New Puppy & Work

[AdzNSarah]

A touch OT but what's with the markings on her legs/feet (like brindle stripes)? Is she from a registered breeder?

ETA: just curious is all

Yeah she's from a registered breeder & you're correct, she does have brindle markings...apparently she was the pick of the litter but the breeder could never show her due to the brindle.

Out of curiosity, whats OT?

EDIT: Nevermind...'Off Topic'?

Edited May 21, 2009 by AdzNSarah

[Aziah]

How interesting! Thanks and yes OT = off topic

[AdzNSarah]

Well, we got Maddie on Monday this week and she's such a beautiful, fun little thing...so full of energy & such a wonderful personality.

We've been teaching her to sit which she does most of the time, but she is definitely getting better. She also will quite happily go to the toilet outside however, because we work during the day, we've had to baracade off the kitchen with her crate, water, a soft bed and her toys....and with newspaper on the floor so she has somewhere to eliminate.

I feel horrible every time I leave for work because I know she will feel lonely & she cries & howls quite a bit My mum comes & collects her around 10.30am each morning & takes Maddie back to her place but I fear that she will get used to this & when it comes time to leave her for the full day, she will fret quite badly. It makes me sick to think that she's home by herself & it just makes me want to drive home & rescue her!!...pathetic I know.

Also, at night we put her in the kitchen when we go to bed with a clock & a hot water bottle and she seems quite happy until she wakes up & then the crying etc starts...usually around 11pm, 2am & 5.30am...so we have a lot of broken sleep, which is expected.

Is there anything that you guys can suggest we do for Maddie because we dont want her to become terrified of being on her own, nor do we want a destructive puppy.

Any suggestions would be really great.

[mrs tornsocks]

Well, we got Maddie on Monday this week and she's such a beautiful, fun little thing...so full of energy & such a wonderful personality.

We've been teaching her to sit which she does most of the time, but she is definitely getting better. She also will quite happily go to the toilet outside however, because we work during the day, we've had to baracade off the kitchen with her crate, water, a soft bed and her toys....and with newspaper on the floor so she has somewhere to eliminate.

I feel horrible every time I leave for work because I know she will feel lonely & she cries & howls quite a bit My mum comes & collects her around 10.30am each morning & takes Maddie back to her place but I fear that she will get used to this & when it comes time to leave her for the full day, she will fret quite badly. It makes me sick to think that she's home by herself & it just makes me want to drive home & rescue her!!...pathetic I know.

Also, at night we put her in the kitchen when we go to bed with a clock & a hot water bottle and she seems quite happy until she wakes up & then the crying etc starts...usually around 11pm, 2am & 5.30am...so we have a lot of broken sleep, which is expected.

Is there anything that you guys can suggest we do for Maddie because we dont want her to become terrified of being on her own, nor do we want a destructive puppy.

Any suggestions would be really great.

HI Adznsarah - congrats on your puppy what a sweet little thing she is !

Come on over to the lab forum if you get a chance (in the breed sub forum section ' those crazy labradors'), plenty of info and puppies on the breed as well.

I feel for you and understand how hard it is to leave her. It seems like you are doing as much as you can for her in the circumstances.

Not sure if I have too much advice, it sounds like you're doing the right things.

Did you get a chance to spend a few days with her at home before you and OH went back to work ? If you did, then gradually having separation time would help. Easier said than done I know with our daily lives.

Can you leave a radio on while she's there alone ? I think if your mum is coming to say hello that helps also - but if your mum has time suggest maybe she spend the 20 mins or so at your place with pup rather than taking her back to her own place ? Just keeps a routine etc.

We get our pup tomorrow, so excited, he's a 8wk old choc lab. I'm very very lucky because I work from home so will be able to spend alot of time with him in the early days. That said, it is important to have them get used to spending time alone so I'll be giving him occasional 'alone' time even when I'm here.