Picked up our 7 week old lab on Sunday, and I think we have made a really good start. Toilet training is going really well, only one poo in the house and that was on the first day, the rest in the garden (should have bought the bigger box of nappy bags!). Half a dozen wees, but now she whines to go out when she wants to. Even caught her sat at the back door ready to go out the other day. Night time is, dare I say it, excellent. She has slept from 11.30pm to 7.15am and been clean for the last 2 nights. She has only soiled once and wee'd once in 4 nights. I have no real concerns at all......well except for a couple of minor things. Firstly, the breeder had brought the litter up on Arden Grange Working Dog, not puppy food. She has spoken with Arden Grange and compared the ingredients to that of puppy food and was happy with it. She has provided us with a 20kg bag to continue with. I have added Butchers Tripe, chicken mince and cooked chicken to it occasionally and in the main it is well received. Stools are fairly firm. Should I continue with this or is my pup missing out on some vital ingredients. Hang on.......just received a reply from Arden Grange by e-mail. They say that their puppy food has higher protein and fat percentage, vitamins and minerals. I guess that answers that then! Secondly, I have read previously that pups do not appear to drink too much water. This seems to be the case with our pup. However, as all her food is moistened with water and she is weeing for England I presume she will be fine. I am not sure though whether to put water in her cage at night or when she is left for short periods. I am off to the pet shop today to buy a 'coop cup' but wondered what your thoughts are about this. Finally, lead training in the house/garden, any suggestions for this would be appreciated.

Hi BigD and welcome to the board. Congratulations on your pup - what have you called her? It sounds as if she is settling in with you really well.
With regard to lead training, I would get her used to a lightweight collar first, letting her wear it for short periods at a time, then when she is happy with it, clip on a lightweight lead and just let it drag behind her for a while. Eventually she will wander around without noticing it, and will let you pick it up. Then I would just follow her around on it with the lead loose until you are happy that she is happy with it, before starting off with "proper" lead training, taking her where you want her to go. I'm sure someone else will be along soon to give you more tips on this.
Enjoy her!
Tracy

Firstly the Arden Grange for working dogs is the same range as you can buy, but iot is zero rated for VAt and much cheaper for breeders, as you can get round the letter of the law by saying showing and other canine activities are working!

She may well have had him on the puppy version of the food, look on the bag.

She may also have kept the mother and pups on the adult ration as it is high nutrient dense compared to many with 25/26% Protein, which many large breed breeders feel is quite sufficient to grow a pup steadily, especially if a little meat and other foodstuffs are being fed.

Tracy, my pup is called Jazz. Bought a puppy collar and lead this afternoon and so far she has not been bothered at all with the collar, will try the lead tomorrow. If she starts to chew it as it trails should I stop her or let her get used to it?

Brainless, definately adult version and not puppy. Are you agreeing with the breeder then? I know she has fed with tripe and 'red meat'. I have bought some tripe mince (pets choice I think), pilchards, sardines and tuna to add to the Arden Grange (not all at once!). I have also bought a 2kg Autarky Puppy/junior to try her on. I mixed half AG with half Autarky and she hasn't eaten it. What do you suggest?

Only a few years back and most dry puppy foods were around 24% Protein, which is lower than the adult Arden Grange. If she was adding meat then this was more than sufficent, as many breeders so not like to give too mcuh protein to dogs that are prone to skeletal problems such as Hip and elbow displasia. I think John will agree.

Even wtihout extras your pup would probably come to no harm on the adult diet, as being a lab he is unlikely to be a fussy eater.