I don't mind answering any questions...
As a breeder, it is my responsibility to educate people about raising Labrador Retrievers.
Before each puppy leaves our home, we make sure that the new family is comfortable with all training, care, and feeding responsibilities that go along
with a new puppy. We send each puppy home with an education packet filled with training, feeding, and care tips for your puppy. We are always
available to answer any questions our new families may have by e-mail or phone.
What should you feed your puppy?
We feed Exclusive by PMI (you will be sent home with several feedings worth.) We feed all natural feeds and treats with no corn, or animal bi-products.
When looking at dog food, the first ingredients on the back of the bag should always be a meat. As far as treats go Labradors love Bil-Jac brand liver
treats and they work great for training. We also feed all natural made biscuits. No table food or scraps. However, on occasion we do bake our own
liver treats and dog biscuits for our Labradors.
How often should you feed your puppy?
When you bring your puppy home, she will be eating 3 times per day about 1/2 cup per feeding at first. However, you will want to watch since she will
be having less littermate play time so probably won't be getting as much exercise. She may need less or more food depending on her growth and
activity level. With most puppies you will increase by 1/4 cup of food ever 1-2 weeks. Again the exact amounts depend on your puppies growth, activity
level, and whether you have a male or female. It is important to make sure your puppy does not get too fat. Fat puppies have an increased chance at
developing joint and other problems as they grow. Your vet can help you to determine if your puppy is too over weight. We do not recommend "free
feeding" any Labrador. They tend to continue to eat until they become sick or morbidly obese. Eventually you will drop down to two feedings a day. I
usually continue feeding 3 times per day until they are around 5-6 months of age. You will may gradually have to decrease the amount of feedings as
your dog ages. Many times once a Labrador finishes growing they do not need as much food. It is important to assess your dogs weight throughout
their lifetime so that they do not become fat and lazy.
What are the best type of toys to get her?
Nylabone brand or KONG brand toys work wonders with Labradors. Soft toys can be great if they are stuffing free. Otherwise they tend to rip them up
to shreds in a matter of minutes. Tennis balls are great too. I'm not sure if Sun Dog products are still in business, but they too make very tough
indestructible toys. We do not recommend any "rawhide"-type of chew bones, pigs ears, or any other dried animal by-product...they can get caught in
their digestive tract and require surgery to fix. Please keep watch on any toys that may look tattered or worn and discard them. Also any toys with
squeekers keep careful watch over so that your puppy doesn't tear out the squeeker and swallow it.
When should we schedule her first vet appointment?
We suggest to have your first visit within 72 hours or 3 days. I would run a fecal on your puppy as well just to be safe. Your puppy has been
de-wormed every two weeks and treated for other parasites, but it is always safe to check since they are so young and pick up bacteria and other
worms in the yard/grass easily.
Do we need to have our vet update the microchip information?
No your vet doesn't have to do anything with the microchip. Your puppy has already been microchipped. However, you will need to update and
register your puppy's chip online. I have information for you and will send it home with you when you pick your puppy up.
What is her vaccination schedule?
Your puppy had her first set of vaccinations at 6 weeks of age. She is due for her next series at 9 weeks of age. Check with your vet..they maybe able
to do it sooner (when you have her initial check-up). I would continue with whatever shot series they recommend. We also vaccinate against Lyme
disease, kennel cough, and Lepto...some breeders do not. Heart worm pills start at 8 weeks of age so I would get them on your first initial visit. For the
first heartworm pill we use Heartguard brand. After that we use interceptor which also kills other types of worms. We also start puppies right away on
Frontline Plus for ticks and fleas. Flea collars do not work on large breed dogs.
Can we take our puppy in public right away or to meet new dogs or people?
Yes, but make sure any dogs have their vaccines, and remember any time you take your puppy out you are subjecting her to viruses and other life
threatening diseases. I would be very cautious until she has at least had one or more series of vaccinations. You do need to socialize your puppy
though. I would recommend going to places like a friends house, that has a dog you know has had its shots or even having them come to your house.
She really isn't going to be old enough to go on long walks anyway. She's too little. Keep in mind Parvo which can be very deadly it is an awful disease
is transmitted easily on people's shoes. We don't take our puppies out until their vaccines are primarily finished. Infact, when we take the puppies to
the vet we do not even allow their feet to ever touch the ground at the clinic. We sometimes even call ahead to make sure that their have been no
puppies in the office with Parvo. Just use your best judgment. Think about what and where you would permit a child to go and do the same.
What type of collar do you recommend? Slip? Prong?
I would recommend a buckle nylon collar. You can wash it. We recommend taking the collar off in the crate so she doesn't get herself caught and
choke herself. I do NOT recommend Prong collars they are inhumane. A choke chain can be a great correction tool to use, but lightly and only on an
older puppy. Its important to use properly and not as a weapon against the dog if that makes sense. My FAVORITE training collar is the Gentle Leader. I
would recommend it and buying the training video that goes with it. It is AMAZING! I have used it on all my dogs and puppies it is very natural. It works
well with a choke chain at the same time. This is what I have seen used on many service dogs. I also like nylon slip leads that a puppy/dog can't get out
of. I can show you when you come...remind me if I forget. :)
What training should we get? Puppy kindergarten? In-home? Obedience?
YES do a puppy kindergarten. As long as she is almost done with her series of shots I would do a puppy class. Most classes require all the puppies to
have the majority of their vaccinations any way. I do not recommend in home training since your puppy needs to get out of the house and around
items, people, and other dogs they do not know for proper socializing. I would also do obedience training around 4-6 months of age. Many trainers
want you to wait until they are closer to 6 months of age when they are almost done teething. You may want to do 2-3 classes (a puppy and two
obedience classes or more) Trust me it is worth it in the end.
What size crate will we need when she is full-grown?
Medium to large. You want her to be able to stand up and move. We recommend starting with a smaller one and then graduating to a larger one. This
works much better if you plan on using your crate to potty train your dog. Ask around you may even be able to borrow a smaller one until your puppy
grows into the larger grate. Some larger crates come with a divider that you can make your crate smaller with and then remove as your puppy grows.
How often do you bathe a Labrador?
I bathe our Labradors a lot maybe once or twice a month...sometimes more sometimes less... depends on what they are doing. The "sniff" test works
great! If they've been outside a lot and get muddy or stinky then obviously I give them a bath. Many times in the winter I don't bathe them as often
since they are less likely to become dirty with snow on the ground. I do tend to bathe the puppies every week or at least every other week that way
they are accustom to it. It is great for socializing. I would clean your puppy's ears every week or at least every other. As well as trim their nails. Your
puppy has had his nails done every week since he was two weeks old. He is used to it now, but it is very important to continue practicing it or they can
become very difficult when they are bigger.
What type of shampoo do you use?
All different kinds...my favorite is Oster brand dog shampoos and products. I would use tearless or puppy formula at first. A lot of times on my puppies
I just use Johnson and Johnson's baby shampoo.
Puppy Supplies & Recommendations:
Books:
another piece of the puzzle: Puppy Development by Pat Hastings
Toys: Beds: Leashes: Collars: Food/Treats
KONG brand Toys Quiet Time beds Nylon or Leather (6ft) Leather or Nylon Exclusive dog food
Nylabone brand Toys Thick rubber mat with towel English Slip Lead (keep in mind nylon can be washed) All Natural Treats
Tennis Balls Grooming slip lead Gentle Leader Infinia dog food
Sun Dog Products
Let me know how else I can help! Your questions have help to create this page.
Jaime
As a breeder, it is my responsibility to educate people about raising Labrador Retrievers.
Before each puppy leaves our home, we make sure that the new family is comfortable with all training, care, and feeding responsibilities that go along
with a new puppy. We send each puppy home with an education packet filled with training, feeding, and care tips for your puppy. We are always
available to answer any questions our new families may have by e-mail or phone.
What should you feed your puppy?
We feed Exclusive by PMI (you will be sent home with several feedings worth.) We feed all natural feeds and treats with no corn, or animal bi-products.
When looking at dog food, the first ingredients on the back of the bag should always be a meat. As far as treats go Labradors love Bil-Jac brand liver
treats and they work great for training. We also feed all natural made biscuits. No table food or scraps. However, on occasion we do bake our own
liver treats and dog biscuits for our Labradors.
How often should you feed your puppy?
When you bring your puppy home, she will be eating 3 times per day about 1/2 cup per feeding at first. However, you will want to watch since she will
be having less littermate play time so probably won't be getting as much exercise. She may need less or more food depending on her growth and
activity level. With most puppies you will increase by 1/4 cup of food ever 1-2 weeks. Again the exact amounts depend on your puppies growth, activity
level, and whether you have a male or female. It is important to make sure your puppy does not get too fat. Fat puppies have an increased chance at
developing joint and other problems as they grow. Your vet can help you to determine if your puppy is too over weight. We do not recommend "free
feeding" any Labrador. They tend to continue to eat until they become sick or morbidly obese. Eventually you will drop down to two feedings a day. I
usually continue feeding 3 times per day until they are around 5-6 months of age. You will may gradually have to decrease the amount of feedings as
your dog ages. Many times once a Labrador finishes growing they do not need as much food. It is important to assess your dogs weight throughout
their lifetime so that they do not become fat and lazy.
What are the best type of toys to get her?
Nylabone brand or KONG brand toys work wonders with Labradors. Soft toys can be great if they are stuffing free. Otherwise they tend to rip them up
to shreds in a matter of minutes. Tennis balls are great too. I'm not sure if Sun Dog products are still in business, but they too make very tough
indestructible toys. We do not recommend any "rawhide"-type of chew bones, pigs ears, or any other dried animal by-product...they can get caught in
their digestive tract and require surgery to fix. Please keep watch on any toys that may look tattered or worn and discard them. Also any toys with
squeekers keep careful watch over so that your puppy doesn't tear out the squeeker and swallow it.
When should we schedule her first vet appointment?
We suggest to have your first visit within 72 hours or 3 days. I would run a fecal on your puppy as well just to be safe. Your puppy has been
de-wormed every two weeks and treated for other parasites, but it is always safe to check since they are so young and pick up bacteria and other
worms in the yard/grass easily.
Do we need to have our vet update the microchip information?
No your vet doesn't have to do anything with the microchip. Your puppy has already been microchipped. However, you will need to update and
register your puppy's chip online. I have information for you and will send it home with you when you pick your puppy up.
What is her vaccination schedule?
Your puppy had her first set of vaccinations at 6 weeks of age. She is due for her next series at 9 weeks of age. Check with your vet..they maybe able
to do it sooner (when you have her initial check-up). I would continue with whatever shot series they recommend. We also vaccinate against Lyme
disease, kennel cough, and Lepto...some breeders do not. Heart worm pills start at 8 weeks of age so I would get them on your first initial visit. For the
first heartworm pill we use Heartguard brand. After that we use interceptor which also kills other types of worms. We also start puppies right away on
Frontline Plus for ticks and fleas. Flea collars do not work on large breed dogs.
Can we take our puppy in public right away or to meet new dogs or people?
Yes, but make sure any dogs have their vaccines, and remember any time you take your puppy out you are subjecting her to viruses and other life
threatening diseases. I would be very cautious until she has at least had one or more series of vaccinations. You do need to socialize your puppy
though. I would recommend going to places like a friends house, that has a dog you know has had its shots or even having them come to your house.
She really isn't going to be old enough to go on long walks anyway. She's too little. Keep in mind Parvo which can be very deadly it is an awful disease
is transmitted easily on people's shoes. We don't take our puppies out until their vaccines are primarily finished. Infact, when we take the puppies to
the vet we do not even allow their feet to ever touch the ground at the clinic. We sometimes even call ahead to make sure that their have been no
puppies in the office with Parvo. Just use your best judgment. Think about what and where you would permit a child to go and do the same.
What type of collar do you recommend? Slip? Prong?
I would recommend a buckle nylon collar. You can wash it. We recommend taking the collar off in the crate so she doesn't get herself caught and
choke herself. I do NOT recommend Prong collars they are inhumane. A choke chain can be a great correction tool to use, but lightly and only on an
older puppy. Its important to use properly and not as a weapon against the dog if that makes sense. My FAVORITE training collar is the Gentle Leader. I
would recommend it and buying the training video that goes with it. It is AMAZING! I have used it on all my dogs and puppies it is very natural. It works
well with a choke chain at the same time. This is what I have seen used on many service dogs. I also like nylon slip leads that a puppy/dog can't get out
of. I can show you when you come...remind me if I forget. :)
What training should we get? Puppy kindergarten? In-home? Obedience?
YES do a puppy kindergarten. As long as she is almost done with her series of shots I would do a puppy class. Most classes require all the puppies to
have the majority of their vaccinations any way. I do not recommend in home training since your puppy needs to get out of the house and around
items, people, and other dogs they do not know for proper socializing. I would also do obedience training around 4-6 months of age. Many trainers
want you to wait until they are closer to 6 months of age when they are almost done teething. You may want to do 2-3 classes (a puppy and two
obedience classes or more) Trust me it is worth it in the end.
What size crate will we need when she is full-grown?
Medium to large. You want her to be able to stand up and move. We recommend starting with a smaller one and then graduating to a larger one. This
works much better if you plan on using your crate to potty train your dog. Ask around you may even be able to borrow a smaller one until your puppy
grows into the larger grate. Some larger crates come with a divider that you can make your crate smaller with and then remove as your puppy grows.
How often do you bathe a Labrador?
I bathe our Labradors a lot maybe once or twice a month...sometimes more sometimes less... depends on what they are doing. The "sniff" test works
great! If they've been outside a lot and get muddy or stinky then obviously I give them a bath. Many times in the winter I don't bathe them as often
since they are less likely to become dirty with snow on the ground. I do tend to bathe the puppies every week or at least every other week that way
they are accustom to it. It is great for socializing. I would clean your puppy's ears every week or at least every other. As well as trim their nails. Your
puppy has had his nails done every week since he was two weeks old. He is used to it now, but it is very important to continue practicing it or they can
become very difficult when they are bigger.
What type of shampoo do you use?
All different kinds...my favorite is Oster brand dog shampoos and products. I would use tearless or puppy formula at first. A lot of times on my puppies
I just use Johnson and Johnson's baby shampoo.
Puppy Supplies & Recommendations:
Books:
another piece of the puzzle: Puppy Development by Pat Hastings
Toys: Beds: Leashes: Collars: Food/Treats
KONG brand Toys Quiet Time beds Nylon or Leather (6ft) Leather or Nylon Exclusive dog food
Nylabone brand Toys Thick rubber mat with towel English Slip Lead (keep in mind nylon can be washed) All Natural Treats
Tennis Balls Grooming slip lead Gentle Leader Infinia dog food
Sun Dog Products
Let me know how else I can help! Your questions have help to create this page.
Jaime
Bringing Home Your Puppy:
Books:
another piece of the puzzle: Puppy Development by Pat Hastings
Toys: Beds: Leashes: Collars: Food/Treats
KONG brand Toys Quiet Time beds Nylon or Leather (6ft) Leather or Nylon Exclusive dog food
Nylabone brand Toys Thick rubber mat with towel English Slip Lead (keep in mind nylon can be washed) All Natural Treats
Tennis Balls Grooming slip lead Gentle Leader
MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!
another piece of the puzzle: Puppy Development by Pat Hastings
Toys: Beds: Leashes: Collars: Food/Treats
KONG brand Toys Quiet Time beds Nylon or Leather (6ft) Leather or Nylon Exclusive dog food
Nylabone brand Toys Thick rubber mat with towel English Slip Lead (keep in mind nylon can be washed) All Natural Treats
Tennis Balls Grooming slip lead Gentle Leader
MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!
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