This gorgeous and unique breed has been developed over the last 40 years to create a consistent, allergy and family friendly breed standard. Australian Labradoodle’s have been created through infusing the genetics of Labrador Retriever’s, Poodle’s, English Cocker Spaniels and American Cocker Spaniels.
It is reported that the founding members of the breed also infused Irish Water Spaniels and Curly Coat Retrievers into earlier generations too, and DNA evidence of these breeds can still be found in a few lines today. Australian Labradoodles are a popular choice for families due to their playful nature, high intelligence and non-shedding coat.
But before you bring your new puppy home, there are a few things you need to know to ensure a smooth transition:
So, you’ve done your research, you’ve fallen in love with the breed… but are they the right dog for you and your lifestyle? Here are a few things to consider:
Get Ready for the Puppy Frenzy
Australian Labradoodles are known for their boundless energy and playfulness, so be prepared for your home to be filled with joy, fun and excitement! Your puppy will want to explore every nook and cranny of your home and will likely play with anything and everything they can get their paws on, so it's important that you have the means to puppy-proof your home. This includes, but is not limited to(!), removing any hazardous items, securing loose wires or cords and ensuring the plants you have are not dangerous to dogs.
There will need to be someone based at home most of the time, especially in the early weeks, to support your puppy’s transition into your life. Australian Labradoodles thrive with the companionship of humans, and have been known to get up to all sorts of mischief when their owners are away for extended periods of time, and they have limited enrichment opportunities to tire their little minds out.
Australian Labradoodles require daily exercise, and as adults a minimum of an hour a day. I also highly encourage enrichment games and activities to mentally stimulate them and give that dopamine hit of satisfaction when they complete an activity that you’ve designed for them… instead finding their own fun, leaving you with odd socks and holey shoes!
When you reach out to me enquiring about a puppy, I will ask lots of questions to understand your lifestyle and the type of home you may be able to offer one of my puppies. It may seem like an interview- and that’s because it is! I will want to ensure that my puppies will thrive, not just survive, in their new homes and that you as their owner will also be able to enjoy your pup.
Stock Up on Supplies
Before your puppy arrives in your home, make sure you have all the necessary supplies so they can feel right at home. Make sure they have a comfortable bed, food and water bowls, toys and a leash. You'll also need food, treats and puppy pads for house training. A complete checklist of essential and recommended supplies will be found in every Puppy Pack I provide to my waiting list families.
Training and Socialisation
Australian Labradoodles are highly intelligent (the Poodle influence) and eager to please which makes them incredibly quick learners. However, without the right training and socialisation, *as with any puppy* they may become destructive or struggle with various behavioural issues. Start training and socialising your puppy as soon as possible to help them adjust to their new home and become well-behaved members of your family. As part of your purchase of a Lily Hill Australian Labradoodle puppy, you will be given access to an online Puppy Course that will equip you with the knowledge on where to begin, and how you are best able to support the training and development of your puppy.
Grooming
Australian Labradoodles have a soft, luxurious, non-shedding coat that requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and glossy. You can choose to have your puppy professionally groomed or learn to groom them yourself. Either way, be prepared to spend time brushing and bathing your furry friend to keep their coat in top shape. I will provide you with the basic tools you will need to stay on top of your puppy’s coat, and direction on how you are able to maintain it to avoid matting.
Your Life Will Change
Owning an Australian Labradoodle puppy is a big responsibility that will impact your daily life. You'll need to make time for training, grooming and playtime, as well as be prepared to clean up any accidents during the house-training process and manage their land shark phase as they learn about the world around them and investigate (and chew!) whatever they can. Introducing a puppy into your life is a huge responsibility and not a decision that should be made on a whim. However, the love, fun and companionship that you'll receive from your new best friend will make every moment worth it!
So, how can you make sure you are buying your puppy from a reputable breeder?
As we know, bringing a new puppy into your home is an incredibly exciting experience, but as I have mentioned above, it's also a big responsibility. You want to make sure that your puppy is healthy, happy and has been well taken care of, which is why it's essential to choose a reputable breeder.
Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:
Research the Breeder
The first step in finding a reputable breeder is to do your research. Seek breeders that have a good reputation and ask for recommendations from friends, family or veterinarians. Check online reviews and forums to see what other people have to say about their experiences. Do bear in mind that if a breeder has not had many litters before, they may not be as well known but this should not be a reason to exclude them during your search. Reach out to them and ask the important questions. Here is a list to get you started:
Have both parents been fully health tested (this includes genetic, hip and elbow, and eye screening)?
What are the temperaments of the parents like?
Are they council licensed? It is now a legal requirement in the UK if you earn more than £1000 from a litter or have 3+ a year.
How are their puppies raised and socialised?
Will the puppies be wormed, microchipped and have a vet check prior to going to their new homes?
Do they offer a Puppy Contract and health warranty?
At what age do their puppies go to their new homes?
What support will the breeder offer once the puppy has gone home?
Visit the Breeder
Once you've found a few potential breeders, ask if you will be able to visit them in person. Do not expect to be able to do so straight away- due to concerns around the safety of their home and biosecurity for the puppies, many breeders will not invite you to their home unless you have a confirmed spot on their waiting list and are coming to visit their litters. They may suggest instead that you meet for a walk and talk. This way you are able to meet the mother of your pups (and possibly the father too) and build a better relationship with the breeder. When you are able to visit their home, you will be able to view their facilities and meet the mums and pups. Look out for clean and well-maintained facilities, that the puppies and their parents appear healthy and happy, and mum is seen interacting with her pups.
Ask Questions
When you visit the breeder, don’t be afraid to ask plenty of questions. Find out about the breeder's experience and the history of their breeding program. Ask about the health and temperament of the puppies, and whether they've been socialised and exposed to different people, animals, scents and environments. Have the breeders followed a specific socialisation protocol such as Puppy Culture or Avidog? Do they lay the foundations for basic training such as crate desensitisation, recall, toilet training, collar/harness and lead walking, basic commands and name recognition? If not… why not?
Check Documentation
A reputable breeder will be able to offer documentation for their puppies, including a veterinary health certificate and proof of vaccination. They should also be able to provide documentation for the parents, including any health clearances and registration papers.
Price
The cost of a puppy can vary greatly, but be wary of prices that seem too good to be true. Reputable breeders typically charge more, but this is because they invest in the health and well-being of their puppies and their breeding program. A lower price could well indicate that the breeder is cutting corners or not providing the necessary care and attention to their puppies. The average cost of an genuine Australian Labradoodle puppy will be between £2500 and £3000. There are some breeders that will charge slightly higher or slightly lower, but a huge variance from this should raise eyebrows and give you pause for thought.
At Lily Hill Australian Labradoodles I am proud to be an ethical Australian Labradoodle breeder.
I am committed to providing the best possible start in life for my puppies, and you will receive lifelong support when you take your puppy home. My passion for high standards and excellence has meant I have searched the globe to find the right dogs for my programme, and I have imported dogs from Europe and Canada to ensure top quality and variety in my pedigree lines.
So, if you’re ready to introduce one of our beautiful puppies into your home, fill out an application form today.