Things You'll Need
- Crate
- Toys
- Collar
- Leash
- High quality food
- Dog shampoo
- Brush
- Canine nail clippers
Instructions
Make an appointment to have a medical professional examine your new puppy. Labs are especially susceptible to joint and eye problems. A thorough exam will rule out potential health concerns.
Introduce a lab puppy to a crate. Place toys and food in the crate to encourage the puppy to enter. Initially, only leave the puppy in for a few minutes. Work up to more time as this will be necessary when family members go to work or school. Use the crate to assist with potty training and for keeping the puppy safe and confined when not being monitored. A lab will not want to soil his sleeping area. When not being supervised, place the puppy in the crate. Immediately take the puppy outside after being in the crate. A lab learns quickly and within a few days will make the correlation between going outside and going potty. Stay consistent and use a single command every time he goes outside to defecate.
Teach the lab puppy to walk on a leash. Leash training will allow the puppy to be safely led outside and taught where to defecate. This reinforces to the puppy that her bodily functions should occur outside and in one location, if desirable by the pet owner. Leash training is imperative for walks, veterinarian visits or any occasion that the puppy is outside of the home. Labs possess a natural hunting instinct, therefore it is crucial to maintain leash control. Learning to give in to the pressure takes only a few days, however for more advanced compliance sign up for an obedience class.
Insist that all family members participate in training and caring for a new puppy. All family members should use the same commands. Everyone should spend time bonding with the lab. Time spent with the new lab will boost his confidence and trust in all the family members.
Feed a lab puppy a high quality diet formulated for large breed puppies. Food should contain less than 25 percent protein to reduce the potential for joint problems related to growing too fast. Many varieties of high quality food are available through pet stores or a veterinarian. If unsure of an appropriate type of food for your lab, consult a veterinarian. However, an adult female should weigh between 55 to 70 pounds. An adult male should weigh between 65 to 80 pounds. These weights apply to a dog over 12 months of age.
Offer food two or three times per day. Remove any food that hasn't been consumed after 10 minutes. Labs have a tendency to overeat, so monitor their feed intake starting at 6 months of age.
Provide up to two hours of exercise per day. Labrador retrievers are energetic and enjoy company. Jog or walk around the block, go for a swim or throw a ball. Allow free time in a fenced-in yard if group activity isn't possible. Sign up for an obedience course. This provides socialization, training and exercise.
Bathe a lab puppy only when needed as over bathing tends to dry the skin. Purchase shampoo specially formulated for dogs as this will reduce the potential for dry skin. Do not use human shampoo, as it is too harsh.
Brush the puppy. Labs have a thick coat which can harbor dirt and retain loose hair. Brushing will help remove this debris while stimulating natural oils.
Familiarize the puppy with canine nail trimmers. Labs possess thick hard nails that need to be trimmed regularly. Nails must be trimmed based on the individual needs of each puppy. Only trim the edge of the nail. For those who prefer not to trim, make an appointment with a professional grooming service.