We believe that a Labrador can have it all … wonderful temperament, intelligence, retrieving instincts, good health, beauty and a will to please. We breed only when we want to keep a puppy for ourselves and every litter is thoughtfully planned and raised.
Puppies do not leave until they are eight weeks old, at which time they have been temperament tested and evaluated on structure so that we can determine which puppy or puppies will stay here as show prospects. There is not usually a clear distinction of which of our puppies are the “show puppies”. The differences in the pups that we keep and the ones placed as pets are very small and not usually even noticeable to the untrained eye. We sometimes keep more than one puppy from a litter for a few months so that we can see how they grow and determine which one will stay as our next show dog. We therefore have older puppies or young adults available on occasion.
Our puppies are sold on AKC Limited Registration and with a spay/neuter contract.
Health & Temperament
Health and temperament are paramount to us. To help us breed sound dogs, all of the dogs we breed have had x-rays and determined to be free of dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). We also have their eyes certified annually to be free of inheritable eye disorders by a board certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist (ACVO).
We believe that temperament has a very large genetic component and therefore we only breed dogs that exhibit a wonderful Labrador temperament, conformation, retrieving instincts and intelligence.
Importance of Puppy Socialization
The socialization of puppies comes from two sources, human and canine. The first acts of socialization come from the interaction between mother and litter mates. A mother teaches her puppies what is acceptable behavior. The mother to puppy and littermate to puppy socialization is invaluable and cannot be simulated in any way, which is why we do not allow any puppies to leave until they are 8 weeks of age.
Once the mother’s work is well underway, it is our turn to assist in the process. Exposure to as many different noises, sights, smells and experiences is vital to producing a stable, well-tempered puppy. Car rides, collars, walking on leash, cats, other breeds of dogs, children, high pitched voices and crates all are seemingly simple, everyday stimuli that we expect our dogs to respond favorably to. We often take for granted that these are all new and therefore potentially threatening experiences for a puppy. When some one they have learned to trust exposes them to the new experience, it reduces the stress and can be quickly viewed in a favorable light. We believe in The Rule of Seven, written by Pat Hastings, AKC judge and author of The Puppy Puzzle, which offers these hints for socializing very young puppies.
Puppy socialization does not stop with the breeder. It is important that a new owner continue to reinforce positive new experiences. Puppy kindergarten is a wonderful chance for puppies to meet other young dogs of different breeds in a new and different environment. We would be happy to give you a list of books on training and the Labrador.
A well socialized puppy is one that is happy, confident and ready to encounter his journey through life. With our love and understanding a puppy will develop to its full potential.
Puppy Placement Policy
By the time our puppies are eight weeks old we know each of them very well and have done a temperament test to confirm what we know about each of them. We try very hard to learn as much as possible about each potential family so that we can carefully decide which puppy is the best ‘fit’ for each family. Please do not be surprised that you are not allowed to pick your own puppy.
Available Older Puppies/Adults
The show pups we keep are occasionally placed as older pups or adults for a variety of reasons. For example, a pup may be missing an adult tooth, the tail set may drop slightly, the eye color may be a shade too light or too dark, etc. None of the reasons we allow a puppy to leave usually impact their ability to be an outstanding family companion. They are socialized, crate trained, leash trained and have some basic obedience. And there are some advantages of getting an older puppy or adult. For a family that wants a Labrador companion but does not want to go through the “puppy stages” an older puppy or adult would be perfect.
Here are the top ten reasons people want an older puppy/adult:
1. Usually older puppies are house trained.
2. Older puppies are not teething puppies and usually won’t chew on things they shouldn’t.
3. Older puppies can focus better and have matured enough to learn quickly because their attention span is better.
4. Older puppies have learned what “no” means.
5. Older puppies settle in easily, because they’ve learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack.
6. Older puppies have some basic training like leash training, crate training and basic manners.
7. Older puppies have already gone through a lot of the changes and have grown into the shape and personality they are going to have for the rest of their lives. Sometimes a cute, sweet puppy doesn’t turn out like you expected.
8. Older puppies are instant companions — ready for hiking, car trips, and other things you like to do.
9. Older puppies are not as time consuming and do not require your time and attention like a baby puppy does.
10. Older puppies let you get a good night’s sleep because they’re accustomed to human schedules and don’t generally need nighttime feedings, comforting, or bathroom breaks.
