The Whelping Box

Health is extremely important to us. Each of our puppies originates from parents that undergo thorough health testing that aligns with the Labrador Retriever Club recommendations. Prior to breeding, our personal breeding dogs attain their CHIC certification through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Our puppies come with a strict contract, extensive health guarantee, and current health records from a veterinarian. Puppies undergo vet checks, receive age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, AKC microchipping, and are granted AKC limited registration before transitioning to their new homes. To facilitate a smooth start, all puppies are sent home with 30 days of free AKC health insurance, 35% off Royal Canin coupon, and puppy go home bags. Our go home tote bags include a beginner bag of Royal Canin Labrador food, Nature's Pharmacy Supplements, puppy safe toys, a binder, familiar blankets, puppy training tools, AKC reunite ID tag, 4 generation pedigree and more. 

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Each of our litters undergo a structured regimen of socialization and desensitization, guided by the Avidog puppy rearing program. We implement Avidog protocols throughout their entire puppyhood.

The Avidog program integrates scientifically backed methods to optimize the cognitive, emotional, and physical development of each individual puppy. You will see us use early neurological stimulation, early scent introduction, Avidog evaluation tests, and more. This protocol ensures that our puppies receive the best possible foundation to set them up for success. All of our puppies are raised in our home always. They live life with us, and are hand raised right in our living room. They play with our other dogs, romp around the yard, and are a cherished part of our family. We don't have litters often to ensure that we can devote our full attention, care, and love to each hand raised litter. 

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All of our dogs and puppies are fed Royal Canin Labrador Retriever formula, which is specifically designed to meet the needs of our amazing breed. Labradors require a carefully managed diet to support healthy weight, joint integrity, skin and coat condition, and overall longevity. This diet is tailored specifically for the Labrador, down to the shape and size of the kibble, which helps slow intake and encourage chewing, a thoughtful feature for a breed known to eat quickly and be prone to choking.

Particular attention is given to copper levels, as Labradors can be predisposed to copper associated liver disease (copper toxicosis). Diets that contain excessive or poorly regulated copper may contribute to abnormal copper accumulation in the liver over time. This formula is designed with an appropriate mineral balance, including moderated copper levels compared to many boutique diets on the market.

Labrador Retrievers can also be prone to heart issues, including dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), making proper nutrition essential. Diet related DCM has been associated with nutritionally imbalanced diets that lack appropriate formulation, testing, or quality control. Feeding a diet that has been extensively researched and validated through lifetime feeding trials helps ensure dogs receive the nutrients necessary to support normal heart structure and function.

While we strongly recommend this breed specific diet, we recognize that availability or preference may vary. We also support the use of other science backed brands that follow World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) guidelines, employ veterinary nutritionists, conduct life long feeding trials, maintain appropriate copper levels for Labradors, and have no established association with diet related DCM.

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Our recommendations include Royal Canin, Purina Pro Plan, Eukanuba, and Hill’s Science Diet. 

At this time, we advise against feeding raw diets or boutique style foods, as many do not meet WSAVA guidelines and are associated with high levels of copper and DCM.

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For canine supplements, we highly recommend products from Nature's Farmacy Dogzymes. They offer a wide variety of targeted supplements designed for many different needs. We have had excellent results using their probiotic paste for puppies and adult dogs experiencing digestive upset. We will send you home with a sample bag of Dogzymes supplements which includes hip and joint support, prebiotics, probiotics, and coat care. Click here for a $5 off Nature's Farmacy coupon.

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It is important to note that our puppies are exclusively sold with limited registration and do not come with breeding rights. In an event you can no longer keep or care for your puppy, they must be returned to us. This is a STRICT policy and contract enforced.