Welcome to The Labrador Club
Accommodation
Puppy must feel safe
The provision of suitable dry, warm, accommodation for your Labrador should be approached with considerable thought. If he is to live mainly in the house with you, give him his own place – rug, basket, box – and make sure that he understands that this is his own place and that he should return to it when ordered to do so.
Choosing a suitable bed
There are several types of dog beds available from pet shops and these are well made, often of metal construction with material or sacking upholstery. Replacement covers are usually available if needed. Wicker baskets are attractive but not a wise choice for a puppy who will almost certainly, cut some teeth on it. Whatever you choose, it should be comfortable and raised off the floor to avoid draughts.
Outside kennelling
If you do decide to have outside kennelling for your Labrador, do make sure that it is near to your house. All dogs need company, and it is up to you to provide this. This applies particularly to young puppies who have just left their mother, brothers, and sisters. There seems little point in having a dog then housing him in an isolated place so that he spends many hours completely alone. Lonely, neglected dogs often become barkers.
The positioning of the accommodation requires careful thought about prevailing winds and the sun’s rays. If your garden is completely and securely fenced, you may decide just to provide a kennel or access to part of your shed or garage containing a suitable bed for him. However, it may be preferable to provide a kennel enclosed in a run to give absolute security. A kennel must provide
shelter from the wind and sun. A Labrador will usually prefer to lay in the run and will find a small kennel too hot, in most weather. Make sure the run has a roof which provides shade and helps to keep the kennel dry.
Bedding
Whether you choose a piece of blanket or some of the very good synthetic fleece like those obtainable from pet shops and Veterinary Clinics, it is important to keep the bedding clean and fresh. Hay and straw are not suitable for your Labrador’s bedding as they could harbour fleas or other insects which may trigger skin ailments.
Travelling Crates
The purchase of a travelling crate, large enough to house a fully grown Labrador, would be a wise investment for the puppy owner. Puppies are used to a certain amount of confinement so your dog will easily accept a cage roomy enough for him and a few toys and a rug for him to sleep on. The advantage is being able to pop him into a secure crate, safe from dangers in the home, such as electric wires. It will give peace of mind to an owner while the puppy is young and mischievous. As he grows, the crate may have many uses during travelling, camping holidays etc. Crates are also a very useful aid to toilet training. Crates must never be used as a punishment; they should become a safe heaven or a den.
Crate Training
Many breeders these days use a crate with a litter of puppies and being in a crate may not be a new experience – however if it is: make sure that every experience in a crate is a pleasurable experience. Put a comfortable blanket or Drybed on the floor of the crate. Have the crate in a position inside, where it is part of the family area, but not right in a thoroughfare.
Feed your puppy in its crate and use a command that it associates with the crate e.g. “crate time” “kennel up” or “night night”. It doesn’t matter what the words are if they are consistent and cheerful. Close the door while the puppy is eating and then when the food is finished take your puppy out again. Short sessions with food create the right impression.
Do this a few times until when he hears your command (whatever it is) he will dive into his crate and wait for food.
Extend the time after he has finished eating until he is let out, just a little longer each day.
Start putting your puppy in the crate after it has had a good romp and is tired; include something for your puppy to chew on. Close the door. He will probably chew until he goes to sleep. When your puppy wakes, and before he starts to bark, let him out and take him outside to toilet.
Have the crate inside with the door open and reward him if he goes in quietly by himself.
This does seem long and involved but really won’t last more than a few days and it is worth it to have a pup that is comfortable about being in a crate on any occasion.
Crates are for specific times and should never be used for extended periods.
