Retriever Puppies

The saying ‘train them while they’re young’ not only applies to kids but to Labrador Retriever puppies as well.

But, first you have to take an important step, that is to pick out the right puppy for you and your family. It's important to understand the breed you're interested in. We have some resources here that will help you decide if the Labrador Retriever Dog is the right breed for you and, regardless of the breed you choose, give you some tips to help you get your puppy from a reputable breeder.

Having decided to purchase a Labrador Retriever puppy, you should try to find the best representative available to you. Many sources recommend purebred Labrador Retriever puppies, but finding the best source takes time and study.

Acquiring a puppy is a commitment that cannot be taken lightly. Hopefully by choosing the right puppy, you will be taking on a responsibility that will result in a healthy, well-adjusted dog that will give you joy and happiness for many years to come.

Puppies in pet stores are mostly from puppy mills or the occasional backyard breeder who's main objective is producing puppies for profit. Please be careful here as health problems may be common as the "for-profit" breeder does not select the best possible bloodlines that will be compatible for good health, longevity and good temperament.

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What Should You Look for in a Puppy?

What should you look for in a Labrador Retriever puppy? This is a bit of a tricky question.

First, you should agree if you want a male or female puppy. Labrador Retriever males and females are alike in many respects but there are distinct differences between the sexes that you should be aware of. Labradors are relatively large, with males typically weighing 29 to 41 kg (64 to 90 lb) and females 25 to 32 kg (55 to 71 lb). The majority of the characteristics of this breed, with the exception of colour, are the result of breeding to produce a working retriever.

 Secondary sex characteristics should be pronounced for males and females, e.g. a male looks like a male with pronounced masculinity and a female should look feminine with more delicate features. Females will also have a season twice a year. If you choose a female and do not wish to have puppies, then it is recommended that she be spayed. The differences in the sexes in puppies is not as prominent as in the adult dogs.

Colors

Labrador Retrievers are registered in three colours: black (a solid black colour), yellow (anything from the colour that some breeders sell as white or cream to "fox-red"), and chocolate (medium to dark brown).

Occasionally Labradors will exhibit small amounts of white on their chest, paws or tail, and rarely a purebred Lab will exhibit brindling (stripes) or tan points similar to a Rottweiler. These markings are a disqualification for show dogs but do not have any bearing on the dog's temperament or ability to be a good working or pet dog. Puppies of all colours can potentially occur in the same litter.

Variations in numerous other genes control the subtler details of the coat's colouration, which in yellow Labradors varies from white to light gold to a fox red. Chocolate and black Labradors' noses will match the coat colour.

Temperament 

Labradors have a reputation as a very even-tempered breed and an excellent family dog. This includes a good reputation with children of all ages and other animals. Some lines, particularly those that have continued to be bred specifically for their skills at working in the field (rather than for their appearance), are particularly fast and athletic. Their fun-loving boisterousness and lack of fear may require training and firm handling at times to ensure it does not get out of hand—an uncontrolled adult can be quite problematic.

Females may be slightly more independent than males. Labradors mature at around three years of age; before this time they can have a significant degree of puppy-like energy, often mislabelled as being hyperactive.

Use as working dogs 

Labradors are an intelligent breed with a good work ethic and generally good temperaments (breed statistics show that 92.3% of Labradors who were tested passed the American Temperament Test.) Common working roles for Labradors include: hunting, tracking and detection (they have a great sense of smell which helps when working in these areas), disabled-assistance, carting, and therapy work.

The breed is used in water rescue/lifesaving. It continues in that role today, along with the Leonberger, Newfoundland and Golden Retriever dogs; they are used at the Italian School of Canine Lifeguard.

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Introducing a New Puppy or Dog to your Household

Introducing a new Labrador Retriever puppy or dog to your household is like bringing a new kid to your home. Both parties will have to go through some big and important change.

Anyway, whether you choose to get a puppy from a responsible breeder or adopt a Labrador Retriever dog from a rescue group, the first two weeks for you and your new dog are a significant period of adjustment. If your dog had a previous owner, this time could be particularly stressful for him or her.

Here are some tips for a smoother transition for new dog owners.

• Bring together kids and other pets separately. It may be too overwhelming if you present your new Labrador Retriever dog to your home, children and other pets all at once.

• Look at the diet. To avoid stomach upset, keep him on the same food his previous caretaker was using and slowly transition him to the food you want to use. If you can’t get the same food, mix rice into his new food for the first few days.

• Keep a close eye on him or her. Do not be surprised if there are accidents. Housebroken dogs can still have mishaps in a new home due to stress and confusion. Help them learn where to go by taking them outside often and watching them when they are inside to avoid accidents or other unwanted behaviors.

• Permanently identify your Labrador Retriever dog with a microchip. If your dog came with a microchip, you must apprise the owner information with the microchip registry. It will take time for the new dog to distinguish his new surroundings as his home and you as his new best friend. If he gets loose during this vital time, capture may be very difficult.

• Enroll in Labrador Retriever training classes and have fun! After about two weeks, your new dog’s personality will really start to sparkle and it’s a good time to start experiencing new activities that you and your dog can take pleasure together. Training classes are helpful and useful not only for teaching dogs basic manners and problem solving, but they will teach you how to communicate with your dog and help you bond.

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