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Two
litters expected this fall! We have bred Marsha to
Mikey for a litter due around Thanksgiving, going
to their new homes around the first of the new year.
This litter will hopefully give us black, yellow and
chocolate puppies.
Also,
Mandy is bred to Jonathon with whelp date the first
week of December. This litter would go to their new
homes mid to late January. We will be performing an
ultrasound on both of these girls late in October
to confirm the breedings.
My
pups are born in my house, in my office where they stay for the first 3-4 weeks
being handled (snuggled and cuddled and talked too) almost hourly. As soon as
their ears come down and their eyes open, I have toys in there for them. About
4 weeks is when they actually start playing with toys but I do put them in early
just in case - I like them to learn at an early age what is acceptable to play
with and chew on. At 3 weeks I begin feeding them puppy food and they move to
the other end of my house, which is set up to deal with messes much easier than
in my office! My puppy kennel is where they stay until they go to their new homes.
At
4 weeks we also put crates in their pen with doors off to let them play in, and
become comfortable with, being in crates. From 3-6 weeks they eat, sleep and play.
They grow and develop so quickly. I watch them go through all of their stages
- staggering around on wobbly legs, learning where they eat and sleep and not
to eliminate in that area. They learn to drink from a water dish -and of course
play in it - after all, they ARE water dogs! We romp around the house and explore
new textures of flooring and get used to new things with Mom and siblings there
to give them confidence. The pups start to exhibit their own personalities now.
I am always aware of the personality developments as it aids me in the placement
of the pups. It also tells me who is the boss of the litter and who may need an
extra snuggle or two from being bullied around.
As
soon as they have their first vaccinations at 6 weeks we start outdoor potty training.
We become VERY scheduled. They eat and go right out the door (yes, even in winter)
to "do their business" then back in for play, outside again, etc. Then,
we begin putting 2 at a time in a crate (to comfort each other) with doors closed,
they take naps in their crates. This makes the overnight transition MUCH easier.
We go for car rides with their Mom and their siblings so nothing is scary. They
also have 4-5 trips romping through my house a day learning not to chew lamp cords
and just general exploring which gives them confidence. All of this builds the
pup's confidence and teaches them to take any new experience with confidence,
not fear.
By
the time the pups leave for their new homes they have spent a few nights in their
crates alone, which makes the transition to their new homes much easier. I also
let my clients borrow the puppy crates with all the familiar scents to make the
puppy comfy. This also eliminates the new owners buying more than one crate. When
the pup outgrows the little crate they will only have to buy one large crate.
My
pups usually go out at 8 weeks - it does depend on the maturity of the litter,
so it can vary.
The
price for my pups male or female, black or yellow is $1000.00. I prefer that my
clients have either an Invisible Fence or a permanent fence to keep the puppy/new
member of your family safe. I will not sell a puppy to anyone that wants to tie
the dog out, use an overhead run or keep the dog outside or in a garage.
I
have a clause in my contract that says if for any reason you cannot keep this
dog either next week or 10 yrs. from now, the dog must be returned to Carriage
Hill Labs. I feel a great sense of responsibility to the dogs that I bring into
this world and never want to see any of them in a compromised situation.
I
also board back my own kids. If you will be away and live close enough (they come
from all over the country to stay back here) the dog can come back and stay here
with his relatives while you're away, at the normal rate of board. This gives
me a chance to evaluate the litter throughout the development and the dogs love
being here. Being here is not like being in a commercial kennel. Boarders here
spend time in the house with me, outside supervised playing with their relatives
and have been known to sleep upstairs with my family at night! Board is currently
$20.00 per day.
I
send out surveys to see how things are going, especially any health concerns.
This allows me the opportunity to put any health issues or problems into my database,
trace it back to see where it came from and work to eliminate the problem in future
breeding. I try to stay in touch with all pup owners through the years. I enjoy
getting pictures and updates on their progress.
Another
strong suggestion is a microchip to permanently identify your Lab. I am seriously
considering doing the microchip here, before the pups go their new homes. The
microchip is inserted under the skin on the nape of the neck. It has a number
that can be read with a scanner that will link the dog back to the new owner and
me. The government has mandated all shelters and pet testing labs to scan for
microchips. It is a small piece of insurance should your pet get lost or stolen.
Puppy
kindergarten and at least beginner obedience is very important for your pup. For
pups locally, I can suggest several trainers/schools to attend. Some clients have
sent their pups for training to a wonderful trainer in Northwood. For those unaccustomed
to dog/puppy training that is also an option. Nancy keeps the pup for 2 weeks
and teaches the basic obedience and housebreaking. She follows up with home visits
if necessary.
Please
use the "Contact
Us" form if you would like more info on our
pups.
And
now FROM OUR LAST LITTERS, the kids... |
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From
Mittens/Mitch last litter, Toby, Sailor, Junior,
Bode, Hunter |
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Three
generations of Carriage Hill Labs here... Melody's
Mom, Maggie is in the background |
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Melody
and the pups Captain Morgan, Shadow, and Malibu |
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Donal
the Dad! |
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