Ainsley

I know! my sister should have known better...when she told me she had a 5 week old pup, I said "did the mother die?" Thanks for your help!

Thanks, I have put a post on the breeders page, also...

My sister has just called me and she has a puppy that is only 5 weeks old. I have only gotten my dogs at 8 weeks, so I am concerned there will be additional needs for a pup so young. The "breeders" told her it was fine to have the pup at this age, and hers was actually the last one to leave the Mum. Any advice would be invaluable! Apparently the pup is a Border Collie

My sister has just called me and she has a puppy that is only 5 weeks old. I have only gotten my dogs at 8 weeks, so I am concerned there will be additional needs for a pup so young. The "breeders" told her it was fine to have the pup at this age, and hers was actually the last one to leave the Mum. Any advice would be invaluable!

Which is why people should get their pets desexed. sorry, this just irks me! Especially when it is "my breed". My parents had Labs, and I have one now. (love Miley, btw, my other dog is a ruby Cav)

never mind sending them out into the world at barely six weeks!

Sounds like something else is in there anyway - last I checked Labs didn't come in multicolour. People have NO idea about Labs/Golden Retrievers, which is just scary as I thought they would be two breeds people would be familiar with. I don't even react now beyond quietly correcting them when people tell me I have a Lab, or people tell me I have a Lab x GR - I used to explain the difference, but then I had people say "right so yours is a long haired golden retriever" Sigh. Thank you! I knew this was the right place to come to bitch!

That's only the first of the many things that set off warning sirens in my head! This is exactly why any Joe Blow should not be allowed to breed dogs willy nilly....these people know nothing about the breed! How can they possibly know the intricacies of the genetics involved in responsible breeding? If they don't even know a Labrador IS a Labrador Retriever, how can they possibly know about hip and elbow scores and PRA?

Have a look at this ad my husband got by email... Hi Everyone, have a friend trying to find homes for her litter of pups. Any Takers!! The puppies will be exactly 6 weeks old on the 26th March 10, born on the 12th February. PUPPIES FOR SALE - LABRADOR X LAB RETREIVER 1 X BLACK FEMALE 2 X BLACK MALES WITH WHITE/BROWN MARKINGS 3 X WHITE/GOLDEN MALES WILL BE IMMUNISED, WORMED AND VET CHECKED. $250.00 AVAILABLE TO TAKE HOME WEEKEND OF 27TH MARCH 2010. (BLACKSOIL - IPSWICH)"

thank you they do have Saturday classes The website is www.wagtails.com.au

Does anyone know of a puppy pre-school Brisbane West or Ipswich on a Saturday? Have just gotten my 10 year old her own Cav puppy.

It is my dream to learn dog grooming, but I can't find any courses in Brisbane. Does anyone know of any?

Thanks all, especially for reasons on keeping puppies together until 8 weeks. It may be, though, that my friend's brother has organised for the other pups to go at 6 weeks. I will suggest she talks to him about it. I know one of the other pups is going to his girlfriend's mother. I think we will be okay with the toilet training (my Lab wees & poos on command ) keep coming with the good advice, please. Gretel, your Cavs are gorgeous! ps. had a quick look at that site and it does look good. I had already thought of the turf toilet! Thought I might buy her a bag of premium puppy food as a gift.

She plans to have the dog clipped by a professional groomer. I have read not to clip them before 8 - 10 months of age. Is this correct?

Hi. My friend is bringing home a Lhasa Apso/Maltese cross (yes, don't let's get started on that one) on 14th Feb. She has not had a dog before and has done little research. The puppy will only be six weeks old. Is this normal for a small breed? I had to wait for my Lab to be 8 weeks before bringing him home. Also, because this little pup is from an accidental pregnancy (her brother's bitch) she will not have the benefit of all the information that a breeder passes on, like puppy diet, worming/vaccination schedule, toileting etc. My Lab is nearly four, so I have sort of forgotten how to "do" puppies, and my friend has no experience at all. She is bringing the pup from 4 hours away. What is the best way to transfer her in the car? harness? pet carrier? I remember our breeder said a pet carrier could stress a little puppy to death and my daughter had to carry him in her lap. Should she stop every couple of hours for a toilet break? I suggested this, but my friend said she wants to drive all the way through, and was going to get some "puppy pads". Any advice would be most appreciated. I am thinking of volunteering to go with her to help.

Hi rooster78 Like you, I had dogs as a child, and have chosen a Lab for my first dog as an adult, so I am still "learning on the job" so to speak. My boy is now 19 months old and just the joy of my life! I did so much research, and tried to do everything you are supposed to etc etc, but here are some things that, in hindsight, I could have done perhaps at an earlier age, that I am only dealing with now because it has become obvious he needs it (if that makes sense) 1. Take your pup (once vaccinated appropriately etc) to as many different places and to meet as many different people as possible. My boy still gets incredibly over-excited at new places. He is really good with familiar places, but cannot contain himself in unfamiliar places...wants to run off and jump all over strangers, that sort of thing! 2. sort of the same thing, but with strange people coming to our place. We don't really get many visitors, which I think is the problem. I think if we had gotten him more used to visitors earlier, we would not be having to be making such an effort, now. But hindsight is a wonderful thing! It is only a minor problem, and will soon be overcome. I would also like to say to remember that Labradogs are intelligent, energetic and mischievous, especially when young, and I have heard of alot of people who get rid of them when they are about 1 year old, because of percieved 'naughtiness'. This can be overcome. You just need to be patient and persistent, and not too precious about anything they might be able to chew! (mine has chewed the door-jam and knobs on drawers! I didn't think of that!) They are actually really easy to train if you are consistent and persistent. At puppy pre-school, the instructor always used Samson as the demonstration dog, because he is smart and motivated by food rewards and she could rely on him to perform! Even my four year old has him under control, and she weighs half what he does! It is so cute! Anyway. Have a great deal of fun with your new Labradog...they are great!