Choosing Your New Puppy

There are many things you should consider when choosing a new puppy. Keep in mind that adopting any new pet requires a lot of time. Make sure that you are ready to provide adequate time and care to this new member of your family.

New Puppy

Other things to consider when purchasing a puppy

Breed characteristics
Size of dog - one that you can adequately handle
Temperament, color, and personality
Pedigree - history of the puppy's heritage

Breed History

In the early 1800's there were reports of some sort of water dogs, which were "admirably" trained to retrieve for bird hunters. They also seemed to be "otherwise useful". These great dogs were found in Newfoundland and British sportsmen recognized them as being excellent gundogs and imported them to Britain. Labradors are now know as excellent family dogs and have a reliable temperament. They are beautiful and among the easiest to care for when it comes to grooming. They are well-proportioned, active and powerful. They also have a reputation for being affectionate family dogs that are good with children. They are intelligent, obedient, friendly, and loyal. They have excellent hunting instincts and love the water. The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dogs in the USA.

For further information about the breed, you could research the internet or check out books at your local library or bookstore.

When choosing your puppy look for the following

Healthy looking puppies and adult dogs.
A clean environment.
Check your puppy for any unusual bumps/markings.
Make sure the puppy is responsive to you.
Try to choose a puppy that seems to be calm.
Look for firm stool.
Get A.K.C. paperwork.
Look for O.F.A. background/pedrigree.
Find your new best friend.

Preparing Your Home For Your New Pet

Make sure to have a clean, secure environment and a comfortable place for it to sleep.
Provide quality food and an adequate water supply.
Make an action plan for how to train your puppy regarding its sleeping, eating, and potty training methods.
Make sure you have an abundance of safe chewing toys - you should provide supervision with these toys while your puppy is young.
Choose a qualified veterinarian that you can establish a long-term relationship with.

Crate Training is a popular and successful method to train your new puppy. For more information about crate training, click on this link: Crate Training by Perfect Paws

Nutrition

Feed your puppy a quality dry dog food and always have lots of fresh water available. You will need to decide whether to use a "scheduled" or "open" feeding regime. "Scheduled" feeding routines wherein the puppy/dog is fed at certain times of the day. "Open" feeding is having the food continuously available in some type of feeder. Puppies, which are started this way, will eat only when actually hungry and seldom overeat. Please refer your questions to your veterinarian or another qualified professional.

Training

ESTABLISH RAPPORT IMMEDIATELY WITH FREQUENT SHORT PLAY SESSIONS. Try to "catch your puppy doing something right" and reward with praise. Do not worry about serious training until after five or six months of age. Bring your puppy into the house often. Remember that after he/she wakes up, he/she will usually go poo/pee. If you take the pup to the place where you want him/her to go, he/she will eventually want to go there. Dogs are creatures of habit. Be consistent and they will develop the habits you desire. Keep in mind that labs are sensitive and social creatures, and want to please you. Positive reinforcement will work wonders.