I have never had a dog before, always wanted one, and would welcome ANY tips from anyone on training or how to cope with a dog if everyone is out all day at work. i have alternative arrangements if nobody can pop in to walk/give love to her, but what does everyone else do? you must all have jobs!!!


Also, what types of things should i get in place before she comes HOME? do i need a lead ready? will a puppy wear a collar? litter tray like for a cat? locke her in one room or not? radio on? i can take her somewhere else for a day or two per week, but want her to know where her home is. i am a teacher and so over half term (her first week) i will be at home.


She is a black lab, called Murphy (my choice) SOOOO gorgeous and nips me every time i see her.

Hey,
Welcome to the site and congrats on getting a dog, Labs are so beautiful.
Okay first, i would say its best to get the pup to yours when its your day off so you can help her settle in.
I think getting everything you need before the pup arrives is best, sitting down with someone else and writing a list of everything you need is handy, so you don't forget anything. Yes puppies will wear leads/harnesses but don't forget she shouldn't be taken for walks until she has had her jabs. Get a nice comfy bed for her as pups tend to be tired a lot. If you are not going to be there all the time, it will probably be handy to get to get training mats (old news paper works well but some pups will chew this up.) You'll also need food, two bowls (water/food), some toys, deworming tablets...
I also recommend getting her registared with the vets and local council so that if she manages to escape, you are more likely to get her back.

I work full time and so does the person i live wth so, yes, our dogs are home alone but we just make sure that they are not left for to long, we both come home on lunch hours to be with them. They also have the full run of the house so they don't feel bored and the back door is left open all the time, but i'm lucky that i live in an area where i can do that without worrying someone will come in.
Also, try to never leave the dog alone for more than four hours at one time.
You could leave the radio on if you wanted, but i'm not sure it would make much difference.

I have posted a thread about separation anxiety, it might be worth having a look at that.

Hope i have helped, if you do have anymore questions just ask, i'll be will back after work
x

Welcome to the forum ! Nice to meet to both of you here.