Your Labrador Retriever Puppy Month by Month

by Terry Albert

Your Labrador Retriever Puppy Month by Month, Second Edition,  provides new puppy owners with everything you need to know and do at each stage of development to make sure your playful, energetic puppy grows into a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted companion. Expert authors Terry Albert, vet Deb Eldredge, and breeder Joanne Olivier team up to cover all the questions new owners tend to have and may not think to ask,

   • What to ask the breeder before bringing your puppy home.
   • Which vaccinations your puppy needs and when to get them.
   • How to make potty training as smooth (and quick) as possible.
   • What do to when your puppy cries at night.
   • Why and how to crate train your puppy.
   • When socialization should happen and how to make sure it does.
   • When your puppy is ready to learn basic commands—like Sit, Stay, and Come—and the best way to teach them.
   • When and how to go about leash training.
   • How much exercise your puppy needs to stay physically and mentally healthy.
   • What, how much, and when to feed your puppy to give him the nutrition he needs without the extra weight he doesn’t.
   • When your puppy is ready for obedience training and how to make sure it works.
   • How and how often to bath your puppy, brush his coat, clip his nails, and brush his teeth.
   • How to know what requires a trip to the vet and what doesn't.
   • What causes problem behaviors, when to expect them, and how to correct them.

Genres: Dogs, Nonfiction, Animals

368 pages, Paperback

First published December 4, 2012

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I picked this book up sooner.

I found it to be very informative. It describes physical, social, and behavioural developments for each month until 12 months, as well as health and training. Even though I read it now with my puppy being 9 months, it still found it to be rather helpful. There were commands which I wouldn’t think to teach my dog, but I’m eager to try.

Although, there were sections, such as crate training, I wished were expanded upon. I find this to be difficult (probably because I ended up doing crate training with my guy now) so I feel like it would’ve been beneficial to go into it a bit more.

Also found that sections on advance training, like tracking, could’ve either been shortened or put into the appendix since not everyone will probably do that with their dogs.

Lastly, I was hoping there would be something on treating wounds, like a bite. I know it’s a simple google search away, but it would be helpful to have in the book. I’ve treated one in the past with my puppy and when he recently got bit again (a little bite this time), I couldn’t remember the solution I made to clean/treat the bite last time and hoped I could find one in the book, but didn’t.

Overall, I still found this very helpful and would recommend to first time dog owners like myself or anyone who just got a lab/lab mix puppy.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a brand new dog owner, this book was so helpful. Each chapter corresponds to a month of life. This was helpful, because I could focus on just reading one chapter at a time and implementing it. Each chapter is also divided into consistent sections like behavior, grooming, health, training, etc. This was really helpful to focus on areas we needed extra help on, or skip areas that we weren't interested in. This combined with some training classes helped me feel like we were pretty successful in raising a puppy.

[Hugo's Mom]

I'm not rating this book as I don't think its fair- I disliked it simply because it didn't meet my purpose. But it is probably a fine book for a first time dog owner. It was an overly simplistic/intro book for an experienced dog owner who is simply new to Labrador Retrievers. I was hoping for more input (starting a hunting dog) and it was lacking here. Probably great for first time dog owners though.

[Alice Pickersgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastically detailed book about what to expect if you're looking to own a labrador. Love the month by month approach, with the handy calender of milestones at the front. I'm sure I'll keep referring back to the book regularly over the next year+.
It is USA specific with some things, so combine this book with checking information on the UK Kennel Club website and other UK based dog/pet charity for specifics on UK regulations for breeders, and for you as an owner.

[Sharron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely wonderful. Well written, well organized and packed with essential information - and reassurance. As a first time dog owner, I would have been lost without it. I’ve recommended, even purchased copies, for fellow Labrador Retriever owners. Even if your dog is no longer a puppy, go buy yourself a copy. It will be the best $20 you spend to care for your dog.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book so I would know what we’re getting into with our new puppy. I think it’s probably a good overview of the breed, but having read other books that have training suggestions, this isn’t the best.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for new Lab owners

This book discusses all items about owning, caring and growing with your new Lab puppy. I will return to it also as questions arise

[Gwenno Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good training guide

I was expecting more about a lab’s weekly/ monthly development as opposed to another training guide. But as a training guide it’s comprehensive

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am incredibly grateful to this book!! Fabulous, sensible advice easily applicable right now!! A very well-rounded book, as well. A truly great read.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thorough and well-written. Excellent resource for lab owners.

Note: My review only applies up to Month 8 because my lab puppy ate the back part of the book...

[Marie Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t wait to get my puppy!! just had to get a refresher on puppyhood

[Rhiannon Trask · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive and well-organized! I read the whole thing before my lab puppy comes home, and I plan to reference it throughout her first year.

[Amy Shojai · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have a Lab puppy, THIS is the book you need! The format offers an easy to follow month-to-month in your puppy's life that explains what happens to the baby, what to expect, how to plan and what to do during these important periods. Written by experts with exhaustive but easy to access information, this is a book that I can highly recommend.

For more details on what to expect, here's a longer, more detailed review.

[Michael Casner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book describes my little guy's behavior with seemingly uncanny accuracy. It also provides effective advice on how to address those behaviors, good and bad, as well as other breed-specific knowledge needed such as nutritional needs, seasonal safety, and other information needed to raise a happy, healthy pup! The last few months are less specific but overall would say this is a great read for any new Labrador parent!

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read the book faster than the monthly profile outlined in the book, because I checked it out from the library. My puppy turned 5 months old while I read, and it was fun to read about her development as I watch her grow. The book was good at reminding me to have patience with her as she learns, grows, and explores.

[Stacy Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has some great information for first Lab owners. If you are getting your first Lab puppy, this book should definitely be on your list! Great information about puppy development along with specific information about Labradors and how they mature for their first year. I wish I had had this book when I got my first Lab puppy!

[Andrew Moore · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bleeding heart approach to raising your puppy. Pedantic.

[Anne Farrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent reference for lab owners. It provides month by month discussion of your pup’s growth and development and how to handle the challenges of an active puppy/adolescent.