Getting A Labrador Puppy – Advice Tips and Information

Some great articles, tips and advice for anyone thinking of getting a Labrador puppyIf you are thinking about getting a Labrador puppy we have some great articles, tips and advice for you

The most important advice we can offer is to take your time and read as much information as you can, before visiting any puppies.

There is potential for disaster if you take a wrong turn with this important choice.

And potential for many wonderful years of pleasure and fun if you get this decision right.

Check out the following links for handy guides to getting a Labrador puppy.

Thinking Of Buying A Labrador Puppy

Choosing The Right Labrador Puppy

Taking care with choosing your puppy will greatly improve your chances of a healthy, friendly, confident and happy pet.

More information

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The Labrador Handbook has plenty of information on how to go about getting your first Labrador puppy, or adopting an older dog.

It also looks at how to match your family with the right type of Labrador and supports you as you care for and train your new friend

If you’d like all of our Labrador information together in one place, then get your copy of The Labrador Handbook today.

The Labrador Handbook is available worldwide – including as an ebook.

 

42 COMMENTS

    • Well you can always name them after a First Lady. I have done that with all of my dogs and it’s cute and has a story behind the name

    • Hi Lisa! To find a good breeder in your area, we would recommend searching for reviews and suggestions from others online. Look up breeders you are interested in, and make sure they are AKC registered puppies. There are several tips online on the AKC website and Humane Society Website that detail how to find a responsible breeder. Good Luck! We hope you find the right dog for your son!

    • I live in Chambersburg PA it’s hard to find a good Lab around here just puppy mills. I would like a black male but don’t know how to find a good breed. Help me if you can.

  1. I have a 4 weeks Labrador puppy.
    I have some questions.
    Is it okay if I grow him on my terrace (will harsh climate affect him?)
    Any soln for this smell on his body?
    How much bathing, combing needed?
    How to clean his ears n cut his nails?
    Is it okay to stay him outside my house?(all the day)
    Now I’m giving a highly nutritious food for beginners. So how often should be feeded?
    Anything other than just this food and milk?
    How to train pissing ?(pissing on outside rather than inside)
    What are the Sick symptoms??
    How much exercise needed at this age??

    • Reading this scares me for your puppy. From the sounds of it you should not have adopted this puppy. You have done no research and don’t even know the basics anyone should know before adopting. Get serious help fast.

    • 1. i may be only 11 years old but i did some research and you should only bath it 1 or twice a year unless it is really dirty. 2. The climate will not affect him. 3. clean his ears 1 a week and clip his nails once a month. 4. Please dont keep your puppy outside all day they dont need that much exersise and consider some pee pads. 5. 2 times a day 6. nope just food but may change it to water 7. Use lots of time and some treats/ training. 8. go to a vet if your dog is sick 9. bush 1 a week

  2. Anyone plze help me …I have a puppy .but how to identify it is labrador puppy…it is of pure black colour with pointed teeth and with pointed nails…so help me with a quick reply plz

  3. Anyone plze help me …I have a puppy .but how to identify it is labrador puppy…it is of pure black colour with pointed teeth and with pointed nails…so help me with a quick reply

  4. Sir,
    I would like to bring a Labrador female puppy (Mother & Father are show quality and good blood line) to my family from my friend. The lab was three month old. So I am having the confusion that whether the puppy will suit to our family or not. Also I am having a kid of two and half years old. Hence I am in dilemma Whether lab create any problem to my kid and family members……
    So please guide me whether I can adopt the lab or not….
    Regards,
    Dhamu

  5. Hi Friends….
    Good Day!
    I am from Mumbai (India) & planing to bring one Labrador puppy in my family as a family member.
    I have some doubts of the breeders.
    1. I have asked one breeder for KCI (Kennel Club of India) certified lab. He told me that the they have already registered the puppy with KCI and the certificates will received only after 3 to 4 months.
    2. One breeder told me that they will give me 100% original bred but without certificates.
    3. The other breeder is not ready for any guarantee or contracts of puppy after sale. But he is giving only registration certificate of puppy.
    Please advise me to take the correct decision in this & please provide me some contacts of KCI certified breeders, where i can get original Labrador with all certifications in Mumbai.
    With best regards,
    Naresh Surve
    Mumbai.

  6. Hi Friends….
    Good Day!
    I am from Mumbai (India) & planing to get our first family dog, and have always wanted a Labrador boy. My first intention is that pure breed of lab pup.
    I have spoken with few KCI people in this regards, but their responses are very different & puts me in confusion.
    I have some doubts of the breeders.
    1. I have asked one breeder for KCI (Kennel Club of India) certified lab. He told me that the they have already registered the puppy with KCI and the certificates will received only after 3 to 4 months.
    2. One breeder told me that they will give me 100% original bred but without certificates.
    3. The other breeder is not ready for any guarantee or contracts of puppy after sale. But he is giving only registration certificate of puppy.
    Please advise me to take the correct decision in this & please provide me some contacts of KCI certified breeders, where i can get original Labrador with all certifications in Mumbai.
    With best regards,
    Naresh Surve
    Mumbai.

  7. In around 8 and a half months, if I keep up on my chores, school, etc. I will be getting a Labrador puppy. I wanted to know if you know of any places in Michigan (or Upper Ohio), that breeds healthy, playful Chocolate Labrador Retriever puppies. If not, that’s ok. I just thought I’d ask. =)

  8. Looking for advice, my sons are 2 and 4, unfortunately my youngest has several medical issues one of which is developmental delay, and is being assessed for autism. I have heard dogs can be a great help in bringing children out of their shells. We have always had dogs in the family, but not in our house since the boys came along.
    guess I’m just looking for your thoughts on this.

    • Kenneth, I think having a dog for your sons is a fantastic idea and I am sure it will be helpful and a lot of fun! however if you are getting a puppy be careful as they can be very bouncy. Good luck!

  9. i have a 5 year old black lab dog and have just lost our 12 year old lab. we have got a new pup (8 week black lab) but my 5 year old is refusing to go near it and has even had a go of biting pup…i,m worryed sick as he has always been a good natured dog…any advice?

    • I have two Basset Hound dogs, from the same parents. The oldest one, Lucy Lu, is from the first litter, and the younger of the two, Daisy Mae, is from the third. Lucy can be quite hostile towards Daisy, because she’s jealous. She knows clearly that the spotlight is no longer on her, since Daisy needs love and training as well. I think it’s normal. Just make sure you supervise them well, and hopefully your dog will accept the puppy as a member of the pack. =)

  10. Hello! I wish to buy a lab puppy. Can I get some guidelines before buying a healthy puppy? Also how will I determine if the puppy is a good breed and will look the best when grown up?

  11. hi,

    I adopted one Labrador who is 35 days old however in next 10 hours I found he got so ill (vomiting and loose motion),I was so scared . and returned dog to breeder as per doctor he has some infection . I m feeling so sad. please advice what happened with my pup or I choose wrong pup.

  12. Hi all,

    We are looking at getting our first family pet. Wanting one from a pup that can grow and experience family life with us. I don’t want to rush into this and make a wrong decision for us or the dog. We have a friend who has just had a litter born yesterday so would be ready in 8 weeks. We were looking at a yellow/golden male lab. Looking for a a it of advice to see of this breed and sex would suit us.

    A little back ground:

    Myself and my husband live in a relatively big house with a all paved medium back garden. We have plenty of fields etc around us. I’m a housewife with a 3 year old little girl and 2 year old little boy.We do like to get out the house everyday some just walks to park etc so pup could come with us. Some days we go swimming,cinema, play gyms,lunch out etc so pup wouldn’t be able to come along on these occasions. Would this be fair to pup once he was used to our home and us to be left for a period of time and what amount of time is ok? Would a female or male be better for our lifestyle and boisterous wise with our little ones. Is a lab the best breed to get with smaller younger children. Or should we wait to get a pup once out children are slightly older. Any advice from lab owners with families etc would be greatly appreciated.

  13. hi we got a lab puppy 5 weeks ago when it was 8 weeks old as our lab past away at 14 but our new dog only wants to play bite we have lots off marks all over our arms and legs we are with her all the time as we are retired and she gets lots off walks has lots off toys we had to get her a large cage for her time out how do we stop her biting as it hurts a lot with her sharp teeth and we are strest out

  14. Hi Pippa,

    I am eagerly awaiting your book. In the meanwhile, we are buying one of the male pups from this litter. What do you think? We have bought the crate and I have read almost everything on the site about puppies. Any words of advice? We are excited 🙂

    • Hi Padmini, I hope you enjoy the book 🙂 I don’t comment on individual litters or dogs, but please do make sure that the puppy’s parents have BOTH been health tested. They should at very least have hips scores below average, 0 elbows, and current clear eye certificates. More information here: Health screening for Labradors Good luck with your puppy

  15. I have a 12 month black lab who is lovely and very well behaved. We want to get another dog for her and us and we have been offered a 4 year old lab cross from a friend who is moving away, apparently he is well behaved also. We have considered financial / time issues but my main concern is bringing an older lab into the house with our 1 year old, do you think there is likely to be any problems?

    Amy

  16. Thank you Pippa!

    We got our Puppy last night! He is gorgeous and not bothered by cats at all, and they aren’t bothered by him either! He is sleeping a lot but at 8 weeks I guess this is normal!!

    • Yes Charlie – very normal. I too just brought my new labrador boy home this last Sunday – Named him Jaxon, he was born on Christmas day! : )

      If you ever want to chat about anything – feel free to write me.
      I’m on my second lab here, lost my labby girl early last Oct. at 13.
      I LOVE LABRADORS! ; )

      ( Licensed Vet. Technician) in Los Angeles, Ca.

    • Hi Charlie, and welcome to the website. If you are getting a puppy you will be able to raise him to get along with your other pets. If you are getting an older rescue dog, it will depend entirely on his previous experiences and how he was raised. Pippa

  17. I’m interested on buying a lab puppy (I had one years ago and I love the race), what is the best age the puppy should have in order to take him home?
    I heard it has to be at least 3 months old.
    Thanks a lot!!!!

  18. I have a 10year old cocker spaniel who is a great wee guy , we have been talking about get a new family member “labrador retriever ” for a couple of years now , my 5 yr old son likes the white ones but we are not fussy about the colour , just wanting advice if it is a good idea for the two dogs giving the age gap to live together any advice would be great

    • Hi John, it depends a lot on your existing dog. If he is still fit and healthy and is a friendly dog, he will probably cope well with the new addition. Puppies can be hard work and a bit traumatic for an older dog, so sooner rather than later whilst he is still in good shape, is probably a good plan. If he has health issues or is getting a bit grumpy with boisterous young dogs, you may need to think carefully about how it will affect him. A certain amount of separation is usually necessary in the first few months in any case, just to give the older dog a break and ensure that the puppy does not get over-excited. Good luck. Pippa

      • We have a 10 year old female cocker that was in good health and fairly active and recently got a 9 week old male lab. They have learned to become great friends and now my cocker is enjoying shared toys, zoomies around the house and general companionship with the lab puppy. Am pleasantly surprised the cocker has so welcomed him… she is very happy to have lab company again!

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