Bred to be loyal, intelligent and eager to please, Labrador retrievers were the top breed choice in the U.S. in 2009, according to the American Kennel Club. Raising a Labrador puppy can be challenging because of its cleverness, curiosity and playfulness. Show your puppy who is boss, train it not to be mouthy, teach it to obey, and introduce it to people, other pets and strange situations as much as you can. Labradors have a long childhood-up to three years-and have to be kept active and exercised.
1. Housebreak your Labrador puppy right away. Feed it twice a day on a regular schedule to make potty times predictable. Dogs try not to poo in their beds, so put your Lab puppy in its crate right after meals and then take it outside to “potty” about half an hour later. Praise it for success. Labradors are bright and quickly learn that outside is where potty goes.
2. Teach your Labrador puppy “bite inhibition” from day one. Labradors are bred to pick up and carry hunted game, so they use their mouths on everything, including your hands. Discourage puppies from biting by yelping, “Ouch!” whenever their teeth touch your skin. Then turn away. Repeat this behavior every time and soon your puppy will learn not to mouth you.
3. Socialize your Labrador puppy at every safe opportunity. Labs are generally friendly, but exposing them to strangers, unusual places and situations will keep their friendly nature consistent. Walks around the neighborhood, romps in the park, traveling in your car and puppy play dates are good ways to socialize your Labrador puppy.
4. Train your Labrador puppy in basic obedience. Teach your pup to “sit,” “stay,” “down,” “heel,” “come” and “off”. Always use short, unique commands for behaviors. Never use “no” since your puppy won’t know which behavior you want it to stop. Check the Tips section for a book by the Monks of New Skete that teaches positive training.
5. Act like a pack leader. Even though Labrador retrievers generally focus on pleasing their owners, you still need to make sure your puppy knows who is boss. Always make your puppy wait at doors until you pass through. Feed, walk, or pet your puppy only after it has obeyed a command like “sit” or “shake.” Take it for a long walk every day, making sure it stays behind or beside you.
6. Give your Labrador puppy plenty to chew-and do. Like all puppies, Labrador puppies chew on everything, so always offer appropriate items like chew toys and bones. Walk your puppy every day, play ball and teach her to catch a Frisbee to keep her exercised and mentally and physically active. Labs have lots of energy as puppies and appreciate being part of a high-energy family.
7. Get your Labrador puppy vaccinated and on heartworm treatment. Puppies are especially susceptible to parvovirus and distemper, so make sure you have them vaccinated as soon as your vet recommends. Yearly boosters and rabies shots are essential. Start your Labrador puppy on heartworm preventatives before it reaches seven months of age, and administer this medication year-round. Feed your puppy a healthy diet rich in protein, essential oils, and whole grains and free of preservatives and artificial additives.
Tips:
Love your Labrador puppy. Your pup depends on you to be a responsible owner.
Learn from the Monks of New Skete’s book, “How to Be Your Dog’s Best Friend: The Classic Training Manual for Dog Owners.
Warnings:
Don’t let your puppy misbehave because it is so cute. A well-behaved dog is a happy dog.
Make sure your puppy is vaccinated before you introduce it to strange dogs.
References:
University of Louisiana: Raising Your Labrador Retriever
Muhlenberg College: Labrador Retriever Fact Card
Be the Pack Leader: Use Caesar’s Way to Transform your Dog and Life; Milan, Caesar & Peltier, Melissa Jo; Harmony; 2007
American Kennel Club: Labrador Holds Firm in Top Spot
