How to Choose a Labrador Puppy

By Alicia Bodine

Instructions

Step 1:
Use an authentic breeder. This breeder will be a member of the American Kennel Club, will have shot records for the puppy, will have de-wormed the puppy and will have socialized the puppy so that it will make a great pet. You won't be able to take the puppy home until it is 6 to 7 weeks old, but you will be able to visit the puppy once you pick it out.
Step 2:
Choose your color. Labradors come in black, yellow, silver and, of course, chocolate. Some say that the color of the lab tells the puppy's temperament, but this is really a myth. Choose the color based on your own taste.
Step 3:
Watch the puppies as they play with each other. Do you notice any that are acting like bullies? Are they biting the other puppies or hogging all the food? These are the puppies you do not want to choose.
Step 4:
Choose a puppy that doesn't startle easily. This is important, otherwise every time someone in your house makes a noise or drops a pan, the dog is going to bark and get nervous. To find out which puppies startle easy, drop a bowl or slap your hands together. You want a puppy that doesn't have a big reaction to the sound.
Step 5:
Decide which puppy you want after you have followed all of the above steps. If you are down to two or three choices, then hold the puppies one at a time and see which one speaks to your heart. If the puppy is for your children, allow the children to hold the puppies and pick the one that is the gentlest with your kids.

Tips & Warnings

Make sure you have the time to exercise your puppy daily and give it attention. If you don't have the time, you should not get a dog.
Don't choose the puppy that comes running over to you first. This can indicate that the puppy is the most aggressive in the litter.

Resources

Labrador Puppies

Photo/Video Credit

Lisa D

More Puppy Pages

How to Pick a Labrador Hunting Puppy

Labrador Retrievers, also known as bird dogs, pointer labs and gun dogs, are one of the most popular breeds among hunters. They are extremely agile, excellent swimmers in almost any weather condition, easily trained and love to chase and retrieve...

Instructions About Labrador retrievers Step 1: The Labrador retriever is the most popular dog breed in the United States. Labrador retrievers are large, short hair dogs. They are intelligent, energetic and fun loving. Originally, hunters bred Labradors...

A Samoyed is a smart, friendly and loving dog that may spend more than 12 years with its family. Choosing a Samoyed puppy is a long-term commitment, and though it is rewarding, it should not be taken lightly. Decide why the dog is joining the family...

Dogs have individual personality traits. Temperament in dogs may vary depending on several factors including breed and background. Before bringing a new dog into your home there are several factors to investigate.

Labrador retrievers are one of the most popular breeds of dog in the world. Originally bred in England to be gun or hunting dogs, labs are loyal, smart, and eager-to-please their owners. If properly cared for, your new lab puppy can live a long and...