rooster78

My OH works in the work shop all alone so clients and other workers aren't a problem. He gets friends that visit and make a fuss of the dog. I put him on the lead this morning for the first time and he went crazy - took me ages to get the lead out of his mouth. I think what happens with the OH is that Bronson whines and OH is a big softy and lets him out for a bit. I know, I know - that won't help things in the long run - but it is easy for me to dictate what he should be doing when I am not there. We'll try and get him on a lead straight away. Thinks for the tip about the water bucket.

Thanks Roo - I thought I was going to get 'in trouble' for having in a work shop. The plan is eventually to get him on a long lead and when older we're hoping he'll be able to wander without too much trouble. Bronson is a black male lab and is 2 months old. He loves water so I think he'd love to be dunked in a tub! That is another issue we are having - how to keep water IN the bowl instead of him splashing it all out / tiping it over himself and running around wtih the container - need to source some heavy set bowls.

He is there 4 days a week for about 8 hours. I am soon taking a month off work and will be at home but until then he goes to work with OH.

Bronson has already lost his beautiful 'puppy' smell because during the week he spends his day with the OH in a workshop. He doesn't run free as there is too much for him to get into. He spends time on the back of the ute which has a cage over the tray. He sleeps in there and has time in there so OH can get some work done! When he wakes up OH takes him to the toilet and plays with him. But it is workshop and there is obviously grease and oil most places - there are now greasy paw prints all over the place. My question is about bathing - I have read on the forum that avoid washing dogs too much as this will strip their natural oils. We've washed his paws off and he totally loved being in the sink with water and I don't want to wash him too frequently but feel I am going to have to do it a fair bit. Unfortunately he is black so I can't SEE how dirty he is and will just have to go off smell. Also, what dog shampoo do you recommend? Thanks

My OH picked me up from the airport last night and our little guy was so excited. My heart is so taken by him! I have him at home today whilst the OH is at work - he is such a handful at times - bites EVERYTHING - so I just shove some toys in his direction. He is sleeping at my feet now so have a moment to myself. But OMG, he is just sooooooo adorable!

Hey Just wondering when is a good age to start getting a puppy used to a collar and lead - I put a collar on him this morning just to see how he reacted - he didn't at all. Just wondering when is a good age to start getting hiim used to a lead - he is still only young so it would only be in the back yard. Thanks

We ended up getting one from Target - paid $85.00 including an extension and it is metal with an easy to open gate - altho the gate is pretty narrow! It is perfect. We wanted to get two to block of the two entrances to our lounge room (the only carpeted area i the house) but one of the entrances is 145cm across and we couldn't find that size in a hurry.

I work away Mon-Thurs and my OH has our black lab at work with him - Bronson is only 8 1/2 weeks so I am REALLY missing him (we got him on Saturday) and the OH is struggling with him on his own 24-7 - can't get any work done - but really he loves it!

Well it is day two of our life with Bronson. Things went pretty well yesterday - he was very curious and played and slept and then played and then slept etc Last night he dragged one of his teddies around the back yard and then took it into the bushes and started humping it. Later that night he kept humping me but didn't try that with the OH - which kind of upset me! But then this morning he was humping the OH! He just comes up when you are sitting somewhere and puts his paws anywhere he can on you - leg, back, arm and starts doing the movements. Is this a dominant thing? What can I do to curve this straight away?

Thanks cavNrott - I didn't realise that the supermarket had so much puppy stuff - we have so far got most stuff from City Farmers. Thanks for the heads up about the lactose free milk - I got everything I needed to for today.

Oh I totally expect some whining and wimpering - we just took him away from anything familiar his mother, 2 adult dogs and 5 pups - what a culture shock for the little guy!! I just didn't know if it was just a common sort of noise that puppies made. We've got the hot water bottle ready for tonight - think we'll go out and find a ticking clock too but who knows what the night will bring.

We just got our pup home today and of course I expect some noise. He seems to be happy enough (he is sound asleep on the cool tiles right now) and playing with us and his toys but the whole time sounds like he is whining - I dont know if that is just the noise he makes or if he is upset...

We just got our boy today! The breeder has been feeding Advance Rehydratable Puppy soaked in some warm water and yoghurt for breakfast. Rehydratable with rice and canned food for lunch. Rehydratable iwth either canned food or meat of choice. then for supper some puppy milk and raw each 3 times a week. All of the above has been written down for us but I didn't get a chance to go thru it before we left... I can't find on the packet of Advance Rehydrateable how much to give over a day - Bronson is a male Lab. Where do you get puppy milk from - is it a powdered form? Where do you get Natures Gift canned food - vets? And how much yoghurt is enough to add to the morning meal? I am a nervous first time parent!

Thanks guys - some great ideas. I am surprised at myself for not thinking of ebay - I've bought things of e-bay before and think it is a great site. I've had a look and will definitely get to target and check them out.

Can anyone suggest where to get puppy gates from to block certain areas from little paws? I have found only one in a pet store - it was $90 - is this about right? It seems very expensive for something I know my OH could knock up (if only he had time). Where else do you suggest looking for these? What suggestions to you have to use that does the same job? Thanks

Ice skating & Paragliding. Research is based on information published in the Ice Skaters & Paragliders newsletter. The information is copyright & only available to members of the Secret Society of Ice Skating & Paragliding Social Club. Kool I am on this forum to learn things to help me be a great parent to my new furry friend. You were very outspoken earlier in the thread and as I said I appreciate all opinions. I am truely interested to know how you do socialise your dogs if you don't advocate socialisation until 12 months.

Oh and another question, 3 weeks after we get him we have to take a road trip. I'll be staying at my parents who have not had a dog there and he will mainly be inside anyway or outside on a leash...he will be 11 weeks old - is it ok to do this considering there have been no dogs. I mean I can't say there hasn't ever been a dog on the block - perhaps a neighbours dog wandering around but they built the house a year ago on a large block and they've not had any dog visitors.

Siv, Gottalovealab and Blacklabrador, do you give 16 week shot considering after the 12 weeks they are 97% safe? Or do you just consider 12 weeks ok to socialise and still give the 16 week shot. I am very new to this so I appreciate everyone's opinion. Kool, how DO you socialise your dogs other than ice skating? I just want to be the best parent I can possibly be...I don't know, perhaps I am being too anal and worrying too much but I just want to do the right thing by Bronson. He is just so adorable, if I could learn how to get my photos smaller I would post a shot of him...

thanks Showdog - what do you suggest instead in terms of socialising the puppy? Would you wait until they are 16 weeks old?

I am so confused. I have heard that puppy pre-school is for dogs 8 weeks to 16 weeks and is often run by vets. I would like to start socialising our lab as soon as possible / healthy (we get him in 10 days!) but have been warned against letting him play with other dogs before 16 weeks when he has had his final parvo jab. Some people say no, wait until he has been fully vacinated whilst others encourage puppy school as soon as possible - however these two things don't go together. Is it safe to take a puppy to school? Is it safe to take the puppy places before 16 weeks? I have to go and visit my parents who have never had a dog at their place - is it ok to have him there for the weekend? Is it safe to take him to family's places who have dogs but are fully vacinated? or can these dogs carry Parvo without anyone knowing? Many thanks for your comments.

I have been searching through to find information about pet insurance. I 've noticed that the general consensus is not to insure with RSPCA as people don't want to give them money...why is this?

The more chitchat the better I say!

Hi - thanks for you comments. I am a first time dog owner. I grew up with dogs but they were farm dogs and I was young when they were trained. So the first time I've owned a dog and its a Lab. I spoke to the breeder last night and got very excited - I can pick him up on 25th February. I don't intend to show him. I just want a happy, friendly well trained dog. I live in the suburbs with a decent backyard. I want to be able to open the garage door or the front door and not bolt down the street like some do. I intend to take him to puppy classes to help with training and socialise. I will ask the breeder lots of questions before I take him but I want to assure her that I will be a great owner!

Hi I am soon to be a first time Lab owner. Could you recommend a good book on Labs that covers the basics of training, character etc. I have borrowed some books from the library and spoken to some friends with Labs also. Thanks for your advice.