11 week old black lab

Question
I bought this puppie at 8 weeks and she is a very good girl.  This is my first dog, i am 25.  I checked a few books out of the library but I am having a hard time figuring out how strict I should be with her at this age.  She is housebroken but has had accidents in the living room (only know because of the smell).  I know this is only when I am not thome because I have not seen her do this.  She is also managing to steal my clothing and leave it all over the house.  My question is: What is the correct discipline at this age in her life?

Thank you for your time


Answer
I am sure some of the books have disagreed leaving you confused.  I sometimes wonder if some of these people ever had a dog.  Even within a breed, dogs vary. I can not go along with those that maintain you should never punish a dog.  I do leave it as a last resort.  No amount of punishment at any age can control a dog the moment you turn your back.  You would not leave a young child loose and unattended.  At night they are safe in their crib.  In the day time, they may be in a playpen or baby gated away from some dangers.   Other dogs may
not be as bad as the young Labs I am plagued with.  Still your house and dog
will be much safer with the dog in a crate when you are away.  The dog may be
happier in its den than loose in the house.  It relaxes, it feels safe in its
den.  It rests, the body slows down reducing the need for water and relieving
its self.  Dogs that have been crated all along do very well.  Many of them
will rest in their crates even when the door is open.  I think the plastic
ones give the dog more of a safe, enclosed den feeling.  They are harder for
dogs to open too.    Metal ones can be put in a corner or covered with
something the dog can't pull in and chew.  Select a crate just big enough for the full grown dog to stretch out in.

Leave it some toys.  Perhaps a Kong filled with peanut butter.  Don't leave
anything in the crate the dog might chew up.  It will do fine without even any
bedding.  You will come home to a safe dog and a house you can enjoy.

A dog that has not been crated since it was little, make take some work.
Start out just putting its toys and treats in the crate.  Praise it for going
in.  If you have been able to trust it with any bedding, put that in the crate.
Feed it in the crate.  This is also an easy way to maintain order at feeding
time for more than one dog.

All day is a long time for an 11 week old.  She should still be getting a mid day meal for another month.  It would be best if you could make it home at lunch time to feed her and let her out a little.  Reliable people are hard to find, but it help if you could find somebody to come in mid day if you can't.  It may be months before she is able to go all day without relieving herself even with a crate.  8 weeks is a great time to start with a puppy if you have care for it mid day.  They are very accepting of things at this age.  She should be comfortable around what ever she experiences the next month.  Start obedience training now if you haven't.  A minute here and there for a few repetitions is all it will take.  Out in public, people are amazed when I tell the puppy sitting quietly is only 4 months old.  

Dump the books that emphasize treats in training.  Stick to the ones that are about you being top dog.  Not a drill sergeant, but a strict, but loving parent.

Buy a crate, teach her obedience, and come back whenever you need more help.