Choosing a Breeder

And What We Offer

Not all breeders are the same.
Knowing what is out there and what you want in your dog will help you make an informed choice.

What We Offer

Breeder Services

Early Developmentally Appropriate Socialization

Early life affects a dog's brain development, ability to trust and bond with humans, as well as health and physical development. In addition to a warm and nurturing environment, we strive to give our puppies ideal socialization. This includes early handling (snuggle time) in the first few weeks of life. Before they can see or hear they know human scent, and know people are safe and warm.
At four weeks we provide daily play time including socialization with people of all ages. We start taking the puppies to visit people (parks, neighbors, preschools, treatment centers) so they get exposed to car rides and multiple people, locations, and sights, and smells.
At six weeks is a good time to meet any new pet-siblings.
At week seven, car trips stop as the puppies go through the developmental "fear stage." During this time they stay in familiar environments and continue to meet new people in safe places. This is a good time for pups to have visits and/ or a blanket from their new family to get used to their smell.
After eight weeks the puppies are ready to transition to their new home.

Early Potty Training

We implement an early potty training method based on the "Misty Method."
This begins at 4 weeks, as soon as the puppies can see, hear, and walk. This method works with the puppy's instinct to separate bathroom areas from sleep areas. By giving the pups access to a potty area, keeping their bedding clean, and a little bit of encouragement, they are able to master the basics of potty training by around 6 weeks.
After that, we work to help them practice bathrooming outside for the last few weeks.
All puppies need patience and encouragement as they transfer this skill to their new home, and as they gain maturity to perfect their skills. However, with this early start, our puppies have smooth transitions and learn very quickly in their new homes.

Free Immunizations

We give the puppies early wormings and immunizations in our home.
We also provide their ten and 16-week shots for free if you would like to bring them back to us. We love this opportunity to get to see the pups as they grow.
Your "puppy paperwork" will include a record of all vaccinations, as well as a summary of what they need in the future and when.
They will need a rabies shot from a certified clinic, and they will need a chip. We include referrals to the most inexpensive local clinics where you can get these services.

Free Puppy-Sitting

We love seeing our puppies. We love pictures and videos, and we LOVE visits! We offer free puppy-sitting during the first year (pending availability) if you are traveling, and sometimes for other situations (a few weeks for a move or a new baby for example). Let us know about upcoming needs so we can coordinate calendars as early as possible.

Adjustment Readiness

In addition to potty training and traveling in the car, we spend time preparing our puppies for many other milestones in order to make their transitions smooth and successful. This includes early introduction to collars, kenneling practice, practice walking on a leash, and practice with basic commands (come and "do business" for potty).
We encourage frequent visits by the new family after the pups are 4 weeks old. We help the puppies to spend time with a blanket from the new home starting around week 5-6 to help the puppy with the transition.
And we send our puppies home with transition supplies to help them adjust to the new home including a bed, blanket, toy, chew-rope, and a bag of puppy food.

Pros and Cons

I believe part of educating our owners is to explain the pros and cons we offer so you can decide if our pups are right for you. See the blog for posts on pros/cons of F1B vs. F1 labradoodles.

PROS:

* We are a small, hobby breeder. Our puppies get lots of love and attention.

* We breed for intelligence and gentle personalities. Our puppies are smart and energetic.

* We breed for the perfect pet. Our pups are 95% non-shedding. They are the perfect pet size. Big enough to go for a run. Small enough to not knock anyone over. They are great with children. They have big-dog personalities in a little package.

* Red or apricot doodles are my personal favorite, so that is what we breed for. Our lab side is "Red Fox Lab" rather than a yellow lab, which lends itself to a beautiful strawberry blond to red coloring.

* We do provide papers for all puppy lines.

CONS:

* We do not breed "for coat". Some breeders have more consistent coats. Ours vary a little. (Some have furnishings, some do not, see photos). See the blog, or talk to me for more details.

* If your plan is to breed, I can recommend a different breed variation. (F1 or F2). I am happy to educate you on this if that is your interest. We do not do genetic testing, which I would recommend if you are planning to breed your puppy.

What to Watch For

No matter what puppy you get, get to know your breeder.

WARNING SIGNS:

Puppies or parents are primarily outdoors (Labradoodles are very social and should be an indoor family dog).

Breeder does not have pictures of grown pups. [Be aware of different coats. Know if your dog will shed.]

Breeder does not educate you on coat maintenance, immunizations, or other care needed.

Breeder does not ask you any questions or get to know you.

The seller (pet store) can not or will not give you the breeders contact information.

GOOD SIGNS:

You can see the birthing-pen or the area where the puppies are kept.

Breeder knows the puppies well, and can tell you about their different personalities.

Breeder is a resource for information on the breed, proper care, and training.