We are getting a new addition to your family. My wife is getting me a Yellow lab puppy for my birthday.

I am curious how you guys would transport the pup in the s to keep the car from getting scratched up (this is for a couple of months down the road when it's warm and I take him top down cruising).

Aslo,

Any advice on what to do with him when we get him home. My last new puppy was when I was 10 years old and she (another breed) lived 16 years. I have alot of experience with large dogs, but haven't raised a lab puppy before.

What do i need to buy/read/do.

I AM SO FRIGGIN EXCITED!!!!!

 

My German Shepard loves getting rides in the S2000. I take out the passengar seat every time. It takes me only 10 minutes or less to do it.

He's traind to not "stand" up onto the dashboard or on the door. He's big enough to see over the dash and over the door when in a 'sit' position.

I also have a special harness for him that attaches with the seat belt. The seat belt clip is attached to his harness. This doesn't stop him from being able to shift his weight onto all fours when needed (when I get to some cornering), but it does lock up when I hit the brakes hard, or (heaven-forbid) get into an accident.

 

Congratulations Raj. You're going to love it! Allow me to introduce you to your new alarm clock.

 

Holy God Rick, what a Great picture! Our childhood dog used to do the same thing in the morning.

Oh, I like your sig picture too.

 

I use an old comforter to protect the seat and keep the dog hair down.

Regarding what you need to do for labs in particular. Nothing that you would not do for any other puppy.

Some labs -- well most labs -- go through a puppy chewing stage. Shoes and anything wooden are fair game. As far as training goes, labs are probably the single easiest dog to train. They live to please. Repetition and kindness -- and lots of exercise. Labs are the perfect lazy person dog. Throw anything and they will run forever (be cautious of overheating your dog on hot days, they will run themselves to death to please you).

As a testament to the good nature of a lab, ours was raised with 4 ferrets. The ferrets liked to pick on him as if he was one of them, running up and biting him or jumping on his back. He has never so much as growled at one, he allows them to eat his food and he will even play tug-of-war with one of them in such a gentle manner that the ferret appears to be winning.

A word of caution, set money aside for vet visits. My wife recently stopped adding up the bills at $10,000 (for the past year alone) last month for our 4 year old yellow lab, Eddie.

While ours is probably an extreme case, better to be prepared.



Now here is a controversial comment. You might want to free feed your dog. All dogs, labs in particular have a tendency to over eat. My approach to this issue is to always have food around and never make food an object of desire for the dog. I don't give out many treats either.

Some folks don't agree with this (including my vet) but you can't argue with the fact that Eddie has maintained his 88lb weight consistently (within a pound either side) for over three years.

 

Thanks Steve! I have read about how Labs in particular have a tendency to overeat. They say if the dog grows too fast it can lead more likely to the hip displasia. I will have to keep him on a Strict diet although (I know this may make you cringe) He'll probably get a lot of Indian food too. I know table scraps are a big no no, but I had an American Eskimo that lived 16 years including one terrible Indiana winter where she was kidnapped and then set free to fend for herself by a little s*it kid.

Oh, we are thinking about names too.

My choice-monster- nice and ironic for such a sweet friendly dog.

My wife's choice-lucky- great name, but her Aunt in India has a yellow named lucky.

 

Yes they do have a tendency to overeat. You will give them a bowl of food, and then they will ask you when are you going to feed me. The food disappears in less than a heartbeat. Try to avoid table food, labs are notorius beggars, and feed the dog only dog food. Or at least feed the dog only in its bowl.

We had a Chocolate Lab named Sara, she died last April. We now have a White German Shepherd named Starr. She is 8 1/2 months old and weighs over 80#. She's not a wolf her food down eater like Sara was, but over the course of the day she eats 9-12 cups of food.

 

Be sure to "pet-proof" your home. You don't want your new bundle of joy to get into anything he shouldn't (like bug/weed killers, electrical cords, etc.)

Here's an article on what to do: http://www.animatch.ca/extra/faq/petproof.htm

Good luck! Can't wait to see some pictures!!!!!

 

Lots of great responses here...I have nothing to add just wanted to get a picture of my baby (avatar) in the thread. She died in my arms last year after being hit by a car.

He will be your best bud, no questions asked! Best of luck to you both!

 

We've bought and trained 3 German Shepherd puppies. The first one died so we have 2 of them now and the youngest is 4 years-old. I always use a dog crate for their bedroom when I bring them home. It's the large plastic kind with the metal grate door. They sleep in them at night in my bedroom so when they whine I take them outside to potty, always praising for anything eliminated. They like the crate and go in it like a den. You can move it to the kitchen when you're there or put them in for short times when you don't want them to poop in the house. I always take them to a puppy training class to get them socialized with other dogs. You have to be careful about their shots and Parvo though. Ask your vet when it's safe to take him out into the world, shot wise. When they get to be 6 months old I take them to dog obedience class where they learn to sit, stay, come, heel and settle (lay down calm). It's fun for me and makes them into good dogs.