Puppy Information

Don’t be alarmed if your puppy whimpers on their first night in their new home, this is perfectly normal. For some puppies a foreign, new home won’t even phase them, every puppy is unique in their own special way. Some puppies may take a few days to become comfortable, whilst others will be confidently strutting around. Whining and crying is all very normal, imagine a human baby being passed off to a new mother, the new mother will have an unfamiliar scent and new mannerisms, which can be a little scary to puppies. Crying at night can be minimized with a few soft and furry plush toys, especially if they mimic the size of their siblings.

Like with anything in life, new beginnings can be both exciting and stressful, the feeling of stress is magnified for puppies due to new surroundings and smells. Stress-related issues can occur in puppies, for example, loose stools and loss of appetite for the first day or two until they become comfortable. Loose stools are more common when they have also changed diet. Grey Manor feed all Labradors Royal Canin, if you’re looking to change the brand do so slowly by introducing another kibble or food gradually to ease the new diet transition. Loose stools (even with a little mucus or blood in it) for a few days is not a reason for alarm, so long as the puppy is alert and acting healthy and comfortable. If the problem persists for several days, it’s important to contact Grey Manor with any questions, alternatively consult your local Vet.

You will also notice that some puppies may sometimes scoff or gulp their food and water which may cause bloating or lead to a bit of throw-up food and/or water, don’t fret, this is only temporary and will self-correct in 48-72 hours. Another option would be to purchase a go-slow feeding bowl. 

If you’re a new parent, we understand you want to make sure your puppy is perfectly comfortable and happy, we always encourage more questions than no questions. At the end of the day, if your puppy is acting and looking healthy, there is no need to be alarmed over their initial behaviour with food consumption. 

Like babies, each puppy is very unique, and nothing is 100% predictable. If your puppy is eating well, playing normally and exploring then there is little reason to be concerned. If any problems continue for a long period, with minimum improvement, then we do encourage you classto speak to us or your Vet.

Keep a list of all important questions you may have, before receiving a Grey Manor Labrador you are provided with an information booklet but we are also keen to hear your questions and then pass the answers on to future Labrador owners.

Training: tips and tricks

With the Lab’s physical strength and high energy level, early socialization and puppy training classes are vital. Gently and safely exposing the puppy to a wide variety of people, places, and situations between the ages of 7 weeks and 4 months and beginning obedience training early on will help him develop into a well-adjusted, well-mannered adult. Puppy training classes serve as part of the socialization process and help the owner learn to recognize and correct any bad habits that may be developing. Labs are devoted, intelligent, and enthusiastic companions who need to be included in family activities

Positive reinforcement works wonders on puppies and the first few days with the puppy will give you the perfect chance to practice praising their good behaviour, whilst demonstrating who is the Alpha. In the first few days it’s important not to punish your puppy, as it’s too early to set any disciplinary action. Your puppy is still getting used to their environment and scolding or punishing your puppy may cause added stress. 

After the initial car ride, your puppy will probably need to potty, so take them to the area you’ve established, where they should eliminate. If they have eliminated in that spot praise them so they get used to a mini celebration when they potty in the proper spot.

When to take your puppy to potty?

We like to keep things simple and use a general rule of thumb for potty breaks, it’s just taking your puppies age and adding one to produce the number of hours they need to potty. For example, if they are 1 month old, add one and that will give you 2 hours before they have to potty. It’s important to use the same area or potty as this will help them understand the designated area. Puppy training pads are a great way to keep your place clean and also help with little accidents, when you’re not looking.

Puppy’s are toilet trained to synthetic grass for easy transition to crate and indoor training.  Please bear in mind every puppy is different and some take to the synthetic grass better than others.

Consider crate training. A crate trained puppy is easier to housebreak. A dog regards its crate as its den, a safe haven and home. If you travel, the dog is safest in his crate in your vehicle and also when you stay in hotels or visit other people. If he should be ill or injured and need to be kept quiet, this is much easier if he is happy in a crate. In warm areas, cooling pads and fresh water should be placed in the crate too.

Allow your puppy to explore freely, don’t forget to puppy-proof your home! If your puppy finds something that shouldn’t be chewed and chews on it, be mindful not to punish them, just exchange the object for something else, like a chew toy.  We recommend having a small basket of toys in each room you will be allowing your puppy in, so as you always have an approved chew toy to hand.  This is particularly handy if you have young children, puppies don’t know the difference between their toys and human toys.  They also don’t know the difference between humans yet, for the first few months they will mouth everyone the same and get different confusing reactions. Crying from children but more rough play from men.  It is important to be consistent with the mouthing rule – don’t do it to any humans.  

Puppies like to look around, however, when they lock eyes with you or focus towards your direction, cheerfully say their name, it’ll create a connection and show that you’re the pack leader, which is important for Labradors and helps obedience training.
https://www.thelabradorsite.com/labrador-training/
https://www.labradortraininghq.com/

Puppies and sleep

Puppies like to sleep a lot, somewhere between 16-18 hours of sleep per day! 

To help your puppy get the best rest it’s important to create a small area where they feel safe and secure. Check on them often, and when they wake up take them outside to the potty area.

First night home with the puppy

So, you survived the first day and now it’s time to prepare your first night! Patience is a virtue…

Not only is this a brand new experience for your puppy, it’s a brand new experience for you (if you’re a first time Labrador adopter). Embrace and cherish this moment (though a little challenging at the start) a little patience will help you and your puppy. Remember, it’s the first time your puppy has spent the night away from their mother and siblings. Dogs are pack animals and puppies know instinctively that being alone, away from the pack, can be dangerous. Crying is normal, it’s just your puppy calling out for the pack to feel safe again.

The biggest mistake new owners make is getting up during the first nights to their puppy, they learn very quickly that a howl will make master run. My advice is to put the pup where you want them to sleep forever, the first night, not in bed with you! Also, as a courtesy, let your immediate neighbours know you are bringing home a new addition. Pups do not like being confined and will definitely howl if locked in laundry’s etc. Wherever they are sleeping they will need to be able to relieve themselves during the night, we use synthetic grass in our pens, or alternatively allow them access to outside. Should you decide to crate train, we suggest you have a google on crate training. You will need to be patient with crate training as it can take a couple of months, or more, for it to be fully effective.

Limit food 2-3 hours before bedtime, to make sure their stomach and bladder isn’t full before sleep, this may interrupt their sleep, not to mention yours! Before bedtime, play and make sure puppy is tired enough to peacefully and soundly sleep. If they tire too quickly, try not to let them nap in between plays as they’ll be up all night, just like a baby after their nap. Make sure to take your puppy to potty before bedtime, if they go to the toilet, cheerfully praise them.

Should I let my puppy sleep with me?

We know it’s hard but try not to let your puppy in your bed and sleep with you. Allowing your puppy to sleep in your bed, will grow a level of expectation that they should always be in bed with you, which can lead to behavioural problems as your puppy grows, such as separation anxiety. We suggest putting a T-Shirt or old jumper near to them, so as they can become familiar with your scent. A ticking clock nearby may also help soothe your puppy on their first night home. Don’t forget to check on them during the night if they need bathroom breaks or need water. Try and be strong and don’t go in at the first sign of a whimper.

Diet

The Labrador Retriever should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times

We don’t recommend drastically changing a puppy’s diet, we suggest giving them the same type of food in the first few weeks. If you wish to move them to a different kibble or raw diet, do so gradually and consider consulting your vet during your next appointment. 

Puppies around 8-16 weeks old need 2 to 3 meals a day and plenty of clean drinking water.

At Grey Manor Labradors we recommend Royal Canin medium junior active dry food (approximately 2-3 cups per day spread over 2/3 meals).  We recommend maintaining this diet until at least 12 months of age has been reached, but ideal until 18 months. Then gradually transition to Royal Canin medium adult. Hereditary problems are linked to poor diet and rapid growth! I have found that Royal Canin allows puppies bones to grow quicker than muscles, therefore you don’t have extra stress on the skeletal system whilst they are growing. 

When adults, we have also been known to mix Royal Canin and Black Hawk.

Healthcare and grooming

Labs are healthy dogs overall, and as a responsible breeder we screen breeding stock for conditions such as elbow and hip dysplasia, heart disorders, hereditary myopathy (muscle weakness), and eye conditions, including progressive retinal atrophy. A condition called exercise induced collapse (EIC) can occur in some young adult Labs; a DNA test allows us to identify carriers and plan breedings to avoid producing the disease. 

The Lab has a thick, water-repellant double coat that sheds. Give occasional baths to keep them clean. As with all breeds, the Lab’s nails should be trimmed regularly and his teeth brushed frequently. 

Brushing your Labrador is also a good opportunity to thoroughly examine their body and look for parasites or skin lumps. At the same time, it’s worth checking their eyes for any redness or discharge, and their ears for black or brown wax and a strange smell. Vets also recommend brushing your Labrador’s teeth regularly to prevent tooth or gum disease. It’s a good idea to introduce this as a part of your puppy’s routine early, as it’ll help familiarise them with the process. Keep your motions gentle and soothing and you’ll soon create happy associations with grooming for your pet.

Vaccinations

Your pups first needle will be given at 7 weeks of age, they will need another booster between 10 – 12 weeks and again at 15 weeks (old schedule).  Please consult with your vet as we believe now only the 10-12 week booster is required. Your pup should not leave your property until after the 10/12-week needles, unless it’s to go to the vet or puppy preschool. Vaccinations are then yearly for the rest of their lives, or on a vet recommended program. This 10/12-week needle is a good time to meet your vet and discuss any further vaccination requirements your pup may need, in respect to the area in which you live.

Worming

We treat our puppies for worms every two weeks from birth. We recommend this continues until you visit your vet and seek advice on how to take this treatment forward.  There are many different worming options these days, each with their own schedule to follow. At your first vet visit, the vet will also discussing heartwarming options. 

Brands we use are NextGuard Spectra, Melbemax or Drontal.

Exercise

We do not recommend any formal exercise for your puppy, until after all vaccinations have been given. Please let your pup decide how much exercise they want themselves, e.g. do not take them on 10k runs, a stroll in a park is fine, use your own judgement. Puppies can be clumsy and can very easily hurt themselves. If your pup seems lame, confine them for a couple of days, it is not good to exercise on an injury when growing so fast, if the problem persists seek your vet’s advice, or feel free to contact Grey Manor for advice. As a rule, your pup should be walked for a maximum of 5 minutes per month in age: e.g. At 5 months a 25-minute walk is sufficient.

Microchips 

All our puppies are microchipped before leaving for their new homes.

Spaying/neutering 

You should consult with your vet about the appropriate age for spaying/neutering. It is being recommended more and more to leave puppies until they are over one years old before spaying/neutering.  

Regulations and requirements 

Previously, we have been able to register the puppies microchip number direct to the new owners.  There is some talk of a new requirement to first register to the breeder.  If this is the case, you will need to update the microchip information.  If this is the case, we will let you know.

You will need to lifetime register your pup before 6 months of age with your local council. If you are interstate, you may need to re-register the microchip number in your own state also. 

Pedigree paperwork are totally separate, these will be sent out to you once we receive them back from Dogs ACT, this usually takes a month or so from the time you receive your pup.  The puppies are registered to Grey Manor Labradors.  They can remain registered to Grey Manor Labradors, this is not an issue and does not impact your council registration. If you wish, you can transfer the pedigree into your name, however this is not compulsory and is done at your own cost.

Puppies are sold on limited registration only, this means they are family dogs and cannot be shown or breed.  If you require full registration, please contact.

We strongly advise that you purchase pet insurance within the first 6 weeks of owning your puppy.

For whatever reason, should the puppy require rehoming at any time in the life of the puppy, we request that you inform us and allow us to assist with the re-homing the puppy, or we can take the puppy back and re-home the puppy under a separate agreement. We would hate for the puppy to be surrendered to any pound or be advertised for sale, without our knowledge. 

The new owner may, within TEN working days of receipt of the puppy, have the puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian. If, as a result of this examination, the veterinarian determines that the puppy was not in good health at the time of sale then the new owner shall either elect to retain the puppy or return the puppy to us.   We shall be obliged to refund the purchase price within 30 days on the following condition: within 7 days Grey Manor Labradors receives a statutory declaration from the veterinarian stating that the puppy was in ill health when examined and outlining details of same, and once this has been provided to our own vet who conducted the initial examination for their review and opinion. 

All expenses incurred by the new owner, such as but not limited to; veterinarian expenses, costs related to returning the Puppy to us and set-up expenses in preparing to have the puppy in their home shall remain the responsibility of the new owner. Any further obligations under the terms of sale shall then be null and void.

Responsible dog owners Code of Conduct