Possibly Adopting a Lab

[koni]

Hi Guys, I am considering adopting a 1 year old purebred Male Labrador (akc registered, neutered and micro chipped) from a colleague. My colleague is selling her pup for $500 and I was wondering if this is reasonable.

The pup needs training, as he never had any formal training and pees on people when he greets them. I know it will take a lot of work but I was wondering if this sounds reasonable. And when adding a second dog, how does your doggie react. Koni, who is used to being the only dog, is 4 years old. Is it possible I will have issues, or eventually Koni will get over it?

[taztiff30]

500.00 sounds a bit much.. what does his pedigree look like.. why is she selling him for 500.00 how old is the pup?

[pupsnpigs]

$500 seems a little much for a dog with that kind of problem. I mean he does have papers but since he's neutered they don't matter too much. He can compete in companion events at AKC shows. Find out as much as you can about him before deciding.

With adding a dog to a family that already has a dog, each dog is different. Have them meet before even agreeing to take the dog. Has either dog been socialized with other dogs? This can play a major role on how they will react. Introduce them slowly.

Good luck with your decision!

[OnyxsMom]

I agree, 500 seems steep for a dog with issues like you stated, although you can work to fix these issues, it will take alot of patience and work. I also agree, set up a meet and greet with the 2 dogs on unclaimed turf, and see how they interact before you agree to anything.

[koni]

What would be a reasonable price? I know my co-worker's spouse bought the dog as a pup around 8 weeks of age this time last year, so the pup is about 1 year old now. I have not seen photos yet or gone to take a look at the dog yet, but he is a white lab. They have not taken the time to really train the dog, but they are willing to pay for the training classes after if I get the dog. Still a lot of factors and wondering if this would be good for me. I do know he loves other dogs and children, but need to find out more about crating, leash walking etc.

[Moo]

I agree that $500 seems a bit much for a rehome fee for an adult dog that is in a sense just "used" with what seems like little effort put in. The training will be extremely difficult since poor behaviors are probably ingrained at this point... inexperienced owners inadvertantly reinforcing dogs to do bad things.

I guess the breeding and genetic health would be a factor though.

As far as introducing a new dog goes. As long as both dogs are stable, there is structure, and the dogs are introduced and acquainted on neutral ground, things should develop okay. First impressions make a huge difference. Kirby was also four years old when Thing 2 was added.

[taztiff30]

Originally Posted by koni

What would be a reasonable price? I know my co-worker's spouse bought the dog as a pup around 8 weeks of age this time last year, so the pup is about 1 year old now. I have not seen photos yet or gone to take a look at the dog yet, but he is a white lab. They have not taken the time to really train the dog, but they are willing to pay for the training classes after if I get the dog. Still a lot of factors and wondering if this would be good for me. I do know he loves other dogs and children, but need to find out more about crating, leash walking etc.

i would ask them how much they have in vet bills and go from there.. but dont let them tell you he is 500.00 becouse he is a rare white.. labs come in 3 colors black choc yellow the white is still reg as a yellow it is just a dilute

[agilitydog]

I think $500 for a 1 year old is rediculous. Its not like the money is going to a shelter(even still I think it is too high). Lines or not, they are trying to get the money back they paid for him as a pup.

Now if he had some kind of formal hunt training or something, then I might think different.

[golden&hovawart]

A purebred lab for adoption is usually around 300 to 350 dollars when you get him from a Lab rescue!.From a lab rescue,the dog is vetted,neutered and character analyzed!.You get a certain guaranty!.
When a dog is neutered,the papers don't mean,anything anymore!.

[saluki-sue]

The rescue I work with charges between $150.00 to $300.00 as an adoption fee. $500 is what they paid for their pup at 8 weeks old, it's not yours or the dogs fault they don't want him any more, so neither of you should pay the price.

By the way there is not such thing as a white lab. They only come in 3 colors yellow, black and chocolate (brown) the shades differ in yellow and chocolate but they are still yellow or chocolate. If they tell you they want more due to his rare color they are full of beans.

Before you make up your mind go and meet this dog, he many or many not click with you. But if he doesn't and you commit to him your going to be living a very long time with a dog who just isn't the right fit. See if you can meet on netural turf so you can bring Koni with you to see how they get along.