What To Expect From A New Labrador Puppy

There are many things to love about Labrador puppies. They smell good and their big brown eyes make them irresistible as they look for love and protection. Consequently, when you hold a Labrador puppy in our arms, you are simply overwhelmed with the need to protect him.

Nutrition

Don’t be tempted to let your puppy keep eating just because she seems hungry. Trust us, she will, because it seems like Labrador puppies are always hungry! You have to ration out her food and make sure that she eats little and often. Therefore, don’t let her get to you with those sad big brown puppy eyes, once she’s finished her food! When feeding your puppy, you need to know how much he needs to eat in a 24 hour period. Then, you can divide that amount between at least 4 meals. If you want a bit more detail about puppy feeding schedules, check out this detailed guide to feeding a Labrador puppy.

Sleeping

Settling your Labrador puppy for the night and getting her into a routine can be one of the hardest things to do. You have to get her used to a schedule that makes sure that you and she get a good nights sleep with no accidents. Therefore, the first night can sometimes be the most important because it sets the stage for the future. Just don’t forget to set an alarm to take him out during the night for a potty break.

You can also expect that your new Labrador puppy will cry during the first couple of nights home. She is used to sleeping with her mom, brothers, and sisters. As a result, she may feel frightened or lonely. Sleeping next to your bed may help this transition. Just know that new puppies learn very quickly. They may initially cry because they are frightened and lonely, but will soon discover that crying gets them of attention. If you need help in this area, here is some advice on how to teach your puppy to be quiet.

House Breaking

Some new Labrador puppies can last six to seven hours at night without needing to pee. However, many can’t manage this until they are around ten weeks old. You should expect to have to get up to take him our during the night, for a least a few weeks. During the day, you’ll need to take your puppy outside very frequently. It is common for puppies to pee much more frequently during the day. Some new puppies can last an hour or so between pees however, many cannot.

For additional information about caring for your new Labrador puppy, see this guide to Bringing A Puppy Home at 8 Weeks Old.