Labrador Puppy Accessories

Article Title: Labrador Puppy Accessories
Author: Anna Hart

Labrador puppies, especially little black ones, have become
very popular in the U.S. Breeders, pet stores, animal shelters,
and humane societies are good places to get Labrador puppies. If
you do not need an AKC registered puppy, you might consider
giving a loving home to one of those in a shelter.

Cost of Labrador Puppies

If you decide to get Labrador puppies from a breeder or pet
store, be prepared to pay $400 or more for each puppy. Show
quality Labrador puppies may cost as much as $1,000 each.

That is, of course, only the beginning of expenses involved in
raising Labrador puppies. There are accessories!

Labrador Puppy Accessories

Labrador puppy accessories can cost a great deal or they can be
minimal. You should determine your budget and actual needs
before visiting the pet store to avoid buying unnecessary
accessories for your Labrador puppies. The list below is meant
only as examples of Labrador puppy accessories you may want.

1. Collars: Labrador puppies need collars, but be aware of two
things. Labrador puppies outgrow collars rapidly. You should not
use a chain collar on a young puppy, as it could damage his
windpipe. Choose flat fabric or leather collars until your
Labrador puppies are at least 5 months old.

2. Leashes: You should train your Labrador puppies to walk on
the leash, even if they have plenty of space to run in safety.
There will be times, such as visits to the veterinarian's office
when you will be glad they are accustomed to the leash. Unlike
the collars, leashes for Labrador puppies should be chain so the
puppies will not chew them.

3. Crates: It is a good idea to have crates for your Labrador
puppies before you bring them home. Crates become the puppies'
dens. If you are away from home during the day, you can leave
your Labrador puppies in their crates to keep them safe,
comfortable, and relaxed. Since they will be relaxes, they will
not need to relieve themselves as often. The crate will be sure
they do not use an inappropriate spot when they do relieve
themselves. At night, Labrador puppies in crates sleep better –
and stay out of mischief. Select crates that provide just enough
space for a full-grown Labrador to stretch out when lying down.

4. Bowls: You can spend a lot of money on fancy bowls for your
Labrador puppies, but it really is not necessary. Plain steel
bowls are sturdy, unbreakable, and can be cleaned well. If you
use plastic containers, Labrador puppies will chew them,
possibly ingesting pieces of plastic. Some feed and water bowls
are said to be spill proof. This is a good idea when you have
energetic Labrador puppies.

5. Toys: Resist buying chew toys simply because they are cute
to humans. Your Labrador puppies will chew aggressively. They
can easily destroy plastic pet toys and, if no one is there to
watch carefully, could choke on small pieces. Give your Labrador
puppies sturdy Kongs and Nylabones to chew.

6. Playpen: Since Labrador puppies will try to eat anything
they find, it is a good idea to provide a playpen while they are
young and learning. This is especially recommended if the
puppies are to be outside unattended for any period of time.

7. Brush: Until your Labrador puppies are older, and begin to
shed more, use a bristle brush for weekly grooming. The brush
will remove dirt from the puppies' coats and keep them smelling
good.

Puppy Food

Food cannot really be classed among Labrador Puppy Accessories,
but it is one more cost to anticipate when buying Labrador
puppies. Ask the breeder or pet store clerk what food is best.
If you know what the puppies are accustomed to eating, you may
want to use that kind at first until they are comfortable in
their new home.

There are many other accessories available for Labrador
puppies, and if your budget will stretch you may want to
consider some of them, but these should get you started.

About The Author: ©2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart invites you to
read more of her articles about lovable Labrador puppies at
http://www.lovablelabradors.com. Anna has posted additional
information about this popular breed on that site. If you want
more information on preparing to bring home Labrador puppies, go
there now and get Anna's perspective on the subject.

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