Some Questions About My New Lab Puppy

[kristin_e102]

Hi all,

I am picking up my new Black Lab puppy in two weeks, when he will be 10 weeks old. I am just doing a bit of research so that I am one step ahead of him!

I have had a pup before (not a purebreed) and we had HUGE trouble with him. He became extremely territorial and would bite random people, before biting a lady seriously (ripping half of her thigh out). We had him put down after this as we were terrified he would do this to someone else. He went to puppy preschool for 4 weeks but didnt seem to take anything on board and blatently ignored us. I am looking to NOT repeat this situation with my new pup!

So I need to know - is it best to take the pup to puppy preschool (at a vet) soon as I get him? Or do I start doing basic training with him at home and take him to formal training when he is a bit older?

Also, is it ok to have the pup in bed with me for the first week or so until he gets used to the new surroundings? I have heard a lot of good things about crate training, but does it mean the he should sleep in a crate for the rest of his life?

I am from a country town and all the dogs I have ever had were not bathed regularly (myabe twice a year?) as they roamed in freshwater creeks and never had a bad smell about them. However, I live in suburbia now so how often am I meant to bathe my pup?

Sorry for all the questions but I am determined to get it right this time and raise a healthy, obediant dog!

Thanks in advance for the wisdom!

Kristin

[Cosmolo]

I would look at a well run puppy school run by a qualified and suitably experienced trainer (preferably one that is recommended to you by someone) as soon as you get your puppy. 6-16 weeks is a vital time for learning and socialisation (do a search for critical period and that should bring up some info)

I would crate train any dog of my own and often suggest that new puppy owners do so- there are lots of benefits and it does not mean the dog has to sleep in their forever. I find it gives owners lots of flexibility- for example, i have a clients dog staying with me tonight who has never been away from home but he is quite relaxed because he has his crate. Also means within your own house the pup/ dog can sleep in a variety of areas with no undue stress. My dogs (all crate trained) sleep on their own bed or our bed but also have no problems being crated when we take them to friends houses or on holidays with us. Will also assist your toilet training with your new pup.

I would bath your pup on an as needed basis- no hard and fast rules. I bath my guys when they get filthy or smelly! I also find that a good diet keeps the doggy smell away.

[kristin_e102]

Thanks so much for the reply Cosmolo..

Crate training sounds like the way to go if he doesnt have to sleep in one forever - I wanted to get a kennel for him when he gets big.

Is it ok for him to sleep in my bed for the first few nights to settle him in or will that create a bad habit?

Thanks,

Kristin

[Cosmolo]

I would not have him sleep in bed to start with otherwise it will be harder to put him in the crate. Have the crate in the bedroom to begin with and then move it wherever you wish once he is sleeping through the night.

[Kavik]

I agree with Cosmolo - easier to start with crate training, then it is available when you need it (like now for example, Diesel has injured himself AGAIN! and so is confined to his crate for a bit til he gets better). Later they can sleep on the bed if you wish, but if you start with the bed, it will be harder to move them to the crate if you want them to be in there for any reason.

Mine get a bath about once a month. Diesel has allergies so needs more regular bathing than the others. I tend to just do them all at once!

[kristin_e102]

Excellent - the crate it is then!

Also, when is the pup old enough to be around adult dogs? He is 8 weeks and the breeder said he has had all vaccinations thus far. I am worried about Parvo and know to keep the pup away from footpaths, etc until he is 12 weeks but I am currently dog sitting a 10 year old maltese x shitszu and wondering if he will be ok around her?

Cheers,

Kristin

[Bailey9]

Hi, I got my Golden Retriever pup a few days ago. I decided to go with the crate training and so far very happy with it. There have been no toileting 'accidents' yet, and she happily takes her self to her crate if she feels like a nap. It is also comforting for me knowing that at night she can't get into too much mischief. Best to go for a crate that will be big enough when the pup is fully grown and just make it a bit smaller while the pup is still little.

All the best with your new pup. Just make sure you have plenty of chew toys!!!!!

[alanglen]

Great advice from Cosmolo, perhaps a good read would be Ian Dunbar's socialisation details, you can download the first half of the book for free off the web, lots of good info about socialisation etc. The sequel is also very good.

PS Lab pups sqiurm way too much to be in bed with you! Neither of you would learn to settle! Good luck, Lab's are great fun but lot's of work to get it right! Hopefully one day we shall see you around the traps with tracking or agility with the pup!

[Rusky]

yes absolutely get the free download of 'Before you get a puppy" by Ian Dunbar. Thanks again to whoever it was on here that advised it was free online. Buy 'After you get a puppy' by Ian Dunbar

http://www.jamesandkenneth.com/new_puppy.html ( click for free download)

Be careful where you go for puppy school, ask around.

I actually don't think it matters if you take your puppy to bed but you must be consistant, you can't change your mind when he weighs 30kg We put a basket next to the bed when we have fosters or a new dog. We have always done that with a puppy, plus hotwater bottle and ticking clock under the blanket. I crate train too, crates are fantastic. If you leave your pup alone in a room in a crate then cover the back with a sheet, leave the radio or TV on and a low light. I mean at night. Plus the hot water bottle and a clock....

Good luck with your puppy, you lucky thing...

oh and don't bathe your puppy too soon after you get him, he will still have the comforting scent of his mum on him even if he has been bathed by the breeder before you get him.