Useful Links and information
Buyer Etiquette: https://rufflyspeaking.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/puppy-buyer-ettiquette/
AKC Breed Standard: https://www.akc.org/breeds/labrador_retriever/breed_standard.cfm
Labrador Retriever Club Statement Regarding "silver" Labradors: http://thelabradorclub.com/subpages/show_contents.php?page=Silver+Labradors
There is no such thing as a Silver, Champagne or Charcoal aka dilute Labrador. Historically, all dilutes come from one kennel that bred both Weimaraner's and Labrador's. Yes, it’s true.
https://notosilverlabs.wordpress.com/2015/09/22/all-dilutes-come-from-two-kelloggs-dogs/
and
http://notosilverlabs.wordpress.com/2014/08/27/the-dilute-gene-in-labrador-retrievers-considerations-for-decision-makers/
Educational Links
Spay/Neuter:
While we absolutely believe in spaying or neutering pet/companion dogs and require a spay/neuter clause in our contracts, this is WHY we recommend NO spay or neuter before 2 years of age (we recommend watching this video at least twice to fully understand the health risks to dogs):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enPCZA1WFKY
Make spay/neuter decisions based on facts not theories. The evidence does not support a link between early spaying and reduction in Mammary Tumors.
http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/04/10/early-spaying.aspx
AKC - Health Implications in Early Spay and Neuter in Dogs
www.akcchf.org/news-events/news/health-implications-in-early.html
CanineSports (PDF)
www.caninesports.com/uploads/1/5/3/1/15319800/earlyspayconsiderations.pdf
Long Term Health Risks/Benefits (PDF)
www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/LongTermHealthEffectsOfSpayNeuterInDogs.pdf
Neutering Dogs: Effects on Joint Disorders and Cancers in Golden Retrievers
journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0055937
Training:
If you need a referral to a local trainer or behavior modification assistance please contact us and we would be glad to assist you.
If you are local to the Knoxville area we highly recommend training classes through the TN Valley Kennel Club
www.tvkc.org/documents/Training/training_classes.html
Supplements:
Coconut Oil: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ND8doiVSLDw
Also in the winter if skin gets dry we recommend Grizzly Salmon Oil. This is the best brand and product when it comes to salmon oil.
Grooming Links:
Ear Health: http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/ear-health/
How to clean your dogs ears: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ahFpGsW8bGs
Proper Nail Trimming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7mlFsHho3c
Dental Health and Doggie Chews: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPAji-1f8N0
Recommended Products:
Food - we recommend a high quality kibble such as Purina Pro Plan Sport (Performance 30/20 is the best) or 4Health (Performance is the best- buy at Tractor Supply). We feed all life stages food.
If you choose to change food, please do so in 25% increments and not an abrupt change.
Crate - we recommend a 42” or a 48” crate with a divider so your pup has plenty of space to grow into. It’s much more cost effective to buy one crate using the divider over time, then to buy two or three over the next year or two.
Feeding Bowls - we recommend stainless steel, NO plastic or glass please.
Leash – we recommend a 4’ or 6' woven nylon when pups are young for training. We never use or recommend retractable leashes as you don't have as much control of your dog if it gets unruly or you encounter un-friendly dog somewhere. **Please never use retractable leashes in vet offices or stores. We can't even tell you how many times we've seen too many break and someones dog ends up way too up close and personal. So if you insist on using one, please keep in mind other pet owners may not appreciate your choice.**
Toys – we recommend Kong brand toys (stuffed animals and rubber). They are durable, washable and dry-able. We go through lots of toys around here and Kong brand are the only ones we have found that stand the tests and riggers of pups.