Instructions
Research any potential breeder. Ask the breeder if you can contact his other clients to inquire about the quality of his labs. In addition, ask if you can take a look at the sire and dam. The condition and personality of the parents is usually a key indicator of how its puppies will be. Furthermore, if the parents look unhealthy or like they have been living in less than favorable conditions, you should find another breeder.
Inquire about the health of the parents. Ensure that both the dam and sire have received certification from the Orthopedic Foundation of America and the Canine Eye Registry. If the parents are certified by these associations, it means they have been screened for hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as eye problems. Labrador retrievers can be afflicted with the painful and devastating condition of hip dysplasia; therefore, you want to have the best odds that your puppy will not have this joint problem before adopting it. If the breeder has not had the dogs tested or the parents failed the tests, move on to another breeder.
Ask the breeder if he takes his own labs hunting. DoveHunt.com suggests that it is often helpful to obtain a puppy from parents and breeders who also hunt. If the breeder does take his dogs hunting, ask if you can watch. The skill level of a lab puppy's parents is sometimes indicative of its own abilities.
Observe the behavior of the puppies. Look for a puppy who is observant, the head of the puppy pack, one who likes to carry things around and a puppy who catches on to new tricks fast. Some labs are extremely hyper and cannot concentrate on a task for very long and therefore would not make good hunting dogs. If you cannot observe these characteristics on your own, ask the breeder. A reputable breeder will not want to sell you a lab he thinks will not do well in bird hunting.
How to Pick a Lab Bird Dog
Choosing the correct Labrador retriever as a bird dog is an important process that should be done with great care. Not picking the right dog can mean unsuccessful hunts and a frustrated owner and dog. Research and observation are essential when choosing a lab bird dog and if done properly, you can have many rewarding years of hunting with your lab.