Yay! Today (well, technically yesterday evening) we adopted a Golden/Lab Retriever-Mix puppy!
I will hopefully be putting up pics of my own soon, but for now, here is one that somewhat resembles him from Bing images:
***Sorry about the poor quality and large size of this. I'm not sure how to fix it, or even know if I can.***
Our puppy is only 7 weeks old, so it's hard to say for sure if he will be as stocky as the pup in the picture, but that is what we're hoping for. Also, our boy has slightly more of a golden/reddish color to his ears and upper torso.
The SO (whose idea this was) has named him Brian (lol) after 'The Family Guy' dog.
We got him from the daughter of a friend of a friend. I'm generally not a fan of people who allow these types of 'Ooops' litters to happen, (due to so many animals in shelters) but at least this young woman was responsible enough to have gotten the pups their first round of shots and find good homes for all 9 of them. Plus, she said that she has already had Brian's father neutered, and the mother will soon be spayed, now that the pups are eating solid food.
Since I've only had German Shepherds, I'm not sure what to expect in the weeks and months ahead. I've read some encouraging things about their intelligence and temperament, though. So far, this little guy loves to be held and seems very mellow, but it's hard to say how long it will last.
Btw, if anyone here has had experience with Yellow Labs and/or Golden Retrievers, do you have any advice for us?.. Heck, if you even just have advice on puppies in general, it would be greatly appreciated. For example, what would be a good nutritional puppy food choice? Is there anything decent out there for under $50.00/month? It's been over 13 years since we had a puppy in the house, so I could certainly use some guidance in this area.
I'm pleasantly surprised at how well the introduction went with our 2 cats. They are both very sweet, but I worried that Brian might scare one or both of them into scratching him out of fear; if they somehow felt cornered. But I hadn't counted on Brian's young age being such a mitigating factor until we got him home. He is pretty much oblivious of them, while they are wary, but unafraid of him. I'm hoping that over time, my female cat (who loves to cuddle) will snuggle up with Brian whenever her feline brother doesn't feel like it.
Come spring, the SO and his friends will be building a large, entirely enclosed kennel (roof and all) that both Brian and the cats can use. We are rural enough so that he can go leash-less for the SO, but I don't want to take on that responsibility myself. At least not on a regular basis and/or until I'm entirely sure that he will obey my commands. So the kennel will come in handy for that. Plus, the indoor kitties will be able to go outside, without me having to worry about them wandering off, or worse.
Sorry this post ended up being so long. I just couldn't wait to share the news about our cute little Brian with you guys, and I guess I got a little carried away. We are so happy and excited about our new addition to the family!
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Last edited Sun Mar 3, 2013, 07:33 AM - Edit history (1)
Wishing you many happy years together
We use a dry food made in theUSA ---NutriSource PureVita Grain Free. It's in the neighborhood of $40/25 lb bag. Kind of pricey but good.
That does sound a bit pricey, but well worth it if nutritional and easy on their little bellies.
I think our Brian may be suffering from some gastro problems. I don't know what the previous owner fed him yesterday (we only gave him water), but he vomited last night (on me, in bed- yuck!) and has had about 5 or 6 small, dark BM's between last night and today. The last poo was the first one that looked more like a normal brown. We were seriously considering bringing him in to the animal hospital until this last BM about a couple of hours ago. Sucks how issues like this always seem to happen on weekends.
He seems to be feeling better now, but we will be watching him closely, and limiting his food intake until we get something better than the grocery store Purina we fed him this morning. First thing tomorrow, I will be calling my regular vet for some advice on what food to get. Might even bring Brian in to see him if necessary.
Btw- In case anyone is wondering why we weren't prepared, it is because we weren't supposed to get him until next week. But the previous owner said that Brian's mom just plain quit nursing the pups last week. Then on Friday, they had some kind of family emergency that prompted her to ask us if we would take him early. Haven't been able to get a hold of the previous owner at all today. 
You will have a sweet love muffin on your hands.
With that being said, here is my experience from having a lab and my bff who has a golden...
Labs CHEW - make sure he has TONS and TONS of appropriate chew things or your sofa, rugs, tables, whatever strikes his fancy might be appealing. This "phase" can last a while, but once it is over, they are angels. My lab was partial to leather jackets and baseball hats.
Goldens - no real behavior issues that I've seen other than a slight difficultly in potty training, but that might have just been this one in particular. She does love to steal slippers and socks Again, just a sweet, sweet love muffin.
He will probably shed some, but a good daily or at least brushing will take care of that.
And, he will probably be a little piggie. Both breeds seem to love to eat.
Both were easy to train - really, really, really want to please. LOVE water...will lay down in puddles, jump in fountains, lakes, rivers, where ever they can. If you have access to water in the warmer months, he will probably be in heaven.
Then tend to be velcro dogs. Meaning, they want to touch you at all times. Cuddle during naps, lean on you while you watch TV, whatever. Crave human contact.
Brian will be a wonderful dog! I'm so excited for you!!
and advice.
So far, Brian appears to be just as you describe. A real love bug, who wants to be held a lot.
Haven't experienced the chewing yet, but he is still quite young and hasn't been feeling well these first (less than) 24 hours. I believe you though, and thanks for the heads-up on that!
Based on all the google images I've been checking out, Brian definitely looks more like a Lab than a Golden. And I can tell already that he will be shorter haired, which will hopefully help some with the shedding. I'm glad to hear that either breed's shedding is manageable though. I had a heck of a time trying to keep up with the shedding of both of my previous dogs. They were German Shepherds which are notorious for their shedding.
Oh and about the water, this is perfect because I live within walking distance of public access to a very nice lake. A couple of friends have frontage w/docks as well. I bet he will love fetching balls in the water. Also, this summer we will be getting a baby pool for when we just hang out at home.
one time. Freaked me out, poison control, etc. Bubbled puke for a few hours. Scratchy throat for about a week. The vet was laughing (nothing in it to really hurt her, thank goodness).
She was the only dog I ever had that really chewed... all the others as a puppy, a little, until scolded, and then they didn't really. Especially my boxer...tell her "no" sternly and she gets so upset. She DOES NOT like for you to scold her. The sensitive baby...
He (our old dog's vet) recommended Eukanuba many years ago when it was still considered a very good brand. But we never thought to check again over the lifetime of our dog to see if it remained that way. It didn't, since apparently some other company took over and started using cheap ingredients without lowering the price. Or at least, that is the story I heard. It still angers me to this day, but what can you do?
Oh well, I know better now.
That is so cool that you and your Border Collie (I assume that is what you meant) do agility stuff together. Sounds as if I will have to get back into shape to keep up w/Brian, which is a good thing.
you and he will do well!
Wishing you many years of fun together .
Having a puppy in the house is like riding a bike again after many years. You will remember what to do and how to do it. Ten years ago, we adopted two puppies after we lost our Ranger (he was 16 years old). It all comes back to you. Just be consistent in your training and praise, praise, praise.
Have fun! Can't wait to see pics of Brian.
