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http://www.aftenposten.no/english/local/ar...rticleID=460471

From ElTianti's post.

 

If experience is worth anything we are on our 4th Lab. Two were from breeders, one from ASPCA, and the current one is from Lab Rescue. He had 5 homes in his first nine months. To say the least the was a little "screwed up" when we got him.

Things to remember about Labs:

They will be puppies until they are at least 3 years old.

Love to chew. Nyla bones are great.

Check the age but go to a training class. This is for the dog as well as the owner. It sets the expectations for both.

I agree with keeping them in a crate. Great for house breaking. Our dog will go into the crate during the day. Its his place of sanctuary.

Give them premium dog food, regular visits to the Vet and most of all lots of love!!!!

 

Crate training. Though i must've been one of the few lucky ones. My choco lab was 10 weeks old when i got him and he was pretty much potty trained within 1 day. Somehow he instinctively knew to go to the door when he wanted to go out to do his business. I definitely recommend the crate method though. Works well. All of my friends who have gone this route find their dogs to be very respectful of the house.

You are in for the time of your life with the little labby. Just take advantage of every second your lab is a pup...you'll be amazed at how quickly they become dogs!

I love my lab as if he were my son...

 

A little followup to the crate. Don't leave him in there till his bladder bursts. Take him out on a leash and stand where you want him to pee. Let him walk around you but don't move. If he doesn't pee, take him back in and put him in the crate. Wait a while, then repeat. Do it until he pees. Always do this first thing in the morning, (probably at night too till his bladder gets big enough to hold it all night), and throughout the day when he should be needing to go.
If he goes in the house, grab him, wipe it up and take him out to the spot, and put the paper towel on the ground and set him in front of it. Leave the towel there. Whenever he goes, praise him!
Remember if you punish him for anything more than 30 seconds (some say less) after he has done it, he won't know why you are yelling. If you don't catch him in the act, keep your mouth shut.
I have my second german shepherd. My first always walked to the door when he wanted to go, and never went in the house from day 1. My second pissed the floor for months. I learned the above method after it was too late.

 

Labs are great!!! In my opinion, they need a ton of attention but they will be a friend for LIFE.

 

Copy Cat

 

You can house train him in a couple of weeks or less if you can spend that sort of time with him initially. You need to watch him like a hawk and as soon as he looks like he's going to squat or starts turning circles, a sure sign, just pick him up and whisk him out onto the garden or wherever you'd prefer his toilet arrangements to take place. Never lose your temper if he has the odd accident or you aren't quick enough, and make sure you fuss and praise him a lot when he gets it right. he'll get the idea very quickly if you're patient and consistent, and he'll soon start going to the door on his own.

The sooner you accomplish house training the better, but you or someone else needs to be there.

Good luck with the new pup.