Hello everyone, I hope that maybe some of you will be able to put my mind at rest. I will be picking up my new pupy at the weekend and I have started to think what do I do if he doesn't like me, will he not love me, is this a normal feeling. I have never had a dog before and I am very excited and nervous all rolled into one.

He is a lab and i know that generally they are loving, eager to please dogs, but what if mine isn't.

I have spent a lot of time reading up on labs and puppies etc and getting the house ready for him, I just want everything to be perfect for him.

I have been to see him a few times and he is lovely am I just worrying for nothing, please tell me I am...

Lou.

Definately you are worrying for nothing Lou :)
Dogs are extremely loving and trusting animals - you will be his surrogate mum in a way and course he will love and trust you
Do your best , look after him and love him thats all he will want
Lesley
Strangely enough I didnt worry that pup wouldnt love me - I just worried that I would be the perfect owner for him ( and I am trying I can tell you :D )
Good luck and keep us posted

Hi Lou,
I'm sure everything will be fine! Dogs are very good at loving - they don't care what you look like or how much money you've got etc. Treat them right and you've got a pal.

Study The Perfect Puppy book, put the advice into practice and you'll be well on the way.
Good luck.
:)

Hi Lou

I'm sure someone with more experience than I do will be along later. In the meantime, I shouldn't worry if I were you.
Dogs, espescialy Labs, are very loving affectionate dogs, however they easily pick up on human emotions, so the more exited and nervous you are, so will the dog.
Try and relax and enjoy forming a close relationship with your pup. You'd have to be pretty mean for your dog not to love you, look at it as a partnership and you should have many happy years together.

Let us know how you get on.

liberty

I once brought a Labrador puppy home at 8 weeks old and for the first 2 weeks that she was with us she never even acknowledged me when I walked in the house on returning from work. I really did believe there was something psychologically wrong with that puppy! Then one day i walked in the room and she wagged her tail! She was my Bethany and she went on to be my all time number one. She thought everyone and everything was wonderful!

Just give your puppy time, you'll see!

Best wishes, John

Thanks for that, I know I am worrying for nothing really, he is going to be very much loved and well cared for so he will be happy I am sure, and thats what matters.

My first Lab Mars Bar 1 was a very independant girl and often wanted fuss only on her own terms. I often thought I was doing something wrong but soon learnt that this was her way. As she got older her fuss factor increased to the stage of always wanting fuss ! Her pup Min was the compete opposite and wanted fuss from day one ! She can't get enough ! Moose our 18 month old is a fuss pot as well and is often seen sitting on my lap having fuss ! Our latest addition Mars Bar 2 (MB) is again a fuss pot when she wants to be but is slowing turning into a full time fuss pot ! All I am trying to say is that they are all different and will show love in may different ways but it doesn't mean they love you anymore or less !!

Have fun with your little one !

Lucy

Hi Lou,
It is very common for pregnant women to have that feeling about their new baby,will he/she love or evan like me?It is the same sort of thing with a new puppy.I got all my maternal anxieties out of the way with my puppy long before I had a baby so by the time I did have one I was fine!!The first few days you will be far too busy to worry,have fun and enjoy him/her,
Hazel

Lou

The only thing I would add to what has been said looking at a slightly different angle is be prepared yourself to go through a period of perhaps not liking your puppy or thinking you'll never do this. Not all, but many owners find after a couple of weeks or so when puppy still isn't housetrained, is biting and they are tired from not getting enough sleep because of puppy's crying that they don't like the puppy and they are failing. Most feel this to varying degrees but as all the puppy phases pass so does the feeling.

I'm sure you'll be fine

Good luck with your new addition

Pam n the boys

dont worry - one thing you'll find with any dog, especially when you get them very young, is that they are the most loyal friend you could ever wish for. Tilly was about 4 months old when we got her, and had been mistreated in her previous home. Within a day she was head over heels with the both of us, and the best natured dog you could hope to find, in spite of whatever happened to her before. They rely on you for everything so in that respect you will always be his mum. People who dont have dogs laugh when i say 'come to mummy' to tilly hehe.
What i'm trying to say is they 'just know'. When my mum got her pup 4 years ago i remember going downstairs the 1st night to find the pup sprawled out in her arms and tears rolling down my mum's cheeks - she couldnt believe how trusting the tiny pup was. as someone else said, please try to relax, just enjoy the experience, its a learning one for both of you. Dogs really do pick up on human emotions so try to stay calm and feel confident. As for everything being perfect, im a firm believer that the most important thing to a dog is the love and company of his human. Whatever you think is perfect now, you'll end up changing to suit him when his personality shows through.
Best of luck, you'll be fine :)

Lynz and Tilly

hi lou,
i know excatly how u feel. i had my old lab from a puppy. and u have picked the best breed for a loving dog. labs love people and they love to please u.i had my puppy when i was 16 and he pasted away last year.he loved everyone and u sound as though u have done every thing u needed to.enjoy ur new lives together and i hope ull be happy as i know u will all the best. xx sarah

Thanks everyone for that, you have made me feel a whole lot better.

Roll on Friday.

Louise