no guilt trips about buying from a breeder -- I've done my part rescuing shelter pets over many years. The primary reason I'm using a breeder for the first time is because I'm very nervous about getting the best possible match (temperament, trainability, size, gets along w/ cats, etc.) for this really big change in our lives.

So here's a description of the 3 puppies we can choose from (all girls), provided by the breeder:

There are two light ones and one dark one. The lightest one is
the puppy with the most energy. She really is a pistol. The darkest puppy
is the sweetest mellowest puppy in the litter. The next to lightest one is
very sweet and affectionate, but still has some zip. The lightest puppy may
be quite a bit more work to get started. She is very independent and strong
willed. The darkest just wants to be someone's baby and the next to
lightest one is somewhere in between the two.

And here they are (click on the thumbnail pic to see a larger pic)...

[attachment deleted by admin]

marc11864 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 30, 2009, 06:45:44 pm »

You're gonna break 'em up Peter?

I say you take all three. They'll balance each other's temperament out that way!

weasel · « **Reply #2 on:** April 30, 2009, 06:47:19 pm »

Have fun Peter !

May i suggest socks on the chairs and rocker runners ?

I LOVE puppies

Carl

Mouse · « **Reply #3 on:** April 30, 2009, 06:51:34 pm »

You're going for a labrador?

Oh boy. Have fun. Hope you have a lot of spare energy. xD

RapidRod · « **Reply #4 on:** April 30, 2009, 07:01:49 pm »

Peter don't let that mellowest one full you.

I've raised and showed dogs most of my life and that mellowest one will be a bomb on four legs.

denb45 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 30, 2009, 07:11:06 pm »

ohhhhhh poopys

Peter, you have to chose whatever one fits your lifestyle...whatever that is for you?

mjmel · « **Reply #6 on:** April 30, 2009, 07:20:32 pm »

The one in the middle, of course.
But...have to echo comment by Mouse...why a lab? So energetic. You did your research so you know they are 'working dogs' and will LOTS of energy to burn in those first months--till training classes help channel all that love.
A wonderful breed, kind to all but the mean/dangerous type folks.

Congrates BF, for helping Peter to crossover.

Mike

Robert · « **Reply #7 on:** April 30, 2009, 08:04:46 pm »

Peter.

you really need at least 2 dogs. Whose going to play with poor Bumble when she's home alone? Like the others have said, labs have lots of energy and love to play. Let them play with each other all day so when you come home, they'll be plumb tuckered out and leave you be.

By the say, that's Bumble on the far left.

robt

Oceanbeach · « **Reply #8 on:** April 30, 2009, 08:40:57 pm »

Hey Peter,

One of the benefits of working with a breeded instead of getting a dog from the animal shelter is the breeders knowledge of the puppy's bloodlines. My Kaiser came running up the stairs and jumped up on my bed in 1997 and I always heard about German Shephards and Hip Dysplacia but I was not prepared for that dogs painful death last Thanksgiving, he could not walk and I could not carry him during his last week living.

I was thinking about getting a Golden Lab because they are nice and so full of love. German Shephards, Golden Labs and Black Labs are at the top of the list for developing Hip Dysplacia. First, I would ask myself if I would be physically capable of carrying a full grown big dog in and out in 12 years. I have been outside three times already today to talk to the pile of dirt where Kaiser is buried. Second, I would talk to the breeder about the history of that bloodline and Hip Dysplacia and other potential mobility issues. After those were answered, I would take the puppy in the middle.

Have the best day
Michael

anniebc · « **Reply #9 on:** April 30, 2009, 09:18:35 pm »

If I had to choose Peter I would go for the little one in the middle..sounds like she has a nice gentle nature, but they do need a lot of exercise.

If you live in an apartment this is the dog you need...I had one in Aussie, he was very affectionate and loyal, he was stolen from my back garden and I never saw him again..

Hugs
Jan

[attachment deleted by admin]

Miss Philicia · « **Reply #10 on:** April 30, 2009, 09:51:07 pm »

What difference does it make? They all three look exactly alike except for the color. Just pick the one that matches your shoes.

Longislander · « **Reply #11 on:** April 30, 2009, 10:13:49 pm »

Considering the breeder was able to get them to pose so nicely for that pic, I'd say they're all sweethearts. The one int he middle looks the saddest, so I say that one.

Good luck, and I hope you guys have a really big couch for the 3 of you to stretch out on as she gets bigger!

Paul

Basquo · « **Reply #12 on:** April 30, 2009, 10:30:52 pm »

Quote from: anniebc on April 30, 2009, 09:18:35 pm

If I had to choose Peter I would go for the little one in the middle..sounds like she has a nice gentle nature, but they do need a lot of exercise.

If you live in an apartment this is the dog you need...I had one in Aussie, he was very affectionate and loyal, he was stolen from my back garden and I never saw him again..

Hugs
Jan

OMG...another reason I love Jan...get a Maltese! Just ask blondebeauty...or find his videos on youtube of Diana. They are good to go with no hip problems...

But if I had to choose I'd pick the one on the right.

Miss Philicia · « **Reply #13 on:** April 30, 2009, 11:17:08 pm »

I just voted for the one on the far right because the poor thing had received no votes so far and I felt sorry for him.

komnaes · « **Reply #14 on:** April 30, 2009, 11:22:31 pm »

Is it just me? It looks to me they all have extremely sad pleading eyes...

I like the one on the right too...

Miss Philicia · « **Reply #15 on:** April 30, 2009, 11:53:34 pm »

Quote from: komnaes on April 30, 2009, 11:22:31 pm

Is it just me? It looks to me they all have extremely sad pleading eyes...

I like the one on the right too...

They're sad because they're about to enter an unclean house infested with AIDS.

komnaes · « **Reply #16 on:** May 01, 2009, 12:25:49 am »

Quote from: Miss Philicia on April 30, 2009, 11:53:34 pm

They're sad because they're about to enter an unclean house infested with AIDS.

No, none of them has been a contestant in a Miss USA Pageant right? So it shouldn't matter..

randym431 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 01, 2009, 05:21:58 am »

Yeah you gotta get all three.

mjmel · « **Reply #18 on:** May 01, 2009, 05:33:09 am »

Quote from: Miss Philicia on April 30, 2009, 11:53:34 pm

They're sad because they're about to enter an unclean house infested with AIDS.

Gasp! Phillicia, you need to be spanked hard for that comment.
And why does anyone think they are sad?
They are not sad. They are doing their 'adopt me' pose to entice pity and longing in humans.
If you were within arms length of 'em they'd show you, alright.

Mike

Ann · « **Reply #19 on:** May 01, 2009, 08:35:05 am »

Quote from: Miss Philicia on April 30, 2009, 09:51:07 pm

Just pick the one that matches your shoes.

Or pick one that doesn't and buy new shoes!

Peter, I'm so jealous. My house isn't big enough to have a lab, but if it were, I'd pick the one on the right.

Ann

Peter Staley · « **Reply #20 on:** May 01, 2009, 09:15:30 am »

Thanks for the feedback everyone!

Quote from: Robert on April 30, 2009, 08:04:46 pm

you really need at least 2 dogs. Whose going to play with poor Bumble when she's home alone? Like the others have said, labs have lots of energy and love to play. Let them play with each other all day so when you come home, they'll be plumb tuckered out and leave you be.

Robert -- I work from home (and am only working part-time these days), so there will be very little time when the dog is alone.

I know a lab can be a handful, but as adults, they're actually pretty relaxed and adaptable as far as breeds go. We live on a lake, so having a water-loving breed made sense as well.

Quote from: mjmel on April 30, 2009, 07:20:32 pm

You did your research so you know they are 'working dogs' and will LOTS of energy to burn in those first months--till training classes help channel all that love.

I've got a local trainer lined up just in case we need one. I've got a bunch of good training books, and hope to teach her lots of tricks like this pretty lab puppy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=devuU7b-igM

As for names, the bf wants to name her Stella. STELLA! HEY, STELLA!

sharkdiver · « **Reply #21 on:** May 01, 2009, 09:45:04 am »

Get a Corgi, they are cooler than labs.

dixieman · « **Reply #22 on:** May 01, 2009, 11:08:10 am »

Peter, All three a too cute to choose from... the lab breed makes for a great companion... since you have room for the dog and the breed loves water... its going to be a hard to choose... see which one gravitates towards you and your partner. A good book to use as reference... "Leader of the Pack" it helped me with my dog... Enjoy many years of a true unconditional love of a friend... John

poz1970 · « **Reply #23 on:** May 01, 2009, 02:24:19 pm »

I voted for the middle one.

Please, whichever you choose, regular photos please :-D

J

Peter Staley · « **Reply #24 on:** May 01, 2009, 02:55:51 pm »

Quote from: dixieman on May 01, 2009, 11:08:10 am

Peter, All three a too cute to choose from... the lab breed makes for a great companion... since you have room for the dog and the breed loves water... its going to be a hard to choose... see which one gravitates towards you and your partner. A good book to use as reference... "Leader of the Pack" it helped me with my dog... Enjoy many years of a true unconditional love of a friend... John

John -- that book sounds like the same school of thought from those Dog Whisperer shows, which I've enjoyed watching recently. Thanks for the tip.

And thanks, J -- I'll definitely post pics once she's home.

rondrond · « **Reply #25 on:** May 01, 2009, 03:04:55 pm »

My vote: the middle one

*if you don't choose the middle one, I wonder how much to send to Texas?*

mjmel · « **Reply #26 on:** May 01, 2009, 03:49:18 pm »

Stella = a groovy name.

Do try to get a pic of the reactions of any feline royalty laying about the house when the new girl arrives.

They will look at you and demand, "What have you done?"

Mike

GSOgymrat · « **Reply #27 on:** May 01, 2009, 07:59:17 pm »

They are all adorable! I don't think you can make a wrong choice.

Robert · « **Reply #28 on:** May 01, 2009, 08:39:09 pm »

peter..

living in the country makes all the difference. You and Stella are going to have a blast! And you'll be asking youself, what took so long?

I can just see you now....Clapping your hands and yelling,

"STELLA !"

"STELLA ! ~~ !

...come here you bad dog."

Jody · « **Reply #29 on:** May 01, 2009, 09:57:06 pm »

I love those dogs...I feel bad for the two that won't be chosen!

Peter... do you live on the lake year round or are you still in Brooklyn?

Jody

Joe K · « **Reply #30 on:** May 02, 2009, 01:52:08 pm »

Peter,

I'd pick the middle one, but I'm biased as I've had goldens forever. From experience I can tell you that all retrievers make wonderful pets and they get along very well with other animals. Mac, my last golden, would curl up on the floor and my cats would just climb aboard for a snooze. The only strange thing I noticed, when first mixing dogs and cats, is that both breeds sometimes get confused as to what they are. I have cats that sleep under the covers and a dog who thinks she can climb trees. What a hoot they are and I guarantee that nothing can cheer you up faster, than a big happy face and fiercely wagging tail. The only caution I have for you is to train which ever dog to not jump on people, as a large dog can do a lot of damage.

My best advice for picking one, is to just sit on the floor with all three and play with them and one of them will pierce your heart... decision made. Also, unlike cats, dogs are pack animals and very social, so if you really have the room, consider getting two of them and they will have best friends for life.

HIVworker · « **Reply #31 on:** May 02, 2009, 05:23:37 pm »

Quote from: sharkdiver on May 01, 2009, 09:45:04 am

Get a Corgi, they are cooler than labs.

You are my instant friend!!! I love Corgi's and will get one next year hopefully.

That said, these labs are adorable. I vote the one on the right too. For some reason it jumps out at me as the sort of dog I can see you with Peter. I don't mean that to sound like I know you, but just your photograph. don't ask me why....it just looks like it should be with you.

Good luck! I am very jealous and excited for you!

R

mjmel · « **Reply #32 on:** May 03, 2009, 02:23:14 pm »

Word! More dogs = more housework.

Anything more than one is transitioning into a housemaid 24/7. Trust me on this.

Mike
(who houses 5 dogs and wishes he hadn't yet he loves 'em all)

Oceanbeach · « **Reply #33 on:** May 03, 2009, 03:09:28 pm »

Hey Peter,

I was digging around and found this site www.largedogbreedz.com and found the Golden Lab is generally healthy. It is the Labrador Retriever which is prone to hip dysplacia as I had stated earlier as that information came from 1 800 pet meds.

Have the best day
Michael
(who still likes the puppy in the middle)

HollyStar · « **Reply #34 on:** May 03, 2009, 06:22:34 pm »

They are all so cute!!! I have a yellow lab. She will be two years old later this year. She was pretty white when we got her but her color did change. Now she is white and and pink-ish brown. The people we got her from said she was very mellow. Maybe she was mellow for a few days but she just bursts with energy, all the time. She is almost too smart for her own good. We trained her to respond to voice commands and hand gestures. She also has to go out and pee more than any other dog I've ever had. Once she got older, she would get extremely excited around other people. A small water spray bottle worked wonders for her. She loves the water but only on her terms. I could go on and on about her and our other five dogs!

It's so good that you will be with her much of the time. They really do have a lot of energy, so have fun shopping for doggy toys (stay away from the rope toys, mine would try and eat them and poop rainbow colored string, which could have been a disaster!). Have fun and I look forward to more pictures.

fearless · « **Reply #35 on:** May 03, 2009, 11:54:14 pm »

I'm with dixieman, Peter... they're all cute, so you can't go wrong... the important thing is which one gells with you and your partner... you need to go and meet them for that... when you do, I'm sure one will jump out and grab both your hearts.

minismom · « **Reply #36 on:** May 04, 2009, 07:08:18 am »

I voted for the "sweet with zip". We had a chow / lab mix. Very smart and loyal dog, but very big. I think you need at least two, too. But then the 3rd would feel left out. So, my vote is really for you to take all 3.

Jan, what a great puppy. We're in the market for a Chinese Crested. It's the only dog #6 isn't allergic to.

What is the expected delivery date of the puppies, Peter?

Mum

Peter Staley · « **Reply #37 on:** May 04, 2009, 07:52:26 am »

We're driving to western PA on the 16th to pick her up. The breeder wanted us to pick now, because he thinks all but one or two will be chosen by then.

We picked one for now (I'm not saying which), but hope there will be a choice when we get there.

I'll let everyone know which one we got once we've got her home. So exciting!

poz1970 · « **Reply #38 on:** May 04, 2009, 12:38:31 pm »

Quote from: Peter Staley on May 04, 2009, 07:52:26 am

We're driving to western PA on the 16th to pick her up. The breeder wanted us to pick now, because he thinks all but one or two will be chosen by then.

We picked one for now (I'm not saying which), but hope there will be a choice when we get there.

I'll let everyone know which one we got once we've got her home. So exciting!

the 16th? thats like... 11 days away!!! don't keep us in suspense, thats just mean!! :-)

J

AlanBama · « **Reply #39 on:** May 04, 2009, 01:11:28 pm »

They're all adorable; I went with the one on the right, she just looks super-sweet to me.

I hope she enjoys her new home! She's a lucky girl. Can't wait to hear how she's getting along with the cats....I can see me bringing in a dog with Fang, the bi-polar feline.....

hugs,

Alan

mjmel · « **Reply #40 on:** May 04, 2009, 08:05:41 pm »

What a tease!

Mike

J.R.E. · « **Reply #41 on:** May 04, 2009, 08:12:48 pm »

Quote from: Peter Staley on May 04, 2009, 07:52:26 am

We picked one for now (I'm not saying which), but hope there will be a choice when we get there.

I'll let everyone know which one we got once we've got her home. So exciting!

I would have picked the one with the least amount of votes. The underdog !!

Ray

Peter Staley · « **Reply #42 on:** May 04, 2009, 08:23:30 pm »

As usual, Ray is right. We told the breeder we're interested in the one on the left. We're ready for the challenge of her being a "pistol," and we love her light shading (although we realize this might change).

If we still have the option of picking from two or three puppies once we arrive, then we remain open to choosing a different one based on our first impressions.

I'm still very nervous about all of this, having been a cat person my whole adult life, but I'm also very excited by it all.

J.R.E. · « **Reply #43 on:** May 04, 2009, 08:30:33 pm »

Quote from: Peter Staley on May 04, 2009, 08:23:30 pm

As usual, Ray is right. We told the breeder we're interested in the one on the left.

Which is also the one that I voted for !!

Ray

fearless · « **Reply #44 on:** May 04, 2009, 09:48:49 pm »

Peter,

If you have not already done so you should surf the net for tips on introducing a dog into a cat household.
There are literally thousands of sits offering such tips out there. Here's a link to one: http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_Cat.html

mjmel · « **Reply #45 on:** May 04, 2009, 10:05:29 pm »

We cannot have a nervous alpha male. Nope. So straighten up, mister.

Kidding aside, you have nothing to be nervous about. You guys can't mess this up. If you don't know what you're doing the dog will show you and it'll all be OK.

Mike

poz1970 · « **Reply #46 on:** May 05, 2009, 08:50:08 am »

Quote from: Peter Staley on May 04, 2009, 08:23:30 pm

As usual, Ray is right. We told the breeder we're interested in the one on the left. We're ready for the challenge of her being a "pistol," and we love her light shading (although we realize this might change).

If we still have the option of picking from two or three puppies once we arrive, then we remain open to choosing a different one based on our first impressions.

I'm still very nervous about all of this, having been a cat person my whole adult life, but I'm also very excited by it all.

It'll all work out fine :-) with three cats, that dog is going to have so many identity issues!

Do you have a video camera, so you can upload something to youtube... "puppy meets 3 cat household"?!? :-D

J

Andy Velez · « **Reply #47 on:** May 05, 2009, 09:09:46 am »

Labs are wonderful beings, Peter. My brother Gene has two of them -- brothers - and they are wonderful together.

Whatever the challenges I know you guys are going to have a great time absorbing her into your family. My son Ben has a wonderful stray pittbull mix whom he rescued 6 years ago. The two cats he has definitely still run the roost and they have all long since settled into being a family. It's going to be fascinating and hilarious at times to witness how "the new baby" becomes a part of the family.

Awaiting reports.

Peter Staley · « **Reply #48 on:** May 05, 2009, 09:10:12 am »

I've got a digital camera that can shoot short videos.

Also, I have two cats, not three.

Quote from: fearless on May 04, 2009, 09:48:49 pm

Peter,

If you have not already done so you should surf the net for tips on introducing a dog into a cat household.
There are literally thousands of sits offering such tips out there. Here's a link to one: http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_Cat.html

Thanks for this helpful link!

Dwayn20 · « **Reply #49 on:** May 05, 2009, 10:47:24 pm »

Peter which ever you got they will love unconditionally so it is a hard choice to make.I am glad I did not have to choose Missy I fell in love with the moment I saw her.Of course some times I think she is demon spawn that's why Mark said that I give birth to her.She is a Chihuahua with the color coat of a German Shepherd and if you have ever watched Gremlins the one they called Spike she has just enough white hair on the top of her head.Put a little gel and you have Missy Spike.She keeps me on my toes only problem with that is with neuropathy she likes to try to bite my feet.Not hard but that hurts anyway but in her defence she don,t know any better.Enjoy the puppy training.
Scooter

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Author Topic: Which puppy should I get?!!!! (Read 17373 times)