IMPORTANT NEW CDC GUIDELINES FOR IMPORTING PUPPIES INTO THE U.S.

We use the developmentally, scientifically proven approach of the Pono Puppy Method.   This is an early enrichment program that gives the puppies a head start in their development socially, physically, and emotionally.  This helps our puppies grow up confident, balanced, and ready to take on any endeavor their human family presents to them.  Pups are exposed to sounds, sights, smells, humans of all sizes, and as many Auntie and Uncle dogs of varying types as we can recruit along with many other enriching activities.  We even teach the puppies to swim and enjoy the water!  Puppies will have had at least 3 car rides, some exposure to the leash and collar, and will have learned to volunteer good manners.  

Puppies have their very own room in our house and will be allowed to explore the living spaces indoors and outdoors, when they become mobile.  They are raised as part of the family, not in outdoor kennels.  We believe that this is important to help prepare them for life as family members in their new homes.  

All parents have been health tested and clear for known genetic Labrador concerns including EIC.  Further, all have good clearances for hips, elbows, and eyes through OFA.   Puppies will go home with their first sets of shots at 8 weeks of age and will have been wormed regularly as infants.  Pups are weaned naturally with goat's milk mush made with quality puppy kibble, goat's milk, and a regular dose of prebiotic.  Mama does a great job of letting pups know when she is no longer willing to nurse, and we allow her to dry up naturally.  Pups will be fully weaned onto a high-quality puppy kibble well before they go home.

We literally start training as soon as puppies can hear.  We introduce sounds and help build their startle response along with desensitizing them to normal household sounds like the vacuum cleaner.  I introduce the clicker as soon as I notice that the pups are operant, usually around 3 weeks.  At that time, they learn to offer manners (manding) in exchange for treats and attention.  Pups will be comfortable sleeping in and volunteering time in crates.  However, you will need to expand on this training once they are away from the rest of the litter in your home.   I highly encourage you to seek out more information and videos of these processes on the Pono Puppy Method website www.ponopups.com

Once you have a deposit on your puppy, you are welcome to come visit them any time, within reason, once mama is feeling OK with sharing them.  Typically, our girls are more than happy to let visitors see and hold her pups from very early on, but only for a short time.  Mama sets the limit here and we listen to her.  By the time the pups are about 4 weeks and older, we can separate mama from the litter for visits.  I also offer a link to our puppy cam that you can access most of the day!  We love to share the journey with adoptive families.