if a young dog is socialized, it makes no difference if its you or someone else that had the dog during the critical times. having bought lots of dogs from questionable backgrounds, once they where socialized properly i couldnt tell the difference between dogs I had as puppys and ones I got older. They all loved me, where good citizens, and we where very much attached. having sold several dogs to people, ive never had anyone even get home with one they weren't bonded at the hip with. My 2.5 year old juice dog was over 4 months when I bought him, and the breeder had suffered a hart attack. him and his sister had been virtiually ignored. Plenty of socialization issues, but once they where worked thru, if you took juice for 20 minutes, everyone that saw ya'll would think he's your dog. His sister is my moms house dog now... she walks on hardwood floors, around $3000 rugs, and is going to compete in some horse carriage gig where you have a dog sit with you. My point is, these dogs are fantastic pets, couldnt be more into people, even with a bad start.
Decide if you want a puppy, an older dog, or a trained dog... but the bonding thing is a moot point with a lab. If socialized correctly, most any lab will bond with any person just like they have been together since birth. travis
