With the holidays upon you, and the festive season well and truly creeping into every part of the home; you probably have your mind on gifts, get-togethers, and food with your loved ones. It’s the season to reflect on the year that’s just gone and embrace what the new one has in store for you and your family. If you’ve been thinking carefully about getting a puppy or dog; you might be considering bringing them home in time for Christmas day so that your new canine companion can settle with your family while they have time off school or work.
Labradors are known for their suitability for families and people of all ages, so if you’ve chosen a Labrador pup, or perhaps a rescue dog; you’ll want to make them feel welcome and secure as soon as possible. Bringing home any dog, whatever breed they are, should never be a spontaneous decision; you need to have everything in place and the means to take care of an animal before they arrive. The following are some ideas, tips, and inspiration for those who are planning to bring a Labrador into their family and want to welcome it with open arms and everything they’ll need for a happy life ahead.
A Zone Of Their Own
Going into a new environment for any animal can be stressful, especially when there are noisy kids running around, and all the Christmas decorations to contend with. Therefore, you’ll need to clear a space in your home where your new labrador can settle down for some time out, away from the chaos. Having a cosy, safe place to sleep, chew, and play is the best way for your new family member to feel at home. Check out companies like Pet Crates Direct and choose a dog crate of suitable size; you can fill it with comfy bedding and cover it so that your pooch will have a den to snuggle-up inside. Dogs love dark spaces in corners or underneath things, so bear that in mind when you’re choosing a spot for the crate or dog bed.
Start Training Straight Away
Labradors are intelligent dogs and very responsive to praise and commands. However, if left untrained, just like any pup, they can run riot in your home and will be a challenge to control. Therefore, it’s vital that you begin training your dog as soon as they arrive at home. You’ll need to create clear boundaries using firm and effective commands, and praising them for good behavior. Check out The Labrador Site for more ideas and info on training your labrador, and get clued up on how to ensure that you have a well-behaved dog in the new year.
Wear Them Out
Whether you have a new pup or a fully-grown dog; labradors are active dogs who are full of energy, which is why they’re so great with young families. Therefore, you’ll need to make sure that they are getting plenty of exercise. Otherwise, they’ll use up their energy elsewhere, which can often mean naughty behavior. Get your pup and kids out in the fresh as soon as possible, and you’ll soon have a well-behaved and tired family on your hands!
YES!!! Love these suggestions!! Wear them out is so important for a dog to stay happy and not act out. Like chewing and being crazy!! I also agree that with all the holiday craziness it’s so important for animals to have a quiet space for themselves!
I love the ‘wear them out’ So many dont realize especially a youngerdog ‘misbehaves’ just due to inactivity. People are thrilled at first and then the hrill wanes and those dogs are misbehaving they are bored. Take the time for a long walk, or play. Walks especially are great, I am missing that with mine- he went blind and is a senior and doesnt feel so hot.
I think kids are like that too Ellen! They have so much energy and just have to get it out and too often we expect them to sit still or do the same things over and over and they get bored and misbehave! Same with puppies! 🙂
Great tips! You really need to know what you’re getting into when you decide to bring home a lab!