BLOG.HALESLABRADOODLES.COM

Choosing a Veterinarian

Moderator — Mon, 21 May 2012 18:25:06 GMT

When choosing a veterinarian it’s important to find the right one, as they will play an important role in your puppy’s life. If you haven’t chosen a vet for your puppy, now is the time to find one. Here are a few tips to help your vet visit go as smoothly as possible:

• Make all visits – especially the first one – a happy experience for your puppy.

• Arrive early, so you don’t feel rushed, and take time for your puppy to relax in the vet’s office.

• Take some small treats for the staff to give to your puppy to help start things off right.

• Discuss your puppy’s future health care – set up a vaccination schedule and stick to it… missing an appointment could compromise your puppy’s immunity.

• Ask a staff member if they can call or email reminders regarding upcoming appointment.

• Your vet may give you a health record to keep for your puppy. If not, start one for your puppy.

• Have your vet check for internal parasites (worms), or tests for congenital problems.

• Talk to your vet about the best time to spay or neuter your puppy.

Each outing to the veterinarian’s office is also a chance to monitor your puppy’s body language. Is he fearful of the new surroundings or is he just happy to meet new people? His body language will tell you a lot about himself!

Widespread Pet Food Recall

Moderator — Fri, 11 May 2012 20:04:36 GMT

Protect your special Labradoodle.

Please read and take necessary precautions...

At this time, it is a voluntary recall including 15 different pet food brands sold in more than 40 states due to possible salmonella contamination. The pet food brands involved in this recall are listed below:

* 4Health
* Apex
* Canidae
* Chicken Soup For the Pet Lover's Soul
* Country Value
* Diamond
* Diamond Naturals
* Kaytee Fort-Diets
* Kirkland Signature
* Natural Balance
* Premium Edge
* Professional
* Solid Gold
* Taste Of The Wild
* Wellness

According to The Center for Disease Control 14 people in nine states have been infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Infantis. The CDC reported that multiple brands of dry pet food produced by Diamond Pet Foods at a single manufacturing facility have been linked to some of these infections.

For additional information on the pet food recall.

Crate Training your Australian Labradoodle

Moderator — Tue, 08 May 2012 05:58:31 GMT

Crate training your Labradoodle may seem like a challenge and may make you feel guilty BUT it is important to know that the crate simulates a “den” that dogs use in the wild. Dogs like to have a safe, snug place to retreat to. When used properly, a crate can be enjoyable to your Labradoodle, giving him a place to go when he needs some quiet time. Your Labradoodle can be in the room with the “pack” while not bothering the guests. Crates can be used in travel and are a requirement of public transportation such as air travel.

As an added bonus, a crate can make it much easier to house train your Labradoodle puppy. Dogs do not like to soil their resting/sleeping quarters – if given the opportunity to “do their business” elsewhere. If you will take your Labradoodle outdoors as soon as they come out of the crate, they will begin to learn where it is acceptable to eliminate.

The key to crate training is time. Do not rush. Do not get mad or frustrated. You want your Labradoodle to go in voluntarily. To begin the training, take off the door of the crate or tie it open. You don’t want to spook your Labradoodle by having it slam shut.

Clicker training is useful here. Stand back from the crate a little distance and do not move. Always make your Labradoodle come back to you for the treat. At first, click and treat if the dog takes one step toward the crate. If he won’t go toward it, click for looking at it. Continue clicking and treating for each advance toward the crate. Click and give extra treats, called a jackpot, if he touches it with his nose or bumps up against it. Then click and treat for each foot as he steps inside. What you want to get across is that the crate is a good thing, not a bad thing.

Remember, always have him come back to you for the treat.

Once your Labradoodle is inside, delay the click for a few seconds longer each time. Don’t rush. If he sits or lays down inside the crate, click and give another jackpot.

After the Labradoodle is comfortable in the crate, close the door for a few seconds, then open it, click, and toss in a treat. Extend the time a few seconds each time.

This method sounds quick and easy; however, the whole process may take several training sessions, so be patient. Do not rush! Do not worry the dog. Once your Labradoodle thinks of the crate as a special place, then start teaching the verbal cue for him to go in the crate. It can be any word, such as “crate,” “load-up,” “condo,” or whatever you wish.

Do not use the crate as punishment. Your Labradoodle may need a “time out” to get himself under control; but, the crate is to be, primarily, a pleasant place.

There are time limits for a Labradoodle to stay in a crate.

Remember that puppies have less bladder control. At ten weeks, a half-hour is maximum. At six months, three to four hours is enough. When your Labradoodle is over one year old, he may be able to stay in for nine hours. Never leave a Labradoodle in a crate for more than nine hours.

Dogs have an instinct not to “make a mess” in their den. If there is an accident, it is an accident. Labradoodles aren’t vindictive. Do not get mad about it, as it is probably your fault for not letting him out soon enough. When you clean the crate, do not use any cleaner containing ammonia. If you do, your Labradoodle will probably mistake the ammonia for urine; and, the crate may become the bathroom instead of the den. Also, do not withhold food or water before crate time, as this can result in health problems.

Using a crate properly can give both you and your Labradoodle peace of mind.

Spotlight Recipe: Pumpkin Sardine Dinner

Moderator — Sat, 05 May 2012 06:57:47 GMT

Looking for a new yummy recipe for your pampered pooch! Try this Pumpkin Sardine Dinner tonight!

It is very important to make sure that your dog receives a well balanced diet consisting of protein, essential fatty acids, carbohydrates, vegetables, fruits, vitamins and minerals. Home cooking all of your dogs meals may be a challenge, but here is an easy to prepare recipe that will also help support your pets health.

Pumpkin Sardine Dinner (Makes 5 cups)
1 29-ounce can pumpkin (alternate with cooked butternut squash or sweet potato)
1 cup frozen spinach, defrosted
1/3 cup flaxseed meal
2 3.75-ounce cans sardines (water packed, drained)

Combine ingredients in a glass bowl and mix well using either a potato masher or a large fork to ensure breaking down the sardines. Cover and refrigerate between servings.

Available Summer puppies

Moderator — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 17:41:33 GMT

Happy Summertime! Did you know that summer ushers in the perfect opportunity to add a new member to your family? The weather is opportune for walks and outings, the kids are home and spouses are relaxed by vacations =) The perfect reciepe to add a puppy!

Things such as potty-training and leash training are made much easier in the sunny days of summer, when you don't have to convince your puppy that braving the wind, rain or snow is a piece of cake

We have available puppies going home all summer long and a perfect fit for your family's schedule. Wether you want one of our Black Beauties, Amazing Apricots, Ruby Reds or many other lucious colors we have a fit for all families!

Come along and check out your future family member today!

We have made a blog!!! Check in and see what we are up too!

Moderator — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 20:47:55 GMT

Hello,
We are so excited to have this new feature on our website. We hope you find it fun and interactive. =) we are just learning so be patient with us.. Make it a great day..=)

Welcome

Moderator — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 14:24:05 GMT

Welcome to my blog. Please check back soon for new entries.