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I've always wanted a dog in my family. But I don't know too much about training them, how many times to feed them, what to feed them the first two-three months, when to start meat, what meats, what foods to avoid, potty training, etc. Where on the internet can I find all this info?
I want to be a great mum for it, but I need a lot of help. It's my first dog.
Only genuine advice please.

Thanks.

2006-12-27 18:09:51 · 10 answers · asked by Yvonne Mystic 4 in Pets Dogs

10 answers

Wow my head hurts with all the information you ask!!
Training: It's always best to have someone help you hands on with this especially with your first dog. Look in your phone book for your local kennel club as they will be able to either help or direct you to someone who can help you. Puppy classes are good even for people like myself because it's a great way to help socialize your new baby.
Make CERTAIN you go to a good, trust worthy breeder and they will be able to help you with food. You should always feed high quality food of coarse, with a Lab you will want to get off of puppy pretty quickly as it can cause them to grow too quickly which will compromise their bone structure. Feed twice a day (never free feed especially with a Labrador) and three times a day when she's a baby. I think a little snack before bed is fine although not necessary when older.
Potty training: Never EVER EVER rub his/her nose in it. If someone says to stay clear of them because their philosophy of dogs is WRONG. If you catch your puppy urinating/defecating in the house a stern NO and take her outside to finish. Put a word to it ("Go potty" etc.) so she knows what you want.
You may want to clicker train her. I think it's the best idea around. See the net for more info (Google it).
Feeding raw meat is a great idea. It's something that is very confusing though. I think feeding a high quality food and supplementing it with raw bones and meat 3-4 times a week and also giving raw BLENDED veggies works well.
There was something else I wanted to put down but I can't remember it now!!! Sorry!! If you have any questions let me know. You can contact me by clicking on my name.
Depending on where you are check AKC’s web site for a breeder in your area. That doesn’t always mean they are a good breeder but you can weed through the BYB’s a lot better like that. A good breeder will know about health problems in the breed, should certify eyes, hips, and elbows. Make sure they have done this and know what the numbers mean. Someone who shows will always have better quality dogs than someone who just bred their pets. Hope that’s some help. Enjoy your new baby. I’d love to see pics when you get her!!!
Edit: I REMEMBERED!!! lol
I feel that male dogs get along better with women and bitches with men. Just something I've observed over the years.
And Labs are very smart. Anyone who says they aren't has bought from a bad breeder. Why else would they be used to guide the BLIND? But I'm biased too :-)
Edit2.0: Grapes, raisins, chocolate, milk, avocados, onions, garlic, all things to avoid giving any dog. Chicken bones are fine as long as they are NOT COOKED. Cooked they become brittle and can puncture the stomach or intestines.

2006-12-27 18:28:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2 0

The site below is a great site! They info upon info, they have a Q&A forum, they have tips on just about everything, from training to grooming, behavior problems to physical problems, ect. I love this site! They should be able to help you choose the right type of breed for you.

Or if the first site doesn't help much, try the second one.

I had 2 black lab pups, and they were a handful! But we lived in a 1 bedroom apt, and the pups were abanonded. They are supposed to be great dogs for families. Good around children, easy to train, smart, and protective, but not agressive, unless they feel threatened. I can tell you this though, this is with any dog, but it's alot easier to train if you get them as a puppy. And make sure you teach them who the ''pack leader'' is, quickly in the relationship. This will make things so much easier for you in the long run. Let the dog know that they are at the bottom of the chain, but no less important. You don't want the dog to be like mine, listens to ONLY you, and will only let you take care of it, and take it outside! lol It's quite a pain in the rear!!

2006-12-28 02:34:59 · answer #2 · answered by Pluto 3 · 1 0

Careful with labs! Yes, they are great dogs, but sometimes first time owners get more than they bargan for. They need LOTS of room to run and exercise daily! Yellow Lab Males have a tendency to get REAL big REAL fast and aren't the brightest...I would reccomend a female black lab for starters...Working at the shelter I've seen so many great labs come through...but the females only show up when ther owners don't want to deal with them in their senior years! Talk to your vet about what kind of dog might be good for you.

Another option might be to adopt an older dog from a shelter. They don't require quite as much attention as a puppy and are more forgiving! I'm not suggesting a senior citizen, but maybe one that is already 3 or 4 years old...Puppies are a lot of work, even good puppies and then you would be able to get some practice at being a good dog mum...you can always get a puppy after a year or 2 with the older dog!

I adopted an older german shepard from the shelter that I work at and she has been the light of my life! She would have been a hard placement because of her size and the fact that she's nearly 8 years old! But we've bonded so well and I wouldn't trade her for the world! Rescue dogs, even older ones, seem to know when they've been saved!

I could never go to a pet store or even to a breeder when I know first hand how many great dogs are out there in shelter, waiting for homes.!

If you go onto petfinder.org you can search rescues and other shelter organizations for your perfect family pet by breed, size, or age!!! Its a really great site! Good Luck!

2006-12-28 02:26:25 · answer #3 · answered by Erica S 2 · 3 1

It's great that you're looking into things before getting the dog.
You should look into obedience classes around your area and find out how much they charge, what they teach and if it includes socialization classes. A good age to start obedience classes is 12 - 16 weeks.
You don't want to over feed the Labrador as they can get over-weight/obese very easily. You should get premium dog food (Science Diet is great - read the label to see how much to feed and how many times per day) or even better, get him on a raw diet. You can check up what a raw diet consists of on the Internet (http://www.google.com).
There are MANY foods to avoid, some are: chicken bones, chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, milk and dairy products, fruit and potatoes.
House breaking Labs is usually fairly easy as they are very smart dogs. I would not suggest crate training but a lot of people think it works. Taking the puppy out every 2-3 hours and saying 'POTTY' or 'POOP' (or whatever you want to say), stay out for 15 minutes and praise puppy if he does the right thing. 'GOOD BOY(/girl)' will be good.

There are many websites to find information about the breed, what to feed the breed, grooming, temperament etc.

*****EDIT: Please, PLEASE make sure you buy one from a reputable breeder who screens their dogs for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and PRA (eye disease, leads to blindness).******

2006-12-28 02:32:07 · answer #4 · answered by Elena 5 · 0 0

Ok the Eunkenba Kennel Club has great advice for new dog parents, For feed just leave the dog dish full unless the dog eats it all then probably 2 to 4 times a day, aviod chocolates and choclate products, its better just not to feed the dog table scraps. And start out with puppy chow dog foods.

2006-12-28 02:17:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1 1

hi. im so glad u decided to get the info before getting your dog. the right match w/person & dog is the BEST! each breed has it's own pros & cons...& a good breeder or rescue group can tell u what they are. i read everything i could find & went to a few dog shows....& asked TONS of questions before i found the breed for me. a lab is generally a pretty high energy pup.....will this fit in w/your lifestyle? any new dog...& its proper training will take a BIG committment of time.....i'd highly recommend at least basic puppy training class for him once you get him. i know that yahoo has groups devoted to many breeds, i bet people there would be willing to help direct you as to training ,the specifics of the breed, lab rescue groups & even good breeders. i wish you the best of luck & many happy years w/your new pal!

2006-12-28 02:35:16 · answer #6 · answered by sign_me_a_luv_song 1 · 2 0

http://www.akc.org/breeds/labrador_retriever/index.cfm

http://www.canismajor.com/dog/labrador.html

http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/health/labradorretrievers.html

http://www.akc.org/future_dog_owner/about_buying_a_dog.cfm

http://www.akc.org/public_education/responsible_dog_owner.cfm

http://www.thelabradorclub.com/

http://www.thelabradorclub.com/breeders/

http://www.tristatevets.com/dog/dogspuppies_puppy.html

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/our_pets_for_life_program/dog_behavior_tip_sheets/crate_training.html

www.dogfoodproject.com



Here is a load of websites, all helpful and informative. I suggest you talk to a number of breeders first since this is your first dog. A Labrador is a great choice, although they are high-energy working dogs, so you need to be prepared to offer him a lot of activity.

Have fun and it is great to hear someone preparing and learning before they bring the dog home. Kudos to you:)

2006-12-28 02:37:26 · answer #7 · answered by LiaChien 5 · 2 0

first you can find a great dog that really needs you at www.petfinder.com put in your zip and search under labrador. you can also put in age, size, and sex. as for your other questions before you buy the dog, call a training center that you plan on taking your dog to and ask them what book they would reccomend you read before getting a dog. read the book. find a vet, call them and ask them when they reccomend vet visits, what vaccines and when.. take your dog there. plan time for walks and play, and you should have a wonderful friend for years to come.

2006-12-28 02:15:27 · answer #8 · answered by cagney 6 · 1 1

Get an already trained one from the pound and save a life.

2006-12-28 02:24:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0 2

I dont know where you live but if you have a petco go there they can help you with everything.good luck

2006-12-28 02:14:15 · answer #10 · answered by lynn m 2 · 0 3

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