All right guys - I think it got out of hand but I value the constant advice you are giving me. For anyone that doesn't know me, I can be a pretty intense guy who comes off like a jerk sometimes, so I apologize as I don't want to offend anyone. I am the guy asking the questions, and you all answering are my guides - so guide on!! :cool:

After the debacle yesterday I decided to make a few changes:

1. I now get up at 5:30am to get plenty of time in the morning to feed her, play with her and give her some much needed attention. This ensures we are both bonding before she goes to puppy daycare with her grandparents (my parents). Thank you to ABell for your suggestion on this! :)

2. Thanks to Alty, I have moved her food bowl to another room, giving her and the Lab some separate eating space. She now eats out of her own bowl!! Marvelous!

3. Thanks to Cat I have worked with her training on the chewing issue. I would hide one treat in my hand, the other in another hand. It took her only one time now to sit and wait for something to come to her rather than to start biting and trying to chew the first piece of food she saw. Once again, such a smart pup!!

Justy I also must thank you as well. It is hard work but I think with patience and paying attention to the doggie experts on this board she will be an amazing companion for years to come. The best part is that she likes football, which is more than I can say for previous girlfriends. :p

Continued advice is appreciated. Thanks J9 as well for putting up with any thread I create. ;) You all are such wonderful helpers and FRIENDS.

Well it sounds like you guys are well on your way to a wonderful relationship! :)
Have you thought any more to puppy socialization classses?
I know you said you were going to take her to obiedience classes when she is a little older, but I think the socialization classes might help as well!
I know waking up extra early sucks, especially when you work a 10 hour day, it's in the middle of winter, and it's still dark out side when you wake up :P
Believe me, if my neighbours could only hear me grumbling down the street, I am sure they would commit me lol.
It seems like you have yourself one smart puppy!
Congratulations and Good luck!



A-Bell... I like it!

KC, I am glad that you two are learning. You are both very intelligent animals. :)

How old is she now? I lose track of time and puppy ages too easily.

Hey everyone!! She is 2 1/2 months now. I went with a different pup altogether.

I will be taking her to socialization classes ABell, just have to wait until she is old enough to have all of her vaccinations done, then her and I are off to class!

Where are the pictures? :)
Did that sound like Shaz or Alty? :confused:

One thing to keep in mind is that you are always teaching her what you expect. I think a lot of owners forget that.

Hehe Cat, you know we all love pictures ;)

And yep, at this age don't let her get away with anything just because she is a puppy.
Training starts from the minute a puppy gets home.

Here is a good pic of her. She has the prettiest blue eyes. :cool:

Kc she is beautiful,I pity the girl that has to compete with her.

I wondered if you had considered an assult course at home,just for fun for the two of you,it promots bonding and trust and she will look to you for guidance,using hand signals as well as voice or whistle,she will have to focus on you,making you the 'man' of this outfit.

kc she is beautiful,i pity the girl that has to compete with her.

i wondered if you had considered an assult course at home,just for fun for the two of you,it promots bonding and trust and she will look to you for guidence,using hand signals as well as voice or whistle,she will have to focus on you,making you the 'man' of this outfit.

Thanks Red! I have never heard of such a thing but I will look into it. She is always down for anything that involves physical activity - as most pups are.

Thanks Red!! I have never heard of such a thing but I will look into it. She is always down for anything that involves physical activity - as most pups are.

A lot of dog training arenas have them,I have up a home made one,I'm afraid my big dog is not the smartest of breeds,but we still have great fun.

I used long pieces of wood for jumps,a barrel to run through,and a piece of 4 by 4 wood on 3 thick cement blocks to walk over and jump off,the end is a just pieces of wood stuck into the ground where he zig zags through,the kids usually go ahead of him and he follows,it easy to assemble and disassemble.

She is beautiful!!

What a cutie KC! Beautiful eyes!

KC, she is gorgeous.

What Red is talking about is what we call 'agility training'. Starting her on the easy stuff should be okay but most trainers recommend waiting until the dog is physically mature before getting really into it. It can put a lot stress on growing muscles and bones.

You can start doing basic agility pretty early... things like getting her to run through the tunnels, but no jumping or hard exercise until 12 months of age.