Hi everyone,

There is some really useful advice on this site, you all seem very caring & experienced.

I have an 8 week old puppy & he will be having his first vacination in a weeks time(when he has settled in).  Can someone please tell me when he will be ok to go outdoors (garden only) to the loo?

Also I have got him toys to keep him occupied but really worried he may chew, whats your views on using crates when I'm out or through the night?

Cheers

He can go into you own garden now, and he will be able to walk outside in the street about 10 days after his second injection. But take him out in your arms to meet people and get used to the trafic.

As you have a new puppy why don't you join us so you will beable to let us know how you are getting on.

hey thanks for this.  It has been 14 years since I had a puppy & I feel like a total beginner!!  When I phoned the vet to book him in for his vacs I was given the impression that he couldn't out (unless carried) until 2 weeks after his 2nd jab.

Ps. I have joined.

The vet should have made it clearer that he can't go out where other dogs have been until 2 weeks after his 2nd jab. As long as your garden is secure he can go out there now.
Good luck with him!
:)

You seem to have had your vaccination question answered - re crates, overnight is a long time to expect a pup to go without needing to relieve themselves - but so long as you're prepared to get up during the night a crate is a great way of keeping your little one safe - make sure he only connects it with 'good things' and you'll be fine.  If you want to buy one that will last him to adult hood, then use a cardboard box (or if you have a handy hubby maybe he can make some kind of divider) to limit the are the pup has access too, as if they can wee and not have to lie down in the 'wet patch' they won't learn :(

My vet says its fine to take them out as soon as they have had their 2nd inoculation. Also to carry them (if possible) out and about to meet people and get socialised. I have done both and with no ill effects whatsoever

a cage (crate) is a good idea in my opinion aslong as he can happily move around in it!  It will prevent him from chewing your house while you are out and at the same time it will become 'his little den' where he can so for sucruity and as he gets older you will find that he will be happy to go in it whenever and you can use it as a general bed leaving the door open!

Rox

You are all great sharing your expertise with me thanx very much. Today I have been given a crate that is huge & will last him till adulthood.  He loves it, his toys are in it & a quilt (very cosy)!  He has only had one accident so far, when he peed where there was no paper - doing really well.  Have took him outside the back door, but he sat & cried to go back into house -bless him.

Lynne

Great news its now 11pm & he's done his business outdoors!
I know this may sound daft but... his poo is really runny, how long does it take a dog to form solid faeces? I presume its not the food as I am giving him what the breeder gave me.

Any change of routine can unsettle a puppy's tummy, and moving home is a huge change. Also the change of water can affect their bowels. Did you only get him this weekend? If so you'll be taking him to the vet tomorrow, to make sure he's healthy and to be told when to bring him for his jabs, so if you're worried mention it then.
:)

hi

yes we got him yesterday. i phoned the vet yesterday & they want me to have him at home for a week before taking him and then provided he is well he can have his first jab as well as a health check.

L

It's just that I always advise my puppy-buyers to take the pup to the vet for an independent health check as soon as they can, ideally within 48 hours, for verification that the pup was healthy when it left me.
:)

wise advice as a breeder it is good protection for yourself.
I will take him sooner if there is no improvement.  What food do u recommend, I'm using Wafcol & feeding it dry.

Lynne

Just thought I'd add about your crate ..while it must not be too small..you said it was big for him .If it is too big he may feel he can wee in a corner ..you will have to suss it out and see if he is clean in there  or you may have to block more of it out (or something) till he grows ?

Thanks for the advice. He seems ok at the moment, I think the quilt & his toys take up alot of room!!
I've been home all day today & kept the back door open & he has done his business in the yard everytime.-Fingers crossed he keeps it up!

Hi, just out of interest, (Well, becuase i am incredibly nosy!!) what breed is your puppy?

he's a golden labrador