How to Pick Your Perfect Labrador Retriever Puppy

Once you have made the decision to add a Lab to your family you will have to move forward to find the perfect pup. This is one of those tasks that is usually easier said then done. Ideally, most people would just like to pick the cutest puppy and be on their way but this is never a good idea.
Be cautious and guarded when picking a puppy so you can stay away from the snares that entrap a lot of Labrador puppy owners. There always seems to be a more aggressive pup in every litter. This is the pup that will rush forward and be so very eager for your attention but heed caution. It is the peaceful and placid pup that will later be the most compliant and pleasant pet.
The puppy that seems apprehensive, anxious, or withdrawn is also a pup that should be avoided because when he grows up it is likely that he will be scared and aggressive, especially around strangers.
Before you head to pick out your Lab puppy you definitely should do your homework first. Conduct a search on the Internet or perhaps read a book about Labs. Remember, this is a choice and a commitment that will follow you for years to come. You can retrieve a lot of information from books that can be found at the library or any bookstore. It is very important that you know as much as possible about Labs before you get one such as any health concerns, grooming, and proper feeding. These are essential things to know when you shop for a puppy.
There is also some truth to be considered in regards to when is the best time of the year to buy your Lab pup. There is a high demand for puppies of all kinds around gift giving time such as Christmas and Easter especially. The problem with this is that your choices are more limited whereas if you wait until another time of the year you will have a lot more to choose from. Spring and fall are ideal times to puppy search.
There is a lot to be discovered about your Lab pup from his breeder. The problem is that you have to know how to ask the right questions and you also have to know if the answers that you are being given are truthful and accurate. Some of the things that are important to know are:

Were these puppies born here or were they shipped in from another location?
Ask the breeder is he ever sells his pups to brokers or dealers.
Is the breeder insistent that the pups can't leave their mother until they are seven weeks old?
Have the puppies been socialized at all? Have they been introduced to small children or other animals?
Did the breeder inquire as to your plans to ever breed your pup when he is old enough?
Is the area where the pups are clean and well kempt?
Knowing all of these things and really making every effort to learn as much as possible will give you a great head start in finding your Lab puppy. It is well worth an investment of a few hours of research for a puppy that will live with you for years.