Mick Smith

He didn't go too bad last night... was a bit of whinging and crying early on but I think he wore himself out and slept until about midnight, he then woke up at about 1am and was trying to jump over the little barricades I've put up to keep him in the kitchen, probably because he could hear me snoring I woke up at about 6.30 and he was awake but just laying in his bed looking out the back door. Took him out in the yard and he didn't want to get wet (must've rained last night) so he just sat there and fell asleep next to me. It's a tough life. It's raining at the moment, I've given him one of those Kong things and he seems to be keeping himself amused trying to get the treat out hahah. I'll be on MSN later today / tonight. Gonna take him to the vet later on just for a check up and a quick G'day. Talk to ya soon,

G'day guys, I posted a few questions on here earlier when I was researching puppies and getting my house ready... Well, today was the day I got to bring my puppy home !!! Meet Barney !! An 8 week old Black labrador

Thanks everyone for your quick and informative replies I have to admit I'm getting very excited, can't wait until I'm on my way out to the breeder to pick him up. Have already got his name picked out.... 'Barney'. One of my favorite characters from TV is Barney Stinson from 'How I met your mother' so I thought it would be fitting my little new friend. Still have a few other names picked just in case he doesn't look like a Barney !! Anyways, thanks again.. I'm lookin' forward to getting involved on these forums and having all you kids help me out when I get stuck on something hahah. Take care, Mick

Hi Everyone, This is my first time posting, so first things first.. Hello, my name is Mick I'm picking up a Labrador Puppy in about 8 weeks time from the breeder and am in the process of getting my house and yard ready. This will be my first dog that I've had to look after by myself (have had dogs when I was living with Mum and Dad but never all the responsibility) and I just want to make sure I'm doing everything right. I just want to run a list of things that came to mind past you all and see if I'm missing anything, sorry in advance if I'm asking things that someone else has asked. - Get a water bowl - Get a feed bowl - Leash and collar - Organise visit to vet with 72 hours of picking up the puppy - Look at 'Pet insurance' options (like health insurance stuff) - Get lots of toys - Get a name tag - Get a bed / kennel - Grooming supplies - Baby gate things for blocking doorways - Organise a schedule for feeding / exercise / training / play times - Purchase a dog crate and set up somewhere in my house - Ensure my yard is puppy safe with no holes under fences, not able to get under house etc. - and obviously.. Food Couple of other questions: - At what age do I move the puppy from the crate to outside kennel / bedding ? - Is there any problems with training the dog to be a semi indoor / outdoor dog, so when it gets older it is allowed inside, but sleeps outside ? - I'll be picking the dog up around 8 weeks from now from the breeder, from what I've read / asked the breeder I'll need to wait until all it's vaccinations are finished before I let it in my yard ? Is that right ? So until all it's vaccinations are finished I should keep him only inside and then introduce him to the yards ? - Is there a general rule on age at which I should start taking dog for walks around the block.. I presume whilst it's little my backyard should be big enough for him to get exercise (I'm on just under a quarter acre block). ? - I've planned to have just over 3 weeks off work when I get him to let him settle in and show him around, and start some training etc. , after this time, when I'm at work, what should I do to make sure he doesn't get too bored. I presume give him enough things to play with so he doesn't get bored too quickly (although I see my mates dogs got bored regardless of what they had) ? I think I've run out of questions I'm sure I'll have some more later on. Thanks in advance for your help. Cheers, Mick