I just got a Labrador Puppy?

Question
Hello,I got a new Labrador Puppy and I'm going to keep it. As I have never grown up a dog on my own I would like to know something on how we must feed them, you know when,how much and what? I would also like to know how to train my dog so it becomes obedient. Thank you very much!

Answer
Hi Felix,

Congratulations on getting a puppy.

You should have your puppy examined by a veterinarian. Puppies need some vaccines to stay healthy, and he may also need to be de-wormed.

Feed your puppy the best quality puppy food you can afford for his first full year. Look at the ingredients listed on the package, the first few ingredients listed is what the food is primarily made of, you want a named source of meat (such as chicken, beef lamb, etc.) to be the first or second ingredient listed.
How much, and how often to feed your puppy will change as he gets bigger. On the package, it will tell you how much and how often to feed your puppy.

If you're going to changing your puppy's food, from whatever you're feeding him now, do so gradually, over a period of 5-7 days. Changing a dog or puppy's food too quickly can cause an upset stomach.

The key to successful house training (and all dog training) is consistency and patience. Never scold or punish your puppy for mistakes and accidents. The older your pup gets, the more he will be able to control his bladder and bowels. Eventually your pup will have enough control that he will be able to "hold it" for longer and longer periods of time. Let your puppy do this on his own time. When training is rushed, problems usually develop. Don't forget, most puppies are not reliably house trained until they are at least 6 months old!

Here are some sites that tell you how to house train your puppy, as well as some basic things every puppy should know, such as coming to you when you call him.

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2114&aid=157

http://www.barkbytes.com/training/house.htm

http://searchwarp.com/swa268692.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_2300105_teach-puppy-no-bite-command.html

http://www.perfectpaws.com/recall.html

This site has a lot of videos you can watch that will show you how to train your puppy:

http://www.expertvillage.com/search.htm?s=puppy+training

Best of luck,
Patti