1
I am a first time dog owner. I had one as a child, but only for a short time due to the fact that I was too young to handle one. I am now a mother whose daughter's dream of owning one is her hearts desire. I live in an apartment and I'm not sure of what type of dog is more submissive, a girl or a boy?
2
We want to buy a Yellow Lab from a breeder that seems for the most part to be okay. They have the puppies inside their home instead of out in the barn like most of the puppy breeders we've seen. Their dogs have won awards for hunting trials. I have always heard a puppy should be 8-10 weeks old when you bring it home but they want them gone at 6 weeks. Several of our friends are horrified by this. Will the dog be okay if we do? Or should we insist? Thanks very much!
1
I am a first time dog owner. I had one as a child, but only for a short time due to the fact that I was too young to handle one. I am now a mother whose daughter's dream of owning one is her hearts desire. I live in an apartment and I'm not sure of what type of dog is more submissive, a girl or a boy?
Rather than the sex of the dog, the basic personality and breed of dog should be one that matches both your daughter's personality and the life style that you have. If you live in an apartment and need a quiet dog that is happy with short, limited walks and playtime then a calm, quiet dog is for you. If you have an active life where long walks, trips to the park and play sessions will be possible, then a more energetic dog would be appropriate. Keep in mind that large dogs may be more physically demanding and perhaps too much for a small child to handle. No matter what breed or sex of dog you obtain be sure to be ready to spend time daily caring for her. This includes walks, playtime, training and being consistent with the rules of the house.
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2
We want to buy a Yellow Lab from a breeder that seems for the most part to be okay. They have the puppies inside their home instead of out in the barn like most of the puppy breeders we've seen. Their dogs have won awards for hunting trials. I have always heard a puppy should be 8-10 weeks old when you bring it home but they want them gone at 6 weeks. Several of our friends are horrified by this. Will the dog be okay if we do? Or should we insist? Thanks very much!
In my opinion, 6 weeks is a bit young to bring a puppy to a new home. Ideally you would like a puppy to have the first 6-8 weeks of their life with their mother and other dogs to help them learn appropriate dog social skills. After that time it is a good idea to bring them into the home so that they can begin to learn the social skills they will need to live in the human household. Continued pleasant exposure to new and novel things, people and places is important for the entire first year of your dog's life to help avoid fears and anxieties that can lead to problem behaviors.
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