About a year after I purchased my dog, I realized that he was really struggling with his health. He just wasn't his lively self, and I was concerned that he was slowly dying. I decided to take him to a veterinarian to have his condition diagnosed, and we were able to learn a lot about his health. Within a few short months, he was on the road to recovery, and I was really grateful that I had done the work to make things better. This blog is all about understanding pet problems and knowing when to seek professional veterinary help.
Labrador retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States for a good reason. They a
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Labrador retrievers are a very common breed in the U.S. They are known for their friendly demeanors and f
Labrador retrievers are a very common breed in the U.S. They are known for their friendly demeanors and family-oriented personalities. They tend to be healthy, vibrant dogs with long lifespans. And they are absolutely adorable -- especially as puppies. Bringing home a Labrador retriever pup may be one of the most exciting things you've done in a while, but it is also a big responsibility. Here are some important questions to ask yourself before you bring home a lab pup.
Is your home chew-proof?
Labrador retriever puppies like to chew -- possibly more than most breeds of pups. Especially when they are teething, they tend to grab anything and everything close to them and start gnawing away at it. You need to make sure your home is set up for this before bringing your lab puppy home. Consider setting up some baby gates to keep the puppy out of areas where chewable things, like shoes, are located. If you have items on lower shelves, put them away in an upper cabinet until your puppy is older. And consider buying a bottle of no-chew spray in case your lab pup decides to chew on the sofa, carpet, or anything else immovable.
Do you have time for puppy classes?
Labs get big quickly, so it is important that they receive good training early on when they are still small and easy to handle. Attending puppy classes is a good way to ensure their training is solid, and it also gives them a chance to socialize with other dogs when they are young. Look for puppy classes in your area, and make sure you have time in your schedule to attend them regularly. If you're too busy for puppy classes right now, you may want to put off getting a lab pup until you have a bit more free time.
Do you have a place for your dog to get exercise?
Lab pups need lots of exercise — and not just when they are young. Make sure you have a place for them to run and play, whether that is a fenced-in yard, a nearby dog park, or a neighbor's property. Introducing your dog to the outdoors and outdoor exercise while they are a pup will help keep their energy level more manageable so they are easier to train. Playing with sticks and romping in the grass is simply the Labrador way.
If you have these bases covered, you're likely ready to bring home your labrador retriever puppy.
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