Hi - We have a tremendous 8 week old Chocolate Lab puppy. One question we have is that our breeder mentioned not to provide too much water for the puppy... specifically to serve approximately one cup of water at each meal (3 times per day). Is this enough? It seems like he should have more... but is that just me?

By way of health, he seems great. Eats well, eliminates regularly... although his bowel movements are never RIGHT after he eats. It always seems to take an hour, or more.

Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks. TOBY.

I don't know the reason for the withholding of water. Dogs should have water available at all times. A pup would need more water then 3 cups a day. Any of my young animals had water down at all times.

I agree that water should be available at all times. The only reason I have heard of withholding is for a really tough potty training situation.

When my mutt was a wee boy, I put his water up at around 7pm just until he was potty trained which only took a few days..

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Originally Posted by spinphoto

When my mutt was a wee boy, I put his water up at around 7pm just until he was potty trained which only took a few days..

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I agree totally. We did the same for rex before he went to bed and before we went for a drive somewhere.

But as for the question I think you should always have cold water in his dish, especially in the summertime. Just a lil' tip I'd like to offer is to maybe even keep an ice cube in it so it stays cool longer.

Just like humans, dogs need water whenever available.I wonder why she chooses to withhold? Especially now that the warmer months are here.

The only concerns I would have (as I do with my dogs) is if they drink too much too quick.And of course I keep water of reach at night.

Yes, I agree with the others. Fresh water should be available at all times!! Do not limit the amount of intake, the puppy will drink as much water as his body needs to replenish itself and keep healthy.
I too just got a puppy resently, an 8.5 week old golden retriever male. If you only reason for withholding water is to make housebreaking easier, then just promise to keep a good eye on the pup and you'll do just fine!

In potty training, did you guys ever here of 'tough love'. I have never had a dog, absolutely never, that messed in the house because I was absolutely ruthless (to a certain degree because I knew) that you didn't do your dog any favours by NOT training properly.

As for water, well, her water stays down because she is quite happy sleeping when I sleep and upon waking, with me,she goes right out the door when I say "do you want to go out'; she has been this way since she was a year old, she is now l2. Our routine never varies house to house. I am not strict with her, she is a happy pup and always has been. That is what good training and good routine does for a pet. I might add, this is a BIG dog, she is absolutely lovely in every way but slowing down now a bit.

This is just a shot in the dark, but is it possible you misunderstood her? Could it be that she was saying to put a cup of water in each meal? Many puppies start eating a mush of puppy food and water...