Tips and advice for a newby

Stevie · Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 2:03 pm Post subject: Tips and advice for a newby

Hi everybody,as you can see i don't actually have my lab yet.I don't get him till the end of July.
As you can guess i am looking for as much hints,advice,tips etc on all variations of owning a lab.
I am a complete newby to the world of having a pup so am a bit perplexed,excited,nervous as there is so many things that people say is the best thing to do.
Any advice will be greatly appreciated, better try and get as much info as poss!!

Cheers Stevie Very Happy

rodarbal · Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 2:15 pm Post subject:

Hi Stevie,

Welcome to the forum. I have only been a member myself for a couple of
days but I have been owned by labs for years and years! : Very Happy

If you need any advice I am sure that the good people here will help you and
if I can help in anyway feel free to contact me.

John

megaloo · Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 2:19 pm Post subject:

Hi Stevie
You need to get the basic requirements food bowls a couple of strong toys and I personally think a crate is a very good idea. It will save a lot of devastation and destruction, and will help frustration as far as you are concerned. I know it is an added expense but will save hundreds of pounds in the long run.
Enquire about a good local Vet. and also dog training classes well in advance. I am sure the breeder will give lots of advice so go armed with lots of questions, or ask her before picking the puppy up. Good Luck Meg

Kev · Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 2:23 pm Post subject:

Hi Stevie

Welcome to the forums,if you can't find what you are looking for then ask away as I'm sure somebody will be able to help.

Have you thought of a name yet and what colour is he?

Kev

Fay · Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 2:28 pm Post subject:

Hi Stevie,

Welcome Smile

Before we had our puppy Harvey, I think I must have read every post on here. I picked up such a lot from doing that.

Good luck

Fay

Karen · Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 2:32 pm Post subject:

Welcome to the forums!

I too am a first-time lab owner and found this site extremely helpful. Don't be afraid to ask the breeder any questions either Very Happy

I can highly recommend a crate - buy off ebay if possible as they are usually less than half the price of those in shops and are good quality. Many people on the forum will highly recommend.

Garden trellis also comes in handy for blocking off areas where you hadn't thought of blocking, and the little pups find their way in! Like stopping them getting to the shoes, etc! It's a cheap (from places like B&Q), we had trellis blocking off the dining table as Corbie would sneak under there to poop when we first got him Laughing

Amandajvv · Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 2:35 pm Post subject:

Welcome!

Be prepared Smile

They are hard work to begin with, lots of waking up in the night, attention and toilet training. Lots of patience is needed but the rewards!! They don't compare. I think I've been a far happier and patient person as a result.

As suggested above - get a crate - I didn't and boy was I sorry! My boys are 3 now and I think they get more rewarding as they get older. Be prepared to be challenged - these are clever dogs Smile

But as with anything - what you put in is what you get out. Training is a very good idea!

Enjoy and dont forget to show us to some pics when you have!

Amanda

my4labs · Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 2:50 pm Post subject:

hi stevie

Welcome to the forums Smile

There are a lot of people on this site will be only willing to help you with any problems. Good Luck and the time will pass very quicklylol Laughing