Where to get a labrador pup?

Heres Johnny

Hi guys, looking to get a labrador to replace the one I had (not dead, just moved away with a family member that lived with me for a while and is now gone to another part of the country).
100% set on either a lab or a golden retriever but probably lab as I love getting them swimming and easier to dry off. Know the breed well, very fond of them and want another. Prefer to raise from pup like the last one. There's a very good reason they're so popular.
Without going on done deal where its anything goes, how do I find a good lab pup?
Not worried about working lines, just want a good pup from a healthy bloodline.
I'd like to get one when the current restrictions end as its into the good weather for socialising in dog parks, which worked wonders with the last lab, she turned into a super super dog and if I can do that again I'd be delighted.
I have loads and loads of time now as I'm working from home full time but don't want dog just to get attached to me. I'd prefer him/her to be out and about and learn about the world.

I have come across the details of the labrador breeders club, is that where I should start?

Plumbthedepths

Definitely start with registered breeders. Wonderful breed of dog.

Heres Johnny

Plumbthedepths wrote: »

Definitely start with registered breeders. Wonderful breed of dog.

The one I raised was part of an unwanted litter 6 years ago, a friend of a friend had the bitch and father was unknown so he was giving them away for free. 100% lab as far as I'm concerned because she looks and acts exactly as a lab should. Had a litter of solid golden and solid black with no other colours so lab gene certainly strong. Retrieves all day, trusting of strangers, loves kids, loves swimming...

Just want to make sure of health with this one which I will admit I probably took a chance on last time, but worked out well anyway.

Where would I find list of registered breeders?

Tilikum17

Heres Johnny wrote: »

Hi guys, looking to get a labrador to replace the one I had (not dead, just moved away with a family member that lived with me for a while and is now gone to another part of the country).
100% set on either a lab or a golden retriever but probably lab as I love getting them swimming and easier to dry off. Know the breed well, very fond of them and want another. Prefer to raise from pup like the last one. There's a very good reason they're so popular.
Without going on done deal where its anything goes, how do I find a good lab pup?
Not worried about working lines, just want a good pup from a healthy bloodline.
I'd like to get one when the current restrictions end as its into the good weather for socialising in dog parks, which worked wonders with the last lab, she turned into a super super dog and if I can do that again I'd be delighted.
I have loads and loads of time now as I'm working from home full time but don't want dog just to get attached to me. I'd prefer him/her to be out and about and learn about the world.

I have come across the details of the labrador breeders club, is that where I should start?

Would you not try a local rescue.

Heres Johnny

Tilikum17 wrote: »

Would you not try a local rescue.

If I see a lab in a rescue I'll certainly look at it no problem, although my preference is to raise from a pup. They are few and far between in rescues though and are normally gone as soon as they are available.

cocker5

Heres Johnny wrote: »

If I see a lab in a rescue I'll certainly look at it no problem, although my preference is to raise from a pup. They are few and far between in rescues though and are normally gone as soon as they are available.

There are loads of labs in rescues and puppies too you need to do proper research

Plumbthedepths

Heres Johnny wrote: »

The one I raised was part of an unwanted litter 6 years ago, a friend of a friend had the bitch and father was unknown so he was giving them away for free. 100% lab as far as I'm concerned because she looks and acts exactly as a lab should. Had a litter of solid golden and solid black with no other colours so lab gene certainly strong. Retrieves all day, trusting of strangers, loves kids, loves swimming...

Just want to make sure of health with this one which I will admit I probably took a chance on last time, but worked out well anyway.

Where would I find list of registered breeders?

Try the Kennel club of Ireland's website or the UK Kennel club. You should find info on breeders there.

Heres Johnny

cocker5 wrote: »

There are loads of labs in rescues and puppies too you need to do proper research

Could you link me some?

Be right back

Just saw a 10 month old and a 2 year old up for adoption on a rescue website.

Heres Johnny

Be right back wrote: »

Just saw a 10 month old and a 2 year old up for adoption on a rescue website.

Can you send me a link by pm as I think its frowned upon to link to rescues on public forum

Tilikum17

Heres Johnny wrote: »

If I see a lab in a rescue I'll certainly look at it no problem, although my preference is to raise from a pup. They are few and far between in rescues though and are normally gone as soon as they are available.

One of my mates just rescued a lab pup from a rescue near us. They had a litter of them there. Not sure if they have a left though. Whereabouts in the country are you?

Be right back

Heres Johnny wrote: »

Can you send me a link by pm as I think its frowned upon to link to rescues on public forum

Sent you a PM. The 10 month old has been there for a while.

Cherry Blossom

Have a look here to see what is needed as regards health testing in parents of any pup you may be considering. There is a lot more information available from UK kennel club dogs than ikc ones.

http://www.dogbreedhealth.com/labrador-retriever/

I don't hold the ikc in great regard personally and if it were me I'd go for a NI pup or one from mainland UK. Things like inbreeding coefficient for example are readily available on the UK kc site. For Irish dogs you'll need to google how to calculate it yourself from the dogs pedigree.

The breed clubs (north and south) is definitely the right place to start if you are buying a pup. Be aware that many breeders have waiting lists for their pups and it is not unusual to be waiting over a year.
https://www.ikc.ie/dog-ownership/types-of-dog/breeds/breed-details/47
http://www.labclubni.co.uk/

Champdogs is also a good site for breeders both here and in the UK. If you google you'll find it easily. I can't link to it as we aren't allowed to link to advert sites.

Heres Johnny

Dublin, got the previous lab in cavan though so it's not a problem to travel (as soon as restrictions are lifted). I'm not going to get one while restrictions are in place though because can't socialise them with other dogs and people at the moment. Not to mention going to vet just in case. But certainly interested if you know of a litter in a rescue.

irish_goat

Guide dog charities sometimes rehome pups which didn't quite make it through training and apparently there will be a big amount of pups available soon because they won't have been able to do the proper socialisation that's required (because everyone is in lockdown). Added bonus is that the pups are normally of a good genetic makeup and will already have a certain amount of training done.

average_runner

Heres Johnny wrote: »

Hi guys, looking to get a labrador to replace the one I had (not dead, just moved away with a family member that lived with me for a while and is now gone to another part of the country).
100% set on either a lab or a golden retriever but probably lab as I love getting them swimming and easier to dry off. Know the breed well, very fond of them and want another. Prefer to raise from pup like the last one. There's a very good reason they're so popular.
Without going on done deal where its anything goes, how do I find a good lab pup?
Not worried about working lines, just want a good pup from a healthy bloodline.
I'd like to get one when the current restrictions end as its into the good weather for socialising in dog parks, which worked wonders with the last lab, she turned into a super super dog and if I can do that again I'd be delighted.
I have loads and loads of time now as I'm working from home full time but don't want dog just to get attached to me. I'd prefer him/her to be out and about and learn about the world.

I have come across the details of the labrador breeders club, is that where I should start?

We got our Labrador pup last November. Asleep beside me here as I work.
Only thing I would look out for are the hip scores. Took us over 5 months to get a breeder where the mother and father had good hip scores, eventually got him just outside Newry. We keep in contact with the owner with pictures.

average_runner

cocker5 wrote: »

There are loads of labs in rescues and puppies too you need to do proper research

This route is a lot risker with Labs, as you know nothing about their history and could cost you a small fortune further down the line or you could get lucky

tk123

I'm hoping to get a retriever pup when all of this is over and will be going via the breed club. I want one parent to be from the same lines as Lucy's dad so willing to wait a while longer.

cocker5

average_runner wrote: »

This route is a lot risker with Labs, as you know nothing about their history and could cost you a small fortune further down the line or you could get lucky

Do you think buying a registered dog makes the risk any lower?

No it doesn’t unless the breeder performs all sorts of health tests (hip / elbow scores) and whatever else type of genetic diseases are linked with the breed.. and if they do (some breeders will perform all the necessary tests before breeding) they’ll charge €1,000’s for the pups (as the testing is expensive)

At the end of the day it’s a dog .. a living breathing creature .. not a car .. your not guaranteed anything in all honesty!

As long as a dog u adopt had no pre existing conditions and u can get a vet letter to say this get pet insurance - simple!

I’m not saying people shouldn’t buy dogs from a breeder .. but it’s still a 50/50 lottery in terms of health issues!

Heres Johnny

irish_goat wrote: »

Guide dog charities sometimes rehome pups which didn't quite make it through training and apparently there will be a big amount of pups available soon because they won't have been able to do the proper socialisation that's required (because everyone is in lockdown). Added bonus is that the pups are normally of a good genetic makeup and will already have a certain amount of training done.

I'd gladly take a guide/assistant dog no problem, even one that failed as they'd still be excellent dogs. If I found one in a rescue that was just as a lab should be I would also be happy to do so. Far too many I see say nervous/shy around people and that's not what I want in a lab. I know the reasons they are shy and wary of people and would love to give a second chance and earn a dogs trust but there are loads of kids around me all the time so not a chance I am willing to take.
But a well adjusted one, I'd take in a heartbeat

auspicious

Start with local rescues. With the current economic situation they are probably receiving fewer charitable contributions which obviously put a strain on their resources.
Rescues will have been vet checked and vaxxed and you'll only be asked to contribute a small sum compared to buying a pup.
You have your heart set on a lab. and there'll be pups there waiting to see a good owner come along.

average_runner

cocker5 wrote: »

Do you think buying a registered dog makes the risk any lower?

No it doesn’t unless the breeder performs all sorts of health tests (hip / elbow scores) and whatever else type of genetic diseases are linked with the breed.. and if they do (some breeders will perform all the necessary tests before breeding) they’ll charge €1,000’s for the pups (as the testing is expensive)

At the end of the day it’s a dog .. a living breathing creature .. not a car .. your not guaranteed anything in all honesty!

As long as a dog u adopt had no pre existing conditions and u can get a vet letter to say this get pet insurance - simple!

I’m not saying people shouldn’t buy dogs from a breeder .. but it’s still a 50/50 lottery in terms of health issues!

Its not a 50/50 lottery. Labs are known for hip issues. A good breeder will do all those tests. So before they even breed, the father and mother hip scores are known. It increases the chances of less hip issues. Our pup cost 600 sterling. That was not much more expensive than from any breeder down south that didn't have all the tests done.

fits

irish_goat wrote: »

Guide dog charities sometimes rehome pups which didn't quite make it through training and apparently there will be a big amount of pups available soon because they won't have been able to do the proper socialisation that's required (because everyone is in lockdown). Added bonus is that the pups are normally of a good genetic makeup and will already have a certain amount of training done.

If anyone knows of a pup like this, please let us know. WE have a 5 star dog-experienced home in the country waiting. I have a little boy with special needs who wouldnt qualify for an assistance dog and this could be perfect. (doesnt need to be trained.)

tk123

average_runner wrote: »

Its not a 50/50 lottery. Labs are known for hip issues. A good breeder will do all those tests. So before they even breed, the father and mother hip scores are known. It increases the chances of less hip issues. Our pup cost 600 sterling. That was not much more expensive than from any breeder down south that didn't have all the tests done.

Yep was going to say the same thing! I don't know of any breeder charging 1000's for puppies because they health test?? They test before they breed and absorb the cost.

I will only buy from a breeder who health checks because it means I can be fairly certain that the pup won't have dysplasia, PRA etc. I'm not going to be running the legs off a pup or any dog I have, they will not be obese, they won't running up stairs as puppies so environmental factors don't come into it for me. I can also be fairly confident in temperament seeing where the pup is being raised, the family dynamic - young kids/teenagers/boys/girls, if there's other pets there, what the parents are like etc etc ....So in that respect it kind of is like buying a car or anything else - you do your homework on breeder/rescue/car yourself, go and see it and make your own decision based on your own needs and requirements.

Heres Johnny

fits wrote: »

If anyone knows of a pup like this, please let us know. WE have a 5 star dog-experienced home in the country waiting. I have a little boy with special needs who wouldnt qualify for an assistance dog and this could be perfect. (doesnt need to be trained.)

Ah I'll let you in before me so! Best of luck. If you have Netflix watch a documentary called pick of the litter, it's brilliant. About guide/assistant dogs in training from birth to about 18 months or 2 years old

JustAThought

fits wrote: »

If anyone knows of a pup like this, please let us know. WE have a 5 star dog-experienced home in the country waiting. I have a little boy with special needs who wouldnt qualify for an assistance dog and this could be perfect. (doesnt need to be trained.)

this is urban legend - ‘failed’ pups are sent for more training often to different trainers or homes and ones that do not pass are often used as breeding bitches and stud dogs and given to experienced IGD handlers associated with their fundraising drives - or screened for proper training as autism support or disability assistance support dogs. I hear there are two new (entirely seperate) autism and assistance dogs charities set up - one in Cork. Might be worth trying there. As for untrained assistance dogs - a lot of people were scammed with this a few years back - there was a huge expose on either Pat Kenny or Joe Duffy - I remember sitting in the car outside IKEA just horrified at how gullible and trusting people were and the devestating amounts of money they had spent on ‘untrained’ ‘assistance’ dogs - ir a puppy - sums of up to ten thousand in installments were mentioned. Don’t be taken in. The shows might turn up on a google search or if you contact RTE archive.

fits

If it’s an urban legend why do one of the guide dog charities have a section about companion dogs who haven’t made the grade?
https://guidedogs.ie/give-support/rehomed-dogs/

Also he wouldn’t qualify for assistance dog as he doesn’t have an autism diagnosis. Many children with same condition have a co diagnosis of autism and benefit hugely from the assistance dogs. I’ve met a few of the children and dogs.

tk123

Failed means failed - they didn’t make the grade for guide dogs, assistance dogs or companion. I know somebody locally who had a guide dog pup who they basically ruined and shock horror he failed and came back to them - what a waste. Guide dogs have a lot of energy because that’s their job - would not be the type of dog I’d want here(!)

fits

Long shot anyway. I think we might try fostering for a rescue to see if one of the dogs fit in here.

Ave Sodalis

cocker5 wrote:

Do you think buying a registered dog makes the risk any lower?

Merely registered, no. From a breeder who knows their stuff, who health tests, who works solely to better the breed and takes care in what they're breeding? Absolutely it makes the risks lower. Unfortunately, popular breeds such as labradors are over run by backyard breeder types and with that comes issues. Purebred doesn't mean well bred. Good, reputable breeders are working to resolve those issues.

cocker5

average_runner wrote: »

Its not a 50/50 lottery. Labs are known for hip issues. A good breeder will do all those tests. So before they even breed, the father and mother hip scores are known. It increases the chances of less hip issues. Our pup cost 600 sterling. That was not much more expensive than from any breeder down south that didn't have all the tests done.

The reality is most people don’t check health scores ..

average_runner

cocker5 wrote: »

The reality is most people don’t check health scores ..

If you care about dogs you would, wouldn't buy a car without checking it out.

Cherry Blossom

cocker5 wrote: »

The reality is most people don’t check health scores ..

What do you mean by 'health scores'? My dog is not a breed that needs hip scores but you can bet your ass I checked the results of the health testing that was done. I have a copy of the eye test that was done on my pup. I did want a pup from hip scored parents but discovered there was only one dog of the breed in the country that was hip scored and it sounded like he was somewhat overbred. The reason I wanted hip scores is because I was interested in agility. Plenty of people research what the scores are and what counts as good scores for their breed. It's not that hard to understand. I don't know why someone would look for a pup from health tested parents and then not bother to check what the results are. People are not that stupid, especially if they know to look for health tests in the first place.

A lot of your posts on this thread outline the excuses people use to buy from back yard breeders and disreputable online sources. Maybe you personally are not suited to buying a pup from a reputable breeder. If so you are probably best sticking to rescue dogs. You have demonstrated you don't understand the process but that doesn't mean 'most people' are not capable of understanding how genetic health testing works. It's not complicated at all and although there are always risks it's about mitigating and lowering those risks as much as possible.

cocker5

Cherry Blossom wrote: »

What do you mean by 'health scores'? My dog is not a breed that needs hip scores but you can bet your ass I checked the results of the health testing that was done. I have a copy of the eye test that was done on my pup. I did want a pup from hip scored parents but discovered there was only one dog of the breed in the country that was hip scored and it sounded like he was somewhat overbred. The reason I wanted hip scores is because I was interested in agility. Plenty of people research what the scores are and what counts as good scores for their breed. It's not that hard to understand. I don't know why someone would look for a pup from health tested parents and then not bother to check what the results are. People are not that stupid, especially if they know to look for health tests in the first place.

A lot of your posts on this thread outline the excuses people use to buy from back yard breeders and disreputable online sources. Maybe you personally are not suited to buying a pup from a reputable breeder. If so you are probably best sticking to rescue dogs. You have demonstrated you don't understand the process but that doesn't mean 'most people' are not capable of understanding how genetic health testing works. It's not complicated at all and although there are always risks it's about mitigating and lowering those risks as much as possible.

All I can say is wow .. patronising much?

I do understand the process .. I said most people don’t .. yes uneducated.. but still they don’t do any research!

anyway stay up on your high horse ...
enjoy the view!

Yes maybe I’m probably best sticking to rescue dogs ... and slum dogging it!

DBB

Back on topic now please.
Thank you.
DBB

Cherry Blossom

Anyway OP, you certainly seem to be doing your research now before getting a dog. Ultimately its your decision if you buy or rehome. Taking on a lab with little or no known background is risky. I had one for 14 years from a background like that. He was given to us by an extended family member who changed their mind after a week and offloaded him on us. He was a mad energetic puppy that jumped up to steal washing off the line but was crippled with hip dysplasia and arthritis from the age of approx 6. Pet insurance mearly pays some of the bills it doesn't make up for the lack of quality of life. I would recommended insurance whichever way you go though as labs will eat anything. Ours ate the plasterboard off the walls and made a huge hole in the hall door and did it all in complete silence He was a complete nutjob and could never be closed in the house we think due his rocky start in life. He lived as an outdoor farm dog for all his days. He was an outdoor dog by choice and only chose to come in when there were bangers going off.

Heres Johnny

Cherry Blossom wrote: »

Anyway OP, you certainly seem to be doing your research now before getting a dog. Ultimately its your decision if you buy or rehome. Taking on a lab with little or no known background is risky. I had one for 14 years from a background like that. He was given to us by an extended family member who changed their mind after a week and offloaded him on us. He was a mad energetic puppy that jumped up to steal washing off the line but was crippled with hip dysplasia and arthritis from the age of approx 6. Pet insurance mearly pays some of the bills it doesn't make up for the lack of quality of life. I would recommended insurance whichever way you go though as labs will eat anything. Ours ate the plasterboard off the walls and made a huge hole in the hall door and did it all in complete silence He was a complete nutjob and could never be closed in the house we think due his rocky start in life. He lived as an outdoor farm dog for all his days. He was an outdoor dog by choice and only chose to come in when there were bangers going off.

Ah yeah I'm happy enough with how to raise a labrador I had one in my house for 5 years and know they can be a handful, but found pretty quickly that exercising them is key. Only ever had this one dog and just really looking for advice on where to get one with best prospects for good genetics and health reasons. It's something we should all be careful of in dogs labrador size and above, they can of course have a lot of issues. Got lucky last time but just want to give it best chance this time and leave luck out of it as much as possible.

J Madone

Heres Johnny wrote: »

Ah yeah I'm happy enough with how to raise a labrador I had one in my house for 5 years and know they can be a handful, but found pretty quickly that exercising them is key. Only ever had this one dog and just really looking for advice on where to get one with best prospects for good genetics and health reasons. It's something we should all be careful of in dogs labrador size and above, they can of course have a lot of issues. Got lucky last time but just want to give it best chance this time and leave luck out of it as much as possible.

We got a rescue lab almost a year ago, she was approx 2 years old and had pups before she was rescued. She was very nervous when we got her. We are over the moon with her an absolute dote. Haven't looked back.

Cherry Blossom

Heres Johnny wrote: »

...
Only ever had this one dog and just really looking for advice on where to get one with best prospects for good genetics and health reasons. It's something we should all be careful of in dogs labrador size and above, they can of course have a lot of issues. Got lucky last time but just want to give it best chance this time and leave luck out of it as much as possible.

It really sounds like temperament and health are your priorities which would suggest that a reputable breeder is the path for you.

Heres Johnny

Cherry Blossom wrote: »

It really sounds like temperament and health are your priorities which would suggest that a reputable breeder is the path for you.

It's as much that I dislike the practice of people breeding dogs for a bit of a side income without being an enthusiast and doing it for the right reasons.

average_runner

Heres Johnny wrote: »

It's as much that I dislike the practice of people breeding dogs for a bit of a side income without being an enthusiast and doing it for the right reasons.

A true enthusiast will have all the health checks etc done for you. The people we got our lab off are great, always in touch to ensure the dog is getting looked after.
If someone sells you a dog without asking the right questions, you know they are in it for money

I know one breeder took a pup back from it owners as they weren't treating it well. The breeder kept him and is now 5 years old and ruined.

Heres Johnny

average_runner wrote: »

A true enthusiast will have all the health checks etc done for you. The people we got our lab off are great, always in touch to ensure the dog is getting looked after.
If someone sells you a dog without asking the right questions, you know they are in it for money

I know one breeder took a pup back from it owners as they weren't treating it well. The breeder kept him and is now 5 years old and ruined.

Yeah I get you. My black lab (who I miss very much now she's not in my house) was, as I mentioned, part of an unwanted litter and I got her for 50 quid that the owner didn't even want but I gave it to him to cover costs of the vaccines he had paid for, he was a friend of a friend and not in it for the money. I'll post a pic if I can

Heres Johnny

Here's my favourite one

Cherry Blossom

Heres Johnny wrote: »

Yeah I get you. My black lab (who I miss very much now she's not in my house) was, as I mentioned, part of an unwanted litter and I got her for 50 quid that the owner didn't even want but I gave it to him to cover costs of the vaccines he had paid for, he was a friend of a friend and not in it for the money. I'll post a pic if I can

You understand that allowing a bitch to have an unwanted litter is an extremely irresponsible thing to do. Having pups puts a lot of stress on a dog. Giving away pups for free is also questionable. 'Free to good home' dogs frequently end up as bait for dog fighting and in the possession of other unsavoury characters. If they weren't able to keep their dog secure they should have had her neutered.

There is no comparison between that and having a litter of very much wanted, meticulously planned pups for the purpose of bettering the breed. If the only dogs that existed were brought about by random throwing together of dogs with no regard for health or temperament the whole species would be in a sorry state. There is not a thing wrong with ethical breeding.

Heres Johnny

Cherry Blossom wrote: »

You understand that allowing a bitch to have an unwanted litter is an extremely irresponsible thing to do. Having pups puts a lot of stress on a dog. Giving away pups for free is also questionable. 'Free to good home' dogs frequently end up as bait for dog fighting and in the possession of other unsavoury characters. If they weren't able to keep their dog secure they should have had her neutered.

There is no comparison between that and having a litter of very much wanted, meticulously planned pups for the purpose of bettering the breed. If the only dogs that existed were brought about by random throwing together of dogs with no regard for health or temperament the whole species would be in a sorry state. There is not a thing wrong with ethical breeding.

Nothing to do with me! I don't know the man and the pups were born 8 weeks old and ready for homing before I ever heard of them. I gave a pup a good home! He was choosy enough in fairness he refused to advertise them or charge for them and only gave them away on recommendation and to people he knew.

average_runner

Heres Johnny wrote: »

Here's my favourite one

A beautiful dog

Heres Johnny

Picked out a beautiful black bitch pub yesterday, going to get a puppy crate and some food tomorrow then go to collect her in the afternoon (I gave away all the puppy paraphanelia I had). 10 weeks old. I'll stick a few pics up when I have them. Excited about the puppy phase again in a time where there's very little else to be joyous about. Should be able for some decent walks as summer wears on and gets a bit older.

Cherry Blossom

Sorry, but how are you doing this now given the current restrictions? I'm sure you know how important socialisation early in a dogs life is to their temperament later in life. How do you plan to socialise the pup? In the last few days there was a report in the independent of a man sentenced to four weeks in prison for traveling from Derry to Co. Kerry to buy two dogs. I think its brilliant personally that the judge came down on him like a ton of bricks. I hope we see a lot more of it.

Daz_

Just for any others reading this And thinking Lab seeing as the OP already got one .
As mentioned by a few on here , do consider registered breeders from kennel club .
The big problem out there is hip dysplasia as I discovered after getting our Lab .
I believe there is a check process with registered breeders focusing on hips and ensuring no issues .
Or rescue of course seeing as the dog still needs a good home etc .

The Bishop Basher

Heres Johnny wrote: »

Picked out a beautiful black bitch pub yesterday, going to get a puppy crate and some food tomorrow then go to collect her in the afternoon (I gave away all the puppy paraphanelia I had). 10 weeks old. I'll stick a few pics up when I have them. Excited about the puppy phase again in a time where there's very little else to be joyous about. Should be able for some decent walks as summer wears on and gets a bit older.

Congratulations and enjoy your new pup !!

the beer revolu

Cherry Blossom wrote: »

Sorry, but how are you doing this now given the current restrictions? I'm sure you know how important socialisation early in a dogs life is to their temperament later in life. How do you plan to socialise the pup? In the last few days there was a report in the independent of a man sentenced to four weeks in prison for traveling from Derry to Co. Kerry to buy two dogs. I think its brilliant personally that the judge came down on him like a ton of bricks. I hope we see a lot more of it.

Nice to see that Johnny's want of a puppy outweighs the need to suppress a pandemic!
I'd like to see them prosecuted, too.

My 90 year old mother is in hospital with a broken hip and is receiving no visitors but Johnny travels to buy a puppy!