Well here is the situation, I have a 7 month old black lab right now, and I just got offered a 3 year old chocolate lab from a friend who can't keep her anymore because of financial problems.

I'd love to have another lab, but wanted to get some input on someone who has been there done that

Thanks for the help

Lots of hair.

having two labs has the similar pros and cons of other gun dogs. Just like dog houses...

If you are wanting to hunt both, then time

And then of course, twice the feed, twice the vet expenses, twice the clean up.....

Double the cons, but keep the pros the same.

Don't forget to make sure that the dogs don't bond with each other and you become the third wheel.

Only thing better than a lab is two labs.

The hardest part for me is which one am I going to take hunting. I have a 8 yr old and 2.5 yr old. If it is going to be a easy hunt I take the old one. Hard hunt take the young one

I have two yearlings (Labradors) that I'm trying to get working as a team.

The competition factor is strong between them, and difficult at times to get them to work together...

But I'm as stubborn as they are, and that's what I want (to hunt them together)...I envision a time where they will honor each other's retrieves.

I fashioned two short leads with the spiral-type metal dog tie-outs that go into the ground, and send them on retrieves one at a time...I'm expecting by rote and repetition, they will learn to honor each other.

I brought them both to South Dakota earlier this year for a week-long pheasant hunt...Worked them both separately and together...Found more birds when they were together, but hard to pick a dog to follow when they're both birdy and going after running pheasants in two different directions.

Had to hit 'em with the collar a few times as well when they're ranging out too far and bustin' birds out of range.

But all birds shot were recovered, and they didn't fight over the birds too bad...I think it had something to do with the feathers and once one of them picked up the bird, the other would be in the other's face, but not trying to take it away tho.

I know it will be slower, and I'm accepting that and all the associated setbacks.

Again, I'm determined and convinced it will bear fruit...We have a lifetime to get it right...Probably be some not-so productive duck hunts while I instill the restraint and disciple required...

But I also work them separately as well...I think the one-on-one approach brings out their individual abilities that would not be realized if worked strictly together.

So training is moving forward, but slower than if only one dog.

I think it would be easier with pointing dogs!

I have a 9 year old (tomorrow) and a 2 year old. I hunt them together more oft then not.

well the wife is picking up our new pup this min!!! so I will see what becomes of this looking forward to training the new pup and try to avoid the pitfalls me and Dude had while training.

Have two lab brothers.. they are big buddies. Yes it is more food vet bills etc. but the way I see it they have a playmate/company when nobody else is around. With pups.. make sure you have LOTS for them to chew on or they will chew everything in sight.. fences, furniture.. early training helps but they are labs and pups. With brothers it is strange to see the distinct personalities just like people. One always has to walk on the left side when I exercise them. Take them to the water as soon as you can in the spring.. they will go nuts.

I have 2 labs. One is 4 and the other is 3. they are best friends and the pros are far more than the cons (only con is cost in my mind)

The question would be do you have the time to train 2 dogs properly.

Robby

Be very careful that the two dogs don't have a stronger bond to each other then to you.

Having a playmate for said dog is the last reason you should own 2 dogs.

If you keep them separated enough so you are still number one in their hearts and mind you should be good to go.

Angie

I have 4. 3 males and a female. Hunt the dominant male with his son and they are fine.
They both honor each other. Took some training, but it sure is fun.
Other male and female hunt together, just never with the big man.

You must be prepared to give them both the love and attention they deserve.

All of mine get one on one time a lot . Keeps the love and respect as pack leader strong.

Research everything, ask yourself a lot of questions and good luck in your decision .

just got a male pup and he is doing very well with my female... they love to play together, he is coming along very well in the training (what little there is at this age) seems to have a good head on him but we still got water and gun training in the spring, I think he will make a great gun dog.