Hello - I am new to forums and I’m excited to be part of this Labrador family. We had to put our 11 year old beloved blonde Lab, Allie, to rest in June after she was diagnosed with a brain tumor Memorial Day weekend. It was so sudden and unexpected it hit our family very hard. We realized very quickly that we are lab people and missed that unconditional loving, happy, loyal family member. So we got another blonde lab puppy. We found her online, not how we found our first, and I wonder if that was the best way. Our new lab is a sweet girl but she came with lots of Un-Lab like behaviors. After doing lots of reading I believe she has separation anxiety and was not socialized at all. She panics in crates, hates the leash, and will not go potty on command. It’s a trifecta of training difficulties. She doesn’t engage in play or with us the way most puppies and labs do. In fact she is terrified of new people, unless they have a dog, then she comes alive!! That has been a saving grace! We have lots of family and friends with dogs. Right now I am sleeping on the couch next to her on an ottoman. We are living in our 3 season porch because she has accidents in our kitchen/ dining area but that can’t continue, I have to go back to work in just a couple of weeks. I look forward to being able to read about others experiences to see if I can find the right way to help my new pup be ok in a crate while I am at work. And I welcome any advise others may have. Thanks!!!
