Hey everyone, hope you can offer some advice. I’m getting a Labrador retriever puppy from a reputable breeder that also offers training.
I’ve done a lot of research on them and a few weeks ago I visited and picked out my puppy (and put down a deposit). I’m super excited to get him but I’m a little torn as me and the breeder discussed a few options of when I could pick him up.
Option 1A: Pickup at 12 weeks and do training myself or with local trainer
Option 1B: Pickup at 12 weeks and do training myself until I bring him back for additional training at 6 months (Canine Good Citizen certificate)
Option 2: Pickup when he is around 6-9 months with training including Canine Good Citizen
We had originally planned for the breeder to handle the training but now the breeder strongly recommends picking him up at 12 weeks for me to bond and socialize him myself but I’m a little stressed with going through the puppy stage. I know I can handle it but just was not as prepared or expecting this. So I’m wondering if that 12 week to 6 month age range is really that important in the long term scheme of things when they could offer training until he’s a bit other or if it really is that imperative that he’s with me during that time. I’ve read a bunch of mixed thoughts on bonding.
Any advice or experiences would help a lot, thank you ! I’m so excited to welcome him into my family no matter what, and just want to do what’s best for us both.
I’ve done a lot of research on them and a few weeks ago I visited and picked out my puppy (and put down a deposit). I’m super excited to get him but I’m a little torn as me and the breeder discussed a few options of when I could pick him up.
Option 1A: Pickup at 12 weeks and do training myself or with local trainer
Option 1B: Pickup at 12 weeks and do training myself until I bring him back for additional training at 6 months (Canine Good Citizen certificate)
Option 2: Pickup when he is around 6-9 months with training including Canine Good Citizen
We had originally planned for the breeder to handle the training but now the breeder strongly recommends picking him up at 12 weeks for me to bond and socialize him myself but I’m a little stressed with going through the puppy stage. I know I can handle it but just was not as prepared or expecting this. So I’m wondering if that 12 week to 6 month age range is really that important in the long term scheme of things when they could offer training until he’s a bit other or if it really is that imperative that he’s with me during that time. I’ve read a bunch of mixed thoughts on bonding.
Any advice or experiences would help a lot, thank you ! I’m so excited to welcome him into my family no matter what, and just want to do what’s best for us both.