First Trips Out

Discussion in 'Labrador Puppies' started by NorfolkHomemadeMum, Jul 14, 2013.

  1. NorfolkHomemadeMum

    NorfolkHomemadeMum Registered Users

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    Has anyone got any advice/tips for first trips out post jabs? About 2 weeks to go til we are no longer housebound. As it will be the summer holidays here in Norfolk I'm anticipating some days out with our two young boys & I have started a Pinterest board to post dog friendly places we can go. I will post the link on here if it is allowed? I'm a bit worried about her getting tired & have even considered (don't laugh) something to cart her about in :)
     
  2. Maggie68

    Maggie68 Registered Users

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    Re: First Trips Out

    Hi Ive got two weeks to go with Otis to, cant wait to get out ! I think with the tiredness, if you stick to the time limit, 5mins for every month of life, it should be okay. So looking forward to the longer walks though, and wondering if I can get him into water too, I live near the sea and a canal.
     
  3. NorfolkHomemadeMum

    NorfolkHomemadeMum Registered Users

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  4. JulieT

    JulieT Registered Users

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    Re: First Trips Out

    O she is just lovely, so cute!

    We spent 2 hours on a quiet beach with Charlie when he was 3.5 months. We had a beach tent with his cotton blanket in it (he thought putting the tent up was great fun and legged it with the tent pegs... ;D), lots of water, and stayed in the same place. He played, then crashed out in the tent, then played etc. but 2 hours was the max that was reasonable, I thought it was too long really, even with him crashing out between playtimes, and the beach was only 5 mins from where we were staying.

    I think a trip out with a young pup needs to be approached with some caution, even if you are planning on carrying....
     
  5. NorfolkHomemadeMum

    NorfolkHomemadeMum Registered Users

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    Re: First Trips Out

    Yep hence my asking for advice? x :)
     
  6. lynnelogan

    lynnelogan Registered Users

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    Re: First Trips Out

    oh what a beauty :) don't rush the going out.....she is only a baby :)
     
  7. Maggie68

    Maggie68 Registered Users

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    Re: First Trips Out

    He is gorgeous, love those big ears x
     
  8. JulieT

    JulieT Registered Users

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    Re: First Trips Out

    Hmm... Well, I think I was kinda telling you the story by way of advice... It seemed better that way... :) :) :)xxx
     
  9. Oberon

    Oberon Supporting Member Forum Supporter

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    Re: First Trips Out

    I would take her to as many places as possible - but carry her (unless she's at someone else's house and they have a vaccinated dog). The more variety you can pack in at this stage, the better (making sure it's always a positive experience for her).
     
  10. Dexter

    Dexter Moderator Forum Supporter

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    Re: First Trips Out

    NHM,bet you are really excited to be able to get out but it will be kind of restrictive at first as its not recommended that you walk them too far and she's only a baby so she will get tired.If its a day out in the car I guess you could do a bit of teamwork and have someone back at 'base' with her with the back of the car open where she can rest when she's had enough.If she's sat in an open boot she will get loads of socialization opportunities,people will always stop to meet a puppy ,socialization for her sitter too ;D.I know you'll be juggling the needs of your boys on their Summer hols and enjoying being able to get out with your puppy....your boys will have energy to burn I bet :)
     
  11. Dexter

    Dexter Moderator Forum Supporter

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    Re: First Trips Out

    Forgot to say...was it you that posted the pic carrying Beulah in a back pack?If not maybe consider it?I know she'll be a bit of a weight now though....how's your muscles?
     
  12. NorfolkHomemadeMum

    NorfolkHomemadeMum Registered Users

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    Re: First Trips Out

    lol no not me - don't think the backpack would be an option - she would chew a hole through it before we left the car park!
     
  13. tartanmouse

    tartanmouse Registered Users

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    Re: First Trips Out

    If you're taking a pic every day or so to see how she's grown, try to get it in the same place, like against the same place of the fence, then you'll have a comparisson in the back ground. This happened accidentally with some Harry pics, and it's amazing the height difference from one month to the next. Now we always take that sort of pic in that same place.

    Charlie being half cocker, she's a bit lighter to carry than Beulah so we just took her where ever we were going. Supermarket is a good place, loads of people in and out trolleys, noise, smells. And once she's covered with her vacs, you can put her down okay for a short while. Beach is a good one too, but watch how much sea water she tries to drink, could be a ticky tummy afterwards. Car boot sales are fantastic (but then I'm a bargain shopaholic so I would say that!).

    We had a posh carry bag for Charlie and NEVER used it once. Tell a lie, she fell asleep on the sofa one time. I thought about one of those strollers for dogs too. And if I'd bought it earlier it might have been worth it. I even think now that when we'd like a longer walk for Harry, Charlie could come too, and go in the stroller at intervals. But 'real men' like my OH (yeah, right!) don't push dogs in pushchairs. Apparently. ::) They have some reasonable ones on e bay but don't know what weight they go to.

    We have a bag by the door, ready to go, so who ever is going out can take Charlie with them. Water and a lid/bowl. Few treats for coming back if called. poop bags, kitchen roll etc. Usual stuff. It's like leaving the house with a baby for the first time, preparation is everything. Then once you've been out a few times, you'll think of loads of places to go to. We used to live in Norfolk and there were some lovely days out with the dogs. We tended to go to quieter beaches, or a walk by the broads. But for socialising try fitting her in with every trip you take. Gets her used to the going out routine too, leader/collar put on etc. Short car trips are good too if you drive places. We have a tail gate cage thingy on the back of the car, and she sits in there watching the world go by too. Loves it!

    One important thing though, as we've had huge boned dogs Bernese and briards as well as labs. Always be mindful of the actual exercise she's getting. Over doing it at this stage will spoil her development. But her being with you, as long as she's got lots of opportunity for rest as well, is the best thing. Charlie never looks tired, always looks like she's go another 15 mins, and she probably would too, but we always adhere to the rough estimate. And we've always been fortunate with our dogs not to encounter any major problems with joints etc.


    Well, that turned into an essay, well done anyone still reading this far down. :eek:
     
  14. NorfolkHomemadeMum

    NorfolkHomemadeMum Registered Users

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    Re: First Trips Out

    Thanks for the tips - yes thats what I was thinking better for her to be with us but have plenty of opportunity for rest - it will be more like going out & sitting with her whilst boys play somewhere. When my OH is not working we take her on the school run, (she has a car harness) & one of us stands outside the gates holding her. That way she gets to see cars, lorries, tractors & lots of different people/children.
     
  15. tartanmouse

    tartanmouse Registered Users

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    Re: First Trips Out

    You'll love it. When they're in your arms and can't go down at all, it seems a bit of a chore taking her everywhere. But oncwe she's safe to go down on the ground, it'll be a pleasure to have her everywhere. Everyone is gonna come and stop you with Beulah though - she's gorgeous. You can get your children telling people what her name is, and how old she is and so on. Be great for them. I use the same principle on my husband, get him used to people! ;D
     
  16. NorfolkHomemadeMum

    NorfolkHomemadeMum Registered Users

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    Re: First Trips Out

    LOL thankyou she is a beauty a big one at that. All of the "dog people" we meet say she will be big. She is a little tinker though - everytime my back is turned she's chewing something - just being a puppy :) Although I could do without the constantly chewing sticks, stones etc. in the garden - I think I might have got my first grey hair this week ;-) Saw this & thought hmmm I wonder if I can get one cheaper or if I can convince Hubby to pay for one! http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251292980701?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2648
     
  17. tartanmouse

    tartanmouse Registered Users

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    Re: First Trips Out

    Oooooh. Me like. (Goes off to check paypal balance)

    I was looking at the ones that resemble actual baby pushchairs, and that's what put me off about them. If I thought a dog would stay in them, I DOO like a chuck wagon. More research to be done.
     
  18. NorfolkHomemadeMum

    NorfolkHomemadeMum Registered Users

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    Re: First Trips Out

    If you search for radio flyer you might have more success in finding a cheaper second hand one! I'm researching too. I was thinking I could attach her lead to it. I can see the boys arguing over who is going to cart her Highness about ;D
     
  19. drjs@5

    drjs@5 Registered Users

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    Re: First Trips Out

    Ha Ha!
    We are just back from the US. We went to pet supermarket 8) where they had a delightful range of doggy buggies ;D ;D ;D ;D
    The basic model - http://www.petsupermarket.com/produ...800676.aspx?pn=travel lite pet stroller- pink
    We were having a good laugh, but the number of them we saw around was incredible - usually smaller "yappy" dogs as my OH would say.
    I would go for the wagon myself ;D

    Saw this bulldog in Washington last year - walking up towards the White House of all places. Couple of clearly gay blokes pulling a smal wagon stopped and called out "come on buddy!" and the elderly bulldog hopped into the wagon for crossing the road. It was actually pretty sweet :)

    I have to say, I didn't worry about this aspect too much.
    Tried to stick roughly to the 5 minute rule. Had a few extra long walks but always on soft surfaces.
    Personally I wouldn't bother going to the expense of buying anything, just use your common sense! LOL

    jac
     
  20. NorfolkHomemadeMum

    NorfolkHomemadeMum Registered Users

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    Re: First Trips Out

    Unfortunately Jacqui I have 2 boys to tire out so she may need carting about to save her joints! Jude especially has to burn off a certain amount of energy each day :)
     

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