New Puppy Advice

First, we recently had to say our goodbyes to our fury old guy who gave us 14 years of love, laughs, licks and wags. We do plan to wait until June to get our next dog so we can properly get over our loss but in the meantime, I’m seeking advice from other on my best options. We’d like to go with another Lab. Marley was a black lab/chow mix. We thought about going with a purebred this time around. We have no intentions of training him or her to hunt or retrieve other than to chase the tennis ball around the yard and faithfully return it to my hand. I looked around and have been seeing purebred labs costing around $800. I don’t need a show dog or one with papers as I don’t intend to have the dog bred. I just need a good puppy to be a family pet and there appear to be less-expensive options for purebreds without the papers and pedigree. I know labs and similar large breeds tend to potentially have hip issues so I have a couple of questions for you guys: Am I asking for trouble from a health/hip standpoint by going with a purebred that doesn’t have papers? Would I be better off going with another lab mix from the Humane Society? Our dog never had hip problems even at the end of his life and he weighed around 95 lbs. We either got lucky or the mix of genetics helped with that. Any suggestions for a good alternative breed that would make a good house pet and companion for my family? Thanks for any input. I have never bought a puppy before. Marley was at the Humane Society and we simply got him because he was cute. While we got lucky and had a happy, healthy 14 years with him, I want to do a little background work before we get the next one.

There are still some in the southern states breeding them for bear!

I just saw this thread, congrats on the pup! I've been around Airedales for about 30 years, my parents got their first one when I was 13 I think, then they bred them, "dog'sat" for them, etc. I've never seen a breed that had so many differnt personalities of induvidual dog. Some are crazy hyper, some super mellow, some very game driven, some could care less about hunting. Seen ones that would dig obsessively (is that a word?). They seem to be one of those breeds that's had alot of the hunt bred out of them, been bred for show more than anything. I know they're used for hogs, as well as bear and lion. The first one we had was an amazing dog, would hunt grouse like a pro, tree squirrels, dig out badger, as well as chase any bear she smelled..until she caught one that wouldnt run. Then she was alot less aggressive with bear.

Why didn't she just cut them off herself? It's not hard to do when they are a couple days old and the pups don't even seem to mind. Taking them to the vet for this is just a great way to spend a bunch of money with the vet. You can also have them removed later but then it takes a vet and is basically an amputation.

FD- Dew claw removal is nothing more than fashion thing. Their removal actually does the dog more harm than good. Obviously they will aid in traction, but also act as a rudder of sorts. Aiding in lateral stability Dogs without them are more prone to injuries like ACL tears. Look it up, and decide for yourself. The dogs well being, or the pretty looks. I'm sure an extra scratcher/hole maker had something to do with it. Either way all my dogs keep theirs until they tear them off in the brush.

fishdaily...had many dogs with dew claws and never had an issue. Don't worry and enjoy the lil critter! Good luck!

Just got info that the pup I am getting ( or maybe not going to get) didnt have his dew claws removed. He is a Golden retriever and will be used for a lot of upland hunting and some duck and goose( Goose over land) . I will say i thought about those things more than i probably should of. Does any one else have dogs with Dew claws on and did do they catch on brush and rip often? I looked on the world wide interweb and I see its not all that uncommon for them to still on depending on the breed. I hope I am just over reacting based on my lack of expeirence in dealing with and see dogs w/out. They couldnt get nipped off right after birth due to being born on Jan 2nd and she couldnt get them into a vet even though she tried 2 -3 different vets.

Thanks for the update BT. Murphy is one handsome pup!

Well we've now had Murphy for nearly 4 months. Airedales are very headstrong dogs but boy are they're loveable and loyal companions. It's been interesting learning how they think. Our old boy, Marley, was a 95 lb lab mix with wide shoulders. If there was something that he wanted and there was an obstacle in the way, he'd just go through it. Murphy takes a more analytical approach and figures out a way around it. They're very smart, which sometimes gets them into trouble but then again, don't most puppies get into trouble. I read that some people have trained them to hunt and that they're excellent pheasant and upland game bird dogs but ours is just a companion. He does have a great nose though and training him has been a breeze. Thanks to those that helped us with the decision to go with an Airedale.

Murphy is adorable. Great name too! Enjoy, they aren't puppies for long.

As promised. Here's Murphy! Thanks to everyone that helped out and gave advice. I think we made a great decision on the breed.

I'll post pictures when he comes home. We may even make a trip over to the breeder's place this week to see them so I'll take pictures then too. She said that their eyes are open and are starting to walk around. Can't wait.

I think letting the kids and wife take the lead with a strong minded dog like an AT is an excellent idea. If you did all the training, he would likely see you as alpha, but he may try to be #2 as far as status in your little pack. Having the kids and wife heavily involved in his training should do a great job of having a great dog that loves and respects everyone in your house. Have fun, and pictures are required. If you don't post pictures, we won't believe you that you even got a new dog.

Hey guys, thanks again so much for your input. I read that ATs are very loyal but males can be challenging as they are very confident and tenacious. I have that covered after training Marley, our former old guy. He was a handful as a pup. He was black lab and chow mix and it had to be the chow in him. He's still very much missed. We also read that ATs don't respond well "negative" reinforcement so I suggested to my wife that her and my son take the lead with this pup. I'm used to big dogs like labs and chessies so I've been groomed to take the upper hand (that said, I've never beat a dog). We'll see how it goes. The other 2/3 of the family has more patience than me so I'll let them take the lead on this one. But, he'll get plenty of love from the Old Man. I can't wait to have someone beat my wife and son to the door every day and win the "Happiest To See You Award". I still miss my furry friend but can't wait to make a new one.

BT - I never saw this thread before. I just read the whole thing. The funny part was after I read your OP, I immediately thought Airdale Terrier. I was thinking I wish I would have seen the thread originally as I would have suggested you look into the breed. Then I got to your most recent post and had a good chuckle! AT's are extremely intelligent, very loyal dogs. Some do have a tendancy towards trying to be dominant. As with all breeds, it is critical you socialize the dog early and often with kids and other dogs. It is also critical that you establish "alpha" status early on. This can be done in a variety of ways - it isn't always about pinning them on their back - although that may be necessary. Simple things like teaching "heel" early, making the dog sit and then follow you outside after being called out, and making the dog sit and then be released to his food bowl are all ways that show the dog his status. I would also "handle" the dog a ton as a puppy. My wife was pregnant with our first when I got our AWS puppy. Since I know spaniels can be sensitive about their ears, I made handling him as a puppy part of his training. I would pinch his ears, his paws, pull his tail, pinch his back, whatever. Not hard enough to hurt him, but I was thinking ahead to the way a toddler would likely handle a dog. Anytime he showed any bit of nippyness, he was gently corrected. When my son was 2, I caught him trying to pull the dog off the bed by his ears, and the dog never gave him any reaction. He is one of the gentlest dogs I've ever been around. Also, I feel this way about every dog, but with an AT I would not allow any "mouthing" of your hands and I would not play tug-o-war with him. My dog was never allowed to mouth my hands or play nip. I see some people allow this with their dogs, and I disagree that a dog is capable of determining how hard of a nip is too hard. With a strong minded dog like an AT, I would avoid play nipping and mouthing all together. Tug-o-war is a great way to show a dog he is alpha as most dogs never let go, and most people get board and let go. Doing so just showed the dog that he beat you and whatever object you were tugging is his. Sorry for the long post. I just love dogs and I think you are going to be very happy with your choice.

congrats BT. puppies are so much fun. just remember he's just a puppy though when he doesn't something to upset you (it's going to happen!! lol). Enjoy your bonding time!!