Inevitable request for puppy help!

deb_l222 said:
Nothing to do with the toileting issue but wanted to note, if you're going to use a crate for extended periods, e.g. overnight, please get a much bigger one than she's in now. She's going to be a reasonably big dog and she needs to be able to flex and extend those baby muscles, ligaments and tendons to make them strong for her future.

I hate crates but I understand some like to use them but they need to be the correct size to prevent future problems.
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I've got the 42 inch crate which is supposed to be ideal for Labradors? I was using a divider but stopped after a few weeks
 
It looks like a good size to me but hard to tell from photos? My GSDs overnignt in XL airline crates and are tipping 8 and 10 with no issues, if I had kids I'd keep them in a cot or lobsterpot when I couldn't watch them, it's a place for resting, not disco dancing IMO!
 
CorvusCorax said:
It looks like a good size to me but hard to tell from photos? My GSDs overnignt in XL airline crates and are tipping 8 and 10 with no issues, if I had kids I'd keep them in a cot or lobsterpot when I couldn't watch them, it's a place for resting, not disco dancing IMO!
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She's definitely got more than enough room she sleeps on her back a lot and looks okay. 42 inches is the recommended size for the largest of Labradors (from thelabradorsite.com) so that's the one I went with but I'd be interested to know if anyone with Labs has needed a bigger crate?

I was planning on ditching the crate or using it as a travel crate for long journeys when she's fully matured but that's a thought for another year
 
If you haven’t already it may be worth doing some puppy training classes as the trainer can also help with any issues? My dog trainer is brilliant like this and they also have a FB page and so you can post questions on there too. My dog sometimes appears deaf but he can always hear the squeak of a tennis ball! ?.
 
Lownthwaite Rob said:
If you haven’t already it may be worth doing some puppy training classes as the trainer can also help with any issues? My dog trainer is brilliant like this and they also have a FB page and so you can post questions on there too. My dog sometimes appears deaf but he can always hear the squeak of a tennis ball! ?.
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She is too young yet for puppy classes, they don't usually start until 6 months and we are social distancing now, so it is not likely that there will be any physical classes any time soon.
 
Pearlsasinger said:
She is too young yet for puppy classes, they don't usually start until 6 months and we are social distancing now, so it is not likely that there will be any physical classes any time soon.
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Most puppy classes I know take pups as soon as they have had their jabs. General Socialisation classes are what you need at this age although I would avoid those that let all Puppies off the lead for a free for all. Obviously puppy classes are not happening during lockdown but some trainers are able to do one to one I open spaces and there are plenty of online courses.
 
Update: I kept her up till around 11.15pm, she woke at 5.10am instead of before 4.30am (she didn't greet me all excited like she normally does when I don't see her from around 5pm the day before) she did her business outside then slept again from 5.20-6.40am!

Thank you to everyone who suggested it, you're genuises! I hope it's something that continues tonight!
 
She was also a ton better on her walk just now, I don't know whether it's the cooler conditions, less people around or that she hadn't her breakfast yet but she was much more attentive and easier for me to get her attention. I had some kibble with me but didn't use much and she seemed to respond well to extra praise as well. I'll have to see if its a one off later.

Instead of doing two 15 minute walks a day I'm going to do three 10 minute walks instead. I noticed her tiring a lot in her 15 minute walks towards the end.
 
Sukhpreet Aujla said:
Update: I kept her up till around 11.15pm, she woke at 5.10am instead of before 4.30am (she didn't greet me all excited like she normally does when I don't see her from around 5pm the day before) she did her business outside then slept again from 5.20-6.40am!

Thank you to everyone who suggested it, you're genuises! I hope it's something that continues tonight!
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I had fantastic advice from the people on this forum when I was wondering about exactly the same things!! :) :)
 
Clodagh said:
If you can get enough sleep at night I always think you can cope with anything the world can throw at you during the day!
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I agree 100%, when I was getting less and less sleep I found it harder to cope with Clover but I can get about 7 hours now with last one coming after her toilet break. Although I wish I could just nap like she does throughout the day as well! Her ability to go from wide awake to flat out on her back within a minute inspires a lot of envy!
 
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