I have just got a 7 weeks old puppy, my husband works next door tro where we live so does he take him to the office with him or leave him at home and see to him at lunch time? We don't want him to get to dependant on us for when we do need to go out? thanks

In my honest opinion I think it would be cruel to leave a 7 week old puppy alone all day and just nip in at lunch time, he has only ever known the warmth and comfort of his littermates and mother, for the first time he will be alone and he will be lonely,cold and sad :sad:.
He will need feeding 4 times a day, and how are you going to house train him if he is alone all day? I think your husband taking him to the office is a better option than leaving him at home, then when he is a bit older and not so needy... maybe 4 months, you could start to get him used to staying at home, just a little at a time until when he is about 6 months you can just nip in play with him and walk him at lunch time.

Yes good thinking, Will do that, a little at at time is best I think, Thank you ! :D

I don't know how much puppy stuff you've bought but I've just come across a great 'Pupp's First Bed Set.

It sounds great to help make a new puppy feel secure and it has pockets for warming pads to make him feel like hes next to his mum and also for a clock which simulates mum's heartbeat.

http://www.southcoastpetsupplies.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_32&products_id=693

There are loads of people on here who have just got new puppies (me included). Remember to just ask if you want any tips on anything :)

That's brill , we bought him a bed and have just bee putting a hot watter bottle under his blanket, he is really good at night and sleeps straight through, he hasn't really been going on the nappy mats but going straight to the back door to let us know so thats good, I'm not sure what we need to be doing when he tries biting your fingers/teos, do we just say NO or tap him or I have just been giving him a topy straight away when he does it, he also hangs off your trousers !

How nice that your husband can take him to work - I wish more employers were amenable to the idea- it is a vital bonding period. I'd def go for that option.

Hi,

I agree, they're probably a little young at the moment, but as you're getting the pup used to being alone you could try DAPs (Dog Appeasing Pheromones). This replicated the mother's pheromones and so makes the dog feel more secure.

We got an adult dog this year that was used to being with other dogs and she was making a racket when we went to work, I felt awful that she was worried. The vet recommended the DAPs air diffuser and it worked a treat. We don't even need it anymore.

Hi,

I agree, they're probably a little young at the moment, but as you're getting the pup used to being alone you could try DAPs (Dog Appeasing Pheromones). This replicated the mother's pheromones and so makes the dog feel more secure.

We got an adult dog this year that was used to being with other dogs and she was making a racket when we went to work, I felt awful that she was worried. The vet recommended the DAPs air diffuser and it worked a treat. We don't even need it anymore.

These sound good, where would I be able to get them from ?
Thanks

When I have had pups that bite fingers etc I have always done the same thing, which is to provide them with toys, once they start to bite say no firmly and get them playing with the toy instead and praise them, they do learn quite quickly what is expected of them I find but you need to be consistant, it has also worked well for me with older dogs as well.
Sounds like the house training is coming along well.... keep up the good work :)

These sound good, where would I be able to get them from ?
Thanks

I beleive you can buy it online but I got mine from the vets.

I have also heard of people putting an item of clothes they have worn, such as a night dress or t shirt in the dog bed so they have the scent of their owner.

Nutrecare.co.uk are a good and reliable source- cheaper than the vets too. Also try hyperdrug.com or vet-medic. co.uk

I sold one of my GSD puppies years ago,
to a couple who were able to take the puppy to work,
and she grew up in to the most beautiful sociable dog you could hope to meet,
and was never any trouble to house train and was never destructive,
I think all of this was due to never being bored and left alone for hours as a puppy and having so much company.

So if your hubby can take your puppy to work
I think its a good idea,

and I think after the initial excitement of going to a strange place (and being fussed by other employees), dogs soon learn to chill out and tend to sleep a lot anyway. Great stuff. wish I could bring my 'nellie to work - and the cats -oh maybe not Alfie (barmy bengal), that would be utter bedlam.