Alpha lab of the litter - what does it suggest?

[GWilly]

As a follow up to a previous thread I created, I have found a yellow lab litter/line I like and have visited and interacted with them. There are a couple that stood out to me (both females), one of which tends to be the out-going of the bunch but also appears to be the alpha of the group and shows her dominance to the others. Any experiences or input on what traits and/or behavioral trends the dominant/alpha pup of the litter shows over time? All the info and help from TBHers thus far has been very appreciated!

[flywise]

Going to be hyper as hell

[GWilly]

Going to be hyper as hell

That was my concern but was wondering if that behavior wanes once taken away from the litter

[eradicator]

That was my concern but was wondering if that behavior wanes once taken away from the litter

Most labs are hyper early on. If it's going through training, it's not that big of a deal IMO.

[Gun]

I had my pick of 4 pups when I got my last Lab. The breeder asked what I was looking for. I wanted a active dog w strong retrieving instincts. I was training him to find sheds and keep me company while scouting and fishing. She had a ribbon around a pup that she had picked out for me. She said he’s very active and hyper. I said I don’t want him. I had brought a small ball along to test with. I sat down and had her bring the remaining 3 one by one. First
One wouldn’t wake up. Second one retrieved a couple times and took the ball away from me. Last one retrieved and brought it back every time until he crawled in my lap and fell asleep. I
told her this is he one. Had to put him down last year after 10 fantastic years. Dog of a lifetime! I’ve read where the dog finds one in ten sheds. We were about 50-50
Good luck w Search. Take a ball w you

[El General]

It means everything or nothing. Mostly it depends on you.

[Terry]

My alpha female was easier to train and work. No issues.

[GWilly]

I had my pick of 4 pups when I got my last Lab. The breeder asked what I was looking for. I wanted a active dog w strong retrieving instincts. I was training him to find sheds and keep me company while scouting and fishing. She had a ribbon around a pup that she had picked out for me. She said he’s very active and hyper. I said I don’t want him. I had brought a small ball along to test with. I sat down and had her bring the remaining 3 one by one. First
One wouldn’t wake up. Second one retrieved a couple times and took the ball away from me. Last one retrieved and brought it back every time until he crawled in my lap and fell asleep. I
told her this is he one. Had to put him down last year after 10 fantastic years. Dog of a lifetime! I’ve read where the dog finds one in ten sheds. We were about 50-50
Good luck w Search. Take a ball w you

Yep I bought a ball to bring along with me tomorrow. Sounds like you had a good one.

[doghouse]

This is a true story. I met a guy in a park to pick out a lab pup. He was there with a little 2ft wire fence in a circle with the pups inside. I got in the pen and a female came and laid on my boots. I moved around and she followed me and would lay on my boots when I stopped. I took her and she was the best dog my family has ever been around. Her name was Molly and everyone loved her. She fetched doves, pheasants, and ducks. RIP Molly!

[lanceodom]

My alpha female is 5 and can turn it on and off like a switch. Is she a bit more driven than most? Yes but I’ve had laid back and it’s tough (if not impossible) to make them want it as bad as she does.

[medicineman]

If you are going to train this as a working dog, hyper is good to me. Give them a job and they work hard. Lazy dogs want work hard for me. She wants to learn and work, so take her home and let her do just that. Good Luck with your choice.

[GWilly]

My alpha female is 5 and can turn it on and off like a switch. Is she a bit more driven than most? Yes but I’ve had laid back and it’s tough (if not impossible) to make them want it as bad as she does.

Good feedback. This is how I pictured the mannerisms the alpha pup showed might translate. They are English labs so I imagine (and hope) the on/off switch will be there.