I would definitely echo others in saying subscribe to LF as I didn't with our first pup but this time round (we get a black lab called Tiana on Thursday) I am glad to have the advice and support plus it is lovely to share photos, opinions etc. and see if there are any meetups - great for socialisation for your pup.
Also, speaking from experience definitely get 'for life' insurance or at a bare minimum some kind of cover - and soon too. I hope you will never need it but our last puppy was diagnosed with JRD before she was 6 months old and we claimed LOTS. We would never have been able to give her the extra help and care she needed to survive longer without it. It won't cover routine stuff though so plan ahead for jabs, boosters, worming, flea stuff etc. Our vets are a drop in clinic so no need to book but others you need an appointment. Maybe get a reccommendation from someone with pets and give them a call to find out.
Crate training is definitely a great idea, I had to pursuade my OH as well but it's worth it. We have one downstairs and one in our bedroom that we can also use for the car, I'm just hoping Tiana likes them
Also, I know you have said she is going to be a pet but I would definitely go to puppy training classes once she is vaccinated, especially as this is your first pup. It will be great for socialisation and even the basics will ensure you have an obedient pet that is a joy to have, something you will need with a toddle around!
As everyone has said, read the stickies they are great and then post anymore questions you have.
Are you visiting your pup before you get her? Make sure you take lots of photos!
____________ Emma
Always in my heart, my beautiful girl Belle 14/9/10 - 26/11/11
Thanks for all the helpful replys! I will ask about the health of the mother and farther and query the price of registration. I'm going to try to convince my OH about the crate it does sound like a brill idea for everyone. We visited the puppy last night and that's when we put the despot down. She is very cute and very small! I'm excited and a bit nervous about having a puppy!
I got my crate for FREE via Freecycle (look it up if you don't use it) - just asked for one and someone gave me one. It's an excellent thing to subscribe to, people giving away things for nothing if you ask, and likewise you giving away things you don't want.
As for insurance, it's a must. Our Nero died last year of cancer but only after an operation and months of chemo which cost over £4,000 and luckily we were covered, otherwise it would have been a different story. Unfortunately he lost his battle but we had the means to give him a chance to be cured.
Our Koli is now 17 weeks and the biting was horrific (even though he was only playing) so get on top of that as soon as you can. We have cured it by rattling a small tin with coins in when he does it and he has hardly bitten since, just quivers his teeth around my hands now.
____________ Nala, Yellow Lab 2000-2008 (RIP)
Nero, Black Lab 2002 - 2011 (RIP)
Koli, Black Lab 2011
Thanks for all the helpful replys! I will ask about the health of the mother and farther and query the price of registration. I'm going to try to convince my OH about the crate it does sound like a brill idea for everyone. We visited the puppy last night and that's when we put the despot down. She is very cute and very small! I'm excited and a bit nervous about having a puppy!
The breeder should show you the health test results, rather than just saying the dogs are in good health/have been seen by a vet etc.
Sorry if someone has already mentioned it, but there's a very good site by a couple of forum members, which provides info on Lab health:
http://www.lab-health.co.uk/ and here is the info on the tests the parents (both Mum and Dad) of your puppy should have had:
http://www.lab-health.co.uk/tests.html
If you have any questions about the health tests/results, come back and ask as someone will be able to help Ditto the KC registration/price.
And yes, for many pups a crate can be fantastic. I didn't use one for Minnie because she hated it and was just so good we didn't need one. Daisy is another story and most definitely needs one I've bought mine from eBay, they're not the strongest/best quality but they serve our purpose
How exciting. I bet you can't wait for your new little girl to come home.
Definitely read all the sticky threads in the puppy section about biting, toilet training and even the ones on choosing your puppy. I know you have already paid a deposit but if your puppy doesn't come from parents with good hip and elbow scores, or clear eye tests you could be setting yourself up for a lot of expense and heartbreak. If it turns out that your breeder isn't as good as they could be, it may be worth losing your deposit and looking elsewhere - it will be better in the long run. Please read all the stuff on health testing and make sure that the breeder has everything in place - it really is important, even if you don't plan on showing or competing.
Also, you say that you're not bothered about KC registration, but if in the future you did decide you wanted to compete or enter shows you may be restricted without it. Once you start doing activities with your dog they can be quite addictive!
A Lab pup can be a very bouncy little crocodile, lots of jumping and biting so for safety and your sanity you may find a crate absolutely essential. They are like a newborn baby for the first few weeks, only you can't stay indoors to change nappies - you have to go outside many, many times over the course of 24 hours until they have got into the habit of holding on. It is very hard work for the first few weeks but it does pay off in time. You also need to be aware of all the dog hair that will find its way into every part of your home (including your food!).
Those are the negatives though, the positives are that you will have a devoted friend, someone to cuddle and make you smile.
Start looking around for a local vet, insurance and training now so that you are prepared. I think our first injections (8 weeks and 10 weeks), wormer and microchip came to nearly £90. I usually buy wormer and flea treatments online now which is about £25 every 6 months. Other vet costs are £20 for a consultation plus treatment. Average minor ailments probably come in at about £50 for an upset stomach (due to eating something bad) or skin problem. Spaying a bitch will be around £150-£200 and is something to consider to prevent her having seasons every 6 months (like a human period with blood loss but this is their fertile time so you can't take them out for 3 weeks), this can be done from 6 months onwards, but preferably after at least one season.
Food - stick with what the breeder gives you for a couple of weeks at least, then you can gradually change it if you're not happy.
Walks - vets will advise not to go out for at least a week after the 2nd injection, but if you are careful to stay away from heavily used dog areas it is good to take your puppy out earlier for socialisation, you can carry them around with you from day one so that they can see and hear new experiences.
Take loads of photos in the early days - they grow up far too quickly.
Best bit of advice I would give you is to get hold of a copy of 'The Perfect Puppy' by Gwen Bailey.
That is a bloody brilliant book and will answer everyone of your questions.
It's written in a very easy readable style and will make you look at your house from the dog's eye view.
Second best bit of advice is to take an old baby towel over to your breeders next time you visit (and leave it there) so that the mum can put her scent on it. Bring this home with you when you bring the pup. When you are all home put the towel in the Pups new bed and it will make settling in a WHOLE lot easier...
(Also take a read through the 'stickies' in the puppy section. Some great info in there!)
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum You cannot attach files in this forum You cannot download files in this forum
Ditto the KC registration/price.
