Use short, reward-based sessions daily. Start with name, sit, come and crate manners in weeks 8–12. AVSAB supports starting socialization classes as early as 7–8 weeks with at least one vaccine set. Keep sessions fun and end before the puppy gets tired. Answer page →
How to potty train a Lab puppy?
Take the puppy out after waking, eating, playing and about every 1–2 hours. Praise outdoor pees right away; clean indoor accidents with an enzyme cleaner so the scent does not invite a return visit. A correctly sized crate with a divider speeds housebreaking. Answer page →
How long can a Lab be left alone?
Healthy adult Labs often manage a normal workday with a midday walk, but puppies need much more frequent potty trips and company. Crate train gradually over weeks. Long daily isolation without exercise usually leads to chewing, digging and nuisance barking. Answer page →
Why the first weeks matter
AVSAB describes the primary socialization period as roughly 3 to 14 weeks. What a puppy experiences safely in that window shapes its adult confidence. AVSAB recommends starting puppy classes at 7–8 weeks, at least 7 days after the first vaccines.
Week-by-week plan
Age
Focus
Key activities
8 wk
Settle in
Crate as a den (crate sizing); potty outside after waking, eating, playing; name game
9 wk
Handling
Touch paws, ears, mouth with treats (future vet visits and ear cleaning)
Take the puppy out on a schedule: after sleep, meals and play, and every 1–2 hours at first.
Same spot, quiet praise and a treat right after it goes.
Accidents: clean with an enzyme cleaner, no punishment.
Socialization checklist (aim for positive, not overwhelming)
10 different people (hats, beards, kids under supervision)
5 surfaces (grass, gravel, tile, metal grate, wet ground)
Car rides, vacuum, doorbell, traffic at a distance
Calm, vaccinated adult dogs
Sleep matters
Puppies need lots of sleep, commonly cited as 18 or more hours a day. An overtired Lab puppy turns into a land shark. Enforce naps in the crate.
Redirecting chewing is half of puppy training. Keep a frozen KONG or a flexible chew by the crate — our Lab chews and bones guide covers safe sizes, and the heavy-chewer toy guide covers fetch and puzzle toys.
Frequently asked questions
Should I wait until all vaccines are done before socializing my puppy?
AVSAB advises that puppies can start socialization classes from 7–8 weeks with at least one set of vaccines, because the sensitive period closes around 3 months. Avoid high-risk areas like dog parks until your vet says otherwise.
How do I stop my Lab puppy from biting?
Redirect onto a chew toy, end play briefly when teeth hit skin, and make sure the puppy gets enough sleep. Overtired Lab puppies bite more.
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