New puppy imminent

Abi90

Abi90

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So after much research and finally finding a breeder that we liked and would feel comfortable asking advice from, who also thought we were suitable, we put our name down on a waiting list for his next litter.

They were due on Sunday so should be arriving imminently and it's a very exciting time. Provided that there is enough in the litter.

This is our first dog, although we are surrounded by those with experience, so are a little nervous. We've done a lot of research and asked advice from the breeder but does anyone have any advice or experiences worth sharing for when we, hopefully, bring pup home in about 8 weeks?
 
Best breed! Last pup I had was my bil's 2 years ago, he couldn't have it for a couple of weeks.

We socialised him by taking him everywhere, pub, Pets at Home, every car journey, yard, handed him over to everyone for cuddles. He can go in your garden and meet vaccinated dogs, but shouldn't be walked til he's had his second vaccs. Ours was carried everywhere.

He was in a crate in our room for the first week then moved to the kitchen, we got up at 4am for wees every night.

Puppy food is so like adult food that it's not worth it. The significant difference is the phosphate level, so just choose what suits you ( but please avoid supermarket stuff!) and don't rely on what the breeder suggests, sometimes they wean onto stuff that simply isn't good. This website is very helpful. http://www.allaboutdogfood.co.uk

There's so much I could say, but it's fun to learn, although do ask questions, I had millions when I got my first lot. I hope you have a lovely time!
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Thank you so much for your reply. I wasn't aware about the adult food and puppy food so thank you for that!

Still no sign of pups today! She was due on Sunday! Unless the breeder has been up all night and is having a well deserved sleep!

And what a gorgeous puppy in the picture? Are they alright to go out as long as held and only interacting with people before they finish their vaccs?
 
In addition to the above. Ben patient and consistent. What you teach puppy is ok now, will last for a long time.

Our dog (now 3) behaves like a saint for me (I was at home with him when he was small and did the vast majority of his training) however plays a merry tune with my father (now retired) who lets him get away with stuff one day only to get angry about it the next. He also responds to barking so when he is around the dog is a million times noisier. He barks to be let out with my father, but with me he taps the door, sits down and waits for me. He comes (most of the time!) when I call him, but hardly ever to my father. He generally behaves much worse with him because from when he was little he let him get away with all sorts and responded to all the wrong things and forgot to reward and praise the good (a constant battle even now!). He also generally just lets him outside to run around most of the day to stop him being annoying and barking, so he gets seriously upset when he can't spend all day outside running around and not behaving properly. Annoys me very much!

Just be super pleased with every good thing puppy does. And it may be cute that he steals your shoes now, but not when he is big and eats them! Like horses a routine is very important.

My big thing is never ever ever get cross with puppy for going to the loo in the wrong place. Ignore all incorrect toilets and seriously praise when puppy goes in the right place. I trained our dog to toilet on command so used "good job jobs" every time he widdled in the right place. Very important to praise like that as if you use "good boy" you may inadvertently teach puppy to widdle every time you say it!
 
Thank you so much for the advice, especially about wording things carefully!

Anyone have any opinions on how best to travel them on their first journey home?
 
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