LABRADOODLE PUPPIES FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - F.A.Q.

Contents:

Introduction Labradoodle Colours Labradoodle coat type Envronment in which Pups are Raised Minimum age Maximum age Worming Heartworm Health insurance Labradoodle puppy exercise limit Labradoodle Hybrid Vigour Male or Female pup? Vaccinations Suppliers of Dog Products Puppy and Dog training Dangerous Plants to dogs Pens or chains? Labradoodle puppy price? Disclaimer

Labradoodles - Introduction

We receive numerous requests for advice, information, assistance, etc from around the World in relation to Labradoodles. So, we have attempted to provide information below (mainly our opinion), hopefully to be of some assistance.

Please note that it is intended to continue to include further information and to update that already included. Also, please note the disclaimer notice at the foot of this page and on our website.

Labradoodle Colours

There is a wide mix of possible colours of Labradoodles. These can include (for example) whitish, cream, brownish, reddish, black, etc. The colour of Labradoodle pups that we breed is black.

Envronment in which Pups are Raised

Our Labradoodle pups are raised in an environment in which they (and their parents) are treated as part of our family. Not just as a 'breeding machine' etc, locked in a pen (which we have seen at some other breeders).

All of our Labradoodles interact with us and our family throughout everyday.

They are raised on a rural property, and are not only socialised with people, children, etc, but also with other animals (eg goats, cattle, etc).

We strive to have our Labradoodle pups highly sociable (ie not scared etc to interact with people etc). We also strive to minimise potential problems in the transition from us to their new owners.

Minimum age

The minimum age at which a pup should be sold is eight weeks. We are aware that some other breeders do sell their pups earlier. And we also receive requests re this. However, in our opinion, a puppy should not be sold any earlier than eight weeks of age (allowing for vaccination at six weeks of age etc). Also, we believe that if breeders do sell puppies under this age, it is also contrary to law (in NSW).

To the best of our knowledge, the Department of Agriculture (NSW) is responsible for the administration of this law. And it is suggested that any breaches etc be reported to them.

Maximum age

Another enquiry we receive is people wanting an 'older' dog, as opposed to a puppy. The breeders that we know (that includes us!) usually have most of their puppies going to their new homes when they are old enough (ie 8 weeks of age). And that is normally a market driven decision (ie most new dog owners want their pups etc as soon as possible etc).

Of course, there will be times when any breeder may still have a puppy that is past the 8 week age stage, and for no particular reason. However, we believe that if a breeder has a puppy for sale way past this age (eg say 16 weeks etc), then there may be reasons behind why this has occurred. And that may warrant further inquiries etc to clarify or confirm what these reasons are.

As we do not know of any breeder that keeps puppies past the age where they can go to their new homes, for no reason/s! And the reasons we have witnessed for puppies to be kept past that period has included (for example) illness etc, inadequate development, etc.

Worming of Pups

All of our pups are wormed for intestinal worms on several occassions prior to going to their new homes. Regular worming should continue, and may vary depending on the location and risks etc. Local veterinarian advice may be of assistance in this regard.

Heartworm

In our opinion, all of our pups should be regularly treated with a heartworm preventative medicine and which should start by no later than the age of six months (and preferably earlier).

We have found the once-per-month treatments to be most suitable (eg Proheart etc).

Puppy health insurance

Some new puppy owners may find health insurance a worthwhile consideration.

We do not recommend any particular product. But we are aware of the pet insurance that is available through AFS-PetMed (and is also available free for the first six weeks with our pups, after transfer of ownership, and conditions apply). If this is of interest to you, then please contact us and we can provide further details.

There are also other pet insurance schemes, companies, etc. One that we know of includes Vets Own Pet Health Insurance.

And it is also interesting to note that some breeds of dogs, excluding Labradoodles (at the time of publishing) are more costly to insure, as "some breeds have higher veterinary care costs, so the premium for these breeds or part breed is an extra $5.00 per month". These breeds that cost extra (whether pure breed or part breed), include (for example) "Alaskan Malamute, Bernese Mountain Dog, Boxer, Bull Terrier, Bulldog (all breeds), Chow Chow, Great Dane, Golden Retriever, Irish Wolfhound, Mastiff (all breeds), Newfoundland, Old English Sheepdog, Pit Bull Terrier, Pyrenean Mountain Dog, Shar-pei, St Bernard".

Labradoodle puppy exercise limit

It is very important to limit the amount, type, etc of 'exercise' etc that a Labradoodle pup undertakes. This is especially important during the period high growth rates. Excessive exercise, and/or exercise that requires (for example) climbing up or down items such as stairs etc, may contribute to health problems (eg with hips etc). Hence, we suggest that special care should be taken to avoid these types of exercise.

Labradoodle Hybrid Vigour

This is the characteristic or trait that is known to occur in the first cross (ie F1) of purebreds (eg Labrador Retriever X Poodle). There is a 'wealth' of information available that describes hybrid vigour (or heterosis) in more detail. Please see our webpage (links below) to a whole page dedicated to the subject.

Males or Females?

One question that often arises for prospective puppy owners is whether to 'adopt' a male or a female pup?

Our personal preference is for males. We have found their temperament, personality, etc to be more to our liking. Of course, there are many people who prefer females, and we have found that many of these have been people who have either been raised with a female Labradoodle, or who have had a female dog later in life and wish to remain with that particular sex.

Serious consideration should be given to 'adopting' a male. As not only are they very suitable companions etc, they can also be easier and cheaper to desex!

We raised our four children with various sex of dog, and have found the male to be just as 'safe', non-aggressive, etc (and more playful etc) as the females. And we believe that the environment (eg training, attention, etc) in which the pups are raised has a significant impact upon their behaviour etc, regardless of their sex.

Labradoodle Puppy Vaccinations

There are various vaccinations available for pups. Some breeders use what is known as a 'C3'. That is, it is a vaccination for three diseases (eg canine distemper, hepatitis & parvovirus). There is also a C4 (which is for four diseases, eg those as for C3 plus parainfluenza), and a C5 (yes, you guessed it, this is for five diseases, and includes those for for C4 plus bordetella). And various others!

Our experience is that different Veterinarians have differing opinions re what they consider to be the most suitable etc vaccination.

There have been varying opinions, evidence, reports, etc in relation to the use of vaccinations, particularly on a long-term basis. Some of which have included that vaccinations have caused and/or contributed to (for example) most skin allergies (and similar skin diseases), and that others may also be involved. Such as acute diseases, chronic health problems, bleeding disorders, bone and joint inflammation. And the problems were noted mostly after canine distemper vaccination and the canine parvovirus vaccination.

Some qualified opinion/s have suggested (for example):

• use single or simple vaccines instead of complex vaccines;
• where possible, use only 'killed' or 'inactivated' vaccines (as opposed to 'modifed live');
• use a reduced vaccination schedule for young animals;
• don't vaccinate too early; and
• avoid annual boosters.

However, it is our understanding that in NSW Australia it is a requirement of both law and various governing regulations etc that no dog may be sold unless it has been vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus and is accompanied by a current vaccination certificate. Hence, puppies should be vaccinated prior to being sold.

Labradoodle Puppy Registration

There are various requirements now in NSW for registration of dogs. And we suggest that the F.A.Q. page for dog registration, which is at the Department of Local Government, and which can be viewed by clicking here, be perused.

All of our pups come microchipped (and by a Veterinarian, which some are not), and documentation is also provided.

Suppliers of Dog Products

http://www.petdirect.com.au/

http://www.petnetwork.com.au/

http://www.itsadogshop.com/

http://www.vetstop.com.au/

http://www.ozpets.com.au/products/index.shtml

Labradoodle Puppy and Dog Training Information

There is a significant quantity and quality of puppy and dog training information available in the open market. And one suggested place for you to visit is http://www.101-dog-training-tips.com/

Labradoodle Dangerous Plants

There are various plants etc that can be harmful to and/or not good for dogs. These are believed to include (for example):

Apricots (kernel) Asparagus fern Caster oil plant (seeds) Chrysanthemum Ivy Lantana (berries) Oleander Paspalum Peaches (stone and leaf)

Pinsettia (leaves & stems) Privet Ranunculius (or Buttercup) Rhubarb (leaves) Wandering jew Wisteria Onions Chocolate Nutmeg

So, it is suggested that access to these by dogs and especially puppies be restricted or avoided.

Pens or chains?

We believe that puppies (like children) need to have areas where they can play etc safely (particularly when not supervised). And we feel that the use of suitable pens (eg made from wire netting, wire mesh, etc) are most suitable.

Puppies can get into all kinds of 'mischief', particularly with the chewing of unsuitable items etc (eg plants, garden hoses, etc) when they are not being supervised. Puppies also require a reasonable amount of rest and sleep, and we have found that the pups will normally go back into their pens to rest or sleep, as the pens may also provide them with security or safety.

So, we suggest that puppies (particularly when not being supervised) be placed in 'puppy safe' areas, such as a suitable pen etc. And a pen can be easily constructed (eg wire netting and some steel posts), and can be as elaborate and/or as permanent as is desired. As the puppy gets older and matures, the need for use of a pen will probably diminish. But this may also be dependant on (for example) the training that the puppy receives, the area that it has access to (eg is it fenced etc), etc.

Bitch

This term relates to the female sex of a dog.

Breeders

The type, quality, experience, of breeders seems to vary considerably. When buying a puppy, it is strongly recommended that you ask the breeder what papers etc you will receive, which should include (as a minimum) vaccination, microchip, and pedigree documents.

Breeding Labradoodles

Before breeding Labradoodles (particularly if inexperienced in breeding dogs), then it is important to learn as much as possible about the various aspects etc involved with breeding.

There are a number of relevant books etc available, such as through libraries and bookshops. And adequate research should be undertaken to gain a good understanding of how to undertake responsible breeding of quality puppies, and which have minimal health risks/problems etc.

Dogs

Some of the intended subjects, issues, etc to be included in the future are:

Buying a puppy

certificate, pedigree
certificate, registration
certificate, vaccination
frequently asked questions
food
Labradoodle, Labradoodles, Labradoodlee, Labradoodlees
mating
pedigree
pedigree paper charges
pup, pups, puppies
quality
traits, Labradoodles

Labradoodle Price

The price for a Labradoodle puppy can vary significantly, and for various reasons. But probably the biggest 'variable' that affects price is the quality of the pup. And the quality can be affected by a range of issues, (for example) quality of the breeding stock, level of care and welfare provided to the breeding stock and puppies, etc.

Disclaimer

If you have any concerns etc (eg health, medical, etc) for your pet, then we strongly recommend that professional veterinarian assistance be obtained.

Please bear in mind that we are not Veterinarians etc. The above is provided for information etc. We make no representations in regard to its accuracy etc, nor that of any web pages etc. And no liability nor responsibility is accepted etc. This page, and the web site, may also be subject to change, and without notice.

And lastly, there will no doubt be some people who do not agree with our opinions etc, and they are certainly entitled to do so. The same as we do not always agree with the ideas etc of some others. However, from our experience, we believe that it is at least better to be able to have an 'opinion' (and one from research, experience, etc), than to be the eternal critic, offering nothing other than criticism.

We hope that the above, and our web site, is of assistance. Particularly to the inexperienced etc who often seek guidance, but do not always receive it!

To contact us: