If you are thinking about a puppy, here are a couple things to consider...
Labradoodles are GREAT dogs, and these Labradoodles are our babies. Therefore we ask you to consider a couple of key points before you decide not just a Labradoodle, but ANY PUPPY is right for you...
While we think our dogs are great, they may not be suitable for everyone. Puppy homes need to be able to provide great places and FOREVER homes for pups.
A "forever" home means that you want the pup long term. It means you are prepared to put the work into the pup. If you only want a pup for the first few months, and then intend to dump it as someone else's problem - then please do not contact us for a pup. We'd suggest you don't contact anyone for a pup. I have several rescues and am actively involved in rescuing because of this irresponsibility problem.. and it is a problem.
This is such an important message, so let me repeat it: please do not contact me for a pup unless you are going to:
train the pup the right way - you need to put in time every day (if you ignore your puppy/dog, he/she will act out)
feed the pup a wholesome, nutritious diet - there are no exceptions to this
provide a long term home for the pup, and have all members of the household agreeing to the long term care of the dog
provide a loving home with appropriate parameters
follow our requirements and guidelines that are outlined in our contract (which really are not all that difficult)
Usually the following conditions mean a pup placement will not work. If any of these conditions apply to you, be honest with us when you contact us. Attempting to fool us or yourself usually means a disaster is about to happen. This is not a finished list. So before deciding that you want to place a deposit (non-refundable) on a puppy, sit down at home with the members of your family and talk through the items below. Unless you have a strategy for dealing with these issues that upsets you, one of our pups is not right for you:
You don't want a dog inside. Ever. (Our dogs love to be inside dogs)
The leather on your car seat is completely unscathed and you want to keep it that way
You really don't like the idea of picking up after your dog
You see grooming as a pain
You're really not all that interested in training your dog
Your friends have a cute dog and you want one too
Your kids are teenagers and their social, sporting, and school life will always come before a puppy and older dog
You think that having a pup will teach the kids responsibility (it never does and teaching a kid responsibility is the human's job, not that of a canine)
Your gardens are immaculate and the thought of a dog doing any damage to them causes you stress
Your husband/wife/partner/kids/parents (and any variation thereof) really doesn't want a dog in the house
You like to go away regularly but cannot/will not take a pup or dog with you
We have a rule in place (and this is in the contract you sign upon purchase of a puppy) that if you are dumping your pup because you have more important things to do in your life, the pup must come back to us, and you must pay the transport/shipping. DO NOT EVER EVER EVER PLACE ONE OF OUR PUPS IN A SHELTER!!!!! We want you to think carefully about a pup before you buy it. This must be a well thought out process by you and any family members.
** A word about allergies **
While many people may think a Labradoodle does not shed and that may be a great fit for their home, consider this.. All dogs may loose a little hair when brushing and grooming, and some more than others. While we can help you pick the best dog for your needs - our dogs may not be perfect for everyone. If you have an allergy issue, I can and will work closely with you to pick the best dog for you - and if I can not meet your needs, I will be very honest with you. Some people are allergic to the dander and hair, but some are allergic to saliva - and just because a dog is "non or low-shedding" does not mean it is right for everyone. This is important to consider when making the decision to add a doodle or any dog to your home.
So - That was a lot to think about and please know that I want your entire puppy experience to be a positive and loving experience. I just want to make sure that both you and your new puppy will be perfect for each other :-)
I am always available while you are thinking about the breed, deciding between puppies, and any time after your new puppy goes to his/her new home. I love to see pictures and hear updates about how your puppy is growing and lend support in any area I can with you and your puppy as he/she grows.
We think our dogs are great! Thats why we want to share them with you. We have picked what we believe to be the very best "all around" in personality, health, quality, coat, temperament, and every other characteristic that makes a doodle a GREAT doodle and an awesome life companion. From day one our pups are surrounded with love and the best care and socialization they could have. All we could possibly ask for is that you new puppy is going to as good as a home as it is coming from. If you know that means your home - Please let me know and I would be happy to speak with you about a new doodle baby:-)