Puppy or older boy????

[LoobyLou]

Don't know if anyone has any ideas on this.
We are going to see a puppy on Thursday but may well have the chance of a 15 month old boy instead.
What are ppl's thoughts on that?
Have never had a newfie before.
Have an 18 month old neutered black boy labrador.
Cheers
Love
LoobyLou
PS Boy has been a family pet from a breeder...they just love showing so may want to replace him

 

[Pam G]

THere are many advantages to getting an older pup. One is that it will be housebroken and over the chewing distructive puppy stage...which may be better for you if you work outside the home. You also get a better idea of temperament and personality because it is already established. SOmetimes it is hard to tell what a 10 week old old pup will turn out like..both in looks and temperament. Is this older boy neutered? If not, you may have a problem with your lab and him fighting. Is there a way you could take your lab with you to meet the older pup and make sure he isn't too dominant. I would also ask if he has been socialized outside of the home. THis is important. You don't want to have a dog that is afraid to go to public places.
Little puppies are so adorable and fun to train if you have the time. The big plus with them is that you can train them the way you want to from the beginning...but they do require alot of work!!
I guess it all depends on how much you like the older dog when you meet him.
Good luck with your decision. Can't wait to see pictures of whoever you get.

 

[eckybay]

I just recently adopted a newf that's between 1 1/2 and two years old. While I adore puppies, I wanted an older dog. My main reasoning was that I work during the day and would feel bad knowing the pup wasn't getting out for the potty breaks it would need.

My older pooch is already house trained, knows some basic commands, and is past the chewing stage - yay for no destroyed shoes! He was well socialized, so he loves everyone and fits right in with my other dogs.

It just depends on what you want - if you have the time to train a puppy, then go that route. If the older one has a good temperament and you want to avoid some of the puppy problems, than that's the way to go.

Good luck and I want to see pictures too!

 

[wrknnwf]

Ditto to everything Pam said.

Be sure to ask why they are no longer showing this older boy. Did he get his championship? People who love showing like to campaign a "good" dog after it gets it's CH. The term (used in verb form) is "to special" a dog. So why not this boy? If they didn't finish his title, did they retire him from the ring early due to some physical/conformation problem? How many dogs do they have showing now? If they do the handling themselves and/or have a lot of dogs to show, it would make sense to part with some that didn't show as much promise even if they are sound physically.

Now, none this means he wouldn't be a superior pet. But if there is a physical issue, it would be nice to know up front so you can deal with it appropriately. With a puppy, you won't know unless he develops probems or until he can be tested.

Also, ask if the older dog has been prelimed for hip or elbow dysplasia. Ask about heart clearance on either of the dogs. The older dog should come with a health or take back/replacement contract just like a puppy should. It may be modified but you should have some sort of contract stating what they are willing to do in certain circumstances. If not, ask why.

When was he neutered? If it was recently, he may still have hormones in his body. Do take your other dog or ask to meet the older boy in a neutral area so the two can greet each other.

If it was me, I would seriously consider the older dog for all the reasons Pam stated.

[ 04-29-2007, 08:39 AM: Message edited by: wrkndogs ]

 

[Mrs Beblo]

~ At Buford's current stage in life (he'll be 6 months on Tuesday!), I can tell that I made a grave, yet unavoidable mistake.
(Well, all mistakes are avoidable if one thinks more before acting!)
In any case, I wanted a puppy, David wanted to give me a puppy, a friend had a puppy, the mother couldn't produce enough milk, bottom line, he brought Buford home at 8 weeks.
I attribute alot of his "Buford-ness" to lack of litter training.
Alright, we won't let THAT happen again!
Anyway, I was frustrated the other day and said to David "I know that there are no bad dogs, just bad ownwers. I am doing my very best and think that we ARE good owners. WHY then, do our children have more well behaved dogs than we do?"
And then I thought more about it.
"Jack-Jack" the pit-something mix was over a year old.(Doomsday was approaching quickly before Christie got him!) "Lemoney" stayed with his parents for 6 months.
Now, that being said, Dogs have to start as puppies, and puppies have to be loved somewhere! You didn't mention how old the puppy is.
I think that along with the others advise will help you determine which one is for you.
Good luck either way ~ Perhaps get them BOTH!!

 

[Pam G]

All of my newfs except for Bruce came to me between 10-11 weeks of age. Bruce arrived at 4 1/2 mths. There is such a difference! I can't tell you how much EASIER this pup is!!! He came housebroken..which was a MAJOR bonus ..but he is also so good! He must have learned alot by living with the other newfs that the breeder had. He is not mouthy with us or my boys..and seems to have alot of respect for them. He will play..but when they've had enough is happy to grab a toy and play with that instead.
Unfortunately, most breeders don't usually have "older" pups available but it is sure nice for us to have had the opportunity to get one.

 

[Brody the Newf]

Maria, Brody stayed with his littermates until he was 10 weeks old....I think some Newfs are just wild and they will eventually calm down.

If I had to do it all over again, I'd still pick a puppy. There is nothing like the sleepless nights, furniture destroyed, house messed in that bonds a person to their dog. I'm starting to see glimpses of Brody settling down and I feel a sense of pride.

 

[TinaM]

I agree with Pam G an older puppy is nice. We got our Murphy at 12 weeks and it was easier to potty train, etc. He started out a little wild, but at 4 months, he acts like an old man already. I call him my fireplace accessory. How old is the puppy your thinking about?

 

[LoobyLou]

Thanks guys so much for all your replies.
I think we have decided to go for baby puppy...available on June 15th...at 7 weeks old.
The other dog was entire which would just cause issues with Doogey.
Thanks so much for this advice and I am sure that I will be asking loads more questions!!!
Cheers
LoobyLou
xxx
PS Photos asap of course!!!

 

[Redhead5639]

I am no expert but 7 weeks seems a little young to me. Our breeder wouldn't let the puppies go until they were 10 weeks. Hard to wait.