Labrador puppy coming home tomorrow, any advice?

[VictoriaLéponge]

We will be bringing home our Lab pup tomorrow morning. He is 8 weeks old. Think we’ve got everything and we’re as prepared as we can be but any last minute tips or pearls of wisdom? My husband has had dogs before but it’s my first time.

Start as you mean to go on. As much as a lab puppy is seriously cute, if you don't want an adult lab going upstairs, sleeping on beds or sofas don't allow the puppy to do it. Consistency is also key. Practice walking nicely on a lead, not a harness (do not understand the fascination with harnesses, they have their use for a dog that will not heel despite training, but everyother dog seems to be wearing one these days). Recall, under any circumstances is also a life saver.
My lab (5th one) is coming upto 15months, the hard work with initial training is really paying off as proved when he came face to face with a deer in the hedge, the deer bolted, he recalled perfectly.

Cancel everything so you can stay home and gaze adoringly at the puppy.

@Cockermummy88 He’s a golden colour and his name is Otto.

@PretzelKnot he is gorgeous!

I preemptively bought the pet hair attachment tool for my shark @SorrowsPrayers

Awww how lovely! I remember when we bought our lab pup home, we were utterly besotted.

One thing I do remember (was a long time ago now) was how very very chewy labs are. The chewing continued right up until he was around 18 months. Make sure you are clear straight away on what he can and can't have (no slippers, shoes etc) and make sure you always have plenty of chew things like antlers etc.

Oh and another thing, they are food obsessed which makes training very easy but means the days of leaving food out on the side, table, couch, floor etc are over.

Have a wonderful time, they really are the most adorable family pets.

Make sure you sniff his paws, they really do smell gorgeous.❤️❤️You can pretend you’re getting him used to having his paws handled.

The absolute best breed of dog! Don't overwalk them in the first year of life otherwise they'll end up with joint problems in later life. Five minutes per month of age per day eg at six months -
30 mins walk - despite how bouncy and energetic they may seem.

Good luck!

She recommends the first 2 nights in a box next to your bed whilst pup adjusts to a new house, then downstairs after that. Just in case you can't get the book in time

@samenamebutdifferent thank you. Have ordered it and it is arriving Friday.

Otto is here and he is making himself at home.

Oh my god ! That second photo he's so proud of himself !!! So very cute - mine is a year old now and just the best but best of luck !

THE HAIR 😫

Ours was diagnosed with elbow dysplasia at about 6 months and vet said to operate - so glad we got a second opinion, as it calmed down and he's fine now. We give him YuMove. He runs 5-10km every day with me.

Here's my 5 year old resting his head on my sausage dog

Make sure your sense of humour is intact.

More seriously, he's completely adorable. Biggest advice is to keep him from becoming overweight (he will try) - it's the biggest contributor to joint issues as they age.

Good one @Flat04 - best to keep them at "Working farm dog" weight

Oh Otto! He's going to be an absolute pest for a few weeks, and then the absolute best thing you ever did for years!

He is lush! So adorable.

I'm getting broody. He's adorable 🥰

Remember, in the dark days, that it will all be worth it! 😂

He is gorgeous. They are so full of character - while being clowns 😂

Omg, he's so adorable!

Thanks to all for the advice, btw. I'm hoping to get a lab puppy myself this year, and your replies have been helpful to me too :)

He's a beauty! Makes me broody for another puppy!

Yes, echoing this, thank you all for the advice and voices of experience.

Labs are lovely dogs, but they are obsessed with food and are notorious among vets for eating things they shouldn’t. My friend, who is a very experienced small animal vet, has removed all manner of things from Labradors’ stomachs & intestines. Balls, toys, stones, socks, underwear, bones, whole bars or boxes of chocolate, full packets of biscuits, wrappers & all. You name it. Anything & everything that will fit in their mouths.
This food obsession often leads to obesity in adult life which causes problems with their joints. A lean, fit Lab is a healthy Lab.

Also, and this is going to sound like I’m being a complete killjoy, bear in mind that your adorably cute & cuddly puppy will very quickly grow into a large, boisterous 30kg+ adult dog. The younger you start putting clear, firm, consistent boundaries in place about jumping up at people, climbing onto furniture or your lap, nipping, stealing food, walking politely on the lead, etc etc the fewer problems you will have with these behaviours later.

Good luck!

Get some brain training type toys - to tire him out when he can't go for long walks. Things like Kongs he has to work to get the food out. I freeze our Labs kongs now hes older - keeps him busy and not being destructive! Puzzle games you can buy online, or look up training games.

When ours was wee, he would nip more when tired, but wouldn't stop and rest unless we put him in his crate. Severe FOMO! As soon as he was in, he would conk out, and wake up a much more pleasant dog!

Enjoy :-)