So here is our first morning report. There were a few whimpers when we went to bed last night but after a couple of minutes he settled down with the rest of the gang. We woke up to clean dry floors Woohoo
He ate his breakfast and attempted to steal everyone else’s. He is a typical big lab puppy….a bit like a bull in a China shop but with the right diet and exercise and some basic training he will be a wonderful addition to any family.
As an owner of 3 labrador I always tell anyone who plans on adopting one;

They need a lot of exercise both on and off lead, they are a working breed so need that mental and physical stimulation to keep the boredom at bay. Labradors who are bored are destructive…..if you don’t give them something to do they will find something themselves

Labs will eat non stop which is why there are so many tubby ones around this leads to joint issues so buy a high quality food and follow the advice on the bag. They seem expensive but you need much smaller portions….if your dog is putting on weight reduce the amount he gets. Mine get 2 cups a day each which looks nothing but they are all ideal weight

Be patient….your child wasn’t toilet trained in a day. Think of them like kids they have to be taught and will test you to see what they can get away with!! And it’s all about positive reinforcement….ignore the bad reward the good.

If you don’t want them on the couch as an adult don’t allow them as a pup….start as you mean to go on.

Enjoy all their love because you are their world

This beautiful boy has a heart of gold and just wants to be loved. he’s quite boisterous and excitable but with some positive training and regular exercise he should calm down. He had his crazy half hour this evening tearing around the garden with a squeaky bone desperate for a chase from one of my lot…..Holly eventually obliged
He has already realised I won’t put his food bowl on the floor until he sits without being asked so I know he will be easy to train. This morning he had half his breakfast frozen in a Kong and he absolutely loved it…..it also kept him occupied for ages
He needs some lead training as he likes to spend his walk either turning around to look at me, jumping instead of walking or trying to say hello to everyone who passes. Once all these little quirks are sorted he will make the ideal pet….
He has no food aggression at all, comes when called, sits on command and is totally snuggleable

So its been a week since this beauty arrived, and he has settled in really well. He is still a puppy in mind even though he looks fully grown . He is constantly looking for something to play with and if its on the floor or easily accessible its fair game Yesterday I retrieved a pair of socks, a pen, a pencil, a Christmas bauble and several items from my recycling box. As soon as you say No he’s quite happy to give it up and takes the replacement doggie toy to finish his game. Another tip with labs is not to purchase cheap chew toys and balls….they only last minimal time before they are annihilated and can be easily swallowed. I have a selection of Kong toys and squeeky balls that have lasted through 3 Labs and endless fosters. Slightly more expensive but in the long run they work out cheaper as they are not constantly being replaced. If your petshop hasn’t a good variety try Amazon.
Marley is ten times better on walks he still does the typical lab zig zag walk but is getting there….
He is still doing the puppy play biting thing but we are teaching him that when he does it we stop giving him attention. And when he greets you he gets so excited that he nearly climbs on my dogs heads to get to you first. When he jumps up we simply turn away from him and he’s copping on to it now and sitting down…clever boy.
Because of his size and excitable nature he would probably be better in a home with older children. He hasn’t been taught not to play nip or jump as a young pup so it will take a bit of time to teach him the proper way to behave but it is all done in an playful manner he hasn’t an ounce of agression in him.
He is an absolute pleasure to have in the house and anyone would be lucky to have him

And my favourite tip to people who ask why their dog keeps escaping or digging the garden or being destructive
The dog is quite simply bored!!!!
A tired dog is a quiet dog
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The Fab Marley has been here 3 weeks and has chilled out a lot since he arrived. He loves his walks and being off lead…..however is easily distracted so needs work on his recall, I only let him off in a secure fenced in area . His other loves include belly rubs, his breakfast frozen in a Kong, games of tug with a good rope toy, chasing a ball and any thing chewable
He is a gorgeous boy with a mischievous streak but once he’s well exercise and has plenty of toy options to keep him occupied he’s happy as can be!

Marley is doing great….loves his walks and food and turning any object left on the floor into a game and source of amusement for himself. He is basically a typical toddler……
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