Possibly buying a puppy.... Advice?

[BYCforlife]

Sometime at the end of December, I'm going to be buying a puppy. (Hopefully.)

I have a book for training, but could you give me some advice on how to deal with the hidden problems of puppy-raising?

Thanks!

 

[tastyacres]

Well, first off congrats!

A lot will go into-

How old will he/she is when you get it?

What breed?

What training method are you going to do?

What do you expect from this dog?

 

[BYCforlife]

Thanks!!

It will be about 10-11 weeks old.

My friend (The seller) Said that they are a Labrador Chow mix. (Husky, Collie, Blue Heeler)

I am not sure yet, but I know I'll be training it to do its business in a certain place that is not on the lawn.

I want a friendly dog, we don't really need a guard dog.

Thanks!

 

[ChocolateMouse]

Socialize constantly. For a little while, try to take the puppy everywhere you can, and make every experience a positive one. Make sure the puppy is getting lots of gentle affection, playtime and treats everywhere it goes and from every person. Make sure it's constantly going to new places, experiencing new environments, experiencing old environments in new ways, etc.
Like if you usually go to the park at mid-day, mix it up. Go in the evening and after sundown too. If you live in a predominantly white neighborhood, spend time trying to walk through neighborhoods that are mostly PoC. If you live in a quiet suburb with tree lawns, take a trip to pet-friendly malls and business districts. If your family has no children, try to visit friends who have pet savvy kids.
And remember, your dog will pick up on your feelings about what you're doing. If you're feeling nervous where you are your dog will too. So try to make sure it's a good, positive experience for you as well.
If a dog experiences good things surrounding these area as a puppy they will be less likely to be scared of them as an adult when their fear can be dangerous or harmful. (Not even saying biting here. A scared dog may push people over, antagonize other dogs, or yank the leash out of your hands and run, maybe pulling you over too.)
A socialized dog is more likely to be a confident positive dog to own.

 

[imnukensc]

Thanks!!

I am not sure yet, but I know I'll be training it to do its business in a certain place that is not on the lawn.

Thanks!

Where do you intend to train it to go?

 

[JaeG]

Puppies are naughty! They don't mean to be but they need a lot of supervision. I recommend crate training. Then puppy has a safe space where s/he can't get up to mischief (and won't go to the toilet because it's her bed) while you need to concentrate on other things.

Also, be aware that medium-large breeds don't mature mentally until at least 2 years old (especially with Lab in the mix). If you're like I was and you've only had experience with dogs, puppies are a whole 'nother ball game. But with consistent training you'll have a well behaved dog that's a pleasure to be around.

 

[Peaches Lee]

Just make sure you get your puppy properly vaccinated before you go to public places where other dogs have been. Parvo is a very real and potentially deadly virus that affects un-vaccinated pups. Good luck to you and enjoy your puppy. It's been nine years since I've had a puppy so I'm no help!

 

[Labradors]

Never buy from a pet store because most come from puppy mills.

Try to find a good breeder and ask lots of questions.

It's very important to socialize your puppy to many different situations, people, and other dogs.

Enjoy your new pup

Linda

 

[Flufferes]

I wouldn't buy a puppy in December. When puppies are really little, they need to pee constantly, and having to wipe their muddy feet off every 20-30 minutes for weeks isn't going to be fun for you. Summer, maybe even spring depending on your patience and weather is your best bet. My (purebred) Labrador puppy was way easier to train than I thought he would be. The only problem with labs is that they will eat anything you put in front of them. I live with people that don't know how to take care of puppies, and my lab literally ate a sock this morning and puked it up. He could have died. -_- But, eating anything with remote flavor has its perks. If your lab has to take medecine, as long as he doesn't have a lack of appetite from their sickness, they will eat it right up.
Personality, my lab sheds like crazy.
Male dogs usually have better personalites from my experience, but there definitely are exceptions. It all depends on the trainer.
Prepare for accidents.
Give certain activities names, when you go outside say "outside" in a normal voice. When you walk back inside, say "inside"
And depending on if you want to crate train or have him go outside, say "Potty outside!" In a happy voice, and the same but without "outside" in a crate.
Crate training is more costly, puppy pads and such, plus awkward for when the dog is older. I have no problem with shoveling poop in my yard.
Don't walk your dog in public roads or on the ground where other dogs have been until he has had his parvo virus shot.
@PeepersMama

 

[KettermanHillCoop]

Also, be aware that medium-large breeds don't mature mentally until at least 2 years old (especially with Lab in the mix)

Hahaha...mature...at two??? I have a 9 year-old, ginormous, head-sitting (my head) Chocolate Lab who is still a goof! Lol. But I love him...