[Entlebucher Mountain Dog]

Hello,

I am getting my first puppy (A Labrador Retriever) here on Decemeber 17th. As this is my first dog I will be owning that was not a family dog, I am wondering what is everything I should buy? Also if there are any pointers anyone can give me.

It seems a lot of people here own several dogs (As Lara's Mom is getting a new puppy in the coming weeks), that this is a smart place to ask. I read the basics, had several dogs when I was growing up. Just not sure if my parents did things when I was not around to train them and such. I have been asking people that have owned dogs, just seeing if I could get any secretes or unique training tips.

[gotambull?]

Congrats on your new puppy!

First of all you need to figure out if you're going to crate train or not (and buy one of you are). I personally have never had a lot of success with crate training, but it might work for you.

I would buy a puppy Kong and a rope tug toy to start and then wait to buy anything more until you see what the puppy likes. Take him/her to the store and see what it responds the most to. Just make sure it has plenty to chew on.

You'll need something for it to sleep on. DO NOT LET IT SLEEP IN THE BED. I know it's hard to resist, especially with a cute lab puppy, but it's for their best good. You don't want a 60-80 lb lab in your bed when their full grown and it's not good to teach them it's ok now and not ok later. Also, they need "their" space. So buy a little bed.

Don't buy plastic food bowls, they hold bacteria and can cause acne around an animals mouth: stick to stainless steel. Also, you're getting a large breed so you'll probably end up needing a raised feeder. It helps them digest better and helps prevent gas. You could get one that has removable bowls that you can put on the ground until it grows up or wait to buy it until it's full grown.

Obviously you want to have a leash and collar ready.

For potty training, just remember that the puppy's bladder is so tiny it can only hold a little bit of water so try taking the puppy out every hour or so, and first thing in the morning. Another thing that may help get it in good habits is to take it to the same place to go. The more you go outside the better life will be trust me!

And for other training the best "tip" I can give you is to not let it do anything as a puppy that you don't want it to do as an adult dog. It's learning it's "boundaries" from you now and if you don't give them the dog will think it's in charge. You shouldn't be mean or forceful in any way, but the dog should never do anything you don't "tell" it to do. What I mean by that: don't leave food down all day, only feed it when you "say", at certain times of day the dog has to come to you for food. It will realize you are in charge.

And above all else: HAVE FUN!

Having your own dog (not your family's dog) is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. When you realize how much your dog loves you, it's very touching. Good luck! You can PM me anytime if you need to!

[Lara's mom]

Buy the absolute best puppy food you can find. Good nutrition is essential both for your puppy and for adult dogs. What you spend on excellent quality food will save you money in vet bills down the road. Make sure you get food especially made for puppies. Home cooking is also an option - I have tons of recipes because I serve my girls one meal of home cooked food and one meal of high quality dry. Of course, a puppy will need more frequent feedings.

Make sure your puppy has lots of safe toys to chew on and supervise him while he is chewing. Beware of toys that could have bits pulled off of them and swallowed. I would strongly advise against giving rawhide chews.

All of my dogs sleep in my bed with me. I know its controversial but it has never caused a problem for me. However, be aware that until your puppy can be counted on to let you know when he needs to go potty, this may not be such a grand idea.

Crate training is a good thing. I never had much success at it but, if you can do it, more power to you! I'm going to try again with the new puppy. Hopefully, I'll have better luck this time. Both Bailey and Lara wore me down by howling every time I put them in the crate.

As much as you can, "puppy proof" your home. Get down and look around from the puppy's eye level and you'll see how many cords, outlets, things laying around, etc. that a puppy could get into.

Most of all, give him lots of love and attention!

[angusmommy]

Congrats on new puppy! I just got mine 6 days ago, and things have been really great (knock on wood!) The trick is LOTS of chew toys - especially with a Lab - stay on top of the inappropriate chewing and nip it in the bud as early as possible. Always give the chew toy as the alternative - your puppy will learn.
Here goes:
High quality puppy food for large breeds
A comfy bed for puppy
chew toys
crate (if you're crating)
good metal non slip food and water bowls
a KONG
quality leash and collar
enviro friendly poop bags

hmmm... I think that's it. I must be missing something...
Anyway, ENJOY your pup!

[Entlebucher Mountain Dog]

Thank you all for the advice.