Hello guys my name is George, I'm from Miami and I am 19 years old.
Me and my mom bought a new puppy, he's a golden lab 8 weeks old.

I had a couple questions.. hopefully you guys could help me out

1. When will they start growing their long beautiful coat?
2. He has a long tail, maybe is just at the hock or maybe a little longer than that, is this normal he is 8 weeks old?
3. He's really thin, which worries me a little bit is there a certain type of food I should buy that will help him get stockier or gain some weight, he eats a lot which is good I'm guessing.
4. I let him out a couple times a day in the front yard and play with him then I put him back in the crate and he stays calm, should I be doing something else?

I'm sorry for all the question, and here is a picture of Charlie!

First Welcome. Charlie is adorable.

You say he is a Golden Lab. Do you mean he is a mix of a Lab and Golden? If so his coat will probably never be really long. Maybe longer than a Lab's but shorter than a Golden. Full coats come in between 1 and 2 years.

How much does he weigh? You don't want a puppy to grow to fast as it is not good for their joints and bones. What are you feeding him and how much per day?

He will need to go potty ever 30 minutes to an hour right now. That means getting up throughout the night (maybe ever couple hours) for the next month or so. Unless your front yard is fenced in he should never bee off leash. Better in the back yard if fenced in. Lots of fun play times, short ones and then rest.

You'll get more responses and more info soon.

 

He is a golden retriever sorry for the confusion!
I'm not sure of his actual weight he is very thin!
I am feeding him eukanuba since I bought from the pet shop.
I feed him every time I go play with him, he goes and eats, probably 3 times.
Should I feed him more?

 

How much are you feeding him each time? A cup, 1\2 cup? Hard to tell from the pictures, but he doesn't look too thin. Has he had a check from his vet yet? Coming from a pet store was not your best decision. He probably didn't come from the healthiest of lines. He could have worms and will need shots. I would strongly suggest that in the days and weeks to come you do a ton of research on Golden's as a breed and the health issues with them. There is a reason it is never a good idea to purchase a dog from a pet store, but he is yours now and to give him the best chance at a healthy life you need to read everything you can on the breed.

 

Congratulations, Charlie is a very hansom pup.
He doesn't look overly thin.
You should take him to a vet as soon as possible for an evaluation because you need to establish that Charlie has the proper vaccinations and has been properly dewormed etc. At his tender age you have to be very careful about what you allow him to be exposed to because he's not going to be immune from some very serious diseases such as parvo and lepto until he's completed all his vaccinations.
The vet will also be able to tell you how much and how often to feed him to ensure an optimal rate of growth.

 

Buying from a pet store was not the best decision. They're supplied by puppy mills which means you really don't know anything about your puppy before you got him. He looks like a golden, but you really can't even know. In regards to being too thin, he doesn't look thin in that photo but it would be easier to tell if you took a photo looking from the top down on his back with him standing.

 

I guess it wasn't the best decisions but I love him so far, tomorrow I will be taking him to a vet. I just fell in love with him. He's such an adorable pup and he is so playful and loving. I will make he is as healthy as he can be! Thanks all for your replies

 

He's adorable! I'm so glad you have him! He will be a wonderful addition to your home as all our goldens are!! Can't wait to see more pictures!!

 

Make sure you write questions down ahead of time. That way you will remember to ask everything and can write down answers. You might Google questions to ask at puppy's first vet visit to come up with things you might not even think to ask. Good luck.

 

Hi George, welcome to the Forum, glad you've joined us.

Congratulations on Charlie, he's adorable.

I'm glad to read you're taking him to the Vet for a check up tomorrow.

The Puppy Section here on the Forum has a lot of very good information. You can do a Search for a particular subject too and a list of threads where it's been discussed will come up you can read through. Feel free to ask questions as you have, members are always willing to help out.

You may want to visit the Golden Retriever Club of America, there's a lot of good information on this website too.

Golden Retriever Club of America GRCA: The Official AKC National Breed Club

Enjoy Charlie, remember he's a baby, he's counting on you to teach him what you want him to know.
It's going to take a lot of time and patience, if you're consistent, you're going to have a wonderful little guy. Be kind, gentle and loving with him, use only positive re-enforcement.

Once he's had all his vaccinations, I hope you'll consider getting him enrolled in Puppy classes.

 

Congratulations!!! Charlie is adorable.

Assuming that there are no underlying health issues, you really want to have your puppy on the thin side, if his build supports that. What I mean is that some puppies are more heavily boned than others, just like us. My Max, for example, had a stocker build as a puppy and that's stayed with him all his life. But anyway, the thing is, just like humans, lean is better. Feed him three times a day the proper amount, which sometimes is a tiny bit less than advertised on the bag. You'll get a good feel for it. His ribs should be felt but not seen. A lean puppy and a lean adult will have fewer health concerns.

First thing is to get him his shots. Don't ever put him on the ground outside where other dogs have been. I don't know if you are familiar with parvovirus, but it's a killer, and a nasty one at that. It's very dangerous and you want to make sure that your puppy has has all his required shots to avoid him coming down with it.

Once he's had all his shots, get him into puppy class immediately. The most important thing for Charlie, other than the basics of food, water, and shelter, is knowing how to act around other humans and around other dogs. Training should begin early, should be fair, should be loving. Remember he is literally a baby. Imagine how a human baby grows, how much nurturing he needs. Same with Charlie. Please don't punish him harshly, it's unnecessary and unfair.

There are lots of books on training. I like Pat Miller's training philosophy and methods. Here is a book you might consider [ame]http://www.amazon.com/The-Power-Positive-Dog-Training/dp/0470241845[/ame]

Enjoy Charlie! Wish you, Charlie, and your Mom a happy road ahead and many years of wonderful compaionship. Stay in touch with us!!!!

 

Hey well Charlie has already received all his shots so far the only one he is missing is the rabies shots but he is too young it says. I will still take him to the vet tomorrow to make sure he isn't missing anything. I hope he grows to a healthy beautiful dog which I'm sure he will. Should I just let him roll around my room/house whenever he gets done of playing with me outside?
Anyways I have all the vaccine documentation I'm still going to take him tomorrow just to make sure and I will ask more questions to the vet that will be able to help me, I'm really excited and nervous at the same time: I just wish he grows really happy
Thanks to all for your replies!

 

"Charlie has already received all his shots so far the only one he is missing is the rabies shots."
I don't want to sound harsh, just want you to understand, but the nature of vaccinations and immunity is complex, and you should read up on it extensively.
There have been many cases of dogs dying from Parvovirus that have "had their shots".
Puppies inherit a certain amount of immunity from their mothers breastfeeding them which begins to wear off by the time you are taking them home at 8 weeks. That is why they are given their shots at 6 to 8 weeks, but the catch is that a lot of the time their natural immunity at the time they receive the shot might prevent the immune system from reacting to the vaccine by creating antibodies.
That is why multiple vaccinations are required, at various intervals to guarantee immunity. I believe that Parvo is rampant in the part of the country where you live, and your puppy can pick it up just by walking through and area where a sick dog has been. Many of the people on this forum will not even allow their pups to walk on the vet's floors until all their shots are finished.

 

He was taken to the vet yesterday and that's when he received all the shots, I will take him again tomorrow to make sure everything is okay. I hope everything is fine with Charlie, once I take him tomorrow i will ask him about the virus and anything I need to know

 

George, don't get discouraged. These first 6 months will be the foundation of your relationship with your new dog as well as the foundation for Charlies health for the rest of his life. Regardless of where Charley came from or what his pedegree is, he will be a great friend and companion for you and your Mom.

Listen to the Vet as concerns shots. There is controversy about the necessity of certain shots. Read those discussions here on the forum. Parvovirus shots are a necessity in my opinion. Ask the Vet their opinion of vaccinations and the relationship to long term health. Listen closely and take notes, then do research here.

The Puppy Class is as much for you as for Charley. You will learn the basics of training and caring for him. How to allow interaction with other dogs and humans safely.

Get him some Kong toys and some Chuckit balls. These are very tough, and will last longer, and will be cheaper in the long run than tennis balls and cheap toys. He is going to start chewing EVERYTHING in your house. When he chews something he should not, give him a toy he CAN chew in exchange. If you are at home in the house with him, you can let him out of the cage, but watch for signs that he needs to go out to pee or poop, or is about to eat your Mom's coffee table. You will learn the signs, and he will learn correct behaviour.

Stand over Charley when he is standing too. Slide your hands lightly from shoulders to hips. Can you feel his individual ribs without pressing in? Then he is JUST a BIT thin. If you can not feel individual ribs, he is just fine at the condition he is in. Without touching him, can you see individual ribs? Then he is definitely too thin.

Remember, a dog will beg for food when they are not hungry. And can get overweight quickly. Read here about brands of food. Some are better than others. And some are no better than others despite the reputation.

Post questions and pictures. We are here for you and Charley

Congratulations and good luck.


Max

 

Congratulations. He is very cute.

He is 8 weeks old, he can't possibly have all this shots already. He may have had his first booster puppy shots, but that is all. He is not protected from diseases yet. He will still be able to contract Parvo or Distemper at this point. Please don't take him into public places frequented by other dogs yet.

 

Hey thank you very much for this reply! I picked up Charlie yesterday, I had to wait a couple hours because he was getting his shots and he was getting checked up at the vet right before I came to pick him up. I got the paperwork with the shots, I will take him tomorrow again just in case to make sure. I cannot see his ribs at all. Im just nervous now about the virus and stuff like that, I don't wanna overwhelm myself too much cause then I will want to go to the vet right now

 

He will get the puppy booster shots 3-4 weeks apart with Rabies vaccination being the last vaccination he is getting. I take it the vet you saw with him was one from the pet store? If so, you have to look for your own vet in your area. Bring all your paperwork with you and have them give you a date for his next booster vaccine and put that on your calendar to remember. Also, have them look at the paperwork to see if he has been dewormed - I would bring a stool sample and have that checked just in case. Ask about heartworm preventative and flea and tick medication/topical if there is a problem in the area you are in. The vet will be able to tell you which diseases and which parasites are prevalent in your area and what he/she recommends you use.

You will get the hang of it - a puppy is a big responsibility and a lifetime commitment. But the joy and unconditional love is so worth it.

Do you have a crate for him to sleep in and where he can be when you cannot watch him? If not, it is a good idea to get one. You will find all kinds of information here and a lot of people that are willing to help you.

 

4. I let him out a couple times a day in the front yard and play with him then I put him back in the crate and he stays calm, should I be doing something else?

Your Charley-pup is super cute! Take lots of pics as they grow up in a blink of an eye!

When you say you take him out a couple times a day is this in addition to all the times he is going out to pee/poo? It is good if he can be out of the cage as much as possible, especially just after elimination when he can (usually) be safe of an potty accident for a bit. The more he is out of the crate under supervision the more exercise he is getting and he can start to learn inside-the-house rules. The crate is wonderful for sleeping at night and when you can't watch him like a hawk!! Enjoy!

 

Just a thought from my paranoid mind: I wouldn't leave his crate next to an outlet where things are plugged in. If he gets bored enough while you are at work or school, he might just be able to get a hold of those wires.

You'll get lots of great info from your vet tomorrow, I'm sure. But in the meantime, I think you've gotten great advice about protecting him from disease. It's great that he's had his 8 week shots, but they don't guarantee immunity against anything. Just be careful with him and things will be fine. Good luck with your new pup!

Julie, Jersey and Oz

 

If he is only 8 weeks old, he has only had 1 set of shots, he will need a total of 3 sets of shots, given 3 weeks apart.

Please do not use the vet the pet store uses, find a vet that is not associated with the pet store. An independent vet will be working for the best interests of you and your puppy, the pet store's vet is probably working for the interests of the pet store.

Yes do play with the puppy a lot, start teaching him simple commands like "come" and "sit". Crate him when you can't watch him, but otherwise have fun with him.

 

I see a lot of people commenting on you buying from a pet store and I just wanted to say that I think it's awesome that your puppy is now in a happy home with people that love him! It doesn't matter where they came from! Every puppy deserves a home and a family! Good luck with your pup and enjoy him!


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Thank you all for your replies!
I am very happy with what you guys have been saying, I think he already knows his name by now or well at least he is getting used to it, I love coming home specially today it was fathers day I took him out, and brought him outside so he can potty, he was so happy to see me he was jumping all over the place!

Yes I will find my own vet, and I'm sorry for the confusion I mean to say he has the first shot of vaccines, he still needs more.
He is such an awesome little guy I can't wait to see him grow, I haven't been so happy in a while.
I was wondering how to teach him where he needs to go potty, I know it's quite early now but I want him to start getting the hang of it!

 

Yes I have a crate where he can sleep and be in when I am home and he cant be watched which is great! I'm still in process of trying to figure out how many times a day does he need to eat and stuff. Does he needs the water bowl in his crate filled with water @ all times or should I do something different? Any help will be awesome

 

First, I think it's great that you're trying so diligently to start your puppy off on the right foot. Try not to get overwhelmed (easier said than done); there is a lot to learn and absorb but you will get there if you keep at it. Check some of the older posts as regards questions about feeding, crating, activity, etc. There is a wealth of info there and you can approach it at your convenience. It may not be a bad idea to look for a "How To" book that is breed specific. There are several good ones including a "Dummies Guide" that is organized in a user-friendly way. Health and training are indeed the priorities at this point but as Mylissyk said above, "have fun with him." Until he's fully vaccinated and ready for the larger world, you are going to be the main source of entertainment and learning. Best of luck and know that everyone here is anxious to help...

 

I strongly recommend Ian Dunbar's 'Before and After You Get Your Puppy'. My husband and I just got our first puppy five weeks ago and that book was immensely helpful for learning about crate training, house breaking, schedules for eating and potty, and household etiquette (i.e. chew THIS not that). Highly highly recommend!!

In my (extremely limited!) experience so far, it is never too early to teach your puppy anything. We are a little "type-A" and our trainer teases us about it, but we have been working with our boy on "sit", "down", "leave it", "stay", and commands for potty since day one, as well as encouraging him to use "legal" chew toys, and it has made all the difference in the world.

As everyone else has already said, take as many pictures (and video!!) as you can, because they grow so so fast. Our boy just turned three months old yesterday, and I can't believe how much he has grown and changed already. I hope you and Charlie have many amazing years together

 

I strongly recommend Ian Dunbar's 'Before and After You Get Your Puppy'. My husband and I just got our first puppy five weeks ago and that book was immensely helpful for learning about crate training, house breaking, schedules for eating and potty, and household etiquette (i.e. chew THIS not that). Highly highly recommend!!

I just wanted to note that you can get the PDFs Before You Get Your Puppy and After You Get Your Puppy from Dog Star Daily. They are up there with permission from Ian Dunbar.

I believe it is an earlier 2-part version of the book being recommended. If anyone knows differently, please correct me. I downloaded those instead of buying the book or checking it out from the library.