Shelties4me
Posted : 7/2/2007 8:21:58 AM
Do you know what the cause of death was on the mother and the other puppies? Just curious.
Labs are wonderful dogs. My husband and I have owned Labs for 18 years. I hope I'm never without one at my side. Our current Lab is five years old and is my husband's hunting companion just like the ones before him. Most of our experience is with the field breds but my female was bred for the show ring. She was a sweetheart (and a decent hunting dog despite what her pedigree said!).
Labs do have a long puppyhood. It usually last about three years. A well trained Lab is a treasure; a poorly trained one is a nightmare. They are very high energy (especially field breds) and very intelligent. If you do not channel all that energy and intelligence properly, you will have a big problem on your hands. Here's my advice even though alot people of already given most of it -
Be the leader from day one. This is not negotiable. No jumping up. No pulling on the leash. No mouthing arms and legs no matter how cute. Period.
Socialize (as soon as the puppy's old enough) Labs are friendly dogs but some of the field breds, depending on the line, can be a little disagreeable with other dogs if they're not socialized.
Exercise, exercise, exercise. Labs are a sporting breed bred to work all day by a hunter's side. You have to let them expel that energy and use their hunting/retrieving instincts. If you walk or run, take him/her with you when he/she is old enough and then throw retriever dummies (they sell them at Petsmart) for him/her when you're done.
Teach your puppy immediately what is appropriate to chew and what is not. Be firm! We use Kongs, Nylabones, Stuff toys. Make sure that it can stand up to aggressive chewing. We have the black Kongs and the Nylabones for aggressive chewers. Don't give wimpy toys. Our Lab we have now has a Jolly Ball that's actually meant for horses!
Find a good obedience trainer and teach the basics, at least.
Be firm and consistent and do not waiver.
It'll be well worth it! In the end you will have a loyal friend and family member for life.