Month-by-month overview
| Age | Growth & body | Vet | Training & life |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 wk | Comes home | First exam, vaccine series continues | Crate, potty, name (puppy training plan) |
| 3 mo | Fast growth | Core vaccines per AAHA schedule | Puppy class, socialization window closing |
| 4 mo | Adult teeth erupting | Rabies per local law | Chew toys essential |
| 6 mo | Leggy “teen” | Discuss neuter timing | Leash work |
| 9 mo | Near adult height | Weight check | Adolescent testing |
| 12 mo | Adult height | Annual exam; switch to adult food | Toward CGC |
| 18–24 mo | Fills out | Calming down |
Use our growth calculator to estimate the growth curve from the parents’ weights.
Feeding
A large-breed puppy formula in measured meals: four a day at 8 weeks, down to two by 6 months. See best puppy food and the calorie calculator.
Neutering
The Hart et al. (2014) study of Labs and Golden Retrievers found that Labs neutered before 6 months had a higher rate of joint disorders (hip dysplasia, cruciate tears, elbow dysplasia) than intact dogs. The cancer effects were smaller in Labs than in Goldens. This isn’t a universal rule. Discuss timing with your vet based on sex, household and lifestyle.
Insurance timing
Puppyhood is the cheapest and cleanest time to insure. Nothing is pre-existing yet. Ear infections and limping recorded in the first year can become permanent exclusions. Read is insurance worth it for Labs?
Essentials
Get everything ready with our puppy checklist.
For the chewing phase, see toys that survive Lab puppies and safe chews and bones.
Shopping list
For the full buy-before-you-bring-home list (crate, food, toys, insurance, vaccines and the 3–6 month size-up), use the new Lab puppy checklist. This page covers what happens each month; that page covers what to buy.