Chuck Breslin's Four Paws Kennel

BREEDER'S RESPONSIBILITY: The breeder is responsible to provide you with a healthy puppy. If a pup is not healthy or if there is a serious genetic problem, a responsible breeder will replace the puppy, refund the purchase price or make other reasonable arrangements satisfactory to the purchaser. Pups should have their Dewclaws removed. The breeder must provide you with an AKC Dog Registration application that is properly completed, and may provide you with a pedigree. The breeder must provide a written "Bill of Sale" and a vaccination and worming schedule or record. Your breeder breeds for certain qualities: (great disposition, health and soundness) but cannot provide genetically perfect dogs because there are none.

OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITY: Now that you have picked your puppy, the pup deserves to have quality care. The pup should get plenty of exercise but should not be allowed to run (jog with the owner) on concrete or asphalt. Pup should not jump out of your car or pick-up truck, or run up and down stairs. These activities will likely cause damage to the pup's elbows, shoulders, hocks or hips. Avoid any activity that may stress soft bones, muscles and ligaments.

PUPPY'S ENVIRONMENT: The owner must control the puppy's environment. A puppy should not be let out at a highway rest stop, which may be contaminated. The last dog there may have carried Parvo, Distemper or other very contagious and deadly diseases. The puppy should not be allowed to run in places frequented by dogs that may be sick or not vaccinated. Preferably the puppy should be on a leash or otherwise restrained when in public areas.

PUPPY'S FOOD and CARE: A puppy requires food and fresh water. A good quality "large breed puppy" kibble is appropriate for the first six months to a year, then a good quality adult kibble is preferred. A good quality kibble is the most economical and also the most completely balanced diet. Consider moistening the kibble with water until the puppy gets its permanent teeth (at about 5 months) since they cannot properly chew kibble with their baby teeth. It is not necessary to supplement the puppy's diet with vitamins or minerals. The addition of calcium and/or Vitamin D can cause bone and growth problems in a rapidly growing puppy. While the puppy may occasionally enjoy some canned food, cottage cheese or plain yogurt on its kibble, it is not desirable to feed table scraps. A fat lab is an unhealthy lab; overweight leads to many health and skeletal problems.

BRUSHING AND BATHING: Your puppy will love being brushed frequently with a shedding rake to remove loose hair and this will help keep shedding to a minimum. Frequent bathing will diminish the lab's ability to withstand cold water and frosty weather and may lead to skin problems. Bathe only when necessary.

VETERINARY CARE: A physical examination should be performed by a Veterinarian soon after you take your puppy home. The Veterinarian will suggest appropriate vaccinations, worming, heartworm protection and other procedures depending on local conditions.

TRAINING: A puppy needs to know what it can and can't do. Without training, the cutest, best-bred, most trainable puppy will be a messy unmanageable terror. Start consistent, regular training the day you bring your puppy home. Treats can help in the training process. Puppies chew things. Provide safe chew toys to keep the puppy occupied. I play retrieve with a paint roller or tennis ball, but do not leave either for the puppy to chew between play-retrieving sessions.

JUMPING UP on people is undesirable and needs to be one of the first things addressed. Teach the puppy not to jump with a little shake by the loose skin on the back of the puppy's neck and a loud "NO". The puppy will usually sit and it should then be praised and possibly given a treat. All training should be positive using praise and occasional treats.

HOUSE TRAINING: If your puppy is going to spend time in the house, teach it to go to the door and go outside to potty. Decide where you want the puppy to potty, and always use the same spot during early training. Decide your command and use it every time. Choose a word easy for your whole family to remember such as "potty". I use the word "business". A puppy will usually eliminate after every meal, or after drinking a lot of water. After the puppy eats, carry the puppy to it's spot and give your command. Praise the puppy for success. House training is easier with the use of a small crate. Teach the pup to enter the crate using a treat. The puppy will learn to love the crate since the dog is by nature a den animal. Never use the crate for punishment. A puppy is naturally clean and does not want to live in its mess. When the puppy wakes up at night and cries, carry the puppy outside to the toilet spot, give the command, and praise the puppy's success.

SOCIALIZATION: Going to a new home can be a traumatic experience for the puppy and the puppy will usually bond with the first kind person it meets. If possible, the puppy should ride home in the lap of the principal caregiver and trainer. The next best way is for the puppy to go home in a box or dog crate with an unwashed sweatshirt or bath towel of the principal caregiver or trainer. I often carry a new puppy inside my jacket because this facilitates strong bonding.

AVOID AGGRESSION: Never allow your puppy to growl while feeding. Discourage aggression to people or other dogs. Labs are loving dogs by nature. If they become aggressive it is usually a result of poor breeding, failure to properly socialize the puppy, lack of training or abuse.

INFANTS: No dog should ever be left alone with an infant or small child under any circumstances. Dogs were predators for millions of years before humans domesticated them. Also, the quick movements of small children may stimulate a play or prey response.

SPAY OR NEUTER a dog that is not going to be part of a breeding program or be campaigned in Licensed AKC Shows or Field Trials. The rules of these events disqualify altered dogs. Male Labs do not get the full breadth of their head or depth of chest until they are about 2 1/2 years old. The female will normally come into season twice a year for about 21 days each time.

NAMING YOUR PUPPY: Come up with a unique name. You can have a family "name the puppy" contest. Some suggestions to include in your puppy's "registered" name are: (1) the kennel name. (2) your name, (3) the call name of the sire or dam.

POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION: Your lab should be positively identified with a microchip or tattoo. Positive identification is required for OFA certification.

I am not a Veterinarian. This information is from my experience with Labrador Retrievers.