Breeding Program

Breed Focus

My breeding program is centered around preserving the versatile Labrador Retriever, with a focus on health, temperament, and conformation. Each litter is planned with the intention of keeping at least one puppy back per litter to continue my program.

Ethical Breeding Practices

The welfare of my Labradors is my top priority. I adhere to strict ethical guidelines and responsible breeding practices. This includes comprehensive health screenings, genetic testing, and attention to the breed standard to ensure the well-being of my dogs and puppies. All my breeding prospects are determined to be free of Hip & Elbow dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), their eyes are cleared annually for any heritable eye disorders by a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist (AVCO), they receive advanced cardiac exams performed by a board certified veterinary cardiologist (DACVIM), and are genetically tested for breed relevant hereditary diseases.

Health & Nutrition

I maintain a high standard of care for my Labradors including regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and a high-quality diet. I consult with veterinarians and certified veterinary nutritionists to ensure my dogs are in optimal health.

Continuous Learning & Improvement

As a hobby breeder, I am committed to lifelong learning and improvement. I stay informed about the latest developments in Labrador Retriever breeding, genetics, and canine health to continually enhance the quality of my breeding program.

Puppy Placement Policy

My ultimate goal is to find loving, responsible homes for the puppies I produce. Therefore, all potential puppy buyers are carefully screened to ensure they are prepared for the responsibilities of Labrador ownership and are committed to providing a safe and loving environment.

Return Policy

I am committed to a lifetime of support for the dogs and puppies I produce, and understand that sometimes circumstances change. For this reason, I offer an unconditional return policy for any dog or puppy I have bred. If for any reason, you are unable to keep a dog or puppy purchased from my program, you may return the dog to me at any time, no questions asked. This return policy applies for the lifetime of the dog regardless of age, health, or other circumstances. I will gladly welcome the dog back into my care. Under no circumstance should a dog bred by myself be placed in a shelter, rescue, or rehomed to another party without my involvement. Instead, please contact me to arrange a safe return.

Puppy Purchase Process

Puppy Questionnaire

If you are interested in speaking to me about my planned or current litter of puppies, please contact me or take a minute to fill out my Puppy Questionnaire. Once you have been approved, you will be added to my waitlist. A non-refundable $500 deposit is required to reserve a puppy. Deposits are not accepted until the litter is born. If a puppy of your desired preferences is not available, your deposit will be transferred to the next litter.

Price

Puppies go home between 8-16 weeks of age and are $3000. Price increases by age and depth of training.

For all puppies, this price includes:

a written contract with a health guarantee, AKC Limited Registration, age appropriate vaccinations & deworming, an examination performed by a board-certified veterinarian, a microchip with lifelong registry through AKC Reunite, extensive socialization, initial potty training, parasite prevention, a welcome home bag, and lifetime breeder support.

Bringing your puppy home

I do not ship puppies, or sell puppies over the internet, but you are welcome to visit my home, or I would be happy to meet you at one of my local airports (Rochester/Buffalo). Other travel arrangements can be made upon request, but I do not sell puppies sight unseen, and require that all potential puppy buyers physically meet me and see the puppy in person.

Socialization

The crucial socialization period of puppies is a critical phase in their development that typically occurs between 3-16 weeks of age. During this time, puppies are highly receptive to new experiences and start to form lasting impressions about the world around them. Proper socialization is essential for their overall well-being and contributes to the development of a well-adjusted, confident, and behaviorally stable adult dog. I incorporate socialization protocols into my breeding program as an invaluable investment in the future well-being and adaptability of my puppies. Here’s how these protocols support the crucial socialization period:

Creating Positive Early Experiences: I expose puppies to a range of controlled, positive experiences. This might include introducing them to various sounds, sights, surfaces, and gentle handling. These early experiences help prevent the development of fear and anxiety in response to new stimuli, setting a foundation for confident interactions with the world.
Structured Exposure to People and Animals: I carefully introduce puppies to different people—such as family members, friends, and supervised visitors—allowing them to experience diverse ages, appearances, and energy levels. I also expose them to other animals in a safe and controlled way, which helps them learn appropriate social skills and communication.
Reducing Aggression and Fear Reactivity: Through gentle and gradual exposure, I work to build positive associations with novel situations and environments, reducing the likelihood of fear-based reactivity or aggression. This makes them more resilient and comfortable when facing unfamiliar situations as adults.
Environmental Adaptability: I expose puppies to various safe environments within and around my home to build their confidence on different surfaces. This could involve short trips to different areas (like the backyard, garage, or fenced patio) to build their ability to handle new settings without stress.
Positive Handling and Grooming Experiences: Puppies in my program experience regular, gentle handling and early grooming sessions to build comfort with human touch. This exposure makes them more likely to respond well to grooming, veterinary visits, and general handling, which enhances their ease and confidence in human company.
Enrichment and Early Training: I incorporate simple enrichment activities, like interactive toys, obstacle courses, and basic command introductions, to foster engagement and learning. This helps set the stage for easier training in their new homes, as they are already accustomed to problem-solving and responding to cues.
Preventing Future Behavioral Issues: With carefully designed socialization protocols, I reduce the likelihood of future behavioral issues in my puppies. Thoughtfully managed socialization during this crucial period is an investment that gives families a strong foundation for raising well-behaved, confident, and socially adaptable dogs.

By embedding these protocols into my breeding program, I aim to ensure that each puppy not only has a happy start but also grows into a well-adjusted, resilient, and loving companion.