• Black Labrador puppyLabrador retriever puppy image by crazy.nataly from Fotolia.com
  
  Labrador retrievers are sociable dogs that need affection and companionship; they are energetic and like to swim and play fetch, so frequent trips to the local park or lake are beneficial. Black Labs dislike confinement and isolation and become destructive when bored, so they require constant care and commitment.
  
  

The Breed

• The Labrador needs companionshipBlack Labrador puppy sitting between his standing owner"s legs image by Eric Issel??e from Fotolia.com
  
  Labrador retrievers originate from Newfoundland Island, where they have helped fishermen pull in nets and catch escaped fish. During the two world wars, they were used to detect land mines. As a retriever breed, they have been used for retrieving game and water fowl, in police narcotics searches and as guide dogs and search-and-rescue animals. They are gentle, patient, intelligent and enthusiastic, and their non-aggressive nature makes them excellent pets for children.
  
  

Settling In the New Puppy

• Allow the Labrador puppy to be curious and explore its new home. Introduce it to family members one at a time, to reduce its anxiety. Provide a comfortable bed in a draft-free place separate from a family bedroom. Offer comfort items such as a hot-water bottle and a ticking alarm clock, which will remind the puppy of cuddling its mother. Set a regular daily routine for the puppy, with set times for feeding, fresh water, training and playful exercise.
  
  

Health

• Chew toys are treats for Labrador retrievers.black labrador puppy chewing image by Scott Slattery from Fotolia.com
  
  Feed your Labrador puppy a diet of high-quality proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins formulated for its age and weight; consult your veterinarian for guidance. Fatty human foods are difficult for the puppy to digest, and overfeeding can result in obesity and related health problems such as diabetes, coat and skin disorders, and digestive problems. Labradors are prone to hip and knee deformities, so weight gain will worsen these conditions. Check for lameness or swellings around the joints, and take the puppy for regular health checks to detect abnormalities.
  
  The Labrador has a short double coat, which sheds seasonally but requires only light brushing with a stiff brush once a week. Bathe the puppy only when it smells badly, as frequent washing can deplete the natural protective oils in its skin. Simply brush dirt out of the coat after it has dried instead of bathing the puppy routinely.
  
  

Training

• Black Labradors love the water.Labrador beim Spiel image by Bea Busse from Fotolia.com
  
  When house-training the Labrador puppy, put it outside after it wakes up, when it is likely to have to relieve itself. The puppy will eventually identify the outdoors as its lavatory. If the puppy has an accident, firmly but calmly say "No" and put it outside.
  
  

Safety

• Labradors love to swim, but don't just throw the puppy in. Introduce the puppy to the water slowly. Do not leave the puppy unattended near a swimming pool; it can still drown, despite the breed's affection for water.
  
  Secure your yard with a fence to contain the puppy, and remove electric cables, toxic products and other dangerous objects.