What is the hardest age for a Lab puppy

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated November 18, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Ages and Stages in Labrador Puppy Training

Puppy training stages are a way of breaking down your puppys learning and obedience development into helpful steps. Today Ill share your week by week schedule of what to teach your puppy. The puppy training schedules are aimed at different ages and stages of training, and to help you achieve your puppy training goals. However, the puppy training stages I use are not set in stone.

The age at which a puppy starts one stage might differ even within the same litter. It will depend on their personality, maturity, temperament, breed and even how well socialization is going.

When you dive into my age based stages below, dont just look at how old your puppy is. Make sure that they have reached the training milestones set in the previous stage before moving onto the next one. There is no rush!

It is very tempting to get carried away with puppy training. Your young do is so willing to please and such fun to be around. It is important to go at a happy pace for you both. Positive reinforcement training is the right choice for your puppy because there are no negative consequences to getting something wrong. But you can still both suffer from burnout and frustration if you try to reach the later puppy training stages without totally acing the earlier developments.

Your Puppy Training Schedule

This may not be exactly the same for each puppy, especially with retrieving which is more Labrador specific. However, it gives you a rough idea.Ill also give you some general ideas of what to expect from a puppy at each stage.

8 10 Week Old Puppy Training Stages

Heres what to teach your new dog during the first couple of weeks of puppy training:

Follow me: Encourage the puppy to walk after me and keep close to me outdoors, by walking a few steps one way, and a few steps another. Constantly changing direction. Stopping frequently for cuddles and rewards.
Recall: Lots of puppy recall phase one training. This means I blow the recall whistle whenever the puppy runs towards me, no compulsion, and no whistle unless the recall is already underway.
Socialisation: Lots (almost daily) of outings to different places rural and urban (carried) Visits to family and friends.
Bite inhibition: Discourage hard biting, allow mouthing.
Working with food: Learning how to take food gently without snatching or grabbing at the treat pot.

3 4 Month Old Puppy Training Stages

You can follow along with what I teach puppies from 10 to 12 weeks here:

Walk next to me: Introduce clicker heel to get the puppy walking alongside me in the heel position on my left hand side.
Recall: Now I start introducing the whistle as a signal to trigger the recall. I still give the puppy lots of encouragement by running away as soon as I blow the whistle.
Socialisation: More socialisation, at least twice a week to busy public places.
Bite inhibition: Discourage hard biting, allow gentle mouthing.
Retrieving: Encourage chase and pick up (retrieve drive).
Hand touch: I teach all new puppies to touch my hand with their noses. This is a great foundation for other skills.

4 5 Month Old Puppy Training Routines

Training is starting to get more serious for your puppy at three to four months old:

Walk on a leash: If she is ready for this, I start toslip a leash over the puppys head for very short periods as she walks next to me.
Recall: Puppy recall continues, reduce my run to a walk, avoid any distractions. Still frequently blow the recall whenever the pup runs towards me of her own free will.
Socialisation: From ground level (after vaccination). Attend events/take into town. No other leash walking at all
Bite inhibition:No biting, gentle mouthing allowed.
Retrieving:Continue to build drive.
Getting into a bed/basket:I introduce the idea that sitting in her bed while we eat is a great way to get treats.
Positions: I introduce three positions sit, stand, down.

What to expect from your 3 month old puppy

Most three month old puppies will be sleeping through the night. And will be having less potty training accidents in the house. There are a few potty training problems that arise at this age, and they are all covered in 15 potty training problems solved.

This is peak age for biting, so dont expect too much. Biting is a big shock and a big problem for many new Lab puppy parents so do check out our complete guide to biting, and join the forum for help and support. Many people will have started to teach their puppy to sit at this point and that is fine, my only caution would be not to start asking such young puppies to stay for more than a second or two.

Help encourage your puppy to stay in their bed while you are eating. I have a pot of dog treats on our kitchen table, and whenever we sit down to a meal, the puppy gets a treat each time she steps into her basket. No pressure, no stay. Just a treat for stepping in there.

What to expect from your 4 month old puppy

Your 4 month old puppy will be pretty much potty trained, but accidents still happen if they are left alone too long. Biting is usually starting to subside now, and many four month old puppies will be able to mouth at your hand without hurting you. At this point I start to discourage all mouthing.

I teach every puppy to let me touch her face or approach her with my hand, food, a leash etc while holding eye contact and not grabbing at me, or at what is in my hand. This is the age at which people often start to push forward with training. Your 4 month old puppy is capable of quite a lot.

There is nothing wrong with teaching your puppy different cues and even some tricks. Youll find ideas and instructions in our puppy training guides. I recommend you still avoid long duration activities at this point as they are a common stumbling point with puppies young enough to have a short attention span.

I wouldnt expect a four month old puppy to walk at heel for long distances, or to stay in his basket for an entire meal for example. A ten second sit is ample.

4 5 Month Old Puppy Training

Formal puppy training begins in earnest for 4 to 5 month old puppies:

Heel: begin to practiceheel work more purposefully. Add mild distractions
Recall:Fade additional cues. Begin to whistle the pup and stand still. Add mild distractions.
Socialisation: One or two short outings into crowded/public places
Bite inhibition: No more mouthing. Clicker train to polish this in more mouthy puppies.
Sit/stay: Simple short duration sits, in low distraction environment
Bed/basket: I expect a puppy to remain in her bed most of the time while we eat by about five months. No commands are needed for this. She chooses and I reward

Puppy Training at 5 6 Months and Beyond

General obedience: Gradually advance the heel and sit. Gradual introduction of distractions.
Advancedpuppy training begins in earnest

This is where I start a programme of sporting training with my Labs. You can begin raising your standards and expectations, asking for longer and more complex behaviors. Teaching your puppy to walk to heel nicely for longer distance and past all kinds of distractions and temptations.

Or teaching your puppy to sit and stay for longer periods of time, and even while you go out of sight or while other dogs play nearby.

This part of puppy training is called proofing, and youll find plenty of help in our individual training guides and in our proofing articles.

What to expect from your six month old puppy

Six months is a common time for people to have a lot of questions and to be struggling with a few challenges. This is now a very bouncy, quite powerful and rapidly maturing young dog. And you may need to patch up a few holes in his training or manners.

Dont panic. We have a great article for owners of six month old Lab puppies. Head over there and youll find you are not alone!

The Labrador Site Founder

Pippa Mattinson is the best selling author of The Happy Puppy Handbook, the Labrador Handbook, Choosing The Perfect Puppy, and Total Recall.

She is also the founder of the Gundog Trust and the Dogsnet Online Training Program

Pippa's online training courses were launched in 2019 and you can find the latest course dates on the Dogsnet website

How to Pick a Labrador Puppy From a Litter?

A well-rounded approach to choosing a labrador puppy from a litter involves several key considerations. The best labrador puppy comes from a breeder with a credible reputation and proven stock. So how to pick a labrador puppy from a litter?

Begin by speaking with the breeder and inquiring about the puppys appetite and eliminations.
Next, take note of the litter mates behavior do they interact well together?
Examine the puppies appearance, coats, size, and overall health.
Observe their movement and activity levels.

Considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when selecting a labrador puppy from a litter. Always go for a reputable breeder and choose from one of their litters. Choose healthy pups as per breed standards.

Health Problems To Look Out For in Labrador Retriever breed?

Labrador puppies can have health issues. Understanding the breeds potential genetic problems is imperative before selecting a dog. Labrador Retrievers are prone to below health issues.

Hip dysplasia: A common joint problem in Labrador Retrievers, affecting the hip socket and causing mobility issues.
Elbow dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, but affects the front legs joints. It has the potential to cause arthritis and pain.
Obesity: Labs overeat and gain weight quickly if not monitored closely. It can lead to additional health complications.
Ear infections: Due to their floppy ears, Labs are more susceptible to ear infections. Its important to check and clean their ears routinely.
Eye problems: Clear eyes with no redness or discharge are signs of a healthy Lab puppy. Any eye issues indicate genetic concerns like progressive retinal atrophy or retinal dysplasia.
Exercise-induced collapse: Some Labs may experience sudden muscle weakness following strenuous exercise. Be mindful of your pups energy levels during playtime.
Wobbler disease: Though rare, this neurological condition causes an unsteady gait in affected dogs. It can be linked to genetics.
Arthritis and stiffness: Labs may experience joint wear and tear as they age. Leading to arthritis development or stiffness in movement.

The working dog Labrador was bred as a hunting dog for retrieving, and other physical activities.
Show-type Labradors are bred to meet specific standards. They have broader bodies and thicker coats. They excel in dog shows and competitions regulated by organizations like the American Kennel Club.

how to pick a labrador puppy from a litter

What To Look For When Picking A Puppy From A Litter?

Check The Parents Health History And Ancestry

Always inquire about the parents health history and whether they had any genetic issues. Responsible breeders are transparent about dog health and offer certifications as proof.

Find a breeder who offers reasonable guarantees against inherited defects. A good breeder will have written documentation.

Choosing Best Lab Puppy With Health Clearances

Always go for the healthiest pup. A healthy puppy is not just about its physical appearance. Both its parents must have health clearances and be free of genetic defects.

The lineage and genetic makeup of both parents is crucial. Inbreeding can lead to genetic issues. Reliable breeders avoid breeding dogs that are too closely related.

The breeder should be able to provide information about any health issues or concerns within their breeding program.

Checking the available health clearances or certifications for both parents gives further insight.

Good breeders ensure their female dog has an OFA certification and eye clearance by CERF.

Research is key in finding reputable breeders. Examine each prospective puppys lineage and breeding history carefully.

Select A Reputable Breeder

Breeders Of Repute keep the pups physically and mentally fit. Get recommendations from friends or veterinarians.

Check with breed clubs or go directly to the American Kennel Club website for a list of registered breeders. Go for one with enough positive feedback.

Once you have narrowed your search, ask the potential breeder about their breeding practices and policies.

Viewing The Puppies In Person

Visit the breeder and assess their facilities for cleanliness, comfort, and overall well-being. When you arrive at the kennel, watch how they interact with each other.

This will give insights into the pups personality. How pups respond when someone picks them up speaks volumes.

Some may be shy or hesitant, while others can be too aggressive. Finding that perfect balance is key.

Ideally, the right pup should wag their tails happily and be curious without fear or discomfort.

Choosing Between A Dog Or Bitch

Both genders have unique qualities.

Male Labradors grow larger and possess more energy than their female counterparts.
Females are easier to train and are more affectionate.

Purchasing a female would allow you to breed her later down the line. Breeding comes with risks for a mother dog and pups if not done properly, be mindful.

Avoiding Labrador Health Issues

Look for breeders who breed pups with clean ears, bright eyes, shiny coats, and overall good health.

Avoid buying from a pet store or online. The living conditions of the parent dogs are vital.

How To Choose A Puppy From Its Litter Mate?

Observing How Puppies Interact With Their Littermates

Observing how the puppies interact will tell you about their personality.

Littermate syndrome can occur when two puppies of a similar age are raised together and become overly dependent.

Never take home two puppies from the same litter unless you have experience raising multiple dogs at once.

Choose a puppy with positive interactions by observing how they interact.

Lifting Your Puppy Off The Ground

Lift each pup off the ground and observe their reaction. Here are some steps to follow:

Lift the puppy gently: Use a calm and gentle approach when picking up your pup. This allows you to see how they react to being held.
Cradle the puppy in your arms: Hold the pup close to your body. Cradle them with one hand on its chest and the other under its hindquarters.
Observe the pups reaction: Pay attention to how the pup reacts while being lifted off the ground. A healthy and well-socialized pup will most likely be calm and relaxed.
Check for any signs of discomfort: While holding your dog, check for discomfort or pain, such as whimpering or squirming.
Repeat with all puppies: To make an informed decision, its essential to lift them from the litter individually.

Cradling Your Puppy

Cradling reveals how comfortable they are with handling.

Gently stroke its back and see if it relaxes in your arms.
Observe the position of the dogs ears when cradling them. The dog is nervous if the ears are perked up or alert.
Relaxed and floppy ears suggest the pup is easy and comfortable.

Testing Sound Reactivity And Stimuli Response

Assess their sound reactivity and response. Here are some tips:

Observe the dogs reaction to loud noises like clapping or dropping an object. A healthy puppy will not show fear or excessive agitation at these sounds.
Test the dogs response to sudden movements by making quick gestures. A good response is calmness and curiosity.
Try introducing the puppy to new objects or surfaces and observe how they react. Include things like a new toy or walking on a different surface.
Pay attention to the dogs body language during these tests, including tail wagging and overall demeanor.
If possible, conduct these tests in different environments to see how the dog reacts in new surroundings.

Encouraging Your Puppy To Follow Your

Try to establish a bond between you and your pet. Increase the distance from which you call out their name. They will learn how to find you when called upon.

Social Dominance

Remember that sociability and temperament are important factors in seeing if the pup is a good match.

Look for a pup that is not excessively submissive or dominant with its littermates.
A dominant pup is friendly and social but can steal toys from other pups or play rough.
An overly submissive pup may struggle to stand up for themselves or assert their needs.
Observe the puppies to get a sense of each individuals personality and level of social dominance.
Consider how the pup interacts with you do they follow you around or shy away? This can give you an idea of how they might interact with other humans.

One behavior to look out for is if the pup falls and acts injured. This may indicate potential health issues or weakness, affecting the dogs ability to grow into a healthy adult.

Where To Buy Labrador Puppies

When buying a Labrador puppy, choosing the right breeder is essential. Check our post on the best labrador breeders in the USA.

Adopting A Puppy From A Shelter

Adopting a shelter puppy is an excellent option. Many shelters offer puppies of different dog breeds, including Labradors.

When adopting from a shelter, ask about the dogs health and temperament history.

Some rescue organizations have medical records from previous caretakers. Be patient when bringing home an adult dog or young labrador that has lived in multiple homes.

Especially true if there were any prior abuse issues or neglectful treatment before. Shelters require applications and interviews with prospective pet parents to find the right puppy.

Avoiding Pet Store Puppies

Pet stores source their puppies from mills or backyard breeders. They prioritize profit over the dogs health. Puppies born and raised in these facilities are often sickly and lack proper socialization.

How to Understand Labrador Puppy Health?

Breeder Behavior

A good breeder asks potential buyers about their lifestyle, living arrangements, and dog experience. They provide health clearances for the litters sire and dam.

Observing how breeders interact with their puppies when visiting them is important. Good breeders should allow potential buyers to play with the puppies.

Be wary of breeders who do not seem invested. It indicates that they are running a puppy mill operation.

Bringing Backup

Its always a good idea to bring backup. Bring someone who can offer their opinion during the decision-making process. It could be your partner, a trusted friend, or a veterinarian.

This helps you stay level-headed. They may notice something about the puppies you didnt pick up on. Having an extra set of hands can make handling easier.

What Are Basic Considerations For Prospective Labrador Owners?

Activity Level

Labrador Retrievers are high-energy dogs bred originally as hunting dog. They need regular exercise. This helps maintain a healthy weight and prevents destructive behaviors.

Consider your activity level when choosing a Labrador. An active Labrador may be your perfect companion if you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or running. It may not be a perfect fit if you prefer a more low-key lifestyle.

Labradors thrive on human interaction and love playing games like fetch or tug-of-war. Providing mental stimulation reduces unwanted behaviors such as chewing or digging.

A good rule of thumb is at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity for puppies up to six months old. One hour per day for adult Labradors over six months old.

Financial Responsibility

Owning a Labrador is an amazing experience. Understanding the financial responsibility that comes with it is essential.

Dogs require regular visits to the vet for shots, checkups, and any necessary medical treatment. Food costs increase quickly as puppies grow and consume more food.

Other expenses include toys, leashes, and collars or playpens to keep them safe when they cant be supervised. All these expenses must be budgeted before bringing your pup home.

Having Children Or Other Pets

It is important to assess whether they will get along well with children and other pets. Labradors are patient and gentle dogs. But proper socialization with children and other puppies prevents potential conflicts.

If you have young children, teaching them how to interact safely with the new puppy is important.

This includes basic safety rules such as not pulling the puppys tail or ears. Avoiding rough play that could lead to injury.

If you already have another pet accustomed to being an only child, introducing a new Labrador puppy will require adjustment. Proper supervision during pet interactions is needed.

Work Schedule

These dogs need regular exercise and mental stimulation. People with long work hours or unpredictable schedule fails to provide adequate attention.

If you can arrange dog walkers or daycare services while youre away, its beneficial.

A labrador was bred as a hunting dog or working dog and enjoyed having jobs to do. If your job involves outdoor activities such as hiking or hunting, bring them along. It is a great way to bond and keep them active.

Assistance With Puppy Care

Having some assistance in caring for the new pup goes a long way.

Hire a dog walker or pet sitter to care for the puppy while you work.
Enrolling in a puppy training class is also fantastic.
Having someone who can help when youre on vacation or need an extra hand. Consider hiring a boarding facility specializing in Labradors.

Living Arrangements

These dogs have high energy levels. An apartment or small space without access to outdoor areas may not be the best fit.

A house with a large yard or nearby parks is well-suited. Labs are friendly and social animals that bond well with people and other pets.

Supervise interactions between young children and puppies, as they can be prone to unintentional roughhousing.

It may cause harm to either party. Smaller animals like cats should be introduced slowly until the puppy learns to behave around them.

What NOT To Do When Choosing A Puppy?

Avoiding Puppy Mills

These mills prioritize profit over animal welfare, leading to inadequate animal care. One option is to adopt from a shelter or rescue group.

When you bring a puppy mill dog into your home, be patient and protect them from things that scare them. Research and ask questions about the puppys parents to avoid bad dogs and backyard breeders.

Warning signs include the inability to produce the necessary certificates and answers about the living conditions. Avoid buying pups from dog stores too.

Avoiding Impulse Buys

Avoiding impulse buys will increase your chances of bringing the right labrador puppy home. One that is healthy, compatible with your lifestyle, and well-suited for your home.

Do your research: Before visiting a breeder or shelter, research the breed and learn about the characteristics of Labrador puppies.
Visit the litter more than once: Dont make the mistake of falling in love with the first cute Labrador you see. Take your time to visit the litter more than once and observe them in different situations.
Resist pressure from breeders or sellers: Some breeders or stores may pressure you to buy their puppies quickly before someone else does. Dont let this influence your decision-making process.
Consider other factors besides appearance: While its easy to get hung up on looks, personality, temperament, and behavior are equally important.
Remember the commitment involved: Owning a Labrador requires patience, time, and money. Avoid letting emotions drive your decision without considering if they can be met adequately.

Avoiding Getting Two Puppies At Once

Bringing home two Labrador pups from the same litter can lead to serious behavioral problems like Littermate syndrome leading to separation anxiety.

Raising two puppies simultaneously means youll need double the time for training, socialization, exercise, and veterinary care.

Building a strong bond with one before considering adding another dog. Only bring two if you are experienced dog owner

how to pick a labrador puppy from a litter; working dogs

Avoiding Breed Stereotypes

Breed stereotypes can be misleading and may result in the selection of the wrong puppy.

No two Labradors are the same: While Labradors share certain characteristics as a breed, individual personalities and behavior vary widely.
Avoid making assumptions based on appearance: A Lab from working lines may look different from one bred for showing purposes.
Get to know the individual pup: Spend time with each puppy in the litter to understand its unique personality and temperament.
Discuss your lifestyle with the breeder: The best breeder will consider your needs and make suitable recommendations.
Remember that behavior is learned, not just innate: Even if a dog has tendencies toward a specific behavior, it can be trained. They can be taught more desirable behaviors over time.

Do not be afraid to walk away if something doesnt feel right. This could include noticing warning signs such as lethargy, excessive fear, or aggression toward other dogs.

Walking away can be difficult when your heart is set on a particular litter mate. Always trust your gut instincts when deciding which dog is best for you.

FAQs

Which color labrador dog is the most popular?

Labrador dog comes in three popular colors yellow, black, and chocolate. Each dog has a unique personality. The color choice entirely depends on the owners taste.

The chocolate lab has a comparatively shorter lifespan. Hence, yellow and black labs are more popular dogs.

How can you tell if a Labrador puppy is good quality?

Visual assessment, pedigree reports, and DNA tests are crucial to determine the quality. Visual assessment is the least popular as it restricts to the breed standards alone.

Which puppy should you pick from the litter?

A pup who is neither first nor last when called is a good sign. It means the puppy is neither too shy nor a bully with other litter mates. They are usually trainable, safe for traveling, and adapt to any lifestyle.