How to Care for a Labrador Puppy

Labradors are a highly recognizable and popular dog that are known for their friendly demeanor. Despite their popularity, it is important to understand the needs of this particular breed of dog before making the decision to bring a puppy into your home. Because they are a large breed dog and require a good deal of attention, you should first understand how to properly care for Lab puppies.

1. Determine where you want your lab puppy to sleep. If you don't mind it sleeping in your bedroom, buy a puppy bed and place it where it can see you at night. Buy a crate if you want your puppy to sleep away from you at night. The crate will need to be large enough for your puppy to grow and should accommodate a full grown lab. Crate training your puppy will teach it to sleep in its own space, but may at first cause the puppy some anxiety until he becomes accustomed to it.


2. Locate a place outdoors for your lab to urinate and otherwise eliminate. This should be a location that your pet can return to routinely. Take your puppy to this spot every time it has to use the bathroom, first thing in the morning, roughly 10 to 15 minutes after meals and before bed at night. Be patient and keep in mind that puppies will have accidents when they are young. This training generally takes six months or until the puppy is six months old. When it goes outside always praise your puppy to encourage it.


3. Leave your puppy in its crate during the day if you are away from home to avoid damage to your home caused by a stressed or bored puppy. Leave sturdy toys that are not easily chewed into pieces. If you prefer to leave your puppy outdoors, build or buy an outdoor dog run that is five feet high at minimum, and strong enough to hold an adult Labrador. Situate the kennel in a location that receives shade.


4. Treat your puppy with a reward while you are training it. Labrador puppies respond to positive interactions and providing it with a snack will show it that it has done a positive thing. Have patience, as repetition is often necessary and it may take months for your puppy to pick up on a command. Do not shout at or punish your puppy.


5. Feed your puppy a quality, large-breed puppy food. Feed the puppy two to three times daily, allowing it to eat for 30 minutes before removing its bowl.