Get a dog from a shelter and do what Christina says! I hope that works!

Take a run with him for about 4 to 5 or 6 minutes that should be good!

Hey i have a 6 month old black lab and he loves being outside. Since his coat is dark he attracts more sun. How long should he be outside?

Thanks Lucy – very interesting! I definitely intend to take her out and about for socialisation, which I agree is vitally important, and not put her on the ground (equally important) until fully vaccinated, but that still leaves the conundrum of that to do if she needs a wee?

I also love Pippa’s articles/websites/books and I’ve read lots of other books in preparation for getting a puppy. One thing I haven’t seen in anything I have read though is what you do when socialising a pre-vaccinated puppy and it wants to go to the loo? Can you put them down at all? Or do you need to take newspaper or a puppy pad? I live 15 minutes’ drive away from the town where I will be doing most of the socialisation, so by the time I get there and back there may not be much we-free time left!

Many thanks

Pat

We just brought home a lab-mix puppy three weeks ago, and she is a delight. After you have met the puppy and if possible, the puppy’s parents, you should be able to obtain health records from the breeder for the parents and pup. The puppies should be interested in you, curious, and lively. Look for clear eyes and ears, and a coat that is not patchy or dull. In the US, I have not met a breeder, even a ‘backyard’ breeder, that did not offer a full refund for the puppy should it not pass a vet exam at a veterinarian of your choosing. If they are not open to this, it may be a red flag. You should take your new pup to your own vet as soon as possible to evaluate her health. Aside from health, truly, the puppy will pick you. We chose Cocoa from a litter of 9. The breeder put her in my arms and she snuggled in, kissed me, and wrapped her paws around my arms. You’ll just ‘know’. Good luck!