Helpful hints on raising a healthy pup

[windycanyon]

I've been reading some posts here recently and thought it'd be nice to offer some help to some of the newer folks who may or may not have helpful breeders to work with.
I'll start, but please feel free to add to mine.

1. Buy from the most reputable breeder you can. Your purchase price will be the least amount of $ you ever spend during the life of your pup...
2. Follow your breeder's advice w/ respect to food. If they've been doing this for any real length of time (see #1), they probably know their lines better than anyone else.
3. Start socializing / puppy K early but use common sense. Don't push during fear stages. Let puppy be puppy...
4. Start structured training as soon as puppy cops that "tude". Most w/ an attitude just need the bar raised.
5. Don't cave into your vet on spay/ neuter when too young. Again, consult w/ your breeder. They really do have your pup's best interest at heart.
6. If the going gets too rough, please consider returning the pup to the breeder. Nothing worse than reading posts here where owners seem to have a huge dislike for their pup.

[Rosy]

Good information thanks!

[kimbersmom]

This should be a sticky!

[Tanya]

great info. people truly do not pay enough attention to the first one. i always get "they are a great person, "registered breeder", they have been breeding for years" but NONE of that really tells ME anything about the quality and ability of the breeder :P

I am seeing two extremes on socialization. some people who don't do ANY out of fear of the dog getting sick. and those who push the dog and do more flooding than socialization forgetting that a bad or scary experience can really mark a puppy for life even if they don't immediate react (ex: 8 week old puppy at busy dog park).

[windycanyon]

Come on, folks, I'm sure you have more to add! Here are a few more...

7. If you have an older dog already, are you prepared for the "fallout" from the older dog (especially Senior citizens who may be grouchy)?
8. Are you prepared to crate train (both in the house and vehicle)?
9. Is your savings account healthy (that first year or 2 can be expen$ive w/ vets, training classes, general purchases like crates etc)? Or are you willing to buy a pet insurance policy?
10. Do you have the time... not necessarily that first few months (since puppies do sleep a lot), but what does your calendar look like once pup hits the hellion age at ~8-9 mos? You may have a year of that... maybe more depending on the dog.
11. Are you really shopping for the RIGHT lab for your lifestyle, or are you being overly influenced by a color or looks preference or peer / child pressure?

[Wrigley's Mom]

Some for good tips, thank you.

[Tanya]

12. puppies cannot hold it in an entire work day (7+ hours). if you cannot come home mid-day find a dog-walker or neighbour or family member or friend who can for the first few months. If absolutely not possibly you will need a safe zone whit potty area.
13. training classes are not just for people who have never had dogs they are a great place to continue practice in a new setting and get tips and meet fellow puppy-dog owners
14. do not get a dog "for the kids". a dog is not a child responsibility. The kids can play key roles and have age-appropriate responsibilities for parts of dog ownership. ex: "walking the dog" - it may not be safe for a 10 year old to walk the 75 pound teenage lab alone. nor can a child do ALL the training on their own (training is something EVERYONE must participate in). but ultimately a dog is an ADULT responsibility and kids responsibilities and time availability will change as they hit high school, get part time jobs then go off to post secondary education - remember dogs can be around for 10-15 years!
15. socialization - is not just about flooding the dog by bringing it everywhere and anywhere, experiences must be safe and positive or they can do more harm than good.
16. dog parks: not for all dogs
17. leash laws - please obey them, be respectful of others out there who do not want dogs running up to them (no matter how "friendly" your dog is).

[MightyThor]

In reference to number 6:

It's okay to feel overwhelmed and even dislike your pup once in a while. They can be little monsters! The key to getting past it is the realization that they are just babies and will outgrow it with consistency and patience.

[Piper'sMom]

In reference to number 6:

It's okay to feel overwhelmed and even dislike your pup once in a while. They can be little monsters! The key to getting past it is the realization that they are just babies and will outgrow it with consistency and patience.

^^^^ This! Heck, there are days I haven't liked my kids! It just happens! It just shouldn't be the norm.

[zd262]

Puppy proof your home. If your puppy chews up your shoe their first week home, it's not your puppy's fault, it's yours. Learning to put valuable things away will make everyone much happier during what can be a tough time.