Labrador Puppy Nurseries

Sometimes, a Labrador puppy is an impulse purchase, but more often, a puppy purchase is planned. The family discusses breeds, and settles on a Labrador puppy. They may look for a local breeder, or check the classified ads. They should also plan a nursery for the Labrador puppy. Puppies are like babies, and certain preparations should be made before you bring one home.

Where Will She Stay during the Day?

Your Labrador puppy will need a nursery in which to stay. It should be a place of her own, and should be small enough that she is not frightened. It should be warm, but not too warm. It should be easy to clean, too. A Labrador puppy is bound to have accidents in her nursery.

Where Will She Sleep?

Somewhere in the nursery, your Labrador puppy will need a bed. You may want to make her bed in a small kennel crate. She can be placed in the crate when you want her to rest. She can also be crated to keep her from relieving herself inappropriately. A Labrador puppy should not be given a wicker basket for a bed (as pictured above), since they will aggressively chew it. Not only will the basket be destroyed quickly, but your puppy may choke on pieces of wicker. If you are not using a crate, give your Labrador puppy a fleece bed, or a box made of hardwood and lined with soft rags.

Where Will She Toilet?

Obviously, you want to train your Labrador puppy from the start to toilet in the right place. You must decide what that place is, and prepare it. You may simply place newspaper on the floor, covering the entire puppy nursery. Or you may use one of the new doggie litter boxes. Be sure you do not use cat litter, as it can be harmful to your Labrador puppy.

Where Will You Groom Her?

It is good to groom your puppy from the beginning so she will learn to accept the process readily. Decide on a place where the grooming will always take place. Just as babies learn to associate the bathtub with a pleasant bath, your Labrador puppy will learn to associate the grooming table or “corner” with a pleasant massage and brushing.

Where Will She Eat?

Give your Labrador puppy an orderly life fro the first day by always feeding her in the same place. Introduce her to a water bowl and food bowl that will be hers alone. Place them in an area where other pets will not eat from them or bother her while she eats.

If you have all of these nursery spots decided and prepared before you bring home your new Labrador puppy, you and she will be more comfortable and happy.