Socialising Your Labrador
" Bliss "
Early socialisation is essential to owning a well adjusted dog.
Once your puppy has completed all their vaccinations, they are then able to enter the big wide world. It is also important to have control of your puppy. Pre school is an excellent way to socialise your puppy, meeting and greeting similar age and size dogs and available in most areas through your vet or dog training club.
General obedience is a progression from Pre school. Obedience classes are for both you and the dog. You learn about respecting each other and the correct ways of training and control. A Labrador is naturally protective and you should not show any sign of aggression. You have the responsibility to the breed to ensure you have control at all times. An uncontrollable dog can be dangerous and with incorrect or no training, is no fault of the dog.
All dogs love to please, so make training an enjoyable time for both of you. Reward and praise your puppy as much as you can when they do good. A small piece of food always works. Puppies are sensitive, a firm “NO” will suffice and your puppy will soon learn the difference between the good and the bad. They are smart!
If you encourage any training to be fun, your puppy will look forward to it.
Introduce a lead for Pre School and Obedience. A soft collar with a strong good quality leash. Some breeders introduce pups to collars before homing which makes the transition slightly easier before you walk on the lead.
A reputable breeder will ensure the early stages of socialising has taken place with interaction of people and handling of puppies between 6 and 8 weeks old.
Remember all Dog Breeds love Routine Whatever their Environment Is.
A Labrador Puppy
" Buster "
So you’ve decided you’d like a Labrador puppy.
Seek out a reputable breeder who is preferably affiliated to the Labrador Breed Club or NZKC. Try to see as many adult Labradors as possible and ask for information on the breed and any questions that you may have.
Male or Female?? Remember females come into season on average twice a year and this lasts for about 3 weeks. She will spot bleed and will need to be kept away from all male dogs. If she is a family pet at least think seriously about having her spayed. Males on the other hand are in season all year round. From about the age of 10 months they can detect the scent of a female, they can go off their food, start to wander if they are not well contained and will howl like a lost soul.
When visiting a breeder, check to see the condition of the adult dogs. Are they clean and healthy and their living quarters comfortable and clean ?. Ask questions – about health, hip and elbow scoring, pedigree certificates and number of litters from each bitch.
Puppy Checklist
- Reputable Breeder Fresh Water
- Health Checks Vet Check
- Secure Fenced Area Worming Programme
- Warm Dry Sleeping Area Soft Toys
- Good Quality Food Loads of LOVE
The first night/days may be a little trying as the wee one adjusts to their new surroundings. Be patient. Your puppy has just left behind their siblings and mother. You may have a bit of unrest in the household so try to stay cool, calm and collected, give reassurance and things will come right.
Exercising a Labrador puppy should be kept to a minimum for the first 6 months and then slowly increased in moderation. Too much exercise while their bones are still growing can have painful results.
Labradors are renowned for being loyal family members, they love to be with you, snuggle up in front of the fire, sit on the couch with you ( if you let them ) , and as a rule they love children ( especially young ones )
All good breeders will be there to support and help you. Make contact with them if you are unsure what to do at any time. They will be more than willing to help because after all they have bred your puppy and will always be interested in the puppy’s welfare.
There is nothing more impressive than a proud, well socialised, controllable Labrador.