2005puppies2006

Are you ready for a lab puppy? If you haven't done your
homework yet, the following articles discuss the lab's
characteristics, temperament, hereditary problems and how to
choose a breeder.

Are You Ready for A Dog?

Labrador Retrievers,
by Lisa Lee Miller & Cindy Tittle Moore

Acquiring a Labrador Retriever,
Mid-Jersey Labrador Retriever Club, Inc.

Choosing a Breeder, alllabs.com

Read the Breed Standard on the AKC website

Deciding to bring a puppy home is a big commitment. We place our pups in only the most loving, caring
homes possible. We provide support and information throughout your dog's life. We reserve the right
NOT to place our puppies with anyone that is unwilling to provide all necessary veterinarian care, proper
diet and exercise, and a loving environment for the life of the dog. Please read our SALES
AGREEMENT for more details.

Our puppies are quality AKC labrador retrievers - bred for hunting, competition and family companions.
We strive for excellence in all of our litters. Both of the parents are chosen carefully for hunting ability,
intelligence, willingness to please, and overall friendliness. Chocolate, black or yellow puppies may be
available, depending on the parents. Please email for an appointment to visit our kennel.

All our pups are vet-checked and will be up-to-date with all shots and worming. Dew claws removed.
Many studies have shown that there are 3 important stages in a puppy's development: neurological
stimulation, socialization, and enrichment. We follow Dr. Carmen Battaglia's "Early Neurological
Stimulation" exercises. We spend extra time with all of our puppies and expose them to a wide variety
of sights, smells and noises and people in our household. Each pup is picked up and cuddled every
day. We believe all of this in combination leads to improved performance, adaptability, health and
potential in the adult dog.

2006 -1 Week Old - weight ranges from 6 -16 oz. This was another extra-large litter, so we started supplementing Bala's milk right away. We
use special canine milk replacer from NaturesFarmacy Inc; as far as we know, it is the only milk replacer actually made from canine milk, not
cow's milk. The first 2 weeks are critical, and we do everything in our power to be sure each puppy gets all the nutrition he or she needs.
Thanks to our good friend and fellow breeder, Ellen Moon, for showing us how to tube-feed some of the smallest pups.

2006- 4 Weeks Old - The puppies are starting to get their teeth, so are eating a little more solid food now. They really like to get every last bit!
We shoot a cap pistol every time we feed them, so they get used to gunfire and loud noises. Bala nurses them about twice a day now but only
6 at a time - they are too big to all fit at once. The whelping box was getting too small, so we rearranged the kitchen to accommodate 2
exercise pens and a crate. They now have plenty of room to move around, and a nice cozy place to sleep.

2006 - 5 weeks old. The pups are now eating solid food, but still nursing from Bala once or twice a day. They have sharp puppy-teeth and have
discovered each other's ears & tails, which leads to lots of biting and squealing. They like to play with newspapers, towels and shoelaces, and
are just starting to play with their toys. We encourage all potential puppy-owners to visit our farm and meet Bala and the puppies first hand.

2006 - 6 weeks old. The puppies are growing fast, and we call them our "land-sharks". They know how to use those sharp teeth! They are
very alert and curious, and recently explored the yard outside. They are more interested in toys now. We recommend hard rubber toys (like
kong toys), or rope-type toys. Please stay away from rawhide & "greenies" - they are indigestible and can cause serious stomach & intestinal
blockages! Instead, choose totally digestible vegetable bones, or porkhide bones, such as offered by HealthyPetNet.

2006 - 7 weeks old. The puppies visited the vet on Saturday for a check-up and vaccinations. They are all in excellent health and did just fine.
We had nice weather on Saturday and the pups played outside most of the day. They are very active, playing with each other and their toys.
They still like to nurse, but Bala doesn't put up with that for too long. She lets them chase her around the yard, plays tug of war, and even
shares her bones with them.

A total of 12 pups were born 3/24/06 in a tri-color litter (6 black, 3 yellow and 3 chocolates).
Bala is being retired after this litter, so she decided to make it a big one! This is a new breeding of our
Princess Bala JH with GMHR-WR Deep Run After Six, MH, SH (Buddy)). Buddy is from Deep Run
Retrievers in Goldvein, Virginia. Buddy is the son of GMHRCH Six O'Clock Scholar, MH, QAA, and has
good looks, intelligence, drive and a tremendous desire to please. OFA Excellent, OFA Elbows,
PennHIP, CERF. See more info on Bala on "Our Girls" page. Pups will be ready for their new homes on
May 20th.

We are accepting deposits now to reserve your choice. Please email for color/sex availability, then
print, complete and send a copy of our SALES AGREEMENT with your deposit.