Hi All, I’m new to this site and am currently reading the happy puppy handbook in preparation for arrival of our new Labrador pup, Arco, on the 7th January! I would like your advice on a situation that I am faced with in the early stages of Arco’s arrival to our home. My partner and I will be looking after his son and ex’s dog (2 year old male labradoodle) for a period of 2 and half weeks, beginning only 4 days after Arco’s arrival. Unfortunately this was arranged well before we found and decided on bringing home Arco. Arco will be 9 weeks old when we pick her up. I realise that in the first 4 weeks of having Arco (age 9-14weeks), is an important time for socialisation so exposure to kids and other dogs will be a good thing. Unfortunately, the visiting dog has been trained to a differing degree to which I would like to train Arco – e.g. sleeps on bed, jumps on couch, etc. I would like to sleep the visiting dog outside but he is likely to cry through the night and I am concerned that Arco will learn this behaviour. I am also concerned that Arco will become reliant on having another dog companion around as this will not be the norm, and she will be spending most of her adult life alone in reality (pains me to say). I would like to balance the benefits of socialisation with the concerns that I have. I was wondering if there is a limit or ideal amount of time that is a good socialisation period? Should I be concerned that Arco will become dependent on having another dog around? I believe she will learn some good behaviours from the visiting dog however am I too concerned about the negative behaviours that she might pick up? Right now I am trying to organise a house/dog sitter for the visiting dog so we do not have them together for the full 2 and half weeks – potentially organised for first or second week or the entire time. Any advice is greatly appreciated! Regards, Anna
I have different rules for my dog (four year old black Lab) and my pup (six month old GR/FC Guide Dog puppy) and both are fine with it. Tatze is allowed on furniture, Keir isn’t. Tatze is allowed to put her paws up, Keir isn’t etc. All is fine. Pup and visiting dog = hard work!
We had a pet lab and a working gun dog so very different rules no problems with one leaving the other I've now got a 9 week old black lab called Ella who will be trained the same oh how I miss my little girl called Mia who I lost a few weeks ago grr I'm gonna start blubbing again
