Hello, new dog owner of Rocket

Hello. I'm due to pick up our new black boy Rocket on 12th April when he will be 8 weeks old. He will be our first dog. We have 2 children 6 and 8 years old and live on the south coast of England. I'm reading all I can about training and care but have so much to learn.. ..I'm hoping that all you experienced labrador people on this forum can help us along the way! Thank you in advance

 

Welcome to you and Rocket (well, soon) from me and Xena down in NZ. The forum is a godsend during those early puppy weeks/months when you're wondering why you ever thought a puppy was a good idea! My daughter was 8 when we brought Xena home and it was...awful. I'd really prepare your kids for the reality of the Lab puppy - bite bite bite bite bite. They're cute and adorable but real life is not a Buzzfeed video. They put holes in clothes, destroy anything they can get their hands on, and also put holes and scratches on people! Xena made my girl cry every day from 7 weeks old to 17-18 weeks - the longest 10 weeks of my life. I'm not saying this to scare you, and maybe you're well aware about Lab pups, but I'd start prepping your kids now. There's always somebody online who understands what you're going through

 

Welcome to you from Mags, Tatze and Keir from Manchester UK

Tatze is my pet dog, a black Lab and she's five years old. Tatze means 'paw' in German.

Keir is my sixth Guide Dog puppy, a yellow Golden Retriever/Flatcoat cross and he's nine months old.



This article is well worth a read - https://www.thelabradorsite.com/8-week-old-puppy/


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Welcome from Holly and me in Wales. Rocket (great name!) will take a while to become a sensible adult dog, but he'll bring you and your children a lot of fun along the way.

 

Hello and welcome to the forum from Fred, Annie and me here in Cheshire.

 

Welcome from me and Molly in East Sussex.

 

Hi from me and my dogs Moo and Rory we're in Leicestershire.

 

Welcome Just remember the first 6 months are the worst and then it gets better. It is hard work at first, especially if you have young children; the bitey bit should stop fairly quickly. Do buy Pippa Mattinson's "The Happy Puppy Handbook' it will answer any question you might have and help to restore your sanity. Lots of help and support on here and you will end up with a dog who you will love with all your heart and give your children lovely memories when they are grown.

 

Wow! Thank you so much for the warm welcome everyone! I will certainly take your words of wisdom and encouragement to heart. Just counting down the days to puppy blast-off now!

 

Thanks Zena dog princess, noted....will prep kids...

 

Thanks Mags, Tatze and Kier!

 

Hi Holly and Hollysdad!

 

Thanks Fred, Annie and Cath

 

Thanks Joy and Molly!

 

T

Thanks SwampDonkey, Moo and Rory!

 

Thanks for those words of encouragement Stadia!

 

Hello and welcome from me and little black lab Joy in West Yorkshire.

 

And hello and welcome from me and Cassie who is nearly 2. Wise words from all above, especially regarding the reality of life with a Labrador puppy, which grow into the best dogs ever.

 

Welcome from me, Hattie 10 years and our rescue boy Charlie 7 years. How exciting to be bringing Rocket (love his name) home soon. Good luck! xx

 

Rocket...what a great name!

Welcome ot the forum from the Beanwood Gang..