Definitions of a started dog vary by who is defining it. He is NOT a puppy. For purposes here, I will define the dog as at least 7-months to 2-years old. The dog has been at a minimum obedience trained, house broken, socialized (people and other dogs,) introduced to the gun and birds. Depending on his age he may also be ecollar conditioned, force fetch trained and can handle (take hand signals) at some level. The more training he has, the more expensive he will be.

I suggest you read or reread what I have written in How to find your puppy. Much of that information will also apply here by replacing the word puppy with started dog. Know up front that availability of a started dog, especially the right started dog for you, is far more difficult to find than a good puppy so your search may take some time. Don’t just settle. I have acquired two started dogs (Cedar and Willow) because at those times that is what best fit my needs.

I will do exhaustive research on as many breeders as possible that I can drive to and from in one day. Cedar was bred across the country and came to me by airplane. I saw a brief video of her but next time I need to see the dog in person and ideally see at least one parent. I need to see the dog do whatever he has been trained to do to that point, keeping my expectations in perspective based on the age of the dog. 

Limited training won’t scare me away but I will have my base line needs. I want to spend some time with him and get a sense of his personality and demeanor. I want to work him a bit and I want to play with him. My wife will be with me to help with the decision and also to keep me grounded. As with any age dog, I will hopefully have him for a long time and I want to give myself the best chance for success.

My starting point preferences are a black female and smaller is better than bigger. But other than sex and color (maybe) everything else depends on personality (regardless of its age,) and performance (based on the training he received to date.)

That is what we did with Willow. She was 10-months old when we ‘met’ her and had been started by a pro in Maine. Our requirements had changed. I no longer needed a hard charging Lab and Ruth wanted one more docile than some we have owned. Willow fit the bill and proved to be the perfect choice for us. One important thing to consider when buying started dog is how, or, if he was socialized. That can be a downside and present more frustration and work for you than a pup you can mold from day one. My advice is to spend as much time as possible getting to know that dog in various settings. That’s another reason for finding the dog closer to home.

Remember this: Getting a started dog at any age does not mean you do not have to devote ongoing time and resources to his progress.