Hi all,
I'm after more advice regarding the lab pup we're collecting in four weeks. I've bought a large piece of VetBed Gold,which I'm going to cut in two. My plan is to take one piece to my breeder, so mum and pups can sleep on it for a while, then my pup will have something that smells familar in her bed when she arrives in her new home. Also, (and it may have been somebody here who suggested it-thanks!) I plan to take an old jersey top of mine, so pup can get used to some of her 'new' smells before she gets here. We're going this saturday, and then 2 weeks after that, then two weeks later is home time!!! When should I take these, and do you think my breeder will think I'm :)barking:D mad??!!
Thanks,
Nic :)

Why not take a disposable camera too and ask the breeder to use it up during the next 4 weeks. That way you'll have piccies of her and her mum and litter mates.

When they're hulking great monsters, it's good to remember them when they were wee.

Theres a good idea! I have been taking digital pics of them every two weeks, but just within that time, they've grown so fast!
Nic :)

Nic :) how sweet! Good luck! Julieann

Not my idea I'm afraid :D It was first raised by someone on here - apologies for nicking their good idea ;)

Nic, your breeder will think you are wonderful and wish that all puppy people were like you :-). I'd leave the old jersey until the penultimate visit - if its in with the pups, the breeder will be spending lots of time washing it otherwise. Have you decided how you are going to bring Pups home yet?

Hi Sharon,
Thanks for the vote of confidence, as a first timer I'm not always sure that what I think would be best, actually is!!
As for bringing her home, we are luckily only a 45 min journey away, so not too far for her. I had read a previous post re; using a cat carrier, which I have, I'm just not sure that a 9 and a half week old lab will fit?! We are buying a crate, but due to the fact that it's 36" one (pleanty of room for growth!) it would not fit on the back seat, and I think it would be mean to leave her in the boot (which is'nt closed in as it's a 4X4). So that left me with the box option, which obviously is'nt very safe. Any ideas?
Nic :)

How about a doggy seat belt and have pup on the back seat with you?

Fiona
x x x

How do those work? It's just that our two children (who are both in car seats) will be coming too, so I'd planned for one of them to go in the front, leaving me and pup and other child in the back. But I could sit in the middle, with the lap belt. Would the dog belt fit onto the regular belt?
Thanks,
Nic :)

The doggy wears a sort of harness and the seatbelt goes through a loop on it and plugs in as normal (it's not as complicated as I'm making it sound!!)

Most pet shops sell them so you could pop in and have a look :)

Fiona
x x x

Thanks Fiona,
I will do that, do they come in different sizes?
I've just looked on e-Bay and seen one that says it's medium, would fit up to collie size, but it's fully adjustable. I'm not sure this would go small enough for my 9 and a half week old pup? Any ideas, I have emailed the seller to ask for more info.
Nic :)

Hi Nic, and sorry - I mixed you up with Charlie who is bringing his pup from Ireland . Will you have someone with you when you collect your pup? If so, and as its only a 45 minute drive, I'd just get the co-pilot to nurse the pup. (Don't forget an old blanket and kitchen roll for any little accidents.) If you will be on your own you can use a cardboard carrier and strap in in with the seat-belt. You can buy custom made enclosed cardboard carriers (I think PetPlanet have them, but the website isn't responding at the moment) or make your own.

My husband will drive, so I can look after pup.
Nic :)

Nic, I'm emailing you about your travel arrangements. I'm sure I can lend you something that will do and save you buying for now.
LynnT

HI, I wouldn't use a doggy harness on a tiny puppy, I'd wait til he's about half grown or so. Many people use crates for transport and sleeping in at home and they are recommended by many breeders for helping with over night house training etc, introduced straight away pups soon get to love their "den" and feel safe and happy in them, at home or in the car.

Nic, I think what you're proposing sounds just great. I ended up with an assorted pile of 'beds' from puppy buyers and I put them in with mum and her babies for a couple of days before they went to their new homes. You could try putting a 'comfort' blanket in bed with you for a few nights so it has your scent on it, and then give to your breeder the week before you collect your baby.
I was only too pleased when people buying my puppies visited and phoned and brought various bits of clothing/bedding around. Its very reassuring to know that people are thinking about their puppies and taking it seriously.
Lorna