#41 - Pete & Bonnie | What Every First-Time Labrador Owner Needs to Hear

When Pete brought Bonnie, his Labrador x Golden Retriever (Goldador), home, he thought he'd done everything right.

He'd researched the breed, found a reputable breeder, attended puppy training classes and was determined to give Bonnie the best possible start in life.

But despite all that preparation, raising a young working-line dog quickly became overwhelming.

In this episode of The Labrador Podcast, Pete shares the emotional reality of living with an energetic young dog, the pressure he put on himself, and how changing his own mindset completely transformed life with Bonnie.

Together we discuss:
• Choosing a Labrador or Goldador as a first dog
• Puppy classes and early training
• Living with prey drive and over-excitement
• Gundog training and why it changed everything
• Mental stimulation versus physical exercise
• Building trust, confidence and engagement
• Why adolescence isn't forever

If you're raising a Labrador puppy, living with an adolescent that's testing your patience, or wondering whether things will ever get easier, this episode is full of honest experiences, practical insights and reassurance that you're not alone.

🐾 Follow Pete & BonnieInstagram: @petecampbell606

🎙️ The Labrador PodcastHosted by Vikki Sharpe

🐶 Training for you and your Labradortailsofsuccess.com

📸 Follow us on Instagram@tailssuccess@the_labrador_podcast