Hi everyone, this is my first post to the forum. I am Becky and I am just starting to learn all about puppies especially labs after having made the exciting decision to finally get a puppy at some point in the next year. My hubby and I have 2 children aged 9 and 12 and I don't work so have plenty of time for a puppy and lots of love to give. I have just finished reading the wonderful Happy Puppy Handbook as well as several others. I have been thinking about how I will socialise the puppy in the early days. I can think of loads of things we can do but I am worried about what happens if the puppy needs the toilet when you are out and about! Obviously before vaccinations are complete the puppy must be carried and cannot be put down so what happens!?! Thanks for reading, think I'm going to enjoy it here and learn loads. X
Hi Becky, and welcome. Its a good question. We tended to keep our socialisation trips short at first so not to tire Holly. We showed her the garden before setting out so she would start the trip empty. She never let us down with an unscheduled performance during socialising. Planning for a puppy is important, and this is a great place to ask questions. We've learned lots from this forum.
Hi Becky and welcome to the forum from me and Juno, my 14 month old chocolate girl, from Normandy, France. Great to hear that you've read The Happy Puppy Handbook already, if you're like the rest of us you'll read it quite a few more in preparation for your puppy and over the first months. I would suggest that your OH also reads the book so that you both have the same approach, it saves a lot of discussion on what you should or shouldn't do . Your children could also be encouraged to read the book in preparation for you puppy. As Hollysdad has said with socialisation, keep the trips short and you shouldn't have a problem with accidents. Little and often seems to work well, and puppies soon grow and become a bit heavy and wriggly to carry . Have you been researching any breeders and making enquiries yet? Do you have any preference for a boy or girl, or on colour? Getting a puppy is so exciting
Hi! Carrying your puppy for early socialisation is important. Just walks in your arms for 10 mins down the road is good. Or parking in town and watching the world go by. Our outings weren't long enough to need a wee. Researching the type of Labrador and then finding breeders and visiting is really a part of the fun ... And shopping.
Thank you for your replies. I feel quite reassured. Today I would like a yellow boy pup, yesterday I fancied a black one and I love the chocolate ones too. Quite undecided at the mo. The most important thing is to have a healthy, happy pup regardless of colour. We have never had a dog before but at the minute we have an elderly house rabbit called Molly. We will not be getting a pup until Molly has gone to the bridge, it would not be fair on either of them otherwise.
We've had all three colours over the years. Really, its a matter of personal choice. At the end of the day their health and personality are the most important factors. When black and chocolate stand still in the dark, or in woodland, they blend in beautifully. Our last choccy was nicknamed the "stealth labrador" because she became invisible in woodland! Yellows show all the dirt they pick up. Sometimes its best not to know..... You're wise to wait. A puppy and an elderly rabbit might be a problem. Like Jane, we took our pup out and about. Our favourite outing was to sit on the bench outside the supermarket. There are lost of new noises and experiences for the puppy. Everyone will want to come and say hello to a new puppy so it will quickly get used to being around people.
Hi Becky a very warm welcome from me and 8 month old chocolate Lab, Mabel. It's so exciting choosing a puppy., I loved the early day's socialising Mabel. I would slip her into my gilet and walk round the block, within a couple of days I was wearing my OH's gilet as she had grown. I used to go and sit in the bus stop watching the traffic. Enjoy your planning it's such fun.
Welcome to the forum Becky - great that you are making plans and researching. I guess picking a breeder and going on waiting lists all takes time too (didn't do that myself, hindsight I should have!) Where abouts roughly are you based? jac
Welcome to you. Short visits are the best and they don't wee while being carried or in the car. Go straight to the garden when you get back as the pup will be more than ready! (I made this mistake a few times with Twiglet - now 13 weeks) Be sure to carry them from the car to the garden or a piddle in the hall is a certainty. I have had to carry Twiglet far longer than most people - so I got a second hand baby sling from ebay to take the weight. It worked a treat. They squirm less in a sling too.
The sling is a great idea. I have a couple that I used for my children years ago. Will definitely try that. We are based on the Surrey/hants border near the M3. What's the best way to start looking at potential breeders? Totally clueless!
Hi Becky, I started on the Kennel Club website, googled the breeders and took it from there. I wasn't particularly bothered about distance I was prepared to travel the breeder was the most important. Once I had chosen my breeder we then booked a holiday in Wales purely to visit her. I rang one day and asked if I could pop round. She said yes, such a lovely family. They live on a small holding and adore their dogs. Their yellow lab had a litter, the time wasn't right for me I was off to Australia the following year for a couple of months. I kept in touch with the breeder for almost two years. In January this year I collected my gorgeous girl. I keep in regular touch with the breeder, posting monthly photos of Mabel on her FB page. We have also booked a holiday next year so Mabel can see her mum. This article is a really good starting point. http://www.thelabradorsite.com/choosing-the-right-dog/ Good luck.
