Preparing For A New Labrador Puppy: Your Ultimate Welcome Guide

Countdown begins. Before you know it, a wiggly, curious, adorable-as-can-be Labrador puppy will be visiting your home for the first time. With excitement building, so can a little anxiety. How do you prepare your house as a warm, safe welcome for this new rambunctious bundle? Preparing for a Labrador puppy is not solely a case of buying a lovely bed; it’s a preparatory exercise that sets the stage for smooth integration, prevents mishaps, and creates a foundation of trust and security from the first day.

This is not a checklist. It’s a room-by-room guide to potential hazards and preparation required, a list of essential supplies, and a plan for the first day with your puppy. Let’s get ready for the joyful chaos that is a Labrador puppy!

For more tips on preparing for your new arrival, check out our comprehensive Labrador puppy checklist on the main site.

The Mindset: Look at the World through a Puppy’s Eyes

First, get down on your hands and knees. I mean it. Look around you at what is at eye level. You’ll be surprised at the dangers and temptations you habitually overlook at standing height. A Labrador puppy explores the world with nose and mouth. Electric cords, lost shoes, and inviting table legs are all available. Your task is to make this discovery as innocuous as possible.

Room-by-Room Puppy Proofing Guide

The Family & Living Rooms: The Center Play Area

These are most likely where your family will be for most of their time, and likely where your puppy will be too.

• Cord Control: Tie up or conceal all TV, lamp, and charger cords. Puppies have a bad tendency to burn themselves severely or electrocute themselves from chewing on cords. Use cord concealment items or bitter apple spray as a deterrent.
• Clear Out Temptations: Pick up shoes, children’s toys, remote controls, and books. Not only can they be destroyed, but tiny pieces can be a choking hazard.
• Plant Patrol: Many popular household plants are toxic to dogs. The ASPCA provides a very extensive list of toxic and non-toxic plants compare your plants to it and move any toxic plants safely out of reach.
• Furniture & Rug Prep: Consider draping your valuable couch or armchair with a washable throw blanket. If you have expensive rugs, you can roll them up for the first three months of potty training.

The Kitchen and Dining Area: A World of Odors and Hazards

The kitchen is an odorous treasure trove, so it is a danger zone.

• Secure Trash & Recycling: Buy a trash can with a secure, lockable lid or put it in a locked cabinet. Food waste smells are irresistible and may lead to creating an enormous mess or, worse still, your puppy consuming something harmful like cooked bones or packaging.
• Cabinet Locks: On lower cabinets, especially those with cleaning products, chemicals, or trash, use child-proof latches.
• Counter Surfing Prevention: Establish a routine not to leave food out on counters. Labs are tall, energetic, and quite fast when food is involved!

Bedrooms & Home Offices

• The “Sock Monster” Menace: Laboratories enjoy devouring socks, underwear, and other small pieces of clothing that can cause deadly intestinal blockages. Make it a habit to store dirty clothes in a covered hamper and bedroom floors clear.
• Office Chair Cords: Be careful of computer, monitor, and desk lamp cords. These are at the perfect puppy-chewing height.

The Garage & Utility Room

This tends to be the most dangerous room. Antifreeze, which is sweet-tasting but deadly, has to be locked away on top shelves. Everything else including pesticides, fertilizers, paint, and tools should be in lock-up.

Necessary Supplies: Your Labrador Puppy Shopping List

Venturing out to a pet store can be overwhelming. Here’s what you actually require before bringing your puppy home.

The Absolutely Essential Items:

1. A Solid Crate: This is your best tool for housetraining and providing a safe den. Buy a size that your grown Lab can fit in, but place a divider inside to create intimate-sized space initially. A big crate will encourage your puppy to pee in one corner.
2. Premium Puppy Chow: Don’t skimp on food here. Use a high-quality, large-breed puppy chow to feed their rapid growth and keep the joints healthy. Read our article on choosing the right chow for your Labrador to help you make your decision.
3. Bowl for Food and Water: Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are best as they are durable and easy to clean.
4. A Comfy Bed: Place it in the crate and in a normal family room. Be prepared for some teething chewing the first few days, so don’t start with the most expensive one!
5. Some Chew Toys: Labs need to chew, especially when they are teething. Provide a variety of safe, hard chew toys like Kongs, rubber chews, and puppy Nylabones to save your furniture and shoes.
6. Leash, Collar, and ID Tags: Your puppy should wear a light collar with an ID tag of your telephone number starting from day one. A basic 6-foot leash is best for early walks.
7. Enzymatic Cleaner: Something is going to go wrong. An enzymatic cleaner is the only type that will break down the biological mess entirely and eliminate the odor, so your puppy will not be drawn back in to the area once more.

Creating a Routine: The First 24 Hours

Preparing for a Labrador Puppy is not just about the physical; it’s also about preparing for their emotional needs, too. They’ll be confused on the first day.

• Establish a “Puppy Zone”: This could be a playpen or a barrier around a corner of the kitchen. It should be the secure area where they have their bed, water, and some toys. It gives them a sense of security and gives you a respite.
• Plot the Introduction: Be calm and quiet when you first take them in. Let them find their new world on their own time. Don’t invite all the neighbors over on day one.
• Start the Routine Immediately: They must go to their spot earliest. Teach them using a routine word like “Go potty.” Feed them on a regular basis throughout the day. This routine helps build security and accelerates housetraining. For a complete calendar, our Labrador puppy checklist has a sample routine.
• Night One Crate Training: Place the crate beside your bed. The noise of you breathing and changing position will comfort them. There will be some whining it’s inevitable. Refrain from succumbing and taking them into your bed because it is a difficult habit to break.

Preparing for a Labrador Puppy The Final Check: The Day Before Arrival

Do a final walk-through. Go down to puppy level once more. Did you miss anything? Have you got all the necessary supplies? Is everyone in your household in agreement about rules and routines?

Preparing for a Labrador Puppy is a labor of love. What you do today will pay dividends immensely, and you will end up with fewer emergencies, less stress, and more time to enjoy the happy, humorous, and heartwarming process of caring for your new best friend.

Ready for the Big Day?

You’ve puppy-proofed, you’ve filled up your pantry, and you’ve read the books. You’re ready. The final step is opening your home and your heart to the wonderful adventure ahead.

If you’re still on the path of finding your perfect Labrador, we can help. See our available Labrador puppies to select a healthy, happy puppy who’s just waiting to go home to a well-prepared and loving family like yours.