My last dog died over a year ago, and I've wanted a new one ever since but just never had the time. That's less of an issue now, so vie been thinking about getting a new one, perhaps a chocolate lab. Question is though: I also wanna get into hunting, so I wanted to know what labs can and can't do in terms of that: I'd hate to get a dog that won't do me any good down the road. I'm looking to hunt just about everything in California and I guess places nearby, so what will a lab be good or no good for? Thanks folks!
Sat, 2011-03-12 15:00
Should I get a lab?
Sat, 2011-03-12 18:51
#1
A good Lab, regardlesss of
A good Lab, regardlesss of what color phase you choose, will hunt both upland game as a flusher/retriever, as well as retrieve ducks and geese on land or in the water. I don't know much more to say to answer your question other than when properly trained they make a great house dog, as well as a hunter.
Thu, 2011-03-17 10:05
#2
Just what Top Gun said!
I
Just what Top Gun said!
I live in California, and have a chocolate lab. Even though she was intended to be a hunter, she ended up being a house dog, which was okay with me.
In terms of stuff out here, take your pick. There is good waterfowl hunting, plus labs are good for pheasant too.
Some guys use them for quail and dove too. They are good for that, however, you have to be careful with their health out here. The dove season opens September 1st. It can be up to 110 degrees in some of the popular places for doves, and since labs are a bigger framed dog, they can overheat easily. Especially the blacks and chocolates, due to their darker coats.
The main thing you have to do is make sure you have enough room for them, as they are active (hyper), and if you are not hunting with them, you are at least walking them alot. They are the best family dogs, if you have one or plan one soon. As long as you are ready for that commitment, I wouldn't hesitate to get one.
Sat, 2011-03-12 22:56
#3
Can't Go Wrong With A Lab
For a versatile breed capable and willing to hunt just about any bird species, it's hard to beat a lab. Especially so if you're also looking for a family dog and/or a companion to have in the truck whatever you're doing. I've never been dissatisfied behind my labs hunting doves to geese, chukar to forest grouse. My Dad has a yellow lab that points; maybe not a classically as a shorthair or english setter but I've never seen one of those retrieve a duck from an almost freezing river either.
Don't get hung up on color; pick a breeder of dogs suitable to you're type of hunting. Most backyard breeders could not care less about hunting ability. They just want an AKC certification (just about worthless in regard to a hunting pet in my opinion) and a clean bill of health from a Vet regarding hips and eyes. They also seem to like chocolates because they sell easier in the paper or in front of Sportsmans Warehouse.
Probably the most important selling point in getting a lab is their companionship qualities. Excepting the occational knucklehead, they have a total desire to please and be with their owner wheather it's a trip to the desert to chase quail or a drive down to Home Depot for some wood glue.
Oh and welcome to the site!
Fri, 2011-04-01 19:07
#5
I have three labs( 2 blacks
I have three labs( 2 blacks and 1 white), they are all great dogs. I have a 10 year male that retreives all things and had no formal training...just me. My other black is a female and while she would be a good reteiver she became gun shy when some neighbors kids were letting off fireworks close to the house when she was 2. My white is only 8 months old and he shows great promise. Lab would be my number one choose for my hunitng needs.
Fri, 2011-04-01 20:23
#6
...and I sure wish I could
...and I sure wish I could breed my girl with Highlander's new yellow! ... but she can't wait that long, she'll be ready in a couple of months! 
Labs!
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Sat, 2011-04-02 21:14
#7
He is actually White with
He is actually White with Yellow markings atleast that is how AKC reconizes him. The vet said he should be able to breed anytime. He is almost 9 months old.
Thu, 2011-04-07 10:16
#8
There's nothing my lab won't hunt
I intentionally hunt ducks, geese, rabbits, pheasants and grouse and frogs with him. He also hunts deer, mice, squirrels, antelope, elk, moose, sheep, goats, marmots, etc. But he won't hurt my chickens.
Awesome dogs. I used the book, Speed Train Your Own Retriever, and he went exactly by the book. Everytime they warned to look out for a problem, he had that problem and we already had a solution handy.
That's 100 pounds of love right there. He's my partner in crime, navigator, hunting buddy, you name it. Colter is always there with me. Of course he gets into trouble, and catches things he's not supposed to, but he's hunting fool, and a fawn may as well just be a big rabbit to him.
Fri, 2011-04-08 08:38
#9
Labs
Labs are great dogs. Despite being owned by the masses these days mainly as a house pet, the breed still has maintained it's instincts to retrieve and when well obedience trained, makes a very versatile bird dog.
One word of caution though. This breed is high energy and needs an owner who is very active. They need to be excecised daily, so an owner being athletic is a plus. They are also a pretty powerful dog. Having a good sized yard is better for them.
Fri, 2011-04-15 07:53
#10
Labs, great breed
Labs are the nations #1 breed for a reason. However, there are those who breed this dog only for the $$ and little more.
Finding a good, competent breeder is very importatnt. Over the life of the dog, the initial price of a pup is a minor exspence.
If there are retriever clubs in your area, contact them and talk to members, they can often lead you to good breeders in your area.
Do a little reseach first and you will be leaps and bounds ahead of the guy who goes out buys a pup out of a litter in the news paper.
Best O Luck
JJD
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