How to Raise a Lab Puppy

By Yvette Marie

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Crate
Clean bedding
Stainless-steel bowls (can't be chewed and resist bacteria)
Puppy-safe toys
Collar and leash
Quality puppy food
Toothbrush
Puppy toothpaste

Housebreaking

Step 1:
Buy your lab puppy a crate. The crate should be just large enough for your puppy to stand up and turn around in. Dogs do not like to soil their own beds, so this is the best way to begin teaching your little one to "hold it."
Step 2:
Watch your puppy. Until your lab puppy is housebroken, she should not be permitted to have free run of your house, so keep her nearby at all times. If you can't be with her, place her in her crate.
Step 3:
Take him outside to potty at regular intervals. At first, take him out every 2 hours. As he ages and learns, you will be able to increase the intervals. Remember, he won't be ready to learn until he is at least 12 weeks old, and he may be at least 6 months old before he is trustworthy, so be patient.
Step 4:
Catch her in the act. When your lab puppy has an accident in the house, firmly tell her, "No." Then, take your puppy and the "accident" outside and show it to her. Praise her as if she did it outside. You must be consistent and do this every time, or your puppy will become confused and housebreaking will be prolonged.

Obedience Training

Step 1:
Teach your lab puppy basic commands. Labs are very attentive and easy to train, so this should be fun and easy for both of you. Teach your puppy the commands "no," "sit," "stay," "down" and "come."
Step 2:
Teach your lab puppy to walk properly on a leash. Labs are extremely active dogs, so long walks are going to be very important to her. Good manners on her leash will make the experience pleasant for both of you, and for other people and dogs you may pass along the way.
Step 3:
Practice NILIF (Nothing In Life Is Free). Your lab puppy must accept you as the alpha dog (leader of the pack). Teach him that he must work for what he wants. Make him "sit" before he eats, receives a treat or a toy, goes outside or, if you choose to allow him, jumps up on the bed next to you.
Step 4:
Praise her. Labs are sensitive dogs who want to please you; in fact, they live to please you. That is why it is vitally important that you praise her when she does the right thing. When she potties outside, when she sits before dinner or when she walks like a little lady on her leash, give her a big kiss and tell her that she's a very good girl.

Socialization

Step 1:
Introduce him to family and friends (human and canine). It's important to socialize a puppy so he is not afraid of the world outside his home and yard, and so he knows how to behave properly around other people and animals. Labs are exceptionally social dogs, so social activities and stimulation are especially important to your puppy.
Step 2:
Invite her friends over. Until your lab puppy is fully vaccinated, you should schedule all her play dates at your home. Allow her to meet your family and friends. Make sure she is exposed to children so the "small humans" are not a shock to her when she begins to go out into the world. Invite a friend and her dog over for a play date so your little one can have a canine pal.
Step 3:
Take him to school. Once your lab puppy is fully vaccinated, you can take him out into the world to meet people and other animals. Enroll him in a puppy class, take him to the dog park or go for a stroll around the local pet mart.

Care and Feeding

Step 1:
Feed your lab puppy a high-quality puppy food until she is 1 year old, then switch her to a high-quality adult food. Until puppies are 6 months old, they should be fed three times per day. After 6 months, two meals per day is adequate. And don't overfeed--labs are notorious "pigs," so it is up to you to maintain a healthy weight for your dog.
Step 2:
Supply him with plenty of fresh water. It is dangerous to deny a dog water, as this puts him at risk for dehydration. Even during potty training, water must be available at all times.
Step 3:
Provide your puppy with proper veterinary care. Your lab puppy will need a series of vaccines to protect her from common diseases (your veterinarian should provide you with a schedule). After the initial vaccines, your lab should visit your vet for a check-up at least once per year.
Step 4:
Keep her teeth clean. Dental hygiene is important for your lab puppy's health and long life, so start early so it will seem normal to her. Ask your veterinarian to teach you how to properly brush your puppy's teeth.
Step 5:
Exercise him. Labs are very active dogs who need and thrive on plenty of exercise. Plan on at least one walk per day. A fenced-in backyard is a major plus for any lab owner. Spend time outside with your lab puppy so he can run to his heart's content, play fetch with you, chase some squirrels and maybe dig a hole or two.

Tips & Warnings

When your puppy is in his crate, he should always have a soft blanket, fresh water and a safe toy like a Nylabone.If you don't know how to teach commands or leash-train your puppy, don't try to "wing it." Purchase a book on dog training or, once your puppy is fully vaccinated, attend a basic training class.
Never strike or yell at your lab puppy. It's cruel, it teaches your puppy to be afraid of you and it does not work.Make sure her toys are safe. Lab puppies love to chew, so stick with toys that are durable and cannot easily be pulled apart. Flimsy rubber and plastic squeakers are choking hazards.

Resources

Photo/Video Credit

Mark Woodward (stock.xchng.org), office.microsoft.com, stock.xchng.com

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