There are many breeders out there, so many choices to filter through. Here are some tips to consider:
- ALWAYS ask to see the testing results on the parents before sending in a deposit. Every breeder should be able to direct you to their test page on each of their doodles. The results should be on the OFFICIAL organization's page (i.e. CERTIFIED (not Pre-lim) hip scores from the actual Orthopedic Foundation Association (OFA) page) or PennHIP scores - NOT just results on a website with no proof, official numbers or icon of the where or who did the test. You are not being a difficult consumer, you are being responsible. Your questions or concerns should be welcomed.
- Ask if you can visit the parent(s) and litter. If a breeder says no, ask why. You would not buy a car without checking it out, right? If a breeder claims 'Parvo', ask if they have had an outbreak. There are many steps a breeder can take to prevent 'disease' outbreaks. Keeping the area clean and sanitizing often, using a 'desanitizing' mat on shoes, washing hands, putting hospital type foot pads over your shoes, etc. There is NO reason why you should not be able to visit after the pups are over four weeks of age. Socialization to many types of people is critical to a well adjusted puppy from an early age. Isolation encourages anxiety, shyness, and cautious temperaments.
- Shipping. Why would you want to put a young puppy through this possible trauma when every single state has a Labradoodle Breeder within it or close by??? You want to SEE with your own eyes where your pup came from! There are many, many scammers out there that use the Internet to sell pups from backyard/puppy mill areas. They have 'fancy' websites too. Many steal websites of good breeders and claim them as their own! Never take that risk.
- Ask about food. Those breeders that feed 'pyramid company type foods' make money off of these brands. Quality food should not be chosen by the 'perks' it may bring but the nutrition it provides. Always check labels and research the ingredients. Do 'due diligence'!
- Lastly, go with your gut. If red flags present themselves, find another breeder.