Gundog Training Forum

When I started in dogs 40 years ago I did not have the benefit of a forum such as this to obtain excellent advice, I asked around. The best piece of advice I was given was ` set your own standards `as people go about things in different ways.
Natasha`s post is a comprehensive account of how she whelps her bitches and we take the same attitude. The best piece of advice given in her excellent post is` know your bitch` read your dog. This becomes easier with experience.

Bill

When I had my 1st litter (in my name) in 63, I went to the library, read all I could and asked a local lady who showed & bred Boston Terriers for advice. Her 1st words were read a book then ask about anything needing more detail. I don't need to go through the basics you should read about that, and you will be delivering the litter not me.

Vicky&Phil wrote:Ooooh TJ, if I was to be persuaded to stray into the world of labs then a pup from your completely raving bonkers little bitch would be very tempting

As it goes it seems you will have your hands full and who knows, motherhood may turn Ash into a paragon of calmness

Best of luck to you and your little lady, will be looking forward to hearing how it goes!

Vicky

Vicky, you would not believe how she has changed!!

That super fast, pocket rocket has turned into a retrieving machine. She is the most fun lab I have ever had and I am very glad that I got through the teenage stage.

I now get other dog walkers stopping me and complimenting me on her behavior

I hope motherhood doesn't take the oomph out of her. I think I would miss it.

As for taking the plunge into lab world....go on...you know you want to

Whats her hip score, TJ? I know one or two people looking for a lab pup.... Can't think why they wouldn't want a Cocker instead mind!

Judy

I am soooo tempted by working cockers.

I worry that I wouldn't be able to train one though

Her hips are 4:4 and she is from FTCh Levengyhll Peacock.

The sire has a 4:3 score and is currently being trialled.

If anyone wants pics and papers, I can email them.

Question is, can I convince OH that we should keep one?

If you aren`t going to keep a pup, can I ask the reason for having a litter.

Bill

pontbeck wrote:If you aren`t going to keep a pup, can I ask the reason for having a litter.

Bill

My thoughts as well .

yes, why not keep a pup or two for yourself and give all the others away for free like all the other self righteous breeders do

no I think you should keep them all, train them and sell them for much more money ...

There are many reasons for having pups.

She is a good working dog.

She is top notch healthy.

She is gentle natured.

She has a brilliant pedigree and it would be a shame not to carry on those genes.

She is pretty.

She is fun.

What an experience for my 13 year old daughter, who, currently, wants to be a vet

And maybe my OH will fall in love with one

I have been tempted to train some up and sell them on. Although I have no credentials other than my shooting friends knowing that I have produced three good dogs!!!! Probably not a market for me there then

I also had people suggest that they would be interested in having some of her progeny.....

Yes, I know there are professionals out there with the same type of dogs, but I truly believe that Ash is a dog worth trying to replicate.