What to Expect During the First Week with Your English Labrador Retriever Puppy

fieldstonekennels
Jun 9
5 min read

Bringing home an English Labrador Retriever puppy is one of the most exciting moments for any dog-loving family. Whether you've been counting down the days for weeks or months, your puppy's first week at home is filled with new experiences, learning opportunities, and important bonding moments.

At Fieldstone Kennels in Milaca, Minnesota, we've helped countless families prepare for life with their new English Labrador Retriever puppy. One of the most common questions we hear is:

"What should I expect during the first week?"

The truth is that every puppy is different, but there are several things most Labrador puppy owners can expect during those first few days.

The First Day Home: A Big Adjustment for Your Puppy

While bringing your puppy home is exciting for your family, it's also a major transition for your puppy.

English Labrador Puppy at Fieldstone Kennels in Milaca, MN

Your English Lab has just left:

Their mother
Their littermates
Familiar surroundings
Established routines

Because of this, your puppy may seem confident one moment and unsure the next.

During the first day, it's completely normal for your puppy to:

Explore constantly
Follow family members around
Take frequent naps
Seem cautious in unfamiliar areas
Become overwhelmed by too much activity

Best First-Day Tips

Keep the environment calm
Limit visitors
Avoid large gatherings
Allow your puppy time to explore at their own pace
Focus on building trust

The calmer the first day is, the easier your puppy's transition will be.

Expect Your Labrador Puppy to Sleep A Lot

Many new puppy owners worry when their puppy seems to sleep constantly.

The reality is that young English Labrador puppies typically sleep between 15 and 18 hours each day.

Puppies are growing rapidly both physically and mentally. Sleep plays a critical role in:

Brain development
Muscle growth
Immune system support
Learning retention

Don't be surprised if your puppy plays hard for twenty minutes and then suddenly falls asleep.

This is completely normal puppy behavior.

Potty Training Begins Immediately

One of the biggest adjustments during the first week is potty training.

Even though English Labradors are highly intelligent dogs, they are still babies when they come home.

Accidents should be expected.

How Often Does a Labrador Puppy Need to Go Outside?

Most puppies need potty breaks:

After waking up
After eating
After drinking
After playtime
Before bedtime
Every few hours throughout the day

A helpful rule many trainers use is:

A puppy can generally hold their bladder for approximately one hour per month of age.

For example:

2 months old = about 2 hours
3 months old = about 3 hours
4 months old = about 4 hours

Potty Training Tips

Use the same outdoor potty location
Follow a consistent schedule
Reward successful potty trips immediately
Supervise closely indoors
Stay patient during accidents

Consistency is the key to successful house training.

Crate Training During the First Week

crate training an English labrador retriever puppy

Crate training is one of the most valuable tools for raising a well-adjusted Labrador Retriever.

Many puppies initially resist being in a crate because they are used to sleeping beside their littermates.

The goal is to make the crate feel safe and comfortable.

Crate Training Best Practices

Introduce the crate positively
Offer treats inside the crate
Use comfortable bedding
Keep crate sessions short initially
Never use the crate as punishment

Most English Labrador puppies adapt very quickly when crate training is introduced consistently.

Why Puppies Cry at Night

One of the most challenging parts of puppy ownership is nighttime whining.

Your puppy has likely never slept alone before.

The first few nights may include:

Whining
Barking
Restlessness
Frequent potty breaks

How to Help Your Puppy Sleep Better

Place the crate near your bed
Maintain a consistent bedtime routine
Ensure your puppy goes potty before bed
Use soft bedding
Keep nighttime interactions calm

Most puppies begin adjusting within several nights.

Teething, Biting, and Chewing Are Normal

English Labrador Retrievers naturally explore the world with their mouths.

During the first week, many new owners notice:

Play biting
Chewing furniture
Grabbing clothing
Nipping hands

This behavior is not aggression.

It is normal puppy development.

Redirect Instead of Punish

Provide appropriate chewing outlets such as:

Durable puppy toys
Teething toys
Puppy-safe chew products

Consistent redirection teaches your puppy what is acceptable to chew. Check out our Amazon Storefront for recommended toys!

Building a Strong Bond With Your English Lab

One of the best parts of the first week is watching your puppy begin to trust you.

English Labrador Retrievers are known for being:

Loyal
Affectionate
Family-oriented
Eager to please

Many owners notice their puppy quickly begins:

Following them from room to room
Seeking affection
Relaxing nearby
Learning family routines

This bonding period forms the foundation for your future relationship.

Spend time:

Playing
Training
Exploring together
Relaxing quietly

These simple moments help create a lifelong connection.

Establishing a Routine Is Critical

Labrador puppies thrive on structure.

A predictable daily routine helps reduce anxiety and improves learning.

Try to keep these activities consistent:

Feeding times
Potty breaks
Training sessions
Playtime
Bedtime

The sooner your puppy learns what to expect, the faster they will adapt to their new home.

When Will Things Get Easier?

Many new puppy owners wonder if they're doing everything correctly.

The first week can feel exhausting.

You may be:

Losing sleep
Cleaning accidents
Supervising constantly
Learning alongside your puppy

Fortunately, each week gets easier.

As your puppy learns routines, gains confidence, and develops trust, you'll begin seeing the wonderful companion they're becoming.

Fieldstone Kennels, English Labrador Retriever Breeder in MN

Why English Labrador Retrievers Make Exceptional Family Dogs

English Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular family dog breeds in the United States for good reason.

They are known for:

Gentle temperaments
Intelligence
Trainability
Loyalty
Excellent family compatibility

With proper training, consistency, and socialization, your English Lab puppy will grow into a confident and loving companion.

At Fieldstone Kennels, we take pride in raising healthy, well-socialized English Labrador Retriever puppies for families throughout Minnesota and beyond.