Our Philosophy
Our Code of Ethics
We protect and sustain the multi-generational Australian Labradoodle and Australian Sheepadoodle.
We do that through responsible breeding practices that start with ensuring that our parent dogs are strong, healthy, and have the temperaments and characteristics that should be passed along to the next generation of Australian Labradoodle and Australian Sheepadoodle puppies.
We also do it through bring healthy, well-adjusted dogs into the world and ensuring that our puppies go to warm and caring forever homes.
How We Raise Our Labradoodle and Sheepadoodle Puppies
At Texas Australian Labradoodles, all our breeding dogs are our pets, our Labradoodle and Sheepadoodle puppies are born and raised in our home and are part of our household. We love our puppies! We not only address their physical health but also tend to their emotional development through careful attention and individualized care. Our Labradoodle and Sheepadoodle puppies are handled and loved from birth on daily basis. Our Doodles for adoption are exposed to other dogs and puppies, adults, children, domesticated animals and various sounds, sights, smells and situations, both inside and outside our home, which makes them well-socialized pets. For us, average is not good enough!
We introduce our newborn Labradoodle and Sheepadoodle puppies to early crate and potty training to set our puppies for successful transition to their new homes. We also introduce basic grooming such as bathing, brushing, ear and nail care to ensure that your puppy is familiar with these activities and enjoy the grooming process for years to come.
Texas Australian Labradoodles pays careful attention to the products used for puppy care. We do not use any commercial treatments, soaps or shampoos as we feel that natural ingredients are the best for Australian Labradoodle and Australian Sheepadoodle skin and coat. We use 100% natural Shampoo Bars for all puppies and adult dogs’ bathing needs. After many trials or various products, we found that Sugar&Spice Suds and More makes natural soaps and bar shampoos that are gentle but effective and with their natural ingredients, they effectively prevent any flea issues. We also provide our puppies with 100% natural and non-GMO treats and chews.
Why You Should Buy From Us
Our Labradoodle program is research based and is rooted in the most contemporary development in dog psychology, behavioral training, and newest breeding techniques. All of our labradoodles exceed the high standards of the WALA, ALCA, and ALAA for genetic testing, overall conformation, demeanor, coat, color, and size. For example, our labradoodles and sheepadoodles partake in our family’s everyday life and join us for family celebrations, vacations, and frequent car rides (preventing future car sickness). Our puppies are part of our family and are raised in a loving and stimulating environment.
Australian Labradoodles and Australian Sheepadoodles really are the best breed for family pets!
Early Neurological Stimulation
We believe that balanced pets start in puppyhood. As part of our pledge to provide our adopted parents with well-adjusted puppies, we follow “Early Neurological Stimulation” program developed by Dr. Carmen Battaglia, an expert on puppy development and breeding quality dogs. Texas Australian Labradoodles strives to offer exceptional Labradoodles and Sheepadoodles that have a start in proper nutrition, training, health care, and socialization to match with the right family with similar temperaments and activity levels.
We believe in Dr. Battaglia’s philosophy about providing early neurological stimulation through exposure to specific stimuli and specialized exercises. Early neurological stimulation program improve the long-term ability of our Labradoodles and Sheepadoodles to adjust to change and improve their physical conditioning, their health, and their performance in later life.
But our effects to socialize our puppies do not stop with ENS. We provide a safe environment where our puppies are able to learn appropriate social behaviors and acceptable play from all of our adult dogs. We believe that “socialization” is the development of social relationships with people and animals through social engagement (interactions) and agonistic responses (negative responses) from their interactions, just as Dr. Gayle Watkins, PhD. does. We feel that providing our puppies with positive social relationships and engagement with members of our family and other dogs is a single most important step in helping our puppies be successful in life through generalizing based on the experiences they get before leaving our home.
Socialization
In addition to the Early Neurological Stimulation program, we closely follow Dr. Sophia Yin’s “Puppy Socialization Checklist.” This checklist includes specific activities and toys that puppies should be socialized with, places they should visit, and introduction of strangers. This ensures a well-balanced and social dogs.
Dr. Yin was a Veterinarian, Animal Behaviorist, author, and internationally renowned expert on behavior modification and low stress animal handling that shaped the foundation of developing the best possible temperament, character, and behavior habits of young puppies. Through her research, she found that positive socialization affects how puppies and adult dogs relate to their forever families, strangers, other animals, and the environment in which they live.
We believe that by implementing Dr. Battaglia’s and Dr. Yin’s programs not only set our program apart but also results in happy, well balanced and well-adjusted Labradoodle and Sheepadoodle puppies and adult dogs.
Labradoodle Puppy Nutrition
Texas Australian Labradoodles does not force-wean our puppies and instead, we allow our puppies and their mom to determine when it is the best time to be weaned off. However, once they are four weeks, we gradually start supplementing their intake with other holistic foods for optimal growth and development. Our Doodles eat only the best grain-free or regular version, balanced dry dog food and take supplements to meet their daily essential nutrient, vitamin, mineral, and pre and probiotic requirements for brain and body development leading to optimal health. We also do not provide any artificial treats but instead, we give our Labradoodle and Sheepadoodle puppies raw meats, bones, goat’s milk yogurt, cottage cheese, and other natural nutritional supplements to enhance their immune system, improve digestion, optimize their elimination, and provide relief from food allergies and sensitivities.
Please see our Puppy Resources page (Learning Center) for information on products that we have tried and use with our puppies and dogs.
Our Labradoodle and Sheepadoodle puppies eat solid food by the time they go to their new homes. We highly recommend Life’s Abundance All Stages dog food. This company makes both types of food, grain free and regular version wtih grain. When ordering Life’s Abundance food, please click the link above or you may call 1-877-387-4564 and use Representative #20677139.
If you prefer to feed your puppy grain-free diet, Life’s Abundance also makes a grain-free version without common fillers that can lead to digestive issues. Both versions are formulated for all life stages, which means that you do not have to worry about changing from puppy to adult food. Life’s Abundance All Life Stages food is packed with nourishing, high-quality ingredients, this delicious food is perfectly balanced with all of the proteins, omega-3s, vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients your puppy needs to achieve and maintain optimal health. For hussle-free ordering, we recommend that you select auto-ship option to have your puppy food delivered when you needed right to your doorstep.
However, as our continual commitment to the best practices in breeding and raising family dogs, we would like to turn your attention to the 2018 FDA research possibly linking grain-free dog food to canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Although the root cause of the problem is still being researched by the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN), there may be some evidence that taurine deficiency may play a role in developing DCM. Taurine is a known amino acid and an antioxidant that has many health benefits and in humans has been linked to possibly help reduce cardiovascular disease, among many other benefits (Taurine is widely available as a supplement). It is the FDA’s position that pet owners concerned with DCM should seek the advice of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist regarding their pet’s dietary needs.
We also recommend Life’s Abundance natural and healthy, Snack Treats and Training Treats that are made without preservatives or artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners. You can also poach a piece of chicken breast, hop it up and use tiny pieces of the chicken as rewards.
Labradoodle and Sheepadoodle Puppy Supplements
Puppies grow fast and in the first week of their life, they double their birth weight. They continue to grow steadily until they reach their full size at approximately 12 to 18 months.
NuVet supplements are recognized as superior natural supplements that include the highest quality of natural ingredients offering outstanding nutritional benefits to your puppy and dog. Its advanced formula is comprised of the highest quality ingredients that work in combination to maintain and improve your beloved animal’s quality of life. With its precise combination of natural antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, herbs, and more, NuVet Plus® is a complete nutritional supplement that works to boost the immune system and helps defend your pet’s body against free radicals.
Click here to order and use order code 527711
Microchipping
Our puppies go home microchipped for permanent identification. Pet microchips offer one-of-a kind identification number that improves the chances of you locating your doodle if it ever becomes lost or stolen. We use new technology ISO pet microchips that are the world standardthat and that can be read in any country.
We will provide you with an Avid Registration Forms that will allow you to enroll your Labradoodle and/or Sheepadoodle puppy’s microchip number with PETtrac™.
We will also give you your Labradoodle and/or Sheepadoodle puppy’s Health Records with the microchip number so you can register your Doodle puppy at https://www.avidid.com/pettrac or by calling 1-800-336-2843.
Although you only have to register the microchip once, you can update your contact information periodically if needed.
Health Testing
BluePearl Pet Hospital, San Antonio
Dr. J. Bell, DVM. Castroville Animal Medical Clinic
We feel so strong about raising healthy puppies that we provide a three year limited heath guarantee. This means that our puppies are free of genetic diseases listed by Paw Print Genetics© for Australian Labradoodles and Australian Sheepadoodles.
We ask that your spay/neuter your puppy by 9 months of age. We do not recommend early spay/neuter due to the potential long-term adverse effects on the health of our dogs. Please see the article Health Implications in Early Spay and Neuter in Dogs published by the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation.
Please see our contract for details of our Health Guarantee and details on the spay/neuter requirements.
Training
We recommend Bulletproof Dog Training, which turns good dogs into great ones. Your puppy/dog is taught using positive reinforcement with the desired behavior achieved using an E-Collar as needed. This training results in happy, confident, and obedient dogs and the trainers can help you achieve maximum control of your dog, both on and off the leash. Bulletproof Dog Training also offers a limited lifetime warranty with your training package, which includes free refresher classes for your dog’s life.
The following are some of the programs offered by Bulletproof Dog Training:
- Puppy Group Training Classes – this is the perfect package when your pup needs to learn the basics to get a head-start on housebreaking and manners. This training can start at 12 weekshis and it will ensure that your puppy grows into the calm, well-behaved dog your family always dreamed of.
- Beginner Dog Training Lessons – one-on-one training with you and your dog. You will be guided to build on each command being taught during the lessons. This establishes a strong bond between you and your dog.
- Advanced Dog Training Lessons – Once your dog has passed all the testing requirements and you (the owner) are following the instructions provided by your trainer, we will certificate the trainee (your dog) with AKC Canine Good Citizen Certificate (CGC Certificate).
- 15 Days Board and Train with a Professional Dog Trainer – When you pick up your Dog or Puppy after training, your pet will have solid obedience behavior outside, and be able to walk with you off-leash, even with distractions!
- Therapy Dog Training
You get 10% discount of the 15 Days Board and Train package price if you mention that you were referred by Texas Australian Labradoodles.
Video received from Bulletproof Dog Training of San Anotnio: Texas Australian Labradoodles Captain Morgan “Milo” transformation.