Hi everyone! I'm new here but I'd been reading the threads for awhile before I joined.
I'm 24 and my family have had dogs all my life. My boyfriend and I feel now that we are at the stage in our lives where we're ready for our own! We have done TONS of research and have prepared as much as possible. We are going to pick her up this Friday, she'll be 7 weeks and 1 day old. I know there is controversy over the age at which to bring the puppy home. I've done lots of reading on this topic as well and feel comfortable with it.
She is a husky/lab mix (dad is a siberian husky, mom is a black labrador), and she is absolutely beautiful!
We have decided to go with Blue Buffalo puppy food, and I've read that you should mix it 1/4 with the dog's old food to transition them to it. Does the same apply with puppies? Should I get a bag of whatever the previous owner is feeding her and do the mixing? Or will she not have been on solid food long enough for it to matter?
I'm also curious as to what leash everyone would recommend for a puppy this age. I've used a haltee/gentle leader with a friend's dog who responds very well to it, and I've seen lots of success with training/slip leashes, but I imagine these are for older pups. Should we start with a regular leash attached to her buckle collar? What are everyone's feelings toward slip leashes/martingale collars/gentle leaders, and at what age should one begin to use these training aids?
I don't want to jump the gun and bring a collar/leash in too soon, but I also want to help the pup develop good habits early. Growing up with my family's dogs, we've always just used a regular leash and collar, so I want to get some more opinions before we try any of the other types.
I want to be the best puppy parent and pack leader possible. I appreciate any input!
Thanks!
I'm 24 and my family have had dogs all my life. My boyfriend and I feel now that we are at the stage in our lives where we're ready for our own! We have done TONS of research and have prepared as much as possible. We are going to pick her up this Friday, she'll be 7 weeks and 1 day old. I know there is controversy over the age at which to bring the puppy home. I've done lots of reading on this topic as well and feel comfortable with it.
She is a husky/lab mix (dad is a siberian husky, mom is a black labrador), and she is absolutely beautiful!

We have decided to go with Blue Buffalo puppy food, and I've read that you should mix it 1/4 with the dog's old food to transition them to it. Does the same apply with puppies? Should I get a bag of whatever the previous owner is feeding her and do the mixing? Or will she not have been on solid food long enough for it to matter?
I'm also curious as to what leash everyone would recommend for a puppy this age. I've used a haltee/gentle leader with a friend's dog who responds very well to it, and I've seen lots of success with training/slip leashes, but I imagine these are for older pups. Should we start with a regular leash attached to her buckle collar? What are everyone's feelings toward slip leashes/martingale collars/gentle leaders, and at what age should one begin to use these training aids?
I don't want to jump the gun and bring a collar/leash in too soon, but I also want to help the pup develop good habits early. Growing up with my family's dogs, we've always just used a regular leash and collar, so I want to get some more opinions before we try any of the other types.
I want to be the best puppy parent and pack leader possible. I appreciate any input!
Thanks!