Expecting a new baby in the family... a baby dog? Then what better idea than to pick your little lovely from a litter of brand new labrador puppies?
Yellow, brown, black, it's a matter of taste, but the secret is not to choose the puppy you fancy, but to let the puppy choose you, then the partnership should work out just fine. Give him a name straight away, because it will helps identify him right from the start... make the choice more personal.
After eight weeks with his mother, your bundle of delicious fur should be ready for adoption. But wait a minute...
Preparing for the new arrival
Just as preparing for a human baby involves several shopping trips for those important little essentials, so does preparation for a puppy. He will need a long list of items to make him feel at home and get him ready for life in the great outdoors.
Top of the list should be a collar, preferably adjustable so that he can grow into it. Then a lead. The retractable variety gives better control, so is more suitable for training.
He'll need some form of identity on his name tag... the family telephone number is suggested rather than his name. Why? Because once he's out and about you don't want undesirables calling him by name and luring him away.
Food and water bowls should be another early purchase. And a wipe-clean mat reserved just for him.
What to put in the food bowl? Whatever he's used to. Rather than risk problems with what may initially be a delicate digestive tract, just stick to what he knows and likes. His diet can be adjusted later, if he fancies something more exciting.
A grooming brush is another essential. And some shampoo for his bath.
Hot water bottle?
And so to bed.
He'll be missing his mother, may be cold and shivery, so will appreciate a blanket, a pillow and a nice soft toy to cuddle up to. Some people like to put a hot water bottle in their new puppy's bed (well padded to avoid scalding him) and a ticking clock to fool him into thinking he's still with his mother. The thing not to do, say the experts if he cries on that first night is feel sorry for him and take him into your own bed. Because he'll be there for life.
Stocking up the toy box
Puppies are full of energy, very playful and grow up much quicker than their human counterparts. They're ready for fun almost from the start. So don't overlook playtime because it's every bit as important as his walk.
Ideally, the puppy's toy box should contain a ball or two, a tug-of-war rope, some rubbery bones and a nice sturdy Kong to keep his mind occupied. A selection like this should prevent his sharp little teeth sinking themselves into shoes and furniture.
And speaking of little teeth... they do need to be kept clean. It's wise to have a stock of dental chews on standby. Puppies love them and they're a much easier option than struggling with toothbrush and toothpaste.
Importance of regular health checks
Regular visits to the vet are vital.
After an initial visit for his basic health check, vaccination and installation of ident-chip, the growing puppy will need to return on a regular basis to keep up to date with the needles and to check that all is well. Frequent worming and de-fleaing are also advisable.
Jeff Canaan is a freelance writer and blogger who writes extensively about dogs. He has contributed to the website About Your Dog and is a big fan of Labrador puppies!
