He's home! Our lovely 8 week old black lab puppy had now moved in and it's SO FANTASTIC!! He's an absolute live wire - rushing around the garden, picking my flowers and digging new beds where he thinks they should go - in the middle of the lawn! He's met the cats - and tried to introduce himself - but the clever felines are keeping a safe distance at the moment! We had 2 little puddles on the floor on day one and now he's taking himself outside to toilet as and when he needs to. We're lucky that the weather has been good and the door has been open all the time. He's in his crate all night, with a couple of night time garden visits for a wee and he's settling quickly after about a ten minute whine. We've been really lucky with him I think! So - I have a question! I know that it's bad for then to jump around too much and to run up and down stairs but I'm not always quick enough to stop him! He's already scrabbling to get onto the sofa ( we have an old one that he's allowed on) and he inevitably jumps off just as i have my back turned! Also there are a couple of stairs in the garden that he's been up and down. It's this ok? How vigilant do I have to be with steps? Is it the case that he mustn't do this at all or is it ok in moderation? He saw the sea for the first time today, and had a little paddle! Is this ok too? We avoided other dogs as I know he shouldn't meet them until he's had all of his jabs but I really don't know how I'm going to carry him everywhere when he 5 weeks older than he is now - he's already a heavy lump!! Any advice gratefully accepted and please forgive the long rambling message - its just that I have 5 minutes while he's sleeping!! I'll upload some pics as soon as I work out how to! Lorraine aka Ziggy' s adoring mum!
Welcome Ziggy! Sounds like he is a right live wire indeed Beware the open door method of toilet training. It can lull you into a false sense of security. He might need to relearn how to "ask" out. I remember that happening with Lilly who was a 1st May pup. It's difficult to stop them jumping. Do you actually want a fully grown lab on your sofa? You can stop him you know. Cute as a pup but maybe not a 30kg lump? If you are happy, then maybe a small step to help him and make sure that there is a non slip surface to get off to .....this latter I think most important. And I wouldn't worry myself about a splash in the beach as long as he is fully vaccinated or in an area that you know for sure to be safe. Free from other dogs and wild animals. Keeping him up off the ground until your vet says his vaccs have kicked in is best. A towel lined small tote bag or rucksack is a good idea. Sounds like he is keeping you in your toes!
Congratulations! You sound thrilled with your lovely boy. I didn't take Molly, or previous pups, to the beach until she'd had all her vaccinations - well I did but carried her. I think I'd go by what your vet says -I believe there is some risk of parvovirus even without direct contact from other dogs.
