Don't know what to do about insurance either. We have some cover with our bank account, but needs to be neutered, microchipped etc and that obviously isn't done yet.
Sweary, she sounds gorgeous! Yes, leave the lead dangling around the house. That's what I've read anyway. Ours is happy like that (likes to chew it - probably a potential problem, but better than being scares I suppose).
We're going on holiday on Thursday and a friend is having puppy. Due to the circumstances of getting him, we'll have had him for less than 2 weeks before he goes away again. I'm really worried about it. The friend is sensible and has a springer herself. Her dog will be away. I'm just aware that she obviously won't do things exactly as I would and she's doing such a huge favour. I'm going to write out what we do with hand feeding, kongs, crate, training etc, although DH thinks I'll sound bossy and neurotic. It would be awful if we came back to a badly behaved or frightened pup.
Today's top success, he'll now 'leave' his kong stuffed with dinner until I say 'take it'. He was really jumping and grabbing for it before. Now just sits and waits! Today's sad moment, DH wandered off saying 'I'll give up, he just ignores me'. He does seem to, actually, but I got them to spend time together without me in the evening and it sounded like it was going nicely. He has been exactly like that with DD, to be honest. Would give up on tears/ bedtime/ mealtimes really quickly as if I was the only person who could do it. I do have interminable patience, so can cope with things for longer. I really want them to bond as I don't want this to be just 'my dog'.
DD wanted to 'be' puppy at bedtime. I had to tell her to 'sit' and pretend to feed her treats. Then she wanted to 'poo outside'. I drew the line...