ivory_kitten Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 Hi everyone! We are getting a female yellow lab puppy on Friday, so I'm wondering what are the essentials that I need for her. We haven't decided on a name yet either, we only found her yesterday! She's about 8 weeks old. She will be mostly an outside dog, we have a large undercover veranda so would she still need a kennel or would a nice cosy dog bed be just fine? We live in Darwin, so it's not like she's going to get cold anytime soon! Here's what I can think of, please tell me if I don't really need all these things or if there's something I've missed! *Collar & lead *Bed and/or Kennel *Some toys *Food & Water bowls *Shampoo & brush *Flea & Tick control *Car harness Is it best to buy these things from the pet store or are the ones from discount places like Kmart or Big W just as good? And well of course some food!! I guess that's a whole other debate though, should she eat dry food or wet food or raw food? Are there any kinds of foods which are really bad for her? This is our first dog! We bought her so our son who is 1 1/2 could have a pet as he grows up. My DH's familly are disgusted, but they will get over it!! I also want to take her to puppy school so she can get properly trained, what age can she go there? Thanks! Elle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 (edited) I suggest you make your way to the Labrador thread in the breeds subforums to ask questions there. Is the pup coming from a registered breeder that did health testing on its parents? What does the breeder recommend you feed? Edited October 21, 2009 by poodlefan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lucylotto Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 Hi everyone!We are getting a female yellow lab puppy on Friday, so I'm wondering what are the essentials that I need for her. We haven't decided on a name yet either, we only found her yesterday! She's about 8 weeks old. She will be mostly an outside dog, we have a large undercover veranda so would she still need a kennel or would a nice cosy dog bed be just fine? We live in Darwin, so it's not like she's going to get cold anytime soon! Here's what I can think of, please tell me if I don't really need all these things or if there's something I've missed! *Collar & lead *Bed and/or Kennel *Some toys *Food & Water bowls *Shampoo & brush *Flea & Tick control *Car harness Is it best to buy these things from the pet store or are the ones from discount places like Kmart or Big W just as good? And well of course some food!! I guess that's a whole other debate though, should she eat dry food or wet food or raw food? Are there any kinds of foods which are really bad for her? This is our first dog! We bought her so our son who is 1 1/2 could have a pet as he grows up. My DH's familly are disgusted, but they will get over it!! I also want to take her to puppy school so she can get properly trained, what age can she go there? Thanks! Elle Hi Elle, its very exciting getting a new puppy! I am sure you will have much response from DOL re food/bedding etc. Cause Im at work with limited time I will focus on the fact that your new pup will be a baby (like your human one) for a long time in spite of its physical growth so essentially you will be raising x2 babies at same time. I got a new lab for my kids when my youngest was a small statured 5yrs old and even at this age he at times had trouble coping with incredibly strong exuberant overexcited puppy jumping up at him so be ready for this as it will take about 3-5 yrs for the lab to become docile with age. You will need to be vigilant and consistant with training! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shellbyville Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 (edited) Congratulations on your new puppy. I am sure she will provide you with lots of joy. I would go with the food the breeder has been feeding at the moment, and if you do want to change to something else, do it very gradually. I have labs and feed a combination of dry & raw food and they do well on it. I would also ask your breeder what the puppy is coming with. I send my puppies with a collar & lead, bowl and some food, as well as a blanket they have slept with and some toys. So find out that first to see what you need to buy. As for sleeping, she would probably be fine with just a bed, but dogs like to have their own safe place where they can retire, so a kennel or crate would be good for the puppy, with a nice soft bed in it. I would recommend buying a crate, crate training is a really good thing to do, especially as you have a young child, so you can safely give the puppy some time out in the crate, and know that both puppy and baby are safe. Crates have so many advantages! I would buy most things from a pet store or vet. With the exception of toys, as young pups go through toys pretty quickly, as long as there are no bits that can come off and be inhaled. Kongs are great for pups (you get these from a pet shop), they can keep a pup entertained for hours with bits of food in them. Saying that I use soft drink bottles with dry food in it and leave a few around when I go away and they keep puppies entertained as well. A cheap and safe alternative to kongs. Lab pups need lots of mental stimulation so they don't get bored and start chewing, digging etc. So lots of one on one attention and training and lots of toys for them to play with. Puppy preschools usually take puppies after they have had their first injection. Enquire at your local vet or pet shop for one. Then after the pup has had all injections maybe look into an obedience class, which is great for both you and the puppy and are a lot of fun and very rewarding. Have fun. Edited October 21, 2009 by shellbyville Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paganman Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 I also want to take her to puppy school so she can get properly trained, what age can she go there? Here in Melbouren a lot of the schools will take them from 8 weeks or 2 weeks after their first vacc, but they dont train the puppy they teach you how to train it.You will have to take the dog to obedience school after puppy preschool labs can be very full on pups that are full of energy so regular training at an obedience club and at home is super important.You need to keep their minds busy and give them plenty of exercise(how much depends on their age when theyre young) and things to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elki244 Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 hi! when you get the toys, make sure you dont get any stuffed ons, or one with small pieces (choking hazards). Puppy food contains fat for pups, wich labs dont need much of, so be careful with that. good luck for friday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvsdogs Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 If you have time b4 Friday I suggest you have a look at this web site. www.dogstardaily.com Especially in the Training Textbook. Also you can download for free 'Before You Get Your Puppy'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivory_kitten Posted October 21, 2009 Author Share Posted October 21, 2009 we are getting her from the pet store, and she doesn't come with anything, apart from papers, I'm pretty sure they are just feeding her dry food as they did mention that we would have to buy some of the same food that they have been feeding her, and then after that we can change if we want. I would have thought it would be important for her to have some raw food too though? there are only 2 breeders in the NT, so I'm not sure if she is from interstate, she may well be as I was only able to contact one breeder and he said he didn't have any pups until next year, the other I couldn't get a hold of so I'm not sure, she could be from there. The pet store said the parents have been screened for the hips thing and there are no problems there. She will also be vaccinated and wormed and microchipped. Well I went in to Kmart and bought 2 stainless steel bowls for food and water, the exact same ones at the pet store, but cheaper, a car harness, a rope knot toy and a Medium sized Kong (yup they sell these in Kmart now and it was cheaper than the pet store by about $5). I couldn't find a nice dog bed that will be big enough for her to grow in to so I will have to get that from the pet store. I'm going to get a toy the same as the one she had in the puppy enclosure too just so she has a familiar item as well. We will look in to getting a kennel for her, as when it rains here it gets quite windy so she would probably get wet even under the verandah. But we don't need that right away as the rains don't start until Jan or so...hopefully! I will ask lots of questions on Friday when we go to pick her up too! I just thought if I could have some of the things already so the pet store doesn't get me to buy them at their expensive prices! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D & D Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 I also want to take her to puppy school so she can get properly trained, what age can she go there?Elle Hi Elle, I'm in Darwin, too. I take my dane pup to the showgrounds for puppy school on Monday nights. They have puppy school from 3 to 6 months old, then, after 6 months, you can head off to grade 1 obedience. All starts at 8pm. The first week it's suggested you get there about 15 minutes early for paperwork stuff. Good luck with the new puppy, they're so much fun Meg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss B Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 we are getting her from the pet store, and she doesn't come with anything, apart from papers The pet store said the parents have been screened for the hips thing and there are no problems there. She will also be vaccinated and wormed and microchipped. Hi Elle, Welcome to DOL What type of papers does your pup come with? Are they ANKC pedigree papers? Also, has the pet store provided you with any proof that the parents have had their hips tested? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miranda Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 Responsible ethical breeders do not sell their puppies through pet stores so if the puppy does have genuine ANKC papers I would have a very low opinion of the 'breeder'. If the puppy doesn't have ANKC papers it was probably sourced from a puppy farm. Anyone purchasing a lab puppy should ensure that the sire and dam have had their hips and elbows x-rayed, ask to see the paperwork, if the dogs have been screened the paperwork should be readily available. If you can't sight the paperwork you have absolutely no proof that the tests have been done and HD and ED can be crippling diseases. Also I wouldn't expect much help from the pet store, the staff are simply there to sell and usually have very little knowledge about the puppies they're selling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WreckitWhippet Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 Before you go and pick up your puppy, go and ask to see the copies of the relevant health testing for the parents. There are plenty of ethical registered breeders out there, who would arrange to fly a puppy to Darwin for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikelli Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 Please be sure to see copies of the health testing done on the parents. Also be sure the scores are good ones, just because they are x rayed does not mean that they have good scores. Breed average is said to be 12 at present so both parents hip scores need to be below that. I was not aware that you could buy registered puppies from a pet shop, sounds a little strange to me. Are you sure you will receive registration papers or is it only that the parents of the puppy are registered and not the breeder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gretel Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 Sorry Elle you probably don't want to hear this but buying a pup from a pet shop is not a good idea at all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 Hi Elle- I bet you are excited... and I hate to spoil that somewhat.. but.. a boisterous lab puppy and a toddler will lead to tears. lab puppies will chew,and dig,and probably knock your son over.... Lab pups are very cute.. however, they are also prone to several nasty conditions affecting their joints. It is very wise to have written proof of the parents' test results at least- so you can be fairly sure your pup will not have pain and suffering a bit later on.... As this is your first dog... I hope you have done lots of reading up o your chosen breed, puppy training/nutrition, and the relationship between kids & dogs. Below are few links you may not have seen ... LINK 1 LINK 2 LINK 3 LINK 4 LINK 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivory_kitten Posted October 21, 2009 Author Share Posted October 21, 2009 well I'm going to call the pet store tomorrow and if they can't provide me all the info you guys have suggested I hope I can cancel and get my deposit back! they should be able to do that, after all they said labrador puppies were very popular... thanks persephone, for the info, i have done a little bit of research, there is no way either my husband or I could stand a little yappy dog, it's just personal preference, we are fairly active anyway, so taking the dog for a walk every day for half an hour or so is no drama, and I do not mind taking the puppy to proper training and obedience schools, we have a fair size yard so plenty of room for it to run around my husband also wants a dog that is capable of being a hunting dog, well more of a retriever than a hunter, so that's why we decided that a labrador might be a good dog for us, it's also a good family dog from what i have read? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
all that glitters Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 well I'm going to call the pet store tomorrow and if they can't provide me all the info you guys have suggested I hope I can cancel and get my deposit back!they should be able to do that, after all they said labrador puppies were very popular... thanks persephone, for the info, i have done a little bit of research, there is no way either my husband or I could stand a little yappy dog, it's just personal preference, we are fairly active anyway, so taking the dog for a walk every day for half an hour or so is no drama, and I do not mind taking the puppy to proper training and obedience schools, we have a fair size yard so plenty of room for it to run around my husband also wants a dog that is capable of being a hunting dog, well more of a retriever than a hunter, so that's why we decided that a labrador might be a good dog for us, it's also a good family dog from what i have read? Yep get your money back if it doesn't feel right, and remember buying from ethical registered breeders is always the better approach so you don't support pet shops who get puppies from puppy mills and just want $$! Buying from a genuine breeder means having a point of contact for any help you need in the future with your pup, it means staying in contact with them if you like and showing pictures of the pup growing up, you can't do any of that with pet shops! I just love keeping in contact with my breeders Be careful with those so called "papers" I doubt they are the proper papers, they will probably just also tell you that the parents were tested and hips are fine, hoping that's enough to convince you. Just remember ~ they are all for $$, not for the dogs. Labs are great family dogs but just notorious for being very boisterous and lively and also possibly destructive if bored when they are young. Not all but a lot of them are like this, just full of life! Which isn't a bad thing if you have the time to control it and show them the rules, but could be a lot with a family. If your prepared this may happen though and still go ahead, at least you know about the breed unlike a lot of people Good luck with your decisions Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shellbyville Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 Ask to see both the parents hip/elbow scores. If they cannot provide that, it is probably best not to buy that puppy. I have heard so many sad stories of dogs bought from pet shops or just the family who thought that it would be nice to breed their lab and didn't do any health testing, such as hip/elbow scoring and eye testing, only to buy a puppy that had health complications, such as hip dysplasia or went blind. If you want a lab puppy research and buy one from a breeder that does the health testing and will provide you with a healthy, sound puppy that is registered and has its pedigree certificate, and can supply proof of all testing. If you have the time and energy to have a young child and a lab puppy and you have the determination and dedication to train and socialise your pup then go for it. Labradors are the best. Good luck with whatever you decide to do Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivory_kitten Posted October 21, 2009 Author Share Posted October 21, 2009 sounds like I'm going to need to find another puppy, can anybody recommend any breeders? am hoping to get a puppy by Christmas..am I being ambitious? i think we would prefer a yellow lab, but i'm not really sure, does it make a difference? thanks everyone, you have all been so helpful so far! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PandaGirl Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 Choosing the qualities you want in a puppy is far more important than what colour it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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