If you have just adopted a black Lab puppy--congratulations. You have chosen an affectionate, intelligent, and energetic dog. And you have plenty of company; according to The American Kennel Association website, Labrador retrievers have been the most popular dog breed in the United States for 19 years running. Because of the breed's natural exuberance and physical stamina, your black Lab puppy may be a handful right now. By giving your black Lab puppy the responsible care and gentle discipline it needs, you can help your pup mature into a well-socialized, responsive companion.
Things You'll Need
- Bite-sized puppy treats
- Peanut butter or cheese
Instructions
Increase the chances of raising a well-socialized dog by allowing your black Lab puppy to stay with its mother until it is at least 10 weeks old. The puppy needs to learn valuable lessons about social interactions and proper canine behavior from its mother and litter mates.
Take your puppy to the veterinarian as scheduled for vaccinations against rabies, distemper, parvovirus and other diseases, as well as for flea and heartworm prevention. This is also a good time to discuss arrangements for spaying or neutering your puppy, if you haven't already done so.
Feed your puppy a good-quality commercial dry food made for large-breed puppies. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations as to feeding amounts, and avoid overfeeding your puppy. Excessive weight can contribute to the hip dysplasia to which Labrador retrievers are prone.
Begin training your Lab puppy as soon as you bring it home; even very young puppies can start to learn the basics. According to the Your Purebred Puppy website, puppies can begin learning simple obedience commands such as "lie down," "sit," and "stay" as early as 12 weeks of age.
Teach your puppy bite inhibition by saying "No bite" in a firm voice when your puppy nips; show friendly dominance by gently cupping your puppy's muzzle. Your puppy doesn't mean any harm when it nips at you in play, but it's up to you to correct this behavior, which can get progressively troublesome as the dog gets older. If your puppy is very young, it can be helpful to distract it with a toy, as well as making gentle corrections.
Housebreak your Lab puppy by taking it outside every 30 minutes--especially first thing in the morning, after meals, and last thing at night--and praising it when it relieves itself outside. Confine it to an easily cleaned room or a housebreaking crate when it is not under your direct supervision.
Take your puppy for frequent walks as soon as your veterinarian gives the all-clear, and begin teaching your Lab puppy the basics of the "heel" command, rewarding it with treats when it obeys. With your Lab puppy expected to weigh 60 to 80 pounds at maturity, it is very important that it learn to walk calmly on a leash with no pulling.
Play gently with the puppy's mouth, ears and teeth every day to accustom it to being handled and to prevent future problems when visiting the groomer or veterinarian. Massage the puppy's ears, examine the undersides of paws, and carefully open its mouth and look at its teeth. Say the same thing every time, such as "Let me see!" or "Time to look!" in a bright, happy voice, and give lavish treats when your puppy tolerates the handling without squirming or protesting.
Help your black Lab puppy avoid developing food aggression--and learn to willingly surrender a bone--like this: say "Give" or "Drop," and calmly take the bone away. Praise the puppy lavishly, and immediately fill the bone with cheese or peanut butter and give it back. The puppy learns that giving up the bone results in a reward. Repeat this exercise daily.