How to Play With My Lab Puppy

As of 2010, the American Kennel Club ranks the Labrador retriever as the most popular breed of dog registered through their organization. The Labrador retriever was originally bred in the Canadian province of Newfoundland, and was used to help fishermen pull in nets and catch escaping fish. An intelligent breed with a calm disposition, the Labrador has transitioned from a working dog to a loyal family pet. Playing with Lab puppies can be an enjoyable experience for the entire family.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog toys
  • Treats
  • Plastic pool
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide your puppy with plenty of opportunities to exercise. Labs are a medium-to-high energy breed, and can become destructive, if not allowed burn off excess energy. Let your Lab puppy run in the yard and take the puppy on at least one walk a day for proper stimulation.

    • 2

      Give the puppy toys that make him think. Rubber toys, such as Kongs, stuffed with a few soft treats, encourage the puppy to bite and play with the toy in exchange for a reward.

    • 3

      Play fetch with your puppy. Labs are a retrieving breed and will naturally chase toys. Stand next to the puppy and gently shake the toy in front of him, while encouraging him to get the toy. Toss the toy a few feet away and wait for the puppy to pick it up, and then call the puppy back to you. Praise the puppy for coming, and reward it with a treat.

    • 4

      Teach your Labrador puppy simple obedience commands during play sessions. Labs are intelligent, and your puppy should pick up commands such as "sit" and "down" in only a few sessions. Call the puppy over and hold a toy in your hand, just above the dog's head. Command the puppy to sit, and slowly raise the toy up, until he sits down. Toss the toy for the puppy to fetch, as a reward for sitting.

    • 5

      Fill a small plastic pool with 6 inches of water, and introduce your puppies to the joys of swimming. Most Labs have an affinity for water, and will gladly dive in after a toy. Ask the puppy to sit next to the pool, and throw a toy into the center of the pool. Let the puppy play and splash in the water for a minute or two, then call the puppy to you and praise it with a treat.