Hi everyone. My name is Annette and I will be getting my new Lab puppy around Jan 23rd and I can't wait. I will apologise now for all the questions I will ask in the near future. This will be my first Lab but not our first dog. This is a dream I have had since I was a teenager so I'm very excited. My little black girl will be joining my family of 9 and everyone is super excited. I am trying to be as organised as possible so please let me know what you all think of as essentials for my new little addition. Thanks for adding me and I will post a pic when our new addition arrives
Re: Hello everyone How exciting!! Your girl is not going to lack for attention, with 9 people in the family. Heaven for a Labrador Welcome to the forum!
Re: Hello everyone Hello Annette, this is a great forum so friendly you will get lots of help. Hello from me and Otis a nine month old chocolate labrador. Essential things, I would say a crate, chew toys , water and food bowl, a warm blanket and cushion to put in the crate, some people like to have a small blanket or towel that has the mothers scent on it, to comfort the new pup, and a collar with tag and lead. It can be a bit of a shock to the system getting a new pup, some settle easily others not, get ready for the mouthing and chewing, which all can be trained so that are less of a problem. But enjoy your new pup ! Take lots of photos, this time goes so very quickly, have fun with the pup too, they love to play, and puppy cuddles are the best ! Maggiexx
Re: Hello everyone Thanks Guys, Maggie would you have any idea what size collar I should get? I really have no idea what size she would need. Thanks
Re: Hello everyone Hi Annette, so exciting for you! Our first collar was around 12- 14 inches when at its fully extended and only around a centimetre wide. I think it was the smallest dog collar size from Pets at Home. Matching lead of course ;D I agree a crate for your new addition is an essential both for training and the wee soul to retreat to if your large family is becoming a bit much for her (I make assumptions here that there are seveeal youngsters in that number!) Also it would be good to find out what food the breeder is using just in case it is something you might need to order in rather than simply pick up at the local petshop. And poop bags are a good idea. I use the cheap nappy sacks from asda Might be handy coaching the family on the probable biting and nipping beforehand too. Good luck - and welcome Jac and Lilly (3 and a half and STILL working on that Recall)
Re: Hello everyone Hello and welcome, from me and Charlie. I wouldn't buy a collar at all. I would buy this book by Turid Rugaas: http://www.thelabradorsite.com/?p=2570 Read it, and if you agree with Turid, buy a small, soft, back fastening harness. I hope you enjoy this lovely forum.
Re: Hello everyone Thanks again. I will be using a harness when needed and will be studying the Total Recall book. The collar will mostly be for the tag. And to look nice lol. I will check that book out. Thanks for the recommendation JulieT drjs@5 yes lots of kids ranging from 16 down to 4 so lots of love and play to go around. We have been discussing the biting and best ways to reduce this so here's hoping we get through it ok any recommendation for helping with this would be great. Breeder fed a raw diet which I will not be able to do so she will be getting the Labrador food from the vet. Keep shooting ideas this is great! Thanks
Re: Hello everyone Welcome Annette from me Helen, Hattie 6 years and our rescue Charlie 3 years. I thought I was going some with 4 children, well done you lots of love for your new puppy. We look forward to your posts, this is just a great place to be. Good luck. xxx
Re: Hello everyone Hello and welcome, Annette! Like Jacqui, we had the smallest size of collar - yes, it really did say suitable for Yorkshire Terriers on it. It lasted until she was three-and-a-half months... has been replaced now by a medium-sized collar and I don't think we are ever going to make it to the large size, which is the one the manufacturers say is suitable for a Lab. I did drop off a fleecy blanket with the breeder and a cuddly toy, which she put in with the pups for me, so when we picked her up she had some familiar smelling things that came with her. Yes, I would also recommend a crate, but remember that if you get a crate now that is suitable for an adult lab, it will be too big for her as a puppy... You can get partitions / dividers for bigger crates, because if it is too big to start, she'll be able to disappear to one end to wee outside of her bedding and it will not help with her house training. As for house training, I think most people here would say that puppy training pads are a complete waste of money! Really looking forward to seeing some pics when you have picked her up! Clare and Brew, 4 months and Theakston, Grumpy Old Spaniel (& happy that way!)
Re: Hello everyone Just wanted to say hi Annette ,you've had loads of good ideas....I'm going to chip in with my usual suggestion ( all the regular members will know what's coming right now)...... Lead walking!!! And preventing pulling!,I had a nightmare ,it's not so much something you need to be thinking about straight away.but if you read up now you will be prepared for when you get out and about after all the injections are completed. I love Dexter naked ...ie without his collar but it's only when he's inside the house ,he's got to have one on when he's out ,it's the law for hi stage and I'd also just be so scared if he got lost x Best wishes Angela x
Re: Hello everyone Welcome Annette, congratulations. I think everyone else has said most things that are needed. The only thing I can suggest as you have quite a few children us to arrange a quiet place that your puppy can go to that the children are not allowed. Look forward to lots of photos I got the XS collar from pets at home - I got one material and one leather - she hated the leather one, but happily wears the material one outside of the house, in the house she doesn't have anything on Ternaya and Harley (20 weeks old)
Re: Hello everyone Thanks everyone for your great advice. I will deffinately put up some photos when I have some. We are very excited especially now that Christmas is over. Kids have now changed their focus from Christmas to puppy. Lol Yes she will have to wear a collar here in Canberra too also by law. I can't wait to start shopping for all the necessities.
Re: Hello everyone Oh and Clare she will come from the Kennels with a toy and blanket with mum and litter mates scent on it. It's such a great idea. She will also have her crate to retreat to which will be off limits to the children
