persephone

Thanks, Rappie :) I shall pass it on.

Thank you :) Someone had me concerned as it was said that dogs could pick up parvo hiding in faeces of recently vac'd dogs ....

Ok - discussing vaccinations etc .. does virus shedding occur? or not? using a 'live' vaccine how much virus shedding is there ? is the parvovirus shedding capable of infecting vulnerable/ non vaccinated pups/dogs? I have been given several differing opinions - and am interested in just what does happen ? Thanks.

Breathe, folks This poster is a first-timer ... and is attempting to do things the way they have seen dogs kept - and 'by the book' ( whichever book that is ) It is turning out to be a HUGE learning/realisation curve , they love their new puppy , and WANT the best for him .....their 'research' has let them down ...hopefully D O L will be their safety net .

Very good news :) It is helpful info, but it also depends a LOT on the individual surgeon's work . Glad she is bouncy & happy once more !!

thinking of you & the poor sickie ..

yes- it's a trying time for someone new to it all!

yes- he has white/grey bits! The Elf watches and plots continually ;)

Stressy - there is another thread - and they have posted:)

..and we really really need lab puppy pics ;)

Congrats - and what happy lives ahead for the dogs :D

Strange looking understudy! Is he a brown sheep dog? more info here! http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/261136-smoke/page__view__findpost__p__6625206

:) thanks all. His Dad was what was called dapper :) We only have a couple of photos of him ( killed in WW2) and , yes , dressed , wearing a ring , and looking pretty darn good!

That is perfect :) (Now I need a baby puppy !! :p )

the elf? Just waiting to steal something ;)

Don is getting better at picking up and returning to the basket ,dropped items :)

..and remember - folks here don't say all this stuff 'cos they want to be mean - it's just that many folks here have been there & done that - many many times , and have an idea as to the best (and in the long run , most successful) way to do this puppy parenting thing! You are def. not alone! I have a 14 mth old ratbag who loves me to bits - but who I have neglected to teach a couple of important things my mistake ... and now I am having to work hard! ;)

yes :) You are obviously so worried, like a new mum! stop & breathe - puppy hood has all sorts of trials & tribulations ... but doesn't last long! the key word here is BABY . Babies ARE dependent . babies need attention and someone close by ... for a little while . :) You will survive ....

Many people DO have outside dogs ... and as you say , MULTIPLE dogs . I know we do - and the reason many of them work so well ? dogs have each other for company /exercise and reassurance ;) many other folk have a single dog - and also spend many hours/days working that dog's brain , training/competing - all that stuff :) Some dogs are always outside - yes...and as adults, they are resigned to the fact . They struggled as babies ..but gave up , or were very resilient and happy with their own company from day 1 . Each is a bit different ...

he was very good looking when younger :) I remember being mightily embarrassed at 21, when he came to see me at work ... I showed him 'round, and then had a lot of comments & looks at my 'older' boyfriend!!

dad's B/Day yesterday, 84 yrs young :) We went to a Field Day ..and I snapped him watching something ...

How are things today ?

oh how sad that you won't share the comfort you can give him . Loving a puppy means providing for his needs . His main needs now , are good food, water, COMFORT , shelter etc . By all means leave him for short periods outdoors - BUT make sure he has something very valuable to him while you do :) A BIG bone , his meal, and the toy he loves most .... Sleeping in your room will hasten the bonding, and trust . It will also help YOU a lot in understanding him . I have always had dogs - always. In latter years , when I didn't have working dogs in the bush - dogs have slept in my room .. yes, they are /have been left alone during the day , on holidays , while working - I do not want a dog with me all the time ;) A dog with a person who works/goes out / does stuff inside while dog is in the backyard will gain SO much from the simple act of sharing the same space while sleeping - this is a natural "pack" thing with canids ! They are off hunting, etc during the day , and sleep together at night - or vice versa. As you are now your dog's 'pack' - you have the opportunity :) I would suggest you NOT spend every moment with him during the day , so he can learn to play alone ...provide sandpits, cardboard boxes, bones, squeaky/rattly toys , balls of various sizes ... Start training NOW - do several 3 minute sessions , maybe - 'come' and 'sit' .. :) :)

poor little baby feels very lost & alone - crate in your room sounds a good option :) lab pups are so cute ! :)

once when working at a kennel, a workmate and I took the very old kennel cat to the vet ...she was ... looking most unwell, panting/drooling .. and so were we .. Well, we gave her to the vet , and sat in the waiting room and bawled .... and were still bawling when he came out and explained that she had licked something nasty , and would be fine ;)