Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Australian Labradoodle? 

An Australian Labradoodle is a multigenerational Labradoodle that originated in Australia and is bred specifically for therapy work and companionship. Despite the name, this breed does not contain an Australian Shepherd. Several generations ago, they crossed a few other breeds (mainly spaniels) to improve size, coat, health, and temperament, and have since bred those dogs together to create this purebred multigenerational Australian Labradoodle. It seems like a mouthful and a bit confusing with the name. Still, all of our dogs' lineage traces back to the two original breeders in Australia.

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How do you raise your puppies? 

We raise our puppies with the Puppy Culture program. This process begins at 3 days old with Early Neurological Stimulation and Early Scent Introduction, and continues for the entire 9 weeks the puppies are with us.

 

Puppy Culture includes crate training, clicker training, the beginnings of housebreaking, noise and touch desensitization, and many other confidence builders. Our puppies begin using the potty on real grass in their playpen at 4 weeks of age. By 6 weeks of age, puppies are going outside at least 3 times a day. By 8 weeks old, puppies are going outside every 2 hours and are sleeping in their own crates. We rarely have potty accidents when kept on a strict schedule. Puppies know that outside = potty. We start leash training at 8 weeks ol,d as well as teaching "sit" for attention and introducing them to the "lay down" concept. Our goal is to send you home with a well-rounded, happy, and confident puppy.

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Should I expect a "perfect" puppy? 

I am sure you already know the answer to this question, but no! Puppies are puppies. They will still get into mischief, nibble on hands, potty on the floor, and test boundaries. We do everything we can to give them the best start and a solid foundation, but your training, time, and commitment are needed to grow your dog into what you want.

 

All of our training and direction are tools to help you raise the best dog you can. We highly recommend group classes for puppies, beginners, and advanced learners. Finding a positive-reinforcement trainer will help us continue the training we have already started. 

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How much do your puppies cost, and what is the process for purchasing? 

Our puppies are $3,850 + HST (total) as of Jan 1, 2023, on a spay/neuter/non-breeding agreement. Our reservation fee is a non-refundable $500 CAD deposit that reserves a spot in the litter of your choice. We accept 5-6 deposits per litter before birth and will maintain a waiting list for any additional puppies after birth. Full payment is due by 6 weeks of age. * Failure to comply with this deadline without prior discussion with us (i.e. if you specifically request to move to a future litter) renders your deposit null and void, as well as forfeits your place on our reservation list *. We send weekly "Pupdates" to those on our reservation list to keep you up to date on the puppy's development, due dates, what to expect, and how to prepare for our upcoming arrival. Reservation lists fill fast and are usually fully booked many months in advance. Our spaces cannot be reserved until we have received the fee, as we receive many inquiries. We cannot hold spaces without a deposit.  

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*WE CANNOT GUARANTEE SEX OR COLOUR IN ANY GIVEN LITTER*

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What is the difference between being on a reservation list versus a waiting list? 

We accept only 5-6 reservations per litter before the puppies are born. If any other families are interested in that particular litter, please join our waiting list. If our girls have larger litters (e.g., 7-10 puppies), families from the waiting list will be moved to the reservation list. 

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How can I get my puppy if I live in another Province? 

We can deliver our puppies! We work very hard to ensure their confidence, adaptability, and easygoing nature, and we would hate to break the trust and confidence that our puppies have gained in the last 8-9 weeks. You can come to our home, or we can meet you at the local airport in Toronto or Ottawa, ON, for an additional fee, subject to our availability. There is also the option to have the puppy flown to you with one of us. We act as a "Flight Nanny," and we fly with pups in-cabin to your city- they never leave our sides throughout the entire trip!  There is *typically* a $500 fee for this service (space is limited and this will not always be available-reach out early to arrange this service *certain locations/flights are more expensive and are subject to additional fees*). We will acclimate your puppy to our soft-sided airline carrier before you take it home. This will not only make it easier for you but also minimize stress for the puppy. We strive to be as flexible as possible to help you get your new family member. We understand that there may be situations where you are unable to pick up your puppy on the go-home date. When possible, we are happy to keep your puppy for $40 per day after our go-home date (4-day window) until you are available to pick him/her up.

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What is your selection process? 

We match puppies based on temperament first and foremost. This occurs at 7 weeks of age, after we have completed the Volhard Aptitude Test. We will consider your preferences (size, colour, gender), but we cannot guarantee an exact match every time. I would never want to place the most rowdy puppy in the litter with a family that wants to do therapy work, or a more reserved puppy with a family that wants a running companion. Personality is essential, so while you have preferences, we can work together to find the best match for your family. We typically provide 1-2 puppies and believe they would be a good match for you. If, for some reason, I don't think one is a good match (based on temperament), I am happy to transfer your deposit to the next available litter. We put as much time and consideration into the first family on our lists as we do into the last. Nobody "ends up" with the "last" puppy.

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What happens if you don't have enough puppies for your reservation list? 

Unfortunately, this does happen on occasion, and it's something we cannot avoid. We are more than happy to transfer your deposit to the next available litter.

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Click here to view a copy of our contract and health warranty (scroll to the bottom of the page)

This contract has two main points:

1. If at any time during the dog's life you can no longer care for it, the dog must be returned to us.

2. All puppies are to be companions only - all dogs must be spayed/neutered by 12 months of age.