Hello! Our son got a lab puppy this summer who has been here with us on school breaks and is here for Christmas vacation. I have to admit - I was totally against the idea - all I had ever heard about labs is how hyper they are. But, he is so smart. My son took him to puppy kindergarten class and he sits when told and doesn't have accidents in the house - goes to the door to be let out. He loves to play a game every evening where we hide treats in the den and let him sniff them out. He doesn't come when called yet, but they are going to another class in January. Bear just turned 6 months old and we have puppy proofed the house but have had LOTS of incidents. I can't get over this desire to shred every piece of paper to bits. I have already learned a lot from this forum and the first thing I am fixing to do is put up a lot of his toys - he has balls, ropes, squeaky toys, shoes, all scattered around. The Christmas tree has been an issue - I had the foresight to get plastic ornaments this year so if he got one it wouldn't cut him - didn't plan on him pulling limbs off the tree though - lol My two biggest concerns right now - he won't stay in the backyard by himself for any long length of time - like more than 10 minutes or so and he bites a lot - he is playing, but it hurts. So I am looking forward to reading about those issues on here and getting advice. We have fallen in love with him and want to enjoy him when he is at our house.
Welcome to you from Mags, Tatze and Keir from Manchester UK Tatze is my pet dog, a black Lab and she's four years old. Tatze means 'paw' in German. Keir is my fifth Guide Dog puppy, a yellow Golden Retriever/Flatcoat cross and he's six months old. I wouldn’t even try to ask a pup to be outside on their own. Dogs are social animals and being left alone with nothing to do will lead to boredom and chewing and eating things you don’t want them to. They do need to learn to be alone for short periods but this is best done in a puppy-safe room, pen or crate with a frozen Kong to keep them busy while you are out. Biting is very normal Lab puppy behaviour. Anyone who says different has not had a Lab puppy! He will grow out of it, meanwhile be more determined than he is (and that’s very determined!) that he will bite toys and not you. Have a puppy toy on every shelf and in every pocket to put in his mouth. Wear skinny jeans and tight sleeves. With one of my pups I even wore wellies in the house! Here is the best advice. I have a pup every year and go back to it every single time - https://www.thelabradorsite.com/labrador-puppies-biting/ .
Hello and welcome to the forum from Fred, Annie and me. No, a puppy shouldn't be outside on their own. He is still very young and wants to be with people. Dogs are a pack animal. Have you read The happy Puppy book by Pippa. I am sure it would help you.
