Do's and Don'ts for new lab puppies

[MySprockette]

Like others have said, if your kids are younger, they will need a little training too. When we brought Sprockette home as a puppy, my youngest was 2 1/2. I had to teach him not to yell and run when the puppy was ready to play. Also I had to teach him to leave her alone when she was napping. After those lessons were learned, it was easier for everyone!

[Woodrow_Woodchuck]

Lots of great advice on what to do.

I'll only add something that I have found to be great, after they grow up and 'mature'... As if that really happens in some cases!!!

Talk to her. A lot. Not in puppy talk or wishy washy stuff, but as a thinking being. I've used this for 3 black gals now and it is wonderful. Also, every word or command has a hand sign to go along with it, use them both!!! Example: If she is pestering me and I am doing something, I can just make a hand gesture, like I was hitch hiking, and she will go away and lie in a safe spot. I don't need to tell her to go lie down, she knows what the hand sign means.

For example: Every room has a name, every piece of furniture has a name, every person has a name, every toy has a name..... It pays HUGE dividends down the line. Repeat over and over and over and over and over.... 'Let's go in the living room, this is the living room.' This is the bedroom, let's go in the bedroom.' You will feel like a fool for the first two years, but after that, it is such a pleasure!

My current companion, a Spawn of Satan puppy for the first year and a half of her life, is now great at two and a half years old. People are always amazed that she actually understands what you tell her. I can have her go get a specific item and bring it to a specific person, that kind of thing. It is no parlor or magic trick, there is no slight of hand! It does take a lot of time, a LOT of time. Just remember that everything you invest in her first two or so years, will pay dividends for the rest of her all to short time with you. YOU will be happy because she is obedient and does what is expected. SHE will be happy because she is doing what makes you happy!!!