So a girl is giving away new born puppies and I want one. I’ve had no experience whatsoever with dogs and I’m scared. I’m gonna be raising it with a male friend (I’m a girl). He’s had a dog before but I’m not sure for how long. The puppy is about 3-4 weeks old and it is a Labrador retriever. I’m going to pick it up today afternoon but I wanna know if I should change my mind because I’m 17 and idk if raising a puppy is gonna be too expensive for me. I’m gonna be in college in 3 months too. If I do get it idk one thing about raising it. It’s an orphan. What do I do? What do I need? What do I get? I’m panicking thinking about the responsibilities but my friend is excited. My main concern is I dont want it to get sick and die out of my own negligence. Help.
Answers & Comments
If he wasn't just looking for sex and was really into you, he would be calling you and talking every day just to see how you were doing. He wouldn't be responding to you with, “yeah sure thing!” and let almost a week pass with no comment. Don't text him, unless he contacts you. Allow him to finish his work, or whatever and you busy yourself as well. Let him pursue you, and if he does, he may be interested in more than just sex.
This is much too young for a pup to be removed from the mother. It's different if something has happened to the mom. At 3-4 weeks you are still going to have to bottle feed. You can buy puppy formula or there are recipes for puppy formula online, but you CANNOT just give it regular cows milk, it has to have puppy formula. At that age you may have to still have to stimulate for bowel movements or urination. Usually they can control their own functions at about 3-4 weeks of age. At about 6 weeks of age, start mixing puppy food into formula until soft and feeding. When they are eating this well, you can stop using the puppy formula. I have raised more than a few puppies from a few days old over the years and the biggest risk is when they are a few days to a couple of weeks old when you have to worry about them aspirating the formula, which shouldn't be a problem at this age. You also need to be prepared for vet bills, because the pup will need shots by the time they are 6 weeks old.
THE BEST PERSON TO ASK WOULD BE YOUR BREEDING MENTOR OR VET (this is an automatically generated answer also) because i refuse to aid byb`s in any way
First I would report this girl to some authority. Not sure what it would be in the U.S but here it would be RSPCA. What she's doing is cruel and life threatening to these puppies.
Don't take one. Even an experienced person couldn't give those puppies what they need to grow strong and healthy. Do the adult thing and report her.
NO NO NO! Do not get this dog. I beg of you. For starters, lets go over the needs of a puppy. They need to be taken out every two hours (yes even through the night) to be taught to go to the restroom outside. You need to walk and exercise the puppy, teach them to walk nicely on a leash, train them to sit, train them on the word quiet, train them to lay down, train them to respect you, train them to wait for food. You need to spend lots of money on food. You need to have enough money that if there is a problem, you can take them to the vet. Labs are energetic and they need a lot of exercise.
Also, good breeders do not let their dogs go for younger than 8 weeks. That is not a good sign. Run far far away from this breeder.
Do not get this dog. If you have to write on yahoo answers in a panic, you are not ready. You need to not be scared. If you are scared, you are not ready. You will be taking care of a life for 10-12 years. It's a commitment.
I would suggest finding a good reputable shelter to volunteer at. Take the time to learn dog behavior and breed behavior. Learn how to care for dogs, learn basic training of the dogs. Learn everything that you can and need before getting the dog. You should not get a dog until you are 1000000% ready.
New born is a nope, the pups need to stay with mama until they are weaned, 8 weeks , 6 at least.
A novice, hand raising a pup would be beyond your challenge. Formulas, how much, how often, what to feed, how to feed, then how to wean. How to deal with possible problems.This all takes preparation also.
Your friend not knowing these things would not be qualified to coach you.
Get your know how from a reputable source, someone with experience or even a vet.
A long term commitment not counting training if you expect a good pet. You lifestyle has to accommodate a dog.
Ours lived 13 to 15 years, a few just perfect pets. It is you that have to make the adjustments to be responsible.
The expense, well our dog were not what I call expensive but not cheap. there will be vet needs, shots, perhaps licenses, and unforeseen issues can be very expensive. you must be prepared and able to handle that.
3 months to college, my best advice is hold off until you are finished with school, then a matter of career, as said, your lifestyle has to include a pet.
If the puppy is that young, it's not ready to leave it's mother yet. It would be a very bad idea to get it today since you have absolutely no experience and this puppy would need a LOT of care. You should leave it with it's mother for another 3 to 4 weeks.
It's too soon to get it wait until at least 6 weeks preferably 8 weeks. It still need s its mother
you dont have time for a puppy if you are starting college
i wouldnt worry about it, your friend will help you with it, ive never had a dog before and thought about getting one