To get a dog or not

[palepinkmermaid]

My fiance and I live in a very rural location with my teenage son.

We both had black labradors when we were married and lost them in the divorce.

We like to travel but also places in UK where dogs can join us.

I am based at home.

We have got an opportunity for a 5 month labrador whose parents are gun dogs. She can stay and do a season and come to us afterwards (she is in kennels) in February. She is one of three, all kept by the breeder to work. But would sell to us, now or after the season.

We get married in May and have a honeymoon abroad.

My fiance will retire in a year or two. We are very fit and active. Currently have two pedigree cats as well who go outside.

What are the pro's and cons of getting a dog.

is there ever a right time.

I am torn between going for it and worrying that the time is not right.

Why are they getting rid of her? Proper gun dog owners don’t keep a dog for a season and then ‘plan’ on getting rid of it - they either know the dog isn’t up to scratch (so sell) or keep it.

TBH I wouldn’t take a Labrador that was bred to be a working gun dog. That dog is going to need so much stimulation and exercise.

You sound like you have a potentially great set up although I would wait until post-honeymoon (weddings are consuming and a young dog needs lots of attention) and then go for a puppy or a rescue - not a dog the owner is just randomly getting rid of.

Thanks for replying. She's not been trained as a gun dog yet. but it's a good point about stimulation if she is. There are actually three that have been kept back from past litter, with a view to training as gun dogs. I think it's partly doing us a favour as they are friends.

It sounds like you have a good set up to get a dog.
Labs are great dogs- but as you probably know the working lines (even if not trained or used for working) are much more full on. If you are prepared to do lots of "work" with the dog, and don't expect it to just sleep all day with a couple of short walks, then go for it.