want to buy lab puppy - questioner 2?

Question

Thanks a lot for all your answers to my question
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AooRF4z.Rd18N51KLP5y2e7ty6IX?qid=20070704141506AAE1R9I
I was planning to buy a crate and also a fence/play pen around the crate, leave food and water along with some toys for him, either in the garage or in my side yard(fenced with shade)
My friends lab left like this started to eat his poop and amuse himself, i don't want to give him a chance to pick up bad habits.

is it okay to leave a puppy/dog in the garage.
We plan to clean out the garage, we will not leave any toxic material for him to explore.

Answer 1

Are you asking this re: housebreaking the dog? if so giving him too much space - the crate AND a fenced area - will prevent him from learning not to poop in the house. The whole point of crating the dog is so it learns not to go potty where it must sleep. BUT you can only do this if you're able to be there to let the puppy out every four to six hours. Expecting more of him at that age is just unfair.

As for the garage comment - is this something longterm you're thinking of or just again for housebreaking while a pup? Again - too much space and the dog will not learn. I'm hoping you're not planning to leave this dog in the garage as opposed to letting him the house when you're home. That would be cruel and I would not understand why you'd get a dog if you don't want it with you.

I have a Newf/Lab mix and he did great with housebreaking by using a large wire crate from www.drsfostersmith.com. Do NOT use one of the plastic airline crates. They're far too small, do not give enough airflow for the dog and puppies can get quite scared closed up in something like that. Also do not leave food in the crate with the puppy. It'll eat out of boredom which will just then make it have to poop! Attach a small bowl of water to the side of the cage - SMALL - just enough in case it gets thirsty. You don't want the pup chug-a-lugging down a lot of water and then peeing everywhere.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, a puppy left alone outside all day will develp behavior problems, like digging and barking. I'd recommend a nice crate indoors, and come home at lunch time or have a pet sitter come by a couple of times a day to walk him. Then exercise and play a lot when you are home. The garage may be too hot...can you air condition it? Still, if not crated, he's going to learn its OK to potty indoors, which is not goo.

Answer 3

Our golden retriever has a fenced area with stairs and it goes up to our deck. She has toys, a poop spot, water and shade. She is fine ouside. She doesn't eat her poop. She also has a dog bed in the shade and will sometimes sleep there. If you are worried about your lap eating his own poop, just make sure that you pooper scoop each morning so that your dog doesn't have a chance to eat the poop. If you have any more questions, go to www.freewebs.com/doggiehelper. They are a GREAT site and can help you with any of your dog/ puppy problems. Good Luck!

Answer 4

Why did you get a 5week old puppy ??That is way to young to have a pup and by law the breeder should not of sold you the dog till it was 8 weeks.The fact he left his mom and the milk she supplied is also the reason and there could be a multitude of others.He needs to be seen by a vet as vets d/n give a 5 week old puppy shots,the breeder probably gave this to him.Take him to the vet so he can tell you how to take care of him and what to feed this poor thing.He needs an evaluation now..

Answer 5

At least you are asking advice, and are planning. But, all you have said above is that you plan to "put the pup in the back yard or in the garage".

Is there something more you haven't told us?

'Cause, if that is the entire plan, don't get a dog.

Answer 6

I'm sorry but you sound like you don't have much time for a puppy/dog. Why get a dog if you don't want it in the house?

Answer 7

Don't get a puppy then. You really don't have enough time. Sorry.