We are picking up Duncan tomorrow morning. We have a create the breeder is providing & I just finished, "the simple guide to Labrador Retrievers". The book was full of useful info but it was more of an all around introductory. My main question is working w/ a crate. While we are home would it be best to have him in the crate for a period to get used to it? I was thinking have him out w/ use so he can acclimate to the new home & the people but also have him spend some time in the create so it's not just a sign it's time for bed or that we are leaving.

What are some essential things to know going into the 1st couple weeks?

I would have the crate in the room where you will be spending time in when you get home. You might have toys and a little food in it. A new puppy won't realize dog toys are dog toys. To them, anything they find is a dog toy. And the people are littermates, all to be bitten just like his whole life.

We never follow much of the conventional wisdom on puppies and crates. Often it is evening when we come home with the puppy, and work the next day. So none of the an hour or less in the crate getting used to it. One of us has always been able to come home at lunch for a mid day break for the puppy.

I am not going to cover the material I have posted in stickies at the top of the dog forum. It is all well tested methods we have used with many Labs. There is even a solution to the crying the first night that works.

We want to have the crate in the bedroom at night so he can see/smell use to try & ease the transition from the breeder & litter. Will it cause confusion if we move the create around on him?

No, move it around, at least at first.

You the man, thanks.