There are many books available regarding Labrador Retrievers. The following three books are written by Labrador breeders and are a great source of information !!!!
THE VERSATILE LABRADOR RETRIEVER - By Nancy Martin
LABRADOR RETRIEVERS TODAY - By Carole Coode
THE LABRADOR RETRIEVER – THE DO THAT DOES IT ALL - By Lisa Weiss and Emily Biegel.
Additional must have books !!!
HOW TO BE YOUR DOG’S BEST FRIEND - By The Monks of New Skete.
THE ART OF RAISING A PUPPY - By The Monks of New Skete
DOG OWNER’S HOME VETERINARIAN HANDBOOK - By Drs. Carlson and Griffin.
RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES
CRATE: I recommend the Vari-Kennel size 400 for females and 500 for males. If you travel, you may wish to purchase a collapsible wire crate. Remember, the dog crate is NEVER used as a punishment and your puppy should not be left in it for long periods of time. As a young puppy, he or she cannot “hold it” for a long time, so put him in with a “positive” voice and give him a few toys, etc…you may have a bit of an adjustment to the confinement (whining/barking), this is to be expected. As long as he has gone outside to do his business, go ahead and put him in for his naps and sleeping at night. No food or water should be left in the crate as this stimulates elimination. Remember, the first thing to do when he wakes from a nap is to take him outside to his designated bathroom area.
COLLARS: Flat buckle or adjustable for everyday use and nylon or training collar are for walks/training only !!! NEVER LEAVE THE TRAINING COLLAR (CHOKE CHAIN) ON YOUR DOG FOR EVERYDAY USE. Please order an I.D. tag for your everyday collar and speak with your vet regarding a safe, simple method of identification – MICROCHIPPING.
LEASH: 6 foot leather or nylon.
NAIL
CLIPPERS: Keeping your dogs nails trimmed is very important. Your vet or local groomer can provide this service for you if you don’t want to do it yourself.
SHAMPOO: Only use shampoos that are for dog use. This is important, as the pH balance is different for dogs than that for humans.
BRUSHES/
COMBS: A weekly grooming is a wonderful way to bond with your pet, as well as keep a close eye on any potential health problems. Additionally, you can use a 50-50 white vinegar/rubbing alcohol solution mixed in a hair dye bottle as a monthly ear wash.
FLEA
PRODUCTS: There are many monthly applications that can be purchased, as well as topical sprays. Please consult your vet and or breeder for their recommended choices. I highly recommend Frontline Plus.
TOYS: Lots and lots of toys…. The Nylabone is an excellent product that will provide your dog with many hours of chewing time. Rawhide bones only last a short time and we NEVER give these unless the dog is in the house and well supervised, as large pieces can be chewed off and then the dog can choke on them, although this rarely happens. We also recommend heavy rope bones as well as a wide “variety” of toys for entertainment. Rotate your dog’s toys so he/she doesn’t become bored with them.
MAIL ORDER CATALOGS
There are many, many online sites that can save you money. One of my favorites is Pet
Edge (www.petedge.com). They always have great sales on toys and equipment. Drs.
Foster and Smith is very useful also (www.drsfostersmith.com).