Puppy Training & Care : How to Pick Out the Best Lab Puppy

When picking out a Labrador puppy, make sure that the puppy is energetic and interactive with people. Avoid Labrador puppies that are subdued, withdrawn and fearful with pet care advice from a veterinarian in this free video on dog training and raising puppies.

Expert: Dr. James Talbott
Bio: Dr. James R. Talbott is a staff veterinarian at Belle Forest Animal Hospital and Kennel in Nashville, Tenn.
Filmmaker: Dimitri LaBarge

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• dogs
• puppies
• puppy
• puppy care
• puppy training
• dog care
• dog training
• pet care
• pet training
• puppy potty training

[randhirisback]

Wish we could have seen this video before. When we got our puppy his stomach was upset with running nose. The breeder told us that its normal for a puppy and he will get well soon. But later things got worse and he was diagnosed with pups most fatal disease 'distemper'.

[Fantageous]

@fullfist well, selection criteria is up to you and why you're getting the dog. Most people are seeking a pet, not for show nor work. The GSD's w/ the roached backs/curved legs are such an obvious deformity. Hence, I prefer GSD's bred for shutzhund or herding. Show GSD's odd conformation (ski slope back in the American lines) is orthopedic weirdness that I would never choose to replicate in order to avoid or delay degenerative joint issues.

[zwinky899]

Thanks I hope this helps cause I might be going to pick a lab puppy out tommrow! XD

[bernardsdaughter]

Also avoid mass producing labrador kennels. Pups should be raised in a loving home, not in a kennel environment. Temperament testing should be done by the breeder at 7 weeks.

[TheUnveilingBee]

I wouldn't say that a dog that jumps up makes it a nasty dog at all...

[benroblochview]

@kabzy16

I eventually got my puppy at 8 weeks and 1 day. She is still constantly biting, not hard but it doesnt look good to strangers or to my nieces & nephews, all they see is her snapping. Do not know how to stop her. I certainly am glad i did not take her home any earlier. She is 12 weeks old today and I notice a massive difference in her just this week. She has changed my life in the best way possible!

[kabzy16]

@benroblochview Yes you are right. One month is way too young to bring a puppy home as the first 6 weeks are crucial for it to spend time with its mother. The best time to get a puppy is actually at 8 weeks. Because at that time they will have ad biting experience with their littermates and they will have gotten the message that their littermates respond negatively to biting. These little things that a puppy can learn from its mother and littermates are very helpful for a puppy's life.

[benroblochview]

1 month is a bit too young to get a puppy. I am no expert but should thay not be with mum until 7 or 8 weeks?

[TreasureOne]

Check out the Volhard Puppy Attitude Test. It gives you a great idea of how to choose a puppy. And helps you choose the kind of temperament you want.

[Fantageous]

You're not picking a material item here. Pick the dog that chooses you. Use your instinct (and think of your lifestyle/commitment).

I doubt that most are selecting show dogs. And if you are? Remember that most show dogs don't ever prove anything outside the ring as far as performance is concerned. Just take a look at German Shepherds. They've got the weirdest back legs thanks to people finding that peculiarity attractive.

Just love your dog, quirks and all. :-)