Arkansas Labs

HEALTH

*Your puppy will have their dew-claws removed when they are 24 hours to 5 days old. We give worming meds at 3, 5 and 6 weeks. The vet will listen to their hearts, check joints, eyes, ears and check for parasites. Then they will be given their first set of shots at 6 weeks. The average weight of a 6 week old puppy is 6-9 lbs depending on litter size. The smaller the litter, the bigger the puppy. When born they weigh around 1 pound, and gain on average 1 pound a week. This in no way reflects on how big your puppy will grow to be. That will depend on the parents size. They will need 3 more sets of shots 3 weeks apart.  Your puppy is not protected until their final shot. You will need to limit where you take your puppy until all shots are given.

NuVet 

Please remember to continue your puppy’s immune booster and order before they come home. NuVet Plus is the only supplement we trust due to their 21 year flawless record and strict human grade manufacturing, US sourced and cold processed.  It’s a nourishing treat they LOVE and critical to support their health.  Puppies need special immune boosting nutrients…Make sure they don’t miss a day!   Click here and order- Easyà www.nuvet.com/35489  ( $16 a month if you choose auto-ship)

GOOD THINGS TO HAVE AND KNOW

* When you come to pick up the puppy bring an old towel that way the baby can take home the scent of their mother.

* It will be hard but try and limit your small children from holding and moving them around all the time. At least the first few days. Let them settle in a little bit.

* I like to crate train my puppies. You can buy a medium to large wire crate. The wire crates come with a divider so you can make them smaller and increase the size as your puppy grows without having to buy several different plastic ones. It's best to have it big enough for them to move around a little and lay down. If it is to big, they tend to not hold it when they need to go potty. 

*If you want to get a collar small will be a good size to start out.

*I like to go to Goodwill and get stuffed animals for them when they are smaller. They like to sleep and play with them. No need to spend big money for "dog" toys.

*Instead spend your money on lots of bones. Get tons of bones!!!! Labs love to chew! They are working dogs. They like to have things to do and can get into trouble if left alone. I get them a lot of different toys, balls and chew bones. Then I like to change them out. I think like kids they get bored if they have access to everything all the time. I always tell everyone the first year is hard. They are very smart, stubborn and full of energy, but after that they will be the best dog you've every had. They are also very loyal and protective. My first lab would sit between me and any person she didn't trust. If I moved, she moved. It was kinda funny when I realized what she was doing. But I definitely liked it. 

*Most labs have the drive to work. That's what they have been breed to do. They like to retrieve and to please, but they can also be stubborn. I think it's because they are so smart they just think they know best lol. But what is most important is the time and training you are willing to put into them.

*We do all we can here to get them prepared for their life with you.