Learning About Cat Care And Training Learning About Cat Care And Training

Getting a new dog or puppy is a big decision and a commitment you don't want to take lightly. You are adopting the puppy and bringing it into your home so you don't want to make a rash decision that you later cannot fulfill because your puppy will rely upon you for everything they need to grow and develop. Here are some recommendations to help you prepare for a new silver lab puppy to join your family.

Be Mentally Prepared

There are some ideas you need to consider before making the final decision to adopt a silver lab puppy. Labrador puppies are intelligent and playful dogs that are going to require regular exercise every day and some mental stimulation of one-on-one play with you. Plan to take them for a walk each day and play with them using a dog toy rope or ball that they can chase and chew on with you. Be sure you can invest this important time in their training and development, as it will also help them learn your commands and obedience rules.

Get the Right Equipment

Your new puppy is going to need some items for their use and comfort. Get them a dog crate or kennel where they can sleep and also to help you as you house-train them. Be sure you get a kennel that is adjustable in size with, for example, a center panel you can install to make the interior space smaller when your lab is small. Then, as they grow larger, you can remove the panel so they have access to the full kennel's size. 

Dog food is an important element of your new puppy, but just be sure you choose a healthy dog food that will provide them with the right minerals and nutrients without excessive fillers. Ask your pet supply associate for a good puppy food recommendation and avoid cheap dog food that can harm their health. Also, look for food and water dishes that have a stable base and won't spill easily.

Your puppy will need several toys to play with and chew. Dog toy ropes, plush squeaky toys, rubber toys, and balls are all great options to keep your puppy entertained and avoid their getting bored with just one or two toys.

Prepare Your Home

You will also need to remove any items on and just above the floor that your puppy may get a hold of and chew, such as electrical cords, cleaning chemicals, shoes, hats, toys, and any other items that you don't want to be destroyed by their playing. Plan an outdoor area where you can house-train them and give them easy access to the outside, and plan to take them outside every two to three hours. Young puppies cannot hold their pee for much longer than that, and you want to help them successfully get their house training.