Posts Tagged ‘Puppy Care’
The best method of how to train Labrador retriever puppies is to apply positive reinforcement, that's combined with unrestricted praise and treats.
In order to establish an immediate bond, play with your pup on a frequent basic and if possible get down on the floor with her – this bond will later be strengthen through training. Labrador retriever puppy training can start almost as soon as she arrives home. In a similar way to a small child, she will learn best through activities and games.
At approximately eight weeks of age your Labrador retriever pup can start to learn about retrieving objects. This is the "fetch" activity that she will enjoy all of her life.
Learning how to train Labrador retriever pup's is not difficult. To teach this fun exercise, it's often ideal to have her on a ten foot lead or so. Don't be tempted to use a stick for this activity (this could cause an injury) but take a toy that she recognizes or a soft-ball. Make certain that it's too big to be swallowed.
Gently wave the toy near her head to draw attention to it and then throw it approximately five feet in front. There's no need to throw it too far as she's just starting out. If she arrives at the end of the leach all of a sudden, she could be hurt. Use her name, so the command is "Boots, fetch!" Follow as she runs to the soft-ball and if she picks it up; offer some encouragement – but not too much praise yet, as she isn't finished. If your Labrador retriever pup does not take it in her mouth, wave it in front of her until she does. Then walk slowing back to the starting point, and encourage her to follow. If she does drop the soft toy, be certain to get her pick it back up. Once she arrives back, remove the ball out of her mouth and at the same moment say the command "Out", or similar command. Now you may offer her lots of praise.
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How BIG is your home? Your first consideration must be the size of the dog (when fully grown) in relation to the size of your home. Also think about how and where you will walk to exercise your dog.
What can you afford? Large dogs are considerably more expensive than a small one.
Do you have children in your family? Consider getting a breed that is good with children – Labrador, Boxer, Terrier come to mind.
Are you alone and need a loyal companion? – Boxer, Terrier, Dachshund, Spaniel, Collie, Corgi and Pug to name a few.
Are you looking for a Guard Dog? – Bull Mastiff, Dalmatian, Doberman, German Shepherd, Great Dane and Rottweiler are popular guard breeds.
Do you want a dog good for serious training? – Border Collie, Australian Cattle dog, Dobermann, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Labrador, Schnauzer are good picks.
Don't overlook mixed breeds – some of the best dogs are in this range…and do cost less to buy.
How much time do you have ? – be careful not to take on a strong, potentially fierce dog that will need firm handling and careful training, if you already have a busy committed life.
So What are the Costs of Having a Dog?
Initial Outlay – Bed, Indoor or Out door Kennel, Food Bowls, Collar, Harness and Lead, Toys – for chewing, fetching and so on.
Food – more dog…more food!
Neutering…more costly for females than males.
Immunisation and Boosters – essential that these are kept up to date.
Veterinary Bills – Illness or accident.
Professional clipping and grooming – essential in certain breeds.
Training classes – really recommended.
Securing the property…fencing (if not already in place)
Replacing any damaged (probably chewed) items…eg Dad's new slippers!
So all considered, taking on a new puppy should not be taken lightly – but with some thought and planning, a new puppy will be a joy to you and your family. Have fun – enjoy the experience!
Nancy Lavender
http://www.your-dogs.com
I have a passion for animals and the countryside and all it offers. I feel a responsibility for the preservation of what we have in our world for the generations to come.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nancy_Lavender
Labrador Retriever puppies seem to be for sale everywhere these days. From Georgia to Michigan, Temecula to Hawaii, Labrador Retriever puppies have become very popular. Your new puppy may be a black, chocolate, or yellow Lab. Labrador Retriever puppies are cute, but they are energetic, too, and require immediate training.
Labrador Retriever puppies need 10 commandments – or maybe more! From the puppies' standpoint, the 10 commandments should be given to the humans who will care for them. For example:
* You must take me out for long walks at least 3 times a day.
* You must feed me from your plate when I whine and beg.
* You must let me sleep in your bed with you so I don't get lonely.
You are intelligent enough to know that would be a big mistake. You must be in charge, and you must have rules for your Labrador Retriever puppies. For your help, and with a bit of tongue-in-cheek, we offer the following.
Labrador Retriever Puppies' 10 Commandments from a Human Standpoint
1. As long as they live under my roof, Labrador Retriever puppies will do as I say. When I say "come," you will come. When I say "sit," you will sit. I am the boss – leader of the pack.
2. Labrador Retriever puppies will always tell me when they need to relieve themselves. We will go outside, which is the only place you may do this. And on the same subject, Labrador Retriever puppies will learn not to make water simply because they are excited or acting submissive.
3. I have given you Labrador Retriever puppies comfortable beds. You will sleep in your beds – not in my bed, not in the cat's bed, and not in the children's beds.
4. All Labrador Retriever puppies in this home will be given good, nourishing dog food everyday. You will not supplement that food by chewing my shoes, furniture, and other belongings. You will not beg at the table, laying your soft, cuddly head on my lap to coerce a bite from my plate.
5. I know that Labrador Retriever puppies want to bite and gnaw, but you will not bite and gnaw on people. If you were home with your mother, she and your litter mates would soon teach you not to do it. I'll give you bones to chew instead.
6. All Labrador Retriever puppies get a stomach ache when they eat the wrong things. If you feel sick, you must never throw up inside the house – especially not on the carpet or on any of MY clothing!
7. I understand that Labrador Retriever puppies simply must tell everybody how exciting life is, but please do it quietly. You must never, never try to tell the whole neighborhood, especially in the middle of the night.
8. All Labrador Retriever puppies in this home must understand that the house is not a glorious obstacle course. You must not race from one end of the house to the other. You must not use the furniture when playing keep away.
9. I know that Labrador Retriever puppies love running in the rain. I do not! You will ask to go out in the rain only when you absolutely must. You will then do your business quickly so that I can get dry again.
10. All Labrador Retriever puppies in this house will like the people that I like, and behave properly around them. You will NEVER slobber all over people, even though you may love them.
Labrador Retriever Puppies' 10 Commandments From a Pet's Standpoint
If you are looking for the 10 commandments from a pet's standpoint, you will find them on several websites. The Dog Listener is a British site that lists them. Ontario Pet Rescue also lists them.
©2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart invites you to read more of her articles about Labrador Retriever puppies at http://www.lovablelabradors.com. Anna has posted additional information on that site about all ages of Labrador Retrievers. If you ever wondered where to find the best dog urine cleaner for puppy accidents, you’ll enjoy Anna’s article on the subject.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anna_Hart
Depending on the breed or size of dog you choose, your puppy may not reach adulthood from nine months to three years. Generally the bigger your dog will be as an adult, the longer they'll be a puppy. To compare, an 18 month-old Labrador Retriever is likely to have more energy and possibly a greater aptitude for trouble making than a Yorkshire Terrier of the same age.
Having the proper tools available prior to bringing your puppy home will be a great start to their life. This may include:
• Smaller Food and water bowls
• Break-away collar with a nametag
• A Cotton or nylon lead
• Petitie-sized Gumabones
• Plush toys or Latex, Rubber, and Vinyl Toys which may remind your puppy of their littermate(s), and Kong toys with holes to fill with treats to help stimulate their minds; especially while you are away
• A package of Tennis Balls or Air Dog bones
• A bag of our Cinna-Bone Biscuits
• Small treats such as Grillerz Soft Treats to use as a quick reward
• So Gentle Shampoo and a soft slicker brush
• Bitter Apple to spray on off-limits chewing areas such as the legs of furniture, shoes, or the many other items that little puppies may like to chew
• Nail Clippers. Getting your puppy used to grooming at a young age will make it far less difficult when they’re full grown
Several hints to give your dog a great leash on life…
