Hey All I have found myself on this forums,after much reading and research over the last year or so, myself & my partner are expecting our first ever golden lab puppy on 24th September. From an assured breeder etc all that is sorted. Altough I've done so much research but I wanted to ask you lot to summarize your main 3 pieces of advice for us. We both do work however have flexible schedules and very nice work places where our puppy can come with us some days. a large garden, no children yet. We have just renovated our whole house so our concern is with chewing but again nothing we arent prepared for and debating crate training. Anyway any advice from personal people would be welcome, im waiting on Pippas book to arrive tomorrow to get my teeth into! Thanks all and look forward to the support.
Hi! Welcome to the forum. You've done the right thing coming before the puppy gets here, I found it when I was tearing my hair out feeling like my puppy was the devil The three pieces of advice I would give you would be: 1. Definitely crate train. It takes some doing but it's so worth it. Especially when they get a bit bigger and are into everything. You can leave them knowing they're safe and settled. Also a nice "calm down" place when they get a bit over excited. 2. Be prepared for a terror. Croco-pup will emerge and you'll get bitten lots of times. They'll chew your things, they'll cry/whine, they'll steal stuff and run away. Just expect it and try and deal with it calmly - don't let it get to you. They're all the same 3. Enjoy them! They grow so quickly. I spent so much of Stanley's first weeks with us in tears thinking what have we done that I forgot to enjoy his little cute face and when he used to snuggle up and go to sleep on me. Now I really want to go back and have those times with him because he really was the most adorable, loving little lad. Please post pictures!!
Hi Jen Thanks so much! They are great pieces of advice - I will certainly post pictures when we pick him up, im so excited. He is going to be called Rolo. Stanley is beautiful! Thanks again for the advice
Hello, and welcome to the forum from me and my two dogs, Willow (black girl) and Shadow (yellow boy). As you already have Pippa's book winding its way to you (I assume the Happy Puppy Handbook), then my top three, other than those that Jen said, would be (in no particular order 1. Clicker training. It's a great way to teach them anything form basic to advanced behaviours. 2. Stock up on Simple Solution, or similar, for cleaning up the inevitable messes. 3. Work on impulse control from the start. This means not mugging your hand that contains treats. Learning to sit (without being told) to say "please" - for food, for coming out of the crate, for having the collar put on, for going through a door etc etc. Sitting in order to be petted, rather than umping up at people. etc etc etc... And, it's not advice, but be prepared to feel completely under-prepared! However much you've read and readied yourself, nothing quite prepares you for the disruption a young Labrador puppy can bring!
Whatever you imagine......will never be enough! Just be prepared for anything. Puppies are a handful and will be very trying. SO, if you are prepared for the worst that will be most helpful for you! Now that I have scared you!! totally enjoy his puppyhood because it flies by. He will bite a lot, chew a lot, pee and poo a lot, demand your attention a lot. Since you have a partner that is most helpful because you can share ..... I did it alone and I thought I had lost my mind.....which I had!!! But once you are past the crazies......it is wonderful. I totally agree with Jen.....crate train. A must. Will keep you sane and Rolo safe and happy.
I'm pretty battle hardened by now but they can still surprise. All i know it's one of the hardest things I've ever done but the best. I wouldn't be without any of them. Treasure every moment .
Thanks all, I cant wait to get my teeth stuck into pippas book, and take on board all the fab advice, I dont doubt it will be hard work but im so ready to add a new addition to our family, I have always been brought up with dogs and altough it was my parents responsibility I am familiar with how hard it can be but so rewarding! Labs have always been my favorite dog breed.
Hello and welcome from did and Saphy . Yes lab puppies are a hand ful at times. I found with Saphy a little bit at a time . But with all labs she will do anything for a treat. Let us know how you get on . Good luck
Hi and welcome from me and 3 year old fox red girl, Harley. I would strongly recommend training loose lead walking from day 1. I didn't and wish I did. Pippa's book is fantastic and will give you some really good advice
Hi and welcome. Hardwork... Yes, unconditional joy and love... Yes. You really do get back what you put in, for us that has meant little and often clicker training. Ensure you thoroughly socialise your puppy with the world. We didn't walk Winnie on a lead from being brought home and as you will read in Pippa's book they do just follow you. This has made all the difference with her recall and on that note I'd definitely say read Total Recall, use a whistle and start straight away . When you go to feed your pup use the whistle to start and build that association. Most of all enjoy, owning a dog is a real privilege, take loads of pictures they grow so quickly! Good luck!
Hello and welcome from Poppy and me! 1. Take your puppy everywhere with you to begin with. Carry him/her until all the vaccinations are complete. The all-important window of socialization is from 8-16 weeks, don't miss it! 2. Let your pup off the lead as soon as possible - when little, your puppy will stick right close by you and this will give you a great opportunity to start recall training. 3. Expect the unexpected - puppies aren't robots and they are all different!! 4. (Sorry, have one more most important) - Prepare to be overwhelmed - with tiredness, laughter, mud, frustration, and much love. Keep a sense of humor about it all! Good luck, and we are here to keep you company on your journey!
Hi and welcome from me and my nearly 7 month old boy Bailey. Bailey is our first lab pup, although like you I've always had labs at home growing up. Apart from the excellent advice above my main recommendation is make sure you and your partner are on the same page training wise...I am still trying to train my OH - he's harder work than Bailey Labs are crocopups so impulse control from day one is a must, but don't expect it to happen quickly - when tired or over excited Bailey can still forget himself. Enjoy the early days, exhausting as they are, that cute little bundle snuggled on your lap will soon be squashing you! Oh and always come back here for help, support and some wicked ideas for drinks
Ha ha thanks all, I'm more of a rum person than gin, but certainly a long island iced tea person! (you only need one) Got stuck into pippas book last night - couldn't put it down. I know all the info is on her great site but i struggle to read online i like a good phsical book infront of me with a nice cup of tea (Not long island) Thanks again and look forward to asking you more questions! x
