"Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it."

redofromstart

They secretly know and are plotting against the puppy!

Watty1

Looking forward to puppy exploits

EssexHebridean

You'll be fine - ask around locally for good puppy classes, and start those as soon as you can. They are an absolute godsend and multiple heads trying to get to grips with any behavioural issues are better by far than just you! 

One thing to consider - right from the start set a "safe phrase" that you ALWAYS use when someone else takes the dog and starts walking away from you. So the instructor in puppy class, a friend when out for a walk, your Mum...whoever. Just getting into the habit of saying "Good dog Marmaduke*, off you go" each and every time gives the dog a clear signal that it's fine to go with trusted individuals, but more importantly, makes it more likely that pup might dig their heels in if someone else tries to take them away... it's horrible that we even have to think of stuff like this now, but it's definitely something I would do if getting a dog now. 

One thing that is definitely better now than years ago is that there is a lot more knowledge around the sorts of foods which dogs really should avoid - that's probably something to brush up on a bit. 


*other names are available...  

greenbee

He's definitely NOT a Marmaduke 🤣.

Good point on the 'safe phrase', as I've been in the situation with a friend's dog where he thought I was stealing him!

Puppy will be eating Beta puppy to begin with. I'll have a think about what I want to do long term - the cats get Untamed on subscription as it is the only commercial food they will consistently eat. They get (at the moment) one meal a day of home-cooked (frozen and defrosted) food - pork/chicken mince/chicken meat/chicken or duck stock/lambs liver/chicken liver/egg/taurine), bedtime treats, and the odd spoonful of greek yogurt. They also have biscuits available 24/7 via a puzzle feeder which will eventually have to stop once they are sharing space with a labrador! It's a pity, as it keeps them busy and means they have to work for the food. 

I'm asking around about puppy classes, and as he's a working dog, I may take him to gun dog training even if he never goes out picking up (cold and wet!). He'll need to use his brain after all. 

Staffordia

Both of our rescues have thrived since eating raw dog food. I get it from a Norfolk based company that delivers or they have pick up available in places like Dereham or Thetford and a few others.  Let me know if you want the company details. 

greenbee

Thanks Staffordia - Dereham is close, so details would be appreciated. Although I won’t be changing his diet anytime soon. We need to get through getting settled, house trained, non-destructive, and being nice to the cats first!

Watty1

Love the safe phrase idea.  Quiet or Settle is another good command.   I taught WattyDog with a clicker and he loved that (there are lots of on line free watches on how too).  WattyDog is a working dog and really needs to use his brain so I also took him to trick training classes and taught him to bow, twirl and pray.   Pray seemed useful as he gets so much wrong

Sadly my ex ruined the training by giving conflicting commands during the difficult years so door manners which I had insisted on are now non existent and all the tricks ruined although he can still high five.

The only thing the ex didn't wreck was the recall - probably because he needed that when when he took the dog.

Training classes are wonderful. My last GSD went to classes all his life (agility, fun training, organised training walks) and loved them.

Have fun      Oh, teaching a dog to bark can be helpful when single and alone!  WattyDog is an excellent barker  (command long since ruined but he did once know "speak" and  I was progressing to teaching that as a visual clue before the traumas)

EssexHebridean

I'll second the idea that teaching a dog to bark on command can be incredibly useful - and yes, we used to use "speak" as well.

On the food thing, I was more meaning around the risks of things a dog might pick up when out and about, plus human foods around the house which might be accessible to a food-motivated dog (by which I mean "a Labrador!" as they're one and the same thing!) - it goes without saying that "drop it!" will probably be an early command you want to teach anyway, but it is handy to have a bit of a list of whether something which has been partially eaten, or gobbled before you could issue the command or prise it from the jawsmight ideally need a vets visit! 

greenbee

Very important to have a clear difference between 'Give' (something I want) and 'Drop' (a rotting rat carcass)  

Busy being cross with Zooplus who say the delivery is delayed but give no indication of ETA. So probably need to borrow a crate and/or travel crate. 

Staffordia

I think I have messaged you with the details.