Feeding:
Labradors are fast growing dogs. We recommend you feed a good quality `large breed' puppy food such as Nutrience, Hill's Science Diet, or Eukanuba, for at least the first year. A good quality biscuit contains all the nutrition your pup needs to grow strong and healthy, without the need for supplements. We provide a diet sheet to guide you through the first year.

House training:
A young puppy may not have full bladder control until it is about 16 weeks old, although some develop much earlier than this. Our pups are accustomed to going to the toilet on concrete or grass, which facilitates the house training process. We can give you some tips on this, but also recommend you read a reputable book on Labradors.

Exercise:
For the first few weeks your puppy does not need to leave your section, and gets enough exercise playing. Use this time to accustom it to a collar and lead, then gradually build up the time you spend walking and playing. Too much exercise can damage a puppy's hip, and elbow joints, causing problems later on. All large dog breeds are prone to problems in these areas, and care needs to be taken.

To spey or neuter:
This is a personal choice, however we recommend it is a good idea to have your dog speyed (bitch) or neutered (dog) unless you are intending to breed. A bitch will come into season approximately every 6 months, from about 9 months old. A season lasts for about 21 days, during which time she must be kept well away from any male dogs to ensure a mating does not occur. A neutered male dog is less likely to wander, is usually more placid, and prevents the possibility of tumours of the testicles.

Vaccination and Worming:
Our pups receive their first vaccination at about 6 weeks old, and require another 2-3 booster shots by the time they are 14 weeks old. Your vet will advise you on this matter. Puppies should be wormed every 2 weeks until they are 12 weeks old, then 3 monthly after that.