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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...
From Mittens/Mitch last litter, Toby, Sailor, Junior, Bode, Hunter

Three generations of Carriage Hill Labs here... Melody's Mom, Maggie is in the background
Melody and the pups Captain Morgan, Shadow, and Malibu
Donal the Dad!

 
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