I NEED SOME HELP! / Majestic Oaks Kennel

[nickmcd63]

So here it goes, I put down a deposit on a black lab at Majestic Oaks Kennel in Zimmerman, MN. The whole time Carl (the breeder) has been a softer spoken/old school type of guy, so it has been difficult to communicate about the pup. I did get a recommendation from a friend, that is why I continued to process.
Here is where it get's to be a difficult decision....He wants us to pick the pup up on Thursday, which would put him at 6 weeks old. I have tried to let us leave him out there for another week, but the other 4 pups are going as well so he would be all alone.

The deposit is refundable, so I want to know what you all think...Have you worked with him before?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[HD]

Why do want to leave him out there for another week, and why does he want to release them Thursday? Is it because of the holiday?

[nickmcd63]

Yeah, so we can have the extended weekend with them. I would like to keep him out there until next weekend to get to 7 weeks, but obviously if the other pups are gone that wouldn't make much sense.

The thing that worries me is that he stud has not gotten his elbows checked...What are your requirements when picking out a pup? Also, I know money should only be one of the deciding factors, but I cannot spend over $600 on a pup and cannot find another other than this guy for that price.

[HD]

Does he certify the hips? That is one thing that was the deciding factor in the last pure bred dog I got.
But, it has been a few years since I bought one.

[nickmcd63]

Does he certify the hips? That is one thing that was the deciding factor in the last pure bred dog I got.
But, it has been a few years since I bought one.

Yes, they both got their preliminary reports back and they look good. He also guarantees them for 30 months.

[HD]

I'm not sure what the current price for a lab pup is, but it seems to be in the ballpark for one that just has papers. Does the dam or sire have any awards? Usually the price goes up if they do.

6 weeks seems a little young to me, but, I would think if the pup is healthy, strong and good weight....you would be ok.

[glenn57]

not that I am all that knowledgeable about pups but when I bought my lab from a breeder up by upsala we couldn't pick them up until they where 6 weeks old. and we where designated a set time and day that we needed to be there to pick our pup. that was set when you made your deposit. my lab is a female chocolate and I paid $400.00 for her 5 years ago. hip certified shots and champion background. she turned out to be an awesome dog and quite spoiled.

I have gone thru the breeding process also twice with one of our shelties and with research most litters need to stay with there mothers 6 weeks is what I see recommended. worst part is letting them little buggers go................one tends to get attached WAYYYYYYY to easy.

[beeker]

I can see his logic with the longer weekend... and if the pup is weaned  it shouldn't be an issue. you have all the guarantees on the hips and your buddies recommendation..  enjoy the new pup.

[FCSpringer]

I myself would never let a litter go before 8 weeks. I have never seen a litter well socialized before that. Socialization is a very important thing. They learn a bunch that last week. To me it is laziness. Just my 2 cents. Rarely would a dog need prelims. OFA does not certify them till they are two. Which is how old most should be minimum. Unless it is a special circumstance. But both prelim???? That's a red flag in my book. Don't have a clue about them and nothing bad to say, just what I think in my own mind is the right things to do. EIC testing in Labs should be another one you should ask about.