Labrador Puppies

One of the most rewarding experiences for a Labrador owner, can be the opportunity to care for and raise a Labrador Retriever puppy. There isn’t any feeling that quite compares to raising a dog that you’ve seen through every stage of development. However, that being said, puppies can require a significant amount of work, as well as constant supervision. There are also some complications that can arise while raising a purebred Labrador Retriever puppy, which may require medical care.

If you are caring for a pregnant Labrador Retriever, your primary concern is providing a comfortable, stress-free environment for your dog. Environmental variances can have an effect on the development of the unborn puppies, usually in the area of temperament. Your next concern should be providing a high-nutrient diet for the pregnant mother, to ensure that the unborn puppies receive the proper nutrition required for good development. There are specific formulas sold in Pet Stores that will provide most of the vitamins needed for a pregnant mother, and you can use additional supplements if needed. After approximately 60-64 days of gestation, your pregnant dog will finally have her litter.

Depending on if you are caring for newborn Labrador Retriever puppies, or if you have adopted a Labrador puppy that has already been properly weaned from its mother, you will have to take different steps in proper puppy care. For newborn puppies, your most important job is keeping the mother dog well fed and comfortable, since she will provide most of the care and nutrition for the puppies during the nursing stage. However, you should pay attention to any abnormalities or problems with the newborn puppies, since they may require additional medical care. Possible problems include, but are not limited to: difficulty nursing, appearing overly lethargic, excessive discharge from the nose or mouth, and noticeable lumps or deformities.

If you are adopting a weaned Labrador Retriever puppy, it’s of extreme importance that you are well educated in the type and frequency of care that your puppy will require. Puppies are naturally full of energy, and have an emotional need for constant attention. Be prepared to have a significant amount of playtime with your new Labrador Retriever puppy, as this is also an important part of the pet-to-owner bonding experience. Puppies are loving and eager to please, but they still might need gentle guidance as to what type of behavior is wrong. Some examples include: chewing on furniture or shoes, jumping up on visitors, or barking/whining on a constant basis. It’s very important when disciplining your Labrador puppy that you make perfectly clear what behavioral issue is inducing the discipline, and that the puppy be rewarded for abstaining from that behavior in the future.

Training your Labrador Retriever puppy to relieve itself outdoors can be a daunting task, but is easily accomplished with dutiful attention and constant positive reinforcement. Take your puppy outdoors frequently, and offer a treat or praise when they go to the bathroom while outdoors. Combined with gentle discipline for indoor accidents, your Labrador puppy will quickly learn that this is behavior that is only acceptable outdoors.

Owning a Labrador Retriever puppy can be a mutually rewarding experience, both for pet and owner. With the emotional bond that will form as your dog grows up, you will be blessed with a loving, energetic companion that will be by your side presumably for years to come.