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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]DH just brought home a lab puppy. I’m beyond mad. I’ve never had a dog before and have no idea what to do. We also have two kids, 7 and 9. The kids are thrilled. The puppy is very cute, but he’s already peed on our new carpet. DH is an idiot.[/quote]

If you’ve never had a dog before I’m not sure a lab is right for you, even if you had known it was coming. Lifelong lab owner and while they are the absolute best, especially as family pets, they are big, strong, and energetic for at least 2 years. They house train extremely quickly but they have loads of energy so training is critical. [/quote]

Also, if your kids are only 7 and 9, they should not be allowed to walk the dog solo for several years. Lab puppies are great but they grow quickly and get big way before adulthood.  Young labs are STRONG and excitable and curious. They can pull away from kids in a heartbeat. Whatever you do, if you keep this dog do not use a retractable leash under any circumstances.  Also work with a trainer as soon as you can. [/quote]

This is the leash you want for a retriever.  The leather is soft and you can choke up on it (wrap it around your hand or grab it mid-leash) if need be, but the double handle that is close to the collar is essential and will give you LOTS more control if the dog pulls or if there's another dog/walker/bike passing you on the sidewalk.  
https://www.chewy.com/soft-touch-collars-leather-braided/dp/166701?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20027453190&utm_content=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAiaC-BhBEEiwAjY99qN4-5PY_JCP669iYa5L_li91wJPAhiUnTPRMfB8zPy_Ml5PCNvwy_BoCPtQQAvD_BwE
Under no circumstances should you ever ever ever get a retractable leash.  Depending on your 9 year old, they might be able to walk the dog, once they are both a little bit trained.  My 9 year old walked ours with no problem but they were strong/athletic and also really used to walking in the neighborhood/sidewalk safety generally.  You may also find it useful to have one of those small belt treat holders -- the dog will naturally want to walk with their nose up against your hip if you have little treats or kibble there.  And you can give him a couple little treats per block to keep the interest up.[/quote]

That leash is gorgeous. Now I want one! If the leather is too spendy, or you're going to let pup drag it in your yard while training recall and don't want to regularly clean the leather, the same dual-handle can be found on nylon leashes: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2PVBP99?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_3&th=1 Definitely no retractables!

Belt treat holder is a must, IMO. Puppies don't need to eat their meals from a dish. Most of their kibble can be used as "motivation" and pre-training heel by making your hand a snack dispenser as pp describes is ideal. Throw a couple into the crate and make going into their crate a happy activity. Use kibble as reinforcements for teaching sit, and down, etc. Use actual treats for higher-value rewards, or when you need a better distraction (e.g. puppy is distracted by loud truck outside, cue "look" and offer good snack for staying engaged with you/snack)[/quote]

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