Labrador Retriever Puppy Checklist

Before They Arrive

What to Have Ready Before Your Lab Puppy Comes Home

Lab puppies are large, enthusiastic, and mouthy. They grow fast — a puppy that fits through a gap in the baby gate at 8 weeks won't fit through at 16 weeks, but the time to puppy-proof is before they arrive, not during. Buy the large crate now, not the small one you'll replace in three months.

Two things that should happen before pickup day: enroll in a puppy training class (good ones fill up weeks in advance), and apply for pet insurance. Both windows close faster than most people realize.

The Full List

Supplies Checklist

Containment & Sleep

• Large crate (42–48 inch) with divider — buy adult size immediately and use the divider to make it puppy-sized for housetraining; Labs grow into the full crate within months
• Durable dog bed — Labs can be destructive with soft items as puppies; consider a chew-resistant orthopedic bed or a simple washable mat first
• Baby gate or X-pen — essential for confining the puppy to safe areas; Labs are large enough to knock over lightweight gates

Feeding

• Stainless steel bowls (large) — appropriate for a large breed; elevated feeder optional
• Large-breed puppy food — ask the breeder what they've been feeding; transition over 7–10 days. Large-breed specific formula important for appropriate growth rate
• Measuring cup — non-negotiable; Labs will overeat to obesity if free-fed. Portion control from day one.
• Slow feeder bowl — Labs eat fast; slowing intake reduces bloat risk and digestive upset

Collar, Harness & ID

• Adjustable flat collar — you'll size up several times; start with a puppy collar sized for their current neck
• No-pull harness — useful early for training loose-leash walking; Labs can pull hard once grown
• 6-foot leash — standard training leash
• Long line (20–30 ft) — essential for recall training; teaches "come" in safe open areas
• ID tag with your phone number — have before pickup

Grooming

• Undercoat rake or deshedding tool — start using from day one so the puppy accepts it before the adult coat comes in
• Slicker brush — for finishing after the rake
• Ear cleaner (vet-recommended) — establish the ear cleaning habit from week one; Labs and water are inseparable, and ear infections start early
• Nail clippers (large breed) — begin paw handling from day one

Toys

• Large Kong — for crate settling and mental stimulation; fill with peanut butter or kibble
• Durable chew toys — Labs are mouthy; have appropriate chew targets from day one or your furniture becomes one
• Fetch toys (ball, bumper) — the natural play style for a retriever; start fetch training early

Health & Safety

• Pet insurance — applied for before the first vet visit — any condition noted at the first exam becomes a pre-existing exclusion; apply the day you bring the puppy home
• Vet appointment booked within 3 days of arrival
• Puppy training class enrolled — good classes fill up; find one and enroll before or the week of pickup
• Enzyme cleaner — for accident cleanup

First Week

First Week Plan

Day 1–2: Settle and Start the Routine

Lab puppies are social and adapt quickly, but still benefit from quiet introduction time. Start the crate routine from night one — it's hard for a few nights, but Labs that learn crate acceptance as puppies are dramatically easier to manage. Limit visitors the first 48 hours. Begin paw handling, ear handling, and brief grooming sessions with treats immediately.

Day 3: First Vet Visit

For a Lab, the first vet visit should include:

• Review breeder health test documentation (OFA hip/elbow clearances on parents)
• Baseline weight — establish this early for portion control tracking
• Vaccine schedule and deworming
• Discuss spay/neuter timing — for large breeds, there's evidence that waiting until 12–18 months improves joint health outcomes
• When to screen hips if you're concerned (PennHIP can be done as early as 16 weeks)

Week 1: Exercise Limits

The rule of thumb: 5 minutes of dedicated walking per month of age, twice daily. An 8-week puppy gets 10 minutes of gentle walking twice a day. Let them play freely at their own pace — just don't force sustained exercise before growth plates close around 12–18 months. Labs are especially prone to joint issues from over-exercise during development.

The Most Common Mistake

Skipping training class. Many Lab owners think they'll train at home or "figure it out." The problem: mouthiness, jumping, and pulling on leash in a small puppy become real problems in a 65-lb adolescent. The 8–16 week socialization window is also narrow and critical. Puppy class covers both. Enroll before pickup so there's no delay getting started.