Keep in mind that a dog is like a person--each Lab has a different personality and different traits just like us--so your Lab may take more or less time to go through each stage. It's always a good idea to talk to your veterinarian about any questions or concerns you have about your Lab.
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Newborn and Toddler
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Newborn Lab puppies are generally either sleeping or eating. However, the toddler (8 to 10 weeks to 5 months) stage is much different. Toddler Lab puppies are highly energetic and need lots of attention and time to play. This is the stage when the puppy begins to get adult teeth and chew on things. When this happens, 8 Paws Up suggests soaking washcloths in water and freezing them for the puppy to chew on. Tealwood Labradors recommends giving your puppy things like nylabones, chew ropes and rawhides to chew on.
During the toddler stage, your puppy will begin to grow very quickly and, according to Tealwood Labradors, a Lab puppy should be fed three times a day. At this point, you will be bringing your puppy home and it is good to keep in mind that stressors--like a new diet, home and water--could upset your puppy's system and cause diarrhea. If this continues for longer than a day or two, you should contact your veterinarian.
Your Lab will also begin to grasp the concept of going to the bathroom outside at this stage. Make sure to bring your puppy out every few hours and show him where the door is. Make sure to praise him for going to the bathroom outside.
Adolescent
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According to 8 Paws Up, a Lab puppy can be considered an adolescent from 5 months until up to a year old. Sometimes this stage is referred to as the "teenager stage" because your dog may act naughtier than when it was in its toddler stage. This is the time when you begin to train your Lab and enforce rules. You should be sure to put away any sharp objects, hide any electrical cords, and get rid of any poisonous or otherwise dangerous substances or objects so that your puppy doesn't chew on or ingest anything that isn't meant for dogs. Your puppy will now be fed twice a day and will begin to be partially (if not fully) housebroken.
This is also a time when you may decide to have your Lab spayed or neutered. Tealwood Labradors recommends waiting until 9 or 10 months of age for females and 1 1/2 to 2 years of age for males (which puts them in the maturing stage). Some vets recommend having your puppy spayed or neutered at 6 months. Always be sure to talk with your vet about when your Lab should be spayed or neutered, if at all.
Maturing and Senior
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According to 8 Paws Up, your Lab will begin to mature from 1 until 5 years old. Your Lab will slow down a little more but still have great bursts of energy. This is the time when your Lab will become more comfortable in its home and with its family. By now, your Lab will grasp the concepts of training and should be completely housebroken.
Senior dogs (dogs 5 years or older) are slower and don't act like puppies anymore--they will be more content with life, walks, and will enjoy occasional naps.
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