Category: Buying A Labrador

Finding and Selecting a Responsible Breeder

2/6/2017

Now that you have done your research on the Labrador Retriever breed and decided that you are ready to adopt a puppy, you will need to determine whether you are interested in rescuing a dog or working with a breeder of purebred Labradors. If you decide that you want to work with a breeder, it is imperative that you do your research to ensure that you choose a responsible and ethical breeder.

Here are some tips to help guide you in your examination:

First, you must decide what traits you are looking for in a Labrador. Do you want a dog that is a simple, everyday companion for the family, or are you more interested in a working dog, bred for hunting or sport? In addition, Labradors can be used for rescue work, therapy, and of course, competing in the show ring. Once you decide what characteristics you are looking for in your Labrador, you can refine your search to breeders who focus on refining these specific traits in their dogs.
There are several sources you can refer to in your search for a responsible breeder. These include:
- The AKC Marketplace
- The official AKC Parent Club of the Labrador Retriever, www.thelabradorclub.com
- AKC dog shows and trials
- To find a breeder near you, you can search www.breeders.net
Once you have identified one or more appealing breeders, your next step will be to contact them. Don't be discouraged if a breeder isn't immediately responsive; however, do be selective and choose a breeder who you believe is knowledgeable and with whom you feel comfortable.
Once you have determined that the chemistry between you and a breeder works, you should visit the breeder's home or kennel, preferably before the puppy is born, in order to meet at least one of the parents. Not only is this an opportunity to witness what the future holds for your puppy in terms of temperament and appearance, but also will provide you with additional time to ask the breeder further questions.
Making a visit to the breeder’s kennel or home also gives you a chance to observe the breeder and the environment where the dogs and puppies are raised. Signs of a responsible breeder are:
- The environment is clean, both inside and outside
- There is plenty of space for the dogs to engage in healthy exercise and activity
- All dogs and puppies are clean, well fed, and healthy (shiny coat, clear eyes, and clean hindquarters are good examples of well-cared for dogs)
- Dogs and puppies should be lively and outgoing rather than lethargic, skittish, or scared
- Watch how the breeder interacts with the dogs and puppies - do they show a genuine kindness and caring for them? Do the dogs shy away from the breeder?
- The breeder will be able to show you all the documents pertaining to the breeding including health and genetic screenings for both the dam and the sire, pedigrees for both parents, proof of American Kennel Club (AKC) registration, and will also be forthright in acknowledging the strengths and weaknesses of the breed and the steps taken to avoid them when breeding. Be sure to request copies of the the OFA and CERF certificates before agreeing to adopt a puppy from a breeder.
If after your visit you determine that this is the breeder you want to adopt your puppy from, then as a responsible breeder, she will most likely want to ensure that she is sending her puppies to a good home. To determine this, she may ask you a series of questions that you should be prepared to answer such as, but not limited to:
- The living conditions - will your puppy be living inside or outside, and how will you insure your home and yard is puppy-proof?
- Do you have a veterinarian?
- What other pets do you have at home?
- Have you ever been a Labrador parent in the past?
- How much time are you willing to commit to raising, training, and playing with your puppy?
Once you and the breeder have established a comfortable report between one another, the breeder will provide a contract that details the health guarantee, appropriate conditions of care, and specifics about what happens if you are unable to care for or keep the puppy. Furthermore, responsible breeders will not consider sending their puppies to their new homes until they are at least eight weeks old.
When it comes time to bring home your puppy, a responsible breeder will have a packet of information for you that contains important information about caring for your puppy, vaccination records for you to share with your veterinarian, microchip identification information, and the appropriate documents such as the dog’s pedigree and the application form to register your puppy with the AKC.

Adopting a puppy is a significant commitment emotionally, physically, and financially. I encourage you to spend the time and energy, now, doing a thorough search for a responsible breeder who not only cares about the integrity of the breed standard, but also about the health and happiness of the dogs and puppies they are raising. Please contact us to learn how you can bring an Ashling Place Labrador puppy home.

Check in next week to learn about the importance of testing for genetic diseases.

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Is a Labrador Retriever the Right Breed for You and Your Family?

1/19/2017

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So, you have decided that you want to add a puppy to your family and after a number of discussions with your loved ones, you have all agreed on the breed: a Labrador Retriever. If you have prior experience sharing your life with this loyal breed, then you already know that its friendly and gentle nature makes dog an ideal family pet. You also know that while the breed is recognized for its intelligence and adaptability, it also requires consistent training, mental stimulation, and exercise.

However, if you have never had the privilege of sharing your space with this loving breed, then here are some talking points that you and the members of your household should discuss prior to adopting a Labrador…

Exercise: Are you committed to providing daily exercise for your Labrador? While your Lab will be happy to lounge at your feet for most of the day, she will demand some play time outdoors. Whether it’s going for a long walk around the neighborhood or a jog in the woods, this daily activity is essential for both their physical and mental well-being. As the saying goes, “a tired dog is a good dog,” and so it also should be stated the opposite is true - without a regular exercise routine, you may find yourself with a hyperactive, uncontrollable dog. So, how much exercise do they need? In general, a healthy adult Labrador will need approximately an hour of exercise every day. Exercise is anything that is more than a gentle walk such as jogging, playing fetch, and our personal choice (also their preference,) swimming. The amount of time will vary greatly with puppies and seniors.
Training: Basic obedience training is necessary for a happy life with a Lab, and starting when he is still a puppy will save you lots of work as time passes. While Labradors are known for their intelligence, it’s important to recognize that they generally learn quickly, even when they are not being taught. This means that they will also easily learn things that you don’t necessarily want them to know. For example, if your dog pulls on the leash and you follow, you are teaching him that it is worth it to pull. Leash behavior, coming when called, heel, sit, lie down, and stay are all basic commands that, when taught early, will help your Lab learn how to be a respectable member of your family.
Commitment: If you are used to having your own personal space, then you may want to reconsider bringing a Labrador Retriever into your home. The Lab is not an introvert by nature, and to be perfectly clear, she will be your shadow. Furthermore, Labradors are social breed, so if left alone for too long, they can become anxious and even destructive. Therefore, if you have a full-time job that keeps you away from your dog for an extended length of time, you will want to consider other options to ensure your Labrador is getting the interaction and exercise she needs during the time you are gone.
Responsibility: Finally, having a dog, any breed of dog, requires a financial commitment that extends beyond the purchase price of your new puppy. First, you will want to ensure that you are providing your Lab with a balanced and nutritious diet. Additionally, there will be annual veterinary costs to ensure that you keep your pup vaccinated and protected from various infections and parasites. There are also the costs of various accessories including toys (so that they don’t chew on your nice new furniture,) treats, dog beds, food bowls, crates, leads, etc. The point is that bringing a new dog into your family will add to your overall yearly expenses.

So, if, after discussing all of these points, you and your family still have decided that the Labrador Retriever is the right fit, then the next step will be to decide on how and where you will find the right dog to adopt. There are a number of choices out there, so it is important to do your research before making the final decision. Check in next week for tips on finding and choosing a purebred Labrador Retriever.

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Finding and Selecting a Responsible Breeder

Is a Labrador Retriever the Right Breed for You and Your Family?

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