Common Questions
When can my new puppy come home?
If the puppy is being picked up then we allow them to go at 7 weeks but
if being shipped they must be 8 weeks.
What do I bring with me when picking the puppy up?
You can bring a crate when traveling alone or if someone can hold him on their lap that works better for
their trip home. Bring a towel, a chew toy, a plastic bag, paper towels and some wet wipes or cleaning spray.
It is very rare they have an accident but better safe than sorry.
What needs to be done to ship my puppy?
A health certificate for shipping is required from the vet and a crate has to be purchased.
How do I introduce my puppy to my current dog?
It is best to introduce them outside in the yard or a neutral place for the first meeting
and then bring them inside after a few minutes.
What type and size crate do I need?
I prefer the plastic airlines crates because they are easier to clean. A Large crate works
fine for most adult Labradors and you can use a cardboard box to take up the extra space until the puppy grows.
Where do I put the crate?
In a quiet dimly lit place near the door but away from drafts.
Do I need to get up during the night with my puppy?
Normally young puppies will need to go out in the middle of the night and they let you know.
If they ask to go out it is best to take them. If they sleep through the night with no
accidents that is super.
When does my puppy need to go to the vet after I pick it up at 7 weeks?
The next vet appointment should be at 9 weeks.
Will you give me any paperwork to give to the vet?
Yes, I will provide you with their vaccination and deworming schedule.
What size collar does a 7 week old puppy need?
Lab puppies usually take an adjustble 7"-10" collar to start out.
When do puppies start teething?
They begin at around 4 months and are done by around 7 months.
How often do I feed my puppy.
Young puppies need to be fed three times a day and offered water 5-7 times a day.
Never offer free choice food or water.
How much do you feed a puppy?
Bag directions do not work and so only use them as a guide line.
If they need a bit more or less adjust it as you see fit.
When do I put my puppy on adult food?
Once our puppies are past 6 weeks they are already on adult Kirkland food. Labrador puppies do
not benefit from the extra fat and protein in puppy food.
Where do you get Kirkland food?
From Costco.
What is your next choice in food if we can not get Kirkland?
Iams or Diamond would be our next choice for dog foods.
How do I switch food?
Gradually over a three day period ad more of the new food to the old food until
the puppy is on the new food completly.
What treats are OK for my puppy?
Biscuits or any bagged treat is just fine as long as you do not give too many in a day.
Do I need to give my puppy dental chews?
I do not think so. Most of them are very messy and I find rawhides to be just as useful. If your
dog likes them and you only give them on occasion they are fine.
What is the key to house training a puppy?
Having eyes on them at all times, catch them in the act and take them out, always use the same door,
and if you are unable to watch him put him in the crate but only for short times unless it is nap time or
night time and never as punishment.
How often does a Lab need a bath?
Puppies should be bathed at least once every other week for experience only. Once they are over 8 months
Labs do not need to be bathed unless they have gotten into something. If they have a bad smell it could
be a sign something else is going on.
How do I make my dog smell good witout bathing?
A show trick is to mix 1/3 listerine with 2/3 water in a spray bottle. Mist them generously
and then wipe them with a towel. This is very helpful after swimming in lakes, ponds or nasty water
and helps prevent hot spots or nasty skin infections.
Should I brush my dogs teeth?
It is an excellent idea. Healthy gums and teeth lead to a longer life for many reasons.
How old should my puppy be when I get him neutered and her spay?
I would suggest that they be between 7-9 months.
Does neutering or spaying change the look or personality of the dog?
Not at all if done before full sexual maturity and marking. They may want to roam less often, but any dog left
alone and allowed to roam will do so. Labradors males from my line are not aggressive even if left intact.
Having them altered will not make they more laid back, easier to train, lazy or fat.
What if I decide I want to breed my dog later?
Al of our puppies are placed on a limited/non-breeding registration unless you are an already established
breeder that participates in an activity that shows you are attempting to better the breed. Individuals that
are willing to enter into a mentorship agreement with me under certain conditions and are interested
in becoming valued breeders will be considered under an initial co-ownershio agreeement.
What is a limited registration exactly?
You dog is able to be registered by AKC but any puppies produced by that dog are not able to be registered.
Why do people use a limited registration?
To control their line and reduce unethical breedings.
|
|
Did you know that Bella, owned by a couple in
the UK, was 29 years old when she died in September of 2008? Other Labs that have lived extra long
lives
are Bramble, who lived until he was 27 years old, and Scoop who is still alive and now 24 years!
|
|
