Labraharvests' Toy Box

A VARI #500 KENNEL

well worth the $150.00 investment. Check out the airport...sometimes they are a little cheaper there and also the classifieds (The Shopper).

This is puppy's home and get-away whenever he needs his own space. Great for house-training, sleep-overs at Grandma's and for going on holidays.

Doggy Library

The Culture Clash: Jean Donaldson

I love this book. Before you buy anything, make this your first purchase and learn what the dog is all about and how it is trying to communicate to you.

PREVENTION is the key in training!

More of my favourite Labrador books are on my LINKS page

Vehicle Barriers

are a great and easy way of confining your Labrador in your SUV, Jeep, Van, Station Wagon, etc.

If you have a car you may want to consider seat belts as a way to keep Labby in one area.

The Buster Cube (labbie proof)

A Terrific Motivational Toy!

drop in some food, close the cylinder, food will fall out as puppy pushes, rolls, and paws the cube around the yard. Helps to keep your pet occupied, challenged and out of trouble. Not recommended for IN the house..lol!!

Plush Toys

Supervision required!

Like human babies...puppies also have the desire to try different textures in their mouths :)

Plush toys are colourful and soft and Labbies love to pack them around....but sometimes they like to 'pull the stuffing' out....

Collars and Leashes

My Labs only wear a collar (buckle) when we are training or walking!

Absolutely NO choker chains or the such on puppies under the age of 8 months......EVER!

The choker chain does as it says and should only be used with an experienced hand. When in doubt...ASK!

Dental Toys!!!

Designed to aid in the fight against periodontal disease.

Dental Kongs / Galileo Bones / Nyla Bones

whatever kind you buy please make sure it is the right size for the different growth stages of your puppy/adult

Exercise Pens

These 4' x 4' pens make a great yard when you go on holidays with your dog....put their crate and toys inside and they'll be "happy campers", too!

These work well if you have to leave puppy/adolesant alone for short periods at a time (place in the basement, garage, kitchen, etc)

Training Dummies

(Interaction)

Durable, tough plastic..but also soft and pliable for water and dry land retriever training.

Do not mistake this as a chew toy...it isn't meant for that purpose at all!

Latex Squeeky Toys

(Interaction)

SUPERVISION REQUIRED

Puppies and adult dogs love to mouth and play and squeeze and lick and chew on these toys....it's alot of fun for them. PLEASE watch them carefully because they will try to kill the 'squeeker' by ripping it apart, an we don't want them to swollow any pieces.

These are just a few things to consider buying for your new addition to the family.

Once again....PREVENTION is the best way of training your puppy/adult. Don't give them the chance to become idle or bored....give them something to do and a place to do it in.

When you cannot supervise the puppy/adult, place him in his crate, his ex-pen, or his kennel area outside. Give him the appropriate toys for the length of time he must be on his own.

No matter what the question or concern....

Labraharvest will always be here to help you and your canine companions :)

Stainless Steel Dishes

Labbie proof :)

All you have to remember when buying pretty dishware...if he can chew it (even if he "thinks" he can chew it) he will give it his best shot. Stainless Steel is far easier to keep clean, and at best it will withstand the "test of labbie time". I still have the 4 original stainless steel dishes that I purchased for $2.59 each, 25 years ago.

Ceramic and porcelin are colour treated and caution must be taken when they become chipped or cracked. Also...when your Labbie learns to carry the dish, be careful it isn't his own toes he drops it on!

Tennis Balls

(Interaction)

Supervision Required

Tennis balls are inexpensive...and alot of fun for your Labby.

Do be careful that you don't let your Lab chew it....once it breaks inside the cloth...simply toss it in the garbage and replace it with a new one :))

Pacifiers

If it doesn't say KONG on the toy or packaging, then it isn't the original KONG. This toy has been around our home for many, many years. Two of my original KONGS are probably 15 years old and have become weathered out and will be replaced this winter.

Stuff it full of chees-whiz, peanut-butter, cookies, or anyother delectible goody and give it to your puppy/adult of help pacify the time alone, or while you are busy on the computer!

Make sure you buy the right size for the growth stages of your puppy.

Ask me how it helped to prevent a "near amputation" of my Labby's front leg!

A ToyBox of their own!

Get him/her a toybox....after all they are retrievers, so it will be very easy to teach then to "put their toys away' at the end of the day!

Remember - they are Retrievers....let them help pick up the toys and put them away!

Rawhide Bones

(Pacifier)

SUPERVISION REQUIRED

whatever kind of rawhide bone you choose,

please be sure it is twice as big as the dog's mouth!

Rawhide does not digest and what goes down whole has to come out whole...if it doesn't get stuck first!!!!

Chew Ropes

(Pacifier/Interaction)

SUPERVISION REQUIRED

They come in cotton or nylon and different flavours for chewing encouragement.

I like the nylon ones as they tend to floss between the teeth while the dog is tearing it apart. Cotton tends to get caught between the teeth.

Labs LOVE water...they LOVE to play and splash in it, and they don't care where the water is :)

Save your floors..get them an Elevated feeding station!

Here is a list of things that will be useful, beneficial, practical, and enjoyed by your Labrador for years to come....this list is compiled strickly of my own opinions and experiences over the past 28 years of raising Labradors.

Not everything in a pet store (food, bedding, treats or toys) is meant for 'our' Lab. It will take you time (as well as trial and error) to determine what is suitable for YOUR puppy/adult. This list is a short-cut and an expense saver for you.....

Whenever in doubt, don't buy!.....ASK ME!!!!

BEWARE!!!!! NO-NO...NO-NO

Cow Hooves and Pigs Ears are definite "NO-NO's" as far as I am concerned.

Cow hooves will splinter and may get wedged up in the gums and/or between the teeth requiring veterinarian care.

Pigs ears are just too plain greasy and cause very loose stools and "up-chucks" to happen ...and it's usually on the carpet :(

Bedding

BEFORE you rush out and buy those fancy, plush, comforters, duvets or the such....give puppy a chance to become house-trained....and beyond the chewing stage.

In the beginning use blankets from the thrift stores....much more economical and you'll need a few to start with for 'accidents'.

Once puppy has outgrown the need to chew and 'kill' everything in sight...then go ahead and buy those beautiful, plush beds!