TIPS ON BRINGING HOME AN OLDER LABRADOR FROM ASHLAND

So you've decided to go the "older" dog route instead of acquiring a new puppy.  That's great, however you still need to understand that with any older dog, you will need to allow a good two week adjustment period for the dog to become acclimated to his new surroundings, your rules and your schedule.  Here are a few tips to let this transition period go a bit smoother.

A) Your new Labrador may already be obedience trained.  If so, take time to work with your new companion on commands. Do not expect the dog to be perfect and respond to your voice immediately.  He has been raised by someone else and is used to their verbal commands as well as their body language.  A big mistake people make is expecting the dog to be perfect because they done so well here and responded to us when we spoke to them.  With your concerted efforts and proper understanding of dog behavior, your new companion will be responding to you in no time.  Sometimes, an older trained dog with a new owner will not obey commands right away. You must enforce your commands and if he balks, shows resistance or looks at you as if he is deaf and not understanding a word you say, then immediately show him what you expect while repeating the command.  Our commands are "Down", "Sit", "Stay",  "Dogs name...Come".  "Heel", etc.   Do NOT use two syllable commands such as "Sit down", "Lay Down" "Come here".  We also use a lot of hand signal and body language along with the commands.  As long as you are not too passive of a person in nature and understand that adult labs needs a transition time just like a new puppy requires, you will soon be on your way to a great relationship with your new friend.

B) Housebroken?  Yes,  all of our Labradors that "WE" have raised and trained from a puppy on up  undergo housetraining.  Does this mean that your new adult will never soil your floors?  Only if YOU allow it to happen!!

We have placed a great number of completely housebroken adults over the years.  One thing that should be stressed is that any adult Labrador leaving one home and entering into a new home must be treated "to some extent" like a new pup in regard to full proofing house manners in your home quickly.  

For the first two weeks:      

DO NOT allow the dog to have the run of your house at first.  Supervise him, allow him to explore while you are with him. You MUST create a potty schedule.  You MUST take the dog to the same door and repeat "outside" or "go potty" and take him on a leash to only one specific area outdoors to urinate or defecate.  Most all of our dogs will go to the front door and notion to us that they have to be let out.  We know when it has been a while and if they need a bathroom break.  Don't assume that every time the dog goes to the door that he needs to be let back out to relieve himself.  You will only create a teaser as he will learn to go to the door just to get a chance to explore the yard, instead of doing his business.  All of our Labradors are crate trained.  They need their crate!  This is their space to go and get away when they are tired or at night when it is bedtime.  It is also a must for the transition period when going to a new home.    After a couple of weeks of this routine, your lab will have the understanding of which door to go to when he needs to be let out.  You will be able to understand his body language and gestures that indicate "go potty". 

C) Chewing:  Sorry folks, chewing is always a fact of life with Labradors of ANY age.  Chewing is not to be confused with "puppy teething".   Labs are a "mouthy" breed.  They always want something in their mouths!  If you cannot tolerate a mouthy dog, do not get a Labrador!   Adult labs are easily pacified with larger toys, kongs, beef femurs, etc.   If they get bored and have no toys or goodies of their own to chew, they will look for something....your shoes perhaps!  As long as they have there own stuff to chew or carry around they are pretty much content.

Lastly, do not expect your Labrador to be perfect.  No dog is!!  Once they have adjusted to their new home, realized that you are the new person in charge of there care, they will give you years of devotion and love!!