We brought our new pup "Keira" home on Sunday at 8 weeks old and she's been absolutely great. I've already found this website so useful in breed-specific help, so I'll say thanks now before I forget. We live on the Isle of Man, and we were able to find a breeder who has done a great job socialising her pups. If fact, we were especially fortunate to be able to see the pups from around 4 weeks and learn a little about each of their characters, choosing from a litter of 9. We also met the dam, a very affectionate chocolate Lab, and also the sire, a stunning black Lab who competes in field trials. Despite Keira being one of the smallest of the litter, 3.1kg, she is already proving very strong willed, showing immense enthusiasm and is very, very fast to learn. She's keen on new toys yet quickly gets bored of them, so we've begun hiding some of her ever increasing collection and reintroducing toys later to keep her better occupied. I'd say the only problem we've had so far is that she lost a bit of appetite and also her stools were a little loose in the first couple of days at home. We've put this down to stress on her part, as she's gone back to normal with a very big appetite. Keira's our second dog, our first was a male golden retriever who we absolutely adored - 40kg and a very powerful swimmer. Although he was lovely and probably the best family pet we could have wished for, he wasn't what you'd call the cleverest animal! He passed away 6 years ago at a good old age. Given the nearly 20 years since we last reared a pup, we're probably a little rusty. Keira's already shown a lot of potential so we hope we're going to be able to offer her enough stimulation. For these reasons, I'm here to learn a little more about rearing Labs as we eventually hope to introduce a good level of obedience for retrieving and recall, even though she's going to be a family pet first and foremost. Here's a few photos from the last few weeks.
Re: Our new pup, Keira Oh - how lovely!!! Congratulations and welcome! Looks like you've got a live wire there, all right!
Re: Our new pup, Keira Warm welcome from me, two year old black Lab Sam and our rescue terrier Millie What lovely photos of your new addition , she is gorgeous, love the one of her asleep on her blanket ;D
Re: Our new pup, Keira Love the pictures, the last two are especially cute. Sounds like a lucky pup has found a good home judging from your right up
Re: Our new pup, Keira Beautiful puppy. Welcome from me, Hattie 6 years and our rescue boy Charlie almost 3 years. Have fun
Re: Our new pup, Keira Hi there! Welcome to you and your new baby! She is gorgeous - so lovely to see the tiny ones - we missed that with Lilly as I didn't meet her until she was 11 weeks. Jac and Lilly - 3 and 1/2 year old black labby girl
Re: Our new pup, Keira Gorgeous puppy ,we say hi from Dubai,Angela and Dexter a 13 month old yellow boy