Help! Should I take off work or not?

RLC12345678 · 01-12-2007, 06:40 AM

As most of you know, I'm getting a new baby black lab on Sunday! I'm so excited! He is only 6 weeks old. I have been told by many black lab enthusists that 6 weeks is too young...kinda like brining a yorkie home before 12 weeks is too young. But I have had other lab owners say that 6 weeks will be fine. So, my question is, considering how young this itty bitty boy will be and considering I don't want to traumatize him the first day or two we have him, should I take off work a couple of days to take care of him and make sure he is adjusting well to his new environment? I have plenty of vacation time and generally my office doesn't really care when I use my vacation time. The only thing that is holding me back really is that I took off the whole week of Christmas for vacation and almost the whole week before Christmas because I was sick. So what do you think? Is it too soon to take a day or two more of vacation time? Those with big dogs, will my new baby be traumatized if I leave him alone the day after we get him? What do you think?

rivermom · 01-12-2007, 06:53 AM

Taking time off to bond with the pup whether large or small can only be beneficial imo. But if taking time is not an option right now possibly you can take a few hours off or come home for lunch, etc.

Best of luck with your new pup and have fun!

RLC12345678 · 01-12-2007, 06:57 AM

Well, I just emailed my boss and asked for vacation on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week (I have Monday off for MLK's birthday). Hope she doesn't get mad!

Janet · 01-12-2007, 08:45 AM

We've always gotten our labs at 6-8 weeks and they did fine. We also worked and they did fine. Of course, prepared meals went by the wayside, because as soon as we got home we paid a lot of attention to our labs in play and training. Of course, we were always able to bring them home on a Saturday morning. I prefer to pick them up in the morning so they have all day to adjust and then have Sunday also. Even with my Yorkie babies....I prefer the new owners to pick them up of a morning. An extra day is always nice, but ours did fine over the weekend.

RLC12345678 · 01-12-2007, 08:51 AM

People on the lab forum are giving me such a hard time about brining him home at 6 weeks. It's really getting annoying. I said I had yorkies and am a responsible dog owner, and then they criticize me for thinking that labs and yorkies are anything alike...that is NOT what I was saying.

I am such a good dog owner and it really hurts my feelings that they are saying I'm not simply because I'm bringing my new baby home at 6 weeks rather than 8 weeks. Get over it!

RLC12345678 · 01-12-2007, 08:53 AM

P.S. -- We are getting him on Sunday afternoon bc the breeder is out of town and won't be home until then. But both hubby and I are off of work on Monday, then I'm taking off Tuesday and Wednesday to care for the little guy. Then, starting on Thursday when I go back to work, I'll go home every 2 hours or so to check on him and tend to him. I think if I can successfully raise two 3lb yorkies, whom I brought home one at 7 weeks and the other at 8 weeks, then I can successfully handle a 6 week old lab puppy. What do yall think?

rivermom · 01-12-2007, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RLC12345678

People on the lab forum are giving me such a hard time about brining him home at 6 weeks. It's really getting annoying. I said I had yorkies and am a responsible dog owner, and then they criticize me for thinking that labs and yorkies are anything alike...that is NOT what I was saying.

I am such a good dog owner and it really hurts my feelings that they are saying I'm not simply because I'm bringing my new baby home at 6 weeks rather than 8 weeks. Get over it!

Rebecca ~ Of course you are a very responsible dog owner. Don't allow the one's who criticize you to get under your skin. You do what you feel is best for you and the pup, bottom line. Just take a deep breath and focus on what matters most.

Janet · 01-12-2007, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RLC12345678

P.S. -- We are getting him on Sunday afternoon bc the breeder is out of town and won't be home until then. But both hubby and I are off of work on Monday, then I'm taking off Tuesday and Wednesday to care for the little guy. Then, starting on Thursday when I go back to work, I'll go home every 2 hours or so to check on him and tend to him. I think if I can successfully raise two 3lb yorkies, whom I brought home one at 7 weeks and the other at 8 weeks, then I can successfully handle a 6 week old lab puppy. What do yall think?

Sounds like you need to find a different Lab forum. You are very responsible, don't let them make you feel bad. Its the same as on YT...sure it's nice to bring the little ones home later.....but with responsible, attentive parents they will be just fine. It all depends on the dog, parents and surroundings. Bring the little guy on home and don't let those people upset you!! Oh and just for the record...I bet half those people on that forum don't follow the 8 week rule either. I know a person on YT that is letting one of her yorkie pups go at 8 weeks and it is VERY tiny...it's going to another breeder that lives near her, but she says she waits until 12 weeks and posts that others should too. Not everyone is so truthful!

SweetCuteness · 01-12-2007, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RLC12345678

People on the lab forum are giving me such a hard time about brining him home at 6 weeks. It's really getting annoying. I said I had yorkies and am a responsible dog owner, and then they criticize me for thinking that labs and yorkies are anything alike...that is NOT what I was saying.

I am such a good dog owner and it really hurts my feelings that they are saying I'm not simply because I'm bringing my new baby home at 6 weeks rather than 8 weeks. Get over it!

I'm sure you'll be fine bringing him home at 6 weeks. You're definitely a responsible dog owner and have an excellent plan to take care of him (the 2 hour thing). That's crummy that they're being such bums about you bringing him home at that age. Like Janet says, I'm sure most of them don't "practice their preaching" anyway.

Marilyn · 01-12-2007, 07:56 PM

Don't be too critical of the lab forum ladies. What kind of reaction do you think one of us would get on YT if we posted that we were bringing a .9 lb yorkie home at 7 weeks? We would get blasted from all sides, yet this is what I did with Zoe and Rebecca probably did with her now 3 lb pup she brought home at 7 weeks.

No matter what we do, people who care deeply for a particular breed, whatever it is, will find something to criticize.

Rebecca, you are in my opinion being extremely responsible. Don't let them get to you there or anyone on YT either if they ever to!! Take their good advice and ignore the criticism.

You, Go Girl!!!

Gina · 01-13-2007, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RLC12345678

People on the lab forum are giving me such a hard time about brining him home at 6 weeks. It's really getting annoying. I said I had yorkies and am a responsible dog owner, and then they criticize me for thinking that labs and yorkies are anything alike...that is NOT what I was saying.

I am such a good dog owner and it really hurts my feelings that they are saying I'm not simply because I'm bringing my new baby home at 6 weeks rather than 8 weeks. Get over it!

Rebecca honey, you do want you feel is right. I don't own a Lab, just a yorkie, and I myself hardly go on YT, because there seems to be many people who seem to know it all and get nasty on there.Like a few have brought up on here. Don't let anyone tell you that you are not responsible , because you are very much so. Think of it this way if they had a new mommy website, I am sure many would think they know it all. Like having children and raising them, no one can tell you, just offer advice, just do what you think its best, your mother instincts come right out. So if you can get a few days off go for it, bond with the puppy. Your mature and you will do the right thing.. This little puppy is lucky to have you and your hubby.
Good Luck!

RLC12345678 · 01-13-2007, 09:21 AM

Thank you so much, everyone! You really don't know how much your kind comments mean to me. You know what Marilyn, I never told anyone on YT that I brought Hootie home at 7 weeks...I always say 8 weeks...bc I know the reaction I'll get! hahaha

It'll just be our little secret, ok.

I work with a lady who breeds Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, an extremely close cousin of the labrador retriever, and she said that altough 6 weeks is not ideal for most breeders and is in fact a little young, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that brining him home at 6 weeks will be a detriment to him healthwise or socially. She said that at 6 weeks, he will just be a little more immature and will need to be socialized a little more, but otherwise he should be fine. I know we are responsible people who have a lot of common sense and I have no doubt that even though we're bringing our new bundle of joy home a little early that we will take very good care of him and he'll turn out to be a happy and healthy adult labrador (knock on wood). I'll keep you all updated and, of course, post pictures! I'm trying to keep myself busy until tomorrow at 1:30 CST when we leave for the 4 hour round trip to go get him!

Love you guys! You are AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mandy · 01-15-2007, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RLC12345678

People on the lab forum are giving me such a hard time about brining him home at 6 weeks. It's really getting annoying. I said I had yorkies and am a responsible dog owner, and then they criticize me for thinking that labs and yorkies are anything alike...that is NOT what I was saying.

I am such a good dog owner and it really hurts my feelings that they are saying I'm not simply because I'm bringing my new baby home at 6 weeks rather than 8 weeks. Get over it!

I know what you mean, been there LOL... i was on a Dutch lab forum, even though my baby came home at 10 weeks due to her size, they still critisized me, but i knew i had to stick around for a while to learn as much as possible in a short period of time, so basically i sat and read all i could, bought books, found an excellent training class, and off we went.
Rebecca, your baby will be fine. Those lab forums are much like yorkie forums, and i can respect they too want the best for the breed, but i did not like the attitude i got over a few questions i asked.
Just take what you need from that forum, and ignore the critisism. I learnt a lot on there from reading things.
I know you are a responsible parent, and you will do what's best for him. If you are able to spend the first few days with him, what a bonus.

Enjoy him

Janet · 01-15-2007, 04:20 AM

Can't wait for you to tell us about your trip to get the little guy!!! AND don't forget....MORE PICTURES!!!!!

01-12-2007, 06:40 AM	#1
RLC12345678 4WT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,614	Help! Should I take off work or not? As most of you know, I'm getting a new baby black lab on Sunday! I'm so excited! He is only 6 weeks old. I have been told by many black lab enthusists that 6 weeks is too young...kinda like brining a yorkie home before 12 weeks is too young. But I have had other lab owners say that 6 weeks will be fine. So, my question is, considering how young this itty bitty boy will be and considering I don't want to traumatize him the first day or two we have him, should I take off work a couple of days to take care of him and make sure he is adjusting well to his new environment? I have plenty of vacation time and generally my office doesn't really care when I use my vacation time. The only thing that is holding me back really is that I took off the whole week of Christmas for vacation and almost the whole week before Christmas because I was sick. So what do you think? Is it too soon to take a day or two more of vacation time? Those with big dogs, will my new baby be traumatized if I leave him alone the day after we get him? What do you think? __________________ Rebecca "To whom much is given, much is expected." ~Luke 12:48

01-12-2007, 06:53 AM	#2
rivermom Donating 4WT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Tontitown, Arkansas Posts: 2,475	Taking time off to bond with the pup whether large or small can only be beneficial imo. But if taking time is not an option right now possibly you can take a few hours off or come home for lunch, etc. Best of luck with your new pup and have fun! __________________ ~_/> , /\/\ ,,, Sheryl When I grow up I want to be a horse whisperer!

01-12-2007, 06:57 AM	#3
RLC12345678 4WT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,614	Well, I just emailed my boss and asked for vacation on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week (I have Monday off for MLK's birthday). Hope she doesn't get mad! __________________ Rebecca "To whom much is given, much is expected." ~Luke 12:48

01-12-2007, 08:45 AM	#4
Janet Moderator Donating 4WT 18K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: INDIANA Posts: 21,625	We've always gotten our labs at 6-8 weeks and they did fine. We also worked and they did fine. Of course, prepared meals went by the wayside, because as soon as we got home we paid a lot of attention to our labs in play and training. Of course, we were always able to bring them home on a Saturday morning. I prefer to pick them up in the morning so they have all day to adjust and then have Sunday also. Even with my Yorkie babies....I prefer the new owners to pick them up of a morning. An extra day is always nice, but ours did fine over the weekend. __________________ To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. ECCLESIASTES 3:1

01-12-2007, 08:51 AM	#5
RLC12345678 4WT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,614	People on the lab forum are giving me such a hard time about brining him home at 6 weeks. It's really getting annoying. I said I had yorkies and am a responsible dog owner, and then they criticize me for thinking that labs and yorkies are anything alike...that is NOT what I was saying. I am such a good dog owner and it really hurts my feelings that they are saying I'm not simply because I'm bringing my new baby home at 6 weeks rather than 8 weeks. Get over it! __________________ Rebecca "To whom much is given, much is expected." ~Luke 12:48

01-12-2007, 08:53 AM	#6
RLC12345678 4WT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,614	P.S. -- We are getting him on Sunday afternoon bc the breeder is out of town and won't be home until then. But both hubby and I are off of work on Monday, then I'm taking off Tuesday and Wednesday to care for the little guy. Then, starting on Thursday when I go back to work, I'll go home every 2 hours or so to check on him and tend to him. I think if I can successfully raise two 3lb yorkies, whom I brought home one at 7 weeks and the other at 8 weeks, then I can successfully handle a 6 week old lab puppy. What do yall think? __________________ Rebecca "To whom much is given, much is expected." ~Luke 12:48

01-12-2007, 07:56 PM	#10
Marilyn Donating 4WT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: South Texas Posts: 4,907	Don't be too critical of the lab forum ladies. What kind of reaction do you think one of us would get on YT if we posted that we were bringing a .9 lb yorkie home at 7 weeks? We would get blasted from all sides, yet this is what I did with Zoe and Rebecca probably did with her now 3 lb pup she brought home at 7 weeks. No matter what we do, people who care deeply for a particular breed, whatever it is, will find something to criticize. Rebecca, you are in my opinion being extremely responsible. Don't let them get to you there or anyone on YT either if they ever to!! Take their good advice and ignore the criticism. You, Go Girl!!! __________________ Marilyn If anyone would like a free Bible Study CD or book entitled "Searching for Truth", PM me with your mailing address and I'll send you one. "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free." John 8:32

01-13-2007, 09:21 AM	#12
RLC12345678 4WT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,614	Thank you so much, everyone! You really don't know how much your kind comments mean to me. You know what Marilyn, I never told anyone on YT that I brought Hootie home at 7 weeks...I always say 8 weeks...bc I know the reaction I'll get! hahaha It'll just be our little secret, ok. I work with a lady who breeds Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, an extremely close cousin of the labrador retriever, and she said that altough 6 weeks is not ideal for most breeders and is in fact a little young, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that brining him home at 6 weeks will be a detriment to him healthwise or socially. She said that at 6 weeks, he will just be a little more immature and will need to be socialized a little more, but otherwise he should be fine. I know we are responsible people who have a lot of common sense and I have no doubt that even though we're bringing our new bundle of joy home a little early that we will take very good care of him and he'll turn out to be a happy and healthy adult labrador (knock on wood). I'll keep you all updated and, of course, post pictures! I'm trying to keep myself busy until tomorrow at 1:30 CST when we leave for the 4 hour round trip to go get him! Love you guys! You are AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! __________________ Rebecca "To whom much is given, much is expected." ~Luke 12:48

01-15-2007, 04:20 AM	#14
Janet Moderator Donating 4WT 18K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: INDIANA Posts: 21,625	Can't wait for you to tell us about your trip to get the little guy!!! AND don't forget....MORE PICTURES!!!!! __________________ To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. ECCLESIASTES 3:1

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