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| You have just been given a 7-week-old Labrador puppy to your capable hands. Now what do you do? As a breeder my main motivation is to develop puppies that are socialized, playful, healthy, fun and great companions for you and your family. It is your responsibility to continue by doing the following: |
It is very important to socialize your puppy with people and dogs. To do this I recommend taking your puppy with you whenever possible. Go to the park, go to a pet store (one which allows you to bring your pets in the store), take your puppy to family gatherings, and invite people to your home.  The more contact your puppy has with different people the more socialized, and well adjusted, your puppy will be. It is also important to socialize your puppy with other dogs. If you know people with dogs or puppies arrange puppy play dates. Even if you already own another dog it is important to have contact with different dogs. |
Your puppy will naturally play with many house hold objects . It will be important not to allow your puppy to play with items that may harm her, such as socks, which can later be swallowed and lodged into their intestinal tract requiring possible life threatening surgery to remove. Your puppy will chase balls readily. Praise is an important part of playing fetch, so praise the puppy every time she brings the ball to you. Never chase after your puppy to get the ball. Doing this will encourage the puppy to play catch me if you can which is a lot of fun for the puppy but not so much fun for you. |
Labradors are naturally a companion dog. Their whole motivation in living is to please their owners.  They will want to be with you as much as possible. As long as you follow some simple rules you will have a great companion, which will be a loved member of your family. Please enjoy your puppy and I hope you will find your little one to be as enjoyable as I have found mine to be. |
Everyone wants to have fun with their puppy. A fun dog is an obedient dog. Register to attend at least 2 levels of obedience any time from the age of 3 months on.  Remember to always praise when your puppy comes to you. Never scold the pup for not coming. Doing this will teach them not to come ever. You will be glad in the end if you follow this one basic rule. Praise creates an obedient dog which creates a fun dog. |
Your puppy has to depend on you to keep her healthy throughout her life. It is essential to complete your puppy's vaccinations and to follow through every year after with physicals and recommended vaccines. At 6 months of age your pup will be old enough for surgery (ie: Spay or Neuter), but young enough to eliminate the possibility of going into heat or wandering. Preventative medicine has come a long way in the past decade. You should use monthly heartworm and flea/tick preventatives during the summer months. If you want many years of love with your puppy, visit the vet regularly. |
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