PUPPY BUYING GUIDE

Author: Elizabeth Ferris (Country Labradoodles)

Is My Home, My Situation Right For A Puppy/Dog?

It is important to provide a safe environment for a puppy as well as a place for the puppy to sleep, play and eliminate. Do you have fencing and a dog proof yard? Is your yard big enough for the puppy to play and exercise, and if not are you willing to walk the puppy and provide exercise. Labradoodles need interaction with people and are not a good choice if you plan to leave the puppy outside alone all day while you are at work. Do you have a plan for your puppy when you are gone for long periods of time? Is your home puppy proof?

Can I Afford The Financial Responsibility Of A Puppy/Dog?

In addition to the purchase price of a well bred puppy, you will have additional expenses including food, toys, bedding, crate, baby gates to limit access, grooming supplies or professional grooming expense. Puppy class and training expense, Veterinary expenses, including puppy vaccinations, yearly check up and if your puppy has an accident or eats something that it should not, you may incur  possible Veterinary emergency expenses. It is important to factor in all the possible expenses before you bring your new puppy home.

Do I Have The Time For Training, Socialization, Grooming, Exercising, And House Training Of A Puppy/Dog?

Socialization and Training: The number one thing a puppy needs other than food and shelter to develop into the best dog possible is SOCIALIZATION and training, beginning the same day that you bring your puppy home. This should involve daily outings to introduce your puppy to new places, new situations, and new people, A puppy class is highly recommended.Grooming: Can be learned or you can use a professional groomer, but plan on brushing your puppy at least 3-4 times per week for 10-20 minutes each time to keep the coat mat free.House training: Will require consistent effort, plan on taking the puppy out at minimum every 3-4 hours assuming the puppy is 8-10 weeks of age. If the breeder has already started house training, by taking the puppy out every few hours, the house training task will be far easier as the imprinting on a young puppy makes for a lasting impression. Ask the breeder what house training method they use.

Is This The Right Breed For Me?

We are assuming that this is your chosen breed; we understand that the volumes of information about the breed available can be quite confusing. Most All purebred breeds have a breed history that is somewhat murky, but one thing is clear all purebred dogs were a mix, meaning more than one breed of dog being bred together before the breed became recognized as a purebred breed. They cannot be recreated using the same or similar breeds and be considered the same breed. Most, will agree that the Australian Labradoodle consists of a lineage with the founders being Rutland Manor and Tegan Park these names will appear in the history or pedigree of the dogs that are of true Australian lineage. The known breeds that make up the Australian Labradoodle are: The Labrador Retriever, Poodle, Irish Water Spaniel, American or English Cocker spaniel, and some lines have the Soft Coated Irish Wheaten Terrier infusion.

How Do I Choose The Right Puppy?

Start by Evaluating Your Lifestyle — your puppy will become part of your life.

You need to make sure that the puppy you select will be suited for your lifestyle. For example, if you are athletic, you will probably not be happy with a dog that has a low energy level. All aspects of your family’s life – hobbies, activities, personalities, schedules – should be evaluated and considered.Make a list of important qualities that you want in a dog. Consider size, energy level, and temperament. Do you want a guard dog or a lap dog? A running mate or a couch potato? What activities do you want your dog to participate in? Is it important that your dog interact with and enjoy children? An experienced breeder will have the best understanding of the individual puppies and will help you select one that will be a good match. The more detailed your list the better. Respect your breeder’s input about which puppy is right for you.

What Type Of Coat Do I Choose?

Coat type and look is More than just a pretty face:Coat type is the most misunderstood aspect of the breed: There are three types of coat TEXTURE’S wool fleece and hair.Within each coat type there are different degrees of curl, straight some use the term ‘Open” spiral type curl, large curls, and tight small curls.Coat changes: The photos that you see on the websites are often times not the adult coats. The coat will most always change from puppyhood to adulthood.When you see a dog that you love the look of: Further investigation is needed, you need to know how old the dog is in the photos and how it was groomed. The look that you decide you love could be a dog photographed after having a bath and a blow dry with a brush out, or a dog that had a bath and left to dry naturally in the air no brushing.

Are Labradoodles Hypoallergenic?

Labradoodles have often been promoted as hypoallergenic (which means less allergic, not free of allergens) However, no canine is known to be completely nonallergenic. Often the problem is with the dog’s saliva or dander, not the coat. The reaction that an individual person has to an individual dog may vary greatly. In treating dog related allergies, it has been found that factors related to individual dogs seem to influence the allergenicity.

How Do I Determine Adult Size?

The adult size is a personal preference taking into consideration your lifestyle, space, skill and time.There is no way to determine the exact size that a puppy will grow up to be as an adult, size is an estimate at best. Within the history of each dog’s ancestry there are different sizes, In some pedigrees you will see miniature, mediums and standards all in one pedigree. Most breeders will keep weight charts and records of previous litter’s size and have a record of their adult size. We also consider each puppy’s individual bone, substance and rate of growth to determine an estimated adult size.

How Do I Choose A Breeder?

There are many different kinds of breeders: We believe that breeding programs should be undertaken responsibly for the purpose of advancing the breed, preserving breed characteristics, producing structurally sound and healthy, well-socialized puppies. Responsible breeders are expected to give careful consideration to health issues, temperament, basic canine structure, genetic screening, as well as to the individual care and placement of puppies in responsible homes. Most reputable breeders comply with all county and state animal services requirements.

IMPORTANT questions to ask the prospective breeder:

• What are the breeder’s goals, purpose for breeding dogs?
• Where are the puppies raised?
• Does the breeder have permits with animal services?
• References?
• What training does the puppy have while with the breeder? (early socialization)
• What experience does the breeder have with raising/training dogs?
• What experience does the breeder have in producing structurally sound puppies? Why this is important? read more…….
• Expected size of this puppy?
• Best training methods for this puppy?
• What are the health problems in the breed, and what can be done to prevent or control them?
• What health tests have been completed on the parents? Ask for proof and results of health testing.
• What health tests will be done on the prospective puppy, and when?
• What kinds of activities, including competition, the breeder’s dogs participate in and enjoy?

Your breeder should be willing to answer all of your questions, no matter how silly or serious of questions you ask. Expect that the breeder will also ask questions about you, your lifestyle, and your family to determine what kind of home you have to offer one of their puppies. Based on their experience in the breed, they know what issues are important in placing one of their puppies.

If the breeder doesn’t respond to your inquiries, or doesn’t show any interest in the life the puppy will lead with you, choose another breeder. A responsible breeder is committed to making a good match, this is the kind of person you will want in your corner for continued support once you and your new puppy begin your new life together.

A puppy with a good health history including siblings is your best guarantee that you are starting off with a healthy puppy for the long term.

Correct Canine Structure: What Is It? Why Is It Important?

We encourage you to do your research and educate yourself on the basics that make up a correct structurally sound dog. Correct structure is critically important to the long term soundness and health of your puppy.Be aware of the breeders reasoning for infusing other breeds or why they have bred a specific pair. The answer you do not want to hear is that it was because they are pretty, they have both parents, and it was convenient just to name a few.

The following is a great book that will help you to understand why correct structure is so important:

K-9 STRUCTURE & TERMINOLOGY Edward Gilbert, Jr. & Thelma Brown Learn not only what correct structure is; understand why it is essential to function and health.

ALWAYS Get Your Agreement In Writing

Information about the sale or adoption should be in writing. The contract should include, for example, details regarding any fees, spay-neuter agreements, health guarantees, terms of co-ownership, restrictions on breeding, and living arrangements. It should also include instructions on what to do if the dog, despite your best efforts, simply doesn’t work out for you or your family. Most responsible breeders will insist that the dog be returned to them for a full or partial refund.

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If you would like to link to this page contact the Author at elizabethferris100@gmail.com