Arriving Home
When you get home, walk the puppy around outside first and give him an opportunity to relieve himself. He'll be excited and nervous, so this probably won't take long. Praise him when he performs:“Good go potty!” The sooner he starts learning this phrase, the better.
Supervising Starts Now
Take him inside on leash. Until you're sure he's reliably house-trained and knows the house rules (which will take a minimum of several months), your new Lab should never be allowed the run of the house. He should be on leash, confined to his safe place or crate, in a fenced yard or dog run, in someone's lap, or under a watchful eye. Use baby gates to prevent wandering.
Your Lab's crate is his safe place, where he can go when he wants to rest. Teach the kids that they aren't to bother him when he's in his crate or to climb inside the crate with him.
Spend plenty of time playing with and interacting with your new dog these first few days. Your attention will help distract him from missing his mom and littermates. Take him out every couple of hours so he has plenty of opportunities to learn that “outside” is where he needs to go potty. Start teaching simple commands, such as “Sit” or “Come.” And play, play, play.
Meeting the Family and Neighbors
This is a big day for your new dog. He's undoubtedly bewitched, bothered, and bewildered by all the new sights, sounds, smells, and people he's encountering. Give him a break, and don't overwhelm him with new experiences all in one day.
Ask neighbors to refrain from bringing their own dogs over to meet the pup. It's important for him to get to know the neighborhood dogs, but right now his immature immune system needs to be protected. Check with your veterinarian to see what age is appropriate for dog-to-dog meetings. Usually it's advisable to wait until the pup is twelve weeks old.
Rules for Kids
If you have children, they'll most likely want to show off their new friend. That's fine, but make a rule that only one or two friends at a time can come over to play with the new pup. Keep a lid on loud squealing, poking, and prodding. It's okay for the kids to throw a ball for the puppy to fetch — he'll love it — but rule out dressing the dog up in baby clothes or carrying him around dangling beneath their arms. It's all too easy for a child to drop and injure a squirmy pup, even one as sturdy as a Lab.
Even if you don't have children, your Lab is likely to encounter them in everyday life. Be aware of any children who may be approaching so you can control any interactions. Hold a toddler's or young child's hand to guide her strokes, and suggest that children ask their parents' permission before petting your dog. Explain that dogs have very sensitive ears, so it's not nice to scream around them.
Teach your children to never hit the dog. Many young children like being the dog's “boss” and think it's their job to yell at or hit the puppy if he does something wrong. Explain very clearly that it's never okay to hit the dog.
Nap Time
After half an hour of play, your new dog will probably be ready to rest. Walk him around to see if he'll go potty again, then put him in his crate. Give him a treat before you close the door, and tell him he's a good dog. Your puppy will probably be ready to leave his crate after a short nap. Keep an eye on him, and when he wakes up, take him for another potty break.
