Puppy Coming next Week

[MaryAnn Keenan]

Hi Everyone,
We are getting a beautiful Labradoodle next week from Patty at Lag Cabin Labradoodles. Any words of advice for
us "soon to be" owners?

[Sharon Austin]

Just a couple more things that helped me. We crate Lucy at night in our bedroom. Patty told us to cover 3 sides of the wire crate to make her feel secure. That worked great. We don't use the crate as punishment. However, there are times when we both need a break. Rather than get angry at Lucy, I give her a favorite treat, put her in the crate for 15 minutes or so, and enjoy a few minutes to relax. That's all it seems to take for both or us to get things into perspective. I do refer back to the book Patty gave us when we got Lucy. We have tried to soften the bite with calm words rather than trying to stop it all together. That has worked, and now we are moving on to the stop part of her training. (got that from the book)

[diane silver]

My Emma is also a Log Cabin baby (Lucy's littermate) and I ditto everything that Sharon said above. Of course, you'll have many more questions once this little bundle comes home to you. I sort of equate the first few weeks of having a puppy to when you bring home a newborn - remember that they are really not fully "formed" for several weeks and that it takes time for you and for her to learn from one another. At times it can get quite frustrating, but the joy and fun you will have will definitely be worth it in the long run. Make sure you crate and that you plenty of chew toys for her - the puppy teeth are like little daggers (I have the scars to prove it), but eventually she'll understand and you'll begin to get more kisses than nibbles!

[Sharon Austin]

I got Lucy form Patty about 3 weeks ago. My best advice is to always remember your puppy is just that, a puppy. She only wants to please you , but doesn't always know what you want. Patience,patience, patience will be so rewarded. I think of it as an adventure. Good luck. My Lucy is a happy,goofy loveable girl who is much smarter than I am. Never underestimate their intelligence. Lucy outsmarts me at every corner. She has added so much to our family.