Learning Resource Center

Dilute Labs (silvers)

Yes, they exist and Yes, they are 100% pure Labrador Retriever! That being said, as a result of their special coats, some silver labs can have sensitive coats. For this reason, we find that we get the best quality coats when one of the parents has a traditional coat color, so this is the practice we adhere to when considering mating partners.
To minimize the possibility of skin issues, we recommend feeding your silver labs a lamb or fish-based dog food, as well as staying on the Nuvet Vitamin for life. Chicken based food is not recommended for silver labradors.  
Salmon oil can also be added to your puppy's diet at around 3 months of age. 
Melatonin has been proven to decrease shedding and can be started at 6 months of age. The routine dosage is usually 3 to 6 mg per day. Higher doses can be used for extreme hair loss but consulting a veterinarian is advised. 
Coconut oil can be applied to dry skin but be aware; some dogs love the taste which can lead to more hair loss caused by licking off the product.

Health and Wellness

It is very important to keep your puppy safe from exposure to parasites and disease while their immune system is maturing, and the recommended "wait period" is 18 weeks of age. All puppies receive their first vaccine at 6 weeks of age. Puppies are ready for new homes at around 8 weeks of age. All puppies will be due for their 2nd vaccine at 9 weeks of age from your veterinarian. Please plan in advance and schedule your vet appointment prior to pick up time to ensure your vaccines stay on schedule. 
 We feed and recommend Diamond Naturals Dog Food, but other premium large breed puppy food options are available. Corn based foods are not recommended.
Labs shed twice a year. This is referred to as "blowing their coat". These times occur in spring and fall. If you do not want dog hair in your home or on your clothes, a lab is not for you.
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Training

Our puppies are trained to use litter boxes while at our home. Once you have decided what potty-training practice is going to work best for you, ​be consistent. Keep in mind that it is not possible, or practical, to assume a puppy can completely control their bladder or bowels until around 6 months of age.
The general rule for a puppy is that they can hold their bladder for 1 hour for each month of age.

​Crate training your dog is highly encouraged for their own safety if they will be left unattended in the home.

Begin basic commands as soon as you get home. Puppies learn quickly at this age but keep your lessons to only a few minutes so they do not tire and lose interest. Always leave the session on a correct and positive note.

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Items to Consider Before Adopting a Puppy

• Do I have the time and patience to provide my puppy with a solid foundation and loving home? 
• Do I have the ability to take care of my new puppy financially?
• Do you have a yard adequate for the needs of a large dog?
• Is the yard and home puppy proofed?
• If you live in an apartment, have you checked to make sure there is no weight limit restriction? Puppies will not do well and will likely enrage neighbors with whining and barking if you try to lock them in a crate. For this reason, apartment dwellers will likely need to work from home or arrange for a pet sitter or doggie daycare.
• Do I have the thought, love, and integrity necessary to commit completely for this puppy's lifetime? 
• You would Not give up your 2-legged family members (AKA your children) because they break your grandma's China, destroy your couch, you get a new job, you have to move, develop health issues, or you get a new girlfriend or boyfriend and no longer have time for them.... I Expect No Less than the same level of love and commitment to this 4-legged family member you are considering bringing into your life!