I have many owners who want the scoop on products I use, and helpful things to know for before you bring your puppy home! If you want more info on these topics, this page is all for you!
Let’s start with products I use, and recommend you consider as well:
-A small crate (mine is 17X23, however does not have to be that exact size. Just gives you an idea.). I typically buy them from Tractor Supply, however any pet store would carry kennels. Your puppy will be probably 5-6 months old before your pup grows out of this size, at that point if you feel your puppy still needs to be kenneled, you could get a bigger size. However, sometimes people may not need one anymore. Depends how much you need/want to use it.
-Furminator shampoo
-Rubber scrub brush
-Furminator brush
(Those 3 products will help control shedding)
-We use alpha dog supplements. Feel free to browse their website. I use code “MULE15” for 15% off. I love their supplements, and also feel it helps control shedding. The key to keeping shedding under control is feeding a high quality food, and keeping the skin healthy via supplements. You will be sent home with a free sample of Opitpup, I would highly recommend continuing this.
-Some dogs need a slow feeder bowl. Labs are always hungry and will sometimes scarf their food down. As long as their stools look good and they don’t vomit after eating, it’s generally okay, but overall it is better for their digestion to eat slower. The slow feeder bowls help with that.
-All the fun toys!! However, I only buy rubber chew proof toys. Absolutely nothing with stuffing or rope. I don’t buy them, because we have personally had a dog who had to have emergency surgery from swallowing stuffing. I would also only leave 1 safe toy in his cage. I like all the Kong toys, antlers, and Benebones.
-Nail clippers (some dogs don’t actually need their nails clipped, if they wear it down enough). I would also recommend watching videos and reading articles on how to do it, so you don’t cut their quick. Sometimes it’s easier to get them cut everytime you go to the vet.
-I also use a gravity water bowl. Just make sure to clean it ever so often. Little pro tip, if possible… I don’t usually allow my dogs to drink water inside. I keep it either on the back porch, garage, etc, bc they always make such a mess with that. We are in and out all day, so that works for us. Everyone has different set ups, so whatever works best for your situation.
-I recommend working closely with a reputable trainer. Sometimes that includes sending your dog off for a short period to be able to get the most benefit of training. A well trained, obedient dog will make your dog experience as a pet owner SO much better. I do not claim to be a trainer, but I have many years of experience, and am always happy to share what I know.
-I use Gunner Kennels. They are the best on the market.
-I use Garmin Sport PRO training E collar. I believe in using it as a tool for training. It also has vibrate and my older dogs are trained with the vibrate. It will last his entire life, and it is a great tool to have in your pocket.
-I will send you home with a slip lead, and a collar. They are both biothane material, which keeps stink out compared to the fabric collars. They are also very easy to clean if dirt gets on it. Made by Reign Outdoors. I do not recommend harnesses or retractable leashes. I like the slip leads bc I can train the dog to not pull the leash with those.
Let’s go over some at home training tips!
-The biggest concern I get when I have puppies leave, is “will my puppy pee and poop in the house?”. The short answer is, with proper training and setting your puppy up for success… your puppy shouldn’t! That being said, your puppy is still a PUPPY. I cannot guarantee that your puppy will not have a single accident. I have set your puppy up for successful potty training here, and once the puppy leaves my care it will be your responsibility to continue to do the same!
-I recommend letting your puppy out every 2 hours throughout the day.
-Put your puppy in the crate during his/her nap times to get them comfortable in it.
-Feed half the meal in the crate, and use the other half for training.
-Don’t feed your puppy’s dinner extremely late. Give him/her PLENTY of time to use the bathroom before bed.
-Start limiting water a couple hours before bed.
-Keeping your puppy in a crate for short periods of time throughout the day will essentially help strengthen those bladder muscles. It also creates a positive environment for your puppy to be in.
-I recommend feeding about 3/4 cup 3-4 times a day for the first little bit. Then transition to 3 meals a day. And then after a few weeks transition to about a cup in the morning and a cup in the evening.
-Please be careful about not over feeding. It is normal behavior for labs to act like they are hungry, when indeed they are typically fine! Over feeding will cause weight issues, which is detrimental to their life longevity, and causes issues with their growth. A general rule of thumb for your dog after he/she is 6 plus months old… is to be able to see their last rib or two and to maintain a lean body shape. Making sure they are getting plenty of exercise daily, will also help with proper muscle growth and helping make sure they are keeping proper weight!
A regular puppy schedule will look something like:
6am:wake up, go straight to the potty, put back in crate, feed half the meal, use other half for a few minutes of training time. Working on sit, down, stay, place, name recognition, recall, and heel.
7am-12pm:this will include lots of playtime, multiple nap times, and frequent potty breaks.
12pm: lunchtime in crate (try to incorporate a training session), and then 30 minutes later try for a potty break.
12:30pm-5, maybe 6pm: this will include lots of playtime, multiple nap times, and frequent potty breaks.
5pm-6pm: dinner time in crate and incorporating a training session with half of food, and then 30 minutes later try for a potty break.
6pm-8pm: playtime and incorporating a potty break
8pm:put in crate for bedtime
10pm: let out one final time to go potty. There’s no playing, strictly business, and back to crate.
2am-3am:expect to let puppy out to go potty once overnight for the first few weeks. You should eventually transition to puppy being able to hold bladder all night long.