Puppy Raising:
We are dedicated to professionally breeding dogs that are
genetically sound, healthy, and with correct temperaments.
We are dedicated to professionally breeding dogs that are
genetically sound, healthy, and with correct temperaments.
We follow very strict guidelines when it comes to raising our puppies. We cut no corners when it comes to the health of
our dogs and pups. We have developed a program by doing extensive research on "best practices" from countless
books, articles, and other breeders; as well as extensive interviewing of different veterinarians. We also put much effort
into properly socializing our puppies to help them be as well rounded as possible. This makes the adjustment to their
new family both easier on the puppy and on their new family.
our dogs and pups. We have developed a program by doing extensive research on "best practices" from countless
books, articles, and other breeders; as well as extensive interviewing of different veterinarians. We also put much effort
into properly socializing our puppies to help them be as well rounded as possible. This makes the adjustment to their
new family both easier on the puppy and on their new family.
The Beginning:
The very first thing we do is make sure our dogs are healthy and that they are 'good' breeding candidates.
This means they have been screened for any genetic health problems. All our Labradors are also vaccinated
properly, kept on monthly heart worm pills, kept on flea and tick medication, mentally stimulated, exercised,
kept in a clean environment, and loved. After our bitches are bred they are given prenatal vet checks to
assess their progress. This helps protect mom and babies to insure a successful whelping. The gestation of
a Labrador is approximately 63 days or roughly two months. At about four weeks into the pregnancy we
begin increasing the dam's food to make sure that she Before our English Labradors are even bred they
must undergo a battery of tests to make sure that they are is maintaining a healthy weight gain for her and
the pups to mature properly. We will continue to slowly increase her food until she whelps. At about five
weeks into the pregnancy she is started on vitamins just as women start prenatal vitamins during their
pregnancy. At this time we also begin feeding her a third meal at noon time (otherwise they eat morning and
night). During the sixth week of pregnancy we switch the dam over to a high protein puppy chow. (Generally
small breed puppy chow because it has more protein than large breed.) During the last week of pregnancy
we begin feeding the dam a similar diet to what she will be consuming during her lactation period. This
consists of adding small amounts of cottage cheese, and egg yolks to her dry food. Normally our adult
Labradors consume about 2 cups of dry kibble a day, however, by the time our dam delivers she may be
consuming up to six cups of dry kibble per day along with 1/2 -1 cup cottage cheese and 1-2 egg yolks. This
of course can vary depending on the size of the litter she is carrying. A female carrying a small number of
puppies will not need to consume nearly as much food as a female with a large number of puppies. At
Serapic's English Labradors we also make sure our dogs are lightly exercised during pregnancy which may
include walks, a light swim, or short game of fetch! We provide just as much care to our puppies prenatally
as we do once they are born.
The very first thing we do is make sure our dogs are healthy and that they are 'good' breeding candidates.
This means they have been screened for any genetic health problems. All our Labradors are also vaccinated
properly, kept on monthly heart worm pills, kept on flea and tick medication, mentally stimulated, exercised,
kept in a clean environment, and loved. After our bitches are bred they are given prenatal vet checks to
assess their progress. This helps protect mom and babies to insure a successful whelping. The gestation of
a Labrador is approximately 63 days or roughly two months. At about four weeks into the pregnancy we
begin increasing the dam's food to make sure that she Before our English Labradors are even bred they
must undergo a battery of tests to make sure that they are is maintaining a healthy weight gain for her and
the pups to mature properly. We will continue to slowly increase her food until she whelps. At about five
weeks into the pregnancy she is started on vitamins just as women start prenatal vitamins during their
pregnancy. At this time we also begin feeding her a third meal at noon time (otherwise they eat morning and
night). During the sixth week of pregnancy we switch the dam over to a high protein puppy chow. (Generally
small breed puppy chow because it has more protein than large breed.) During the last week of pregnancy
we begin feeding the dam a similar diet to what she will be consuming during her lactation period. This
consists of adding small amounts of cottage cheese, and egg yolks to her dry food. Normally our adult
Labradors consume about 2 cups of dry kibble a day, however, by the time our dam delivers she may be
consuming up to six cups of dry kibble per day along with 1/2 -1 cup cottage cheese and 1-2 egg yolks. This
of course can vary depending on the size of the litter she is carrying. A female carrying a small number of
puppies will not need to consume nearly as much food as a female with a large number of puppies. At
Serapic's English Labradors we also make sure our dogs are lightly exercised during pregnancy which may
include walks, a light swim, or short game of fetch! We provide just as much care to our puppies prenatally
as we do once they are born.
After the Puppies are Born:
Our puppies are born and raised naturally. However, we monitor our puppies very closely and do assist
in large litters or if a puppy seems weak. In the case of larger litters or weak puppies we start bottle
feeding them on Ebsilac puppy formula the first day they are born to help get them going. If needed we
will continue to bottle feed puppies for several weeks. We have found that the majority of the time mom
in large litters or if a puppy seems weak. In the case of larger litters or weak puppies we start bottle
stronger. Sometimes as they get bigger we will need to again bottle feed some of the smaller pups in a
feeding them on Ebsilac puppy formula the first day they are born to help get them going. If needed we
larger litter. The day the puppies are born we increase our dam's feed and start adding more egg yolks,
will continue to bottle feed puppies for several weeks. We have found that the majority of the time mom
cottage cheese, or a high quality wet (canned) dog food to her dry kibble. We also start her on calcium
can nurse all the puppies just fine and may just need the first 24-48 hours to help the puppies get pills
to insure that puppies and mom are getting the amounts required to grow properly. During lactation she
will also consume large quantities of water. During the first 12 hours we also identify each puppy with a
different color of Ric-Rac string. This way we can monitor each puppy. We also weigh our puppies daily
for the first two weeks. After two weeks we begin weighing them every three days. At a month of age we
start weighing the puppies once a week. We have found that by weighing keep our whelping box warm
with a heat lamp and heated whelping pad.defects, signs of stress, or weakness. We allow the mother to
nurse the puppies right away and only
Our puppies are born and raised naturally. However, we monitor our puppies very closely and do assist
in large litters or if a puppy seems weak. In the case of larger litters or weak puppies we start bottle
feeding them on Ebsilac puppy formula the first day they are born to help get them going. If needed we
will continue to bottle feed puppies for several weeks. We have found that the majority of the time mom
in large litters or if a puppy seems weak. In the case of larger litters or weak puppies we start bottle
stronger. Sometimes as they get bigger we will need to again bottle feed some of the smaller pups in a
feeding them on Ebsilac puppy formula the first day they are born to help get them going. If needed we
larger litter. The day the puppies are born we increase our dam's feed and start adding more egg yolks,
will continue to bottle feed puppies for several weeks. We have found that the majority of the time mom
cottage cheese, or a high quality wet (canned) dog food to her dry kibble. We also start her on calcium
can nurse all the puppies just fine and may just need the first 24-48 hours to help the puppies get pills
to insure that puppies and mom are getting the amounts required to grow properly. During lactation she
will also consume large quantities of water. During the first 12 hours we also identify each puppy with a
different color of Ric-Rac string. This way we can monitor each puppy. We also weigh our puppies daily
for the first two weeks. After two weeks we begin weighing them every three days. At a month of age we
start weighing the puppies once a week. We have found that by weighing keep our whelping box warm
with a heat lamp and heated whelping pad.defects, signs of stress, or weakness. We allow the mother to
nurse the puppies right away and only
Puppies are one day old here!
Puppy Weaning:
babies naturally. We believe in weaning our puppies slowly over several weeks to make the adjustment
on mom and babies as least stressful as possible. During the first and second weeks of the weaning
process (depending on puppies and mom) we still continue to let her nurse them as often as she likes.
We start with just supplementing puppies once a day with the puppy gruel and gradually increase it
every few days until the puppies are all eating three times a day. They will naturally not nurse as much
and many times mom begins showing her teeth to them and not allowing them to nurse as well. Although
some "super" moms would love to nurse them forever! As we are increasing the amount of We begin
feeding our puppies a mixture of puppy formula (Ebsilac), baby rice cereal, and ground up feed and the
times per day we also begin lessening the amount of Ebsilac and baby rice cereal and begin adding dry
powdered milk (mixed with water of coarse) to the ground up puppy chow. Generally at about 5 1/2
weeks if mom hasn't started quiting on her own, we begin allowing her only to nurse during the day and
separate her at night. We then reduce her nursing to three times a day, twice a day, once a day, and
then every other day until she is finally done and the puppies are weaned. Generally by 6 weeks of age
the puppies are mostly weaned and are definitely completely weaned by 6 1/2 to 7 weeks of age. This
does not mean that they should be away from their mother, littermates, or be released to their new
families. Between 6-8 weeks of age puppies learn critical behaviors from their mother and littermates
that can have an effect on their temperament for the rest of their lives. This is a very crucial socializing
time that they need to have in order to have correct temperaments. At 8-9 weeks of age is when we will
release puppies to their new families. This is the time that we feel the puppies are ready to leave and
start their new lives!
babies naturally. We believe in weaning our puppies slowly over several weeks to make the adjustment
on mom and babies as least stressful as possible. During the first and second weeks of the weaning
process (depending on puppies and mom) we still continue to let her nurse them as often as she likes.
We start with just supplementing puppies once a day with the puppy gruel and gradually increase it
every few days until the puppies are all eating three times a day. They will naturally not nurse as much
and many times mom begins showing her teeth to them and not allowing them to nurse as well. Although
some "super" moms would love to nurse them forever! As we are increasing the amount of We begin
feeding our puppies a mixture of puppy formula (Ebsilac), baby rice cereal, and ground up feed and the
times per day we also begin lessening the amount of Ebsilac and baby rice cereal and begin adding dry
powdered milk (mixed with water of coarse) to the ground up puppy chow. Generally at about 5 1/2
weeks if mom hasn't started quiting on her own, we begin allowing her only to nurse during the day and
separate her at night. We then reduce her nursing to three times a day, twice a day, once a day, and
then every other day until she is finally done and the puppies are weaned. Generally by 6 weeks of age
the puppies are mostly weaned and are definitely completely weaned by 6 1/2 to 7 weeks of age. This
does not mean that they should be away from their mother, littermates, or be released to their new
families. Between 6-8 weeks of age puppies learn critical behaviors from their mother and littermates
that can have an effect on their temperament for the rest of their lives. This is a very crucial socializing
time that they need to have in order to have correct temperaments. At 8-9 weeks of age is when we will
release puppies to their new families. This is the time that we feel the puppies are ready to leave and
start their new lives!
parasites with Pyrantel Pamoate. We
worm at the following times:
2 weeks of age
4 weeks of age
6 weeks of age
8 weeks of age
After they go home at 8 weeks of age
we recommend that you consult with
your veterinarian on what they might
recommend for your puppies
lifestyle. We will continue to worm
puppies that do not go to their new
homes at 8 weeks of age every two
weeks.
worm at the following times:
2 weeks of age
4 weeks of age
6 weeks of age
8 weeks of age
After they go home at 8 weeks of age
we recommend that you consult with
your veterinarian on what they might
recommend for your puppies
lifestyle. We will continue to worm
puppies that do not go to their new
homes at 8 weeks of age every two
weeks.
Heartworm Prevention:
We recommend that your puppy be
started on heartworm preventative
Interceptor on all our dogs and
puppies since this not only kills
heartworms, but also works on
other types as well. We
recommend yearly or bi-yearly
(depending on what your vet
recommends) heartworm checks
and keeping your puppy on the
heartworm preventative year
round. Any puppies that do not
leave our home at 8 weeks of age
are started on Interceptor.
We recommend that your puppy be
started on heartworm preventative
Interceptor on all our dogs and
puppies since this not only kills
heartworms, but also works on
other types as well. We
recommend yearly or bi-yearly
(depending on what your vet
recommends) heartworm checks
and keeping your puppy on the
heartworm preventative year
round. Any puppies that do not
leave our home at 8 weeks of age
are started on Interceptor.
Puppy Grooming:
Puppies are kept in a very clean environment which helps with the cleaning process. We clean and disinfect our
puppies living area 3-5 times per day. While mom does most of the grooming of the puppies during the first month
we usually end up helping her out after that. Puppies receive their first bath at four weeks of age. We carefully
wash each puppy with baby shampoo and warm water. We then towel dry our puppies to get off the majority of the
water, and then we gently blow dry them until they are toasty warm. We also place our puppies under a heating
needed, which generally is about every two weeks. We also starting at two weeks of age trimming every puppy's
toenails once a week. This can be a huge job when you have a large litter! We also check their ears weekly for
cleaning (which rarely needs to be done at this age).
Puppies are kept in a very clean environment which helps with the cleaning process. We clean and disinfect our
puppies living area 3-5 times per day. While mom does most of the grooming of the puppies during the first month
we usually end up helping her out after that. Puppies receive their first bath at four weeks of age. We carefully
wash each puppy with baby shampoo and warm water. We then towel dry our puppies to get off the majority of the
water, and then we gently blow dry them until they are toasty warm. We also place our puppies under a heating
needed, which generally is about every two weeks. We also starting at two weeks of age trimming every puppy's
toenails once a week. This can be a huge job when you have a large litter! We also check their ears weekly for
cleaning (which rarely needs to be done at this age).
Vaccinations:
Puppies begin vaccinations at 6 weeks of age.
Our vaccination schedule is determined by our
veterinarian. Your puppy will come with a
vaccination history so that you know which
series of vaccinations are required in order to
properly protect your pet. You will need to
continue the vaccination schedule every three
weeks starting from 9 weeks of age until your
puppy is roughly 4 months old. Puppies also
need a rabies vaccine by 6 months of age.
Puppies begin vaccinations at 6 weeks of age. .
We recommend that you vaccinate your puppy
against Distemper-Hepatitis, Canine Parvovirus,
Parainfluenxa, Leptospirosis, Cornoavirus, Lyme
disease, Bordetella (kennel cough). We
recommend that you vaccinate your dog yearly
after they have competed their puppy series.
After a dog is older the age of 8 and has
received all of their vaccinations each year; you
can have your dogs anti-levels checked and
receive a "titer" on your pet. This will allow you
to only vaccinate against the disease your dog is
not protected against. If you have any questions
please talk with your veterinarian about their
recommendations as well.
Puppies begin vaccinations at 6 weeks of age.
Our vaccination schedule is determined by our
veterinarian. Your puppy will come with a
vaccination history so that you know which
series of vaccinations are required in order to
properly protect your pet. You will need to
continue the vaccination schedule every three
weeks starting from 9 weeks of age until your
puppy is roughly 4 months old. Puppies also
need a rabies vaccine by 6 months of age.
Puppies begin vaccinations at 6 weeks of age. .
We recommend that you vaccinate your puppy
against Distemper-Hepatitis, Canine Parvovirus,
Parainfluenxa, Leptospirosis, Cornoavirus, Lyme
disease, Bordetella (kennel cough). We
recommend that you vaccinate your dog yearly
after they have competed their puppy series.
After a dog is older the age of 8 and has
received all of their vaccinations each year; you
can have your dogs anti-levels checked and
receive a "titer" on your pet. This will allow you
to only vaccinate against the disease your dog is
not protected against. If you have any questions
please talk with your veterinarian about their
recommendations as well.
We begin socializing our puppies to different sounds, people,
objects, textures, smells, and places from the first week they are
born. We use the methods described in the book Puppy
Development edited by Pat Hastings and Erin Ann Rouse. Pat
Hastings is an AKC judge and dog breeder. She puts on
seminars all over the United States to teach others about her
structure and temperaments.
Socializing during the first 2 weeks of age:
1. Tickled between the toes with a Q-tip
2. Held perpendicular to the ground
3. Held head down
4. Held on its back in the palm of your hand
The Rule of Seven as described in the book:
By the time a puppy is seven weeks old we do our best to
expose them to the following for socializing. Socializing is what
helps puppies grow into confident, happy, adults.
1. Been on 7 different types of surfaces
(carpet, grass, concrete, gravel, dirt, wood chips, vinyl, etc.)
2. Played with 7 different types of objects
(big balls, little balls, fuzzy toys, rope toy, squeaky toy, stick, etc.)
3. Been in 7 different locations
(kitchen, living room, garage, barn, outside, crate, vehicle, vet, etc.)
4. Met and played with 7 new people
(children, adults, teens, toddlers, men, women, elderly, etc.)
5. Been exposed to 7 challenges
(steps, climbing, doorways, over obstacles, hide and seek, etc.)
6. Eaten from 7 different containers
(metal dish, glass dish, box, fry pan, baking pan, pie plate, plate, etc.)
7. Eaten in 7 different locations
(crate, yard, inside, outside, bathroom, basement, barn, garage, etc.)
objects, textures, smells, and places from the first week they are
born. We use the methods described in the book Puppy
Development edited by Pat Hastings and Erin Ann Rouse. Pat
Hastings is an AKC judge and dog breeder. She puts on
seminars all over the United States to teach others about her
structure and temperaments.
Socializing during the first 2 weeks of age:
1. Tickled between the toes with a Q-tip
2. Held perpendicular to the ground
3. Held head down
4. Held on its back in the palm of your hand
The Rule of Seven as described in the book:
By the time a puppy is seven weeks old we do our best to
expose them to the following for socializing. Socializing is what
helps puppies grow into confident, happy, adults.
1. Been on 7 different types of surfaces
(carpet, grass, concrete, gravel, dirt, wood chips, vinyl, etc.)
2. Played with 7 different types of objects
(big balls, little balls, fuzzy toys, rope toy, squeaky toy, stick, etc.)
3. Been in 7 different locations
(kitchen, living room, garage, barn, outside, crate, vehicle, vet, etc.)
4. Met and played with 7 new people
(children, adults, teens, toddlers, men, women, elderly, etc.)
5. Been exposed to 7 challenges
(steps, climbing, doorways, over obstacles, hide and seek, etc.)
6. Eaten from 7 different containers
(metal dish, glass dish, box, fry pan, baking pan, pie plate, plate, etc.)
7. Eaten in 7 different locations
(crate, yard, inside, outside, bathroom, basement, barn, garage, etc.)
socialized with adults,
become familiar with some
unusual sights, smells, and
sounds. Some of them
include:
1. tractors
2. horses
3. pot-bellied pig
4. chickens
5. goat
6. baby crying
7. camp fire
8. children's toys
9. t.v., radio, phone
10. blender, microwave
11. AND MUCH MORE!
This may not seem like much, but
all of these sights, sounds, and
smells make for a more rounded
temperament! Our puppies are
confident in their surroundings and
well-adjusted.
become familiar with some
unusual sights, smells, and
sounds. Some of them
include:
1. tractors
2. horses
3. pot-bellied pig
4. chickens
5. goat
6. baby crying
7. camp fire
8. children's toys
9. t.v., radio, phone
10. blender, microwave
11. AND MUCH MORE!
This may not seem like much, but
all of these sights, sounds, and
smells make for a more rounded
temperament! Our puppies are
confident in their surroundings and
well-adjusted.
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