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It’s been THREE WEEKS since Arya’s puppies made their debut in our nursery! They are beginning to play with each other and roam around their pen. Toys have entered their world with lots of playtime, socializing and learning ahead. We enjoy watching their personalities develop in the next couple of weeks! They are certainly a charming and cuddly group.

Arya's puppies turn 2 Weeks Old today! We are amazed how fast these sweet little packages of love are growing. Most of their days are still spent eating and sleeping but soon they’ll be walking on all 4 legs exploring their surroundings. With their eyes now open these 5 siblings will start to learn about each other. We sure love these adorable puppies.

Arya’s puppies are ONE WEEK old today! These cuties have had a busy first week focusing on eating and sleeping. Puppies have already doubled their weight. They love cuddling with each other & their mommy. We love these snuggly little ones.

Sansa’s four puppies are now eight weeks old! They have grown incredibly fast and learned so many things. These puppies are busy preparing to meet their new families in just a few days when they will travel to their new Forever Homes. We enjoyed watching this group of puppies as they’ve grown into sweet, fun and loving pups, and can’t wait to introduce them to their new families!

Sansa’s Puppies are 7 Weeks Old Today! This is a big day for our puppies as they are almost ready to head to their forever homes! We love watching each puppy as they grow and learn about their environment and each other. After careful observation we have now matched them to their new families! Summertime brings plenty of opportunity for our puppies to explore the outdoors and today was no exception as they checked out the large boulders for their photo shoot. We can’t wait to introduce them to their families on pick up day, the highlight of what we do!

The holiday season has ended, but winter weather is far from over. During the winter months, you need to take special care of your Labradoodle’s coat and paws. If you want to avoid the dreaded annual ‘spring shave down’ this year, these winter grooming tips can help keep your Labradoodle’s coat long, healthy, shiny, and beautiful throughout the winter months. Brush your Labradoodle more frequently During the winter, it’s a good idea to brush your Labradoodle more frequently. We recommend thoroughly brushing your Labradoodle at least twice per week. In between longer brushing sessions, it’s a good idea to take five minutes each day to lightly brush your dog’s coat. These short sessions can prevent large, troublesome mats from forming. Regular brushing also distributes the natural oils in the coat, keeping it shiny and healthy. Use doggy sweaters sparingly Doggy sweaters can protect your Labradoodle from freezing temperatures during cold-weather outings, but it’s best to remove them when you come indoors. Doggy sweaters are great, but remember that they will continually rub your dog’s coat. This can lead to tangles, mats, damage, and breakage. After removing a sweater, we recommend brushing your Labradoodle’s coat to keep it smooth and tangle-free. Take care of your Labradoodle’s paws Don’t forget to take special care of your Labradoodle’s delicate paws during the winter months. When coming indoors after a cold-weather outing, it’s a good idea to rinse your dog’s paws with warm water. This washes away ice, gravel, rock salt, and any other harmful cold-weather chemicals. We recommend grooming your Labradoodle’s paws regularly. Trim the hair between the paw pads to prevent ice, snow, and debris from sticking. Your Labradoodle may also benefit from waterproof booties, which can minimize winter wear and tear. Trim your Labradoodle’s nails regularly During the winter months, you may notice that your Labradoodle’s nails don’t wear down as quickly. It’s important to trim your dog’s nails regularly to keep them nice and short. Long nails can make it difficult for your pup to get good traction outdoors. How do you know when the nails are short enough? In general, the nails shouldn’t touch the ground when your Labradoodle is standing or walking. Set small grooming goals Caring for your Labradoodle’s coat can seem like an overwhelming task at times, especially in the winter when the coat and paws need extra attention. If you’ve already fallen behind, don’t try to catch up all at once. Spend one session concentrating on your Labradoodle’s paws. The next day, move on to another area such as the ears, chest, back, or legs. By setting and achieving small winter grooming goals, you can keep up with your Labradoodle’s coat without too much stress. If you need help, don’t hesitate to contact us for advice. We can provide additional grooming tips or help you select a professional groomer. We hope that you and your family stay safe and warm throughout the winter season! #winter #grooming #labradoodle

The holidays are a time of joy and celebration, but it can be challenging to keep your furry family members safe during the holidays. There are a variety of doggie holiday hazards to watch out for, including lights, ornaments, presents, and plants. However, by taking a few simple precautions, your Labradoodle can safely join in the holiday fun this year. Safety Tips Around the Home Did you know that mistletoe, holly, and poinsettia plants are poisonous to dogs? If you decorate your home with these plants, be sure to keep them in an area your Labradoodle cannot reach. Place burning candles on high shelves or mantels. If you have a fireplace, use a screen to avoid accidental burns. When it’s time to wrap presents, it’s important to keep your Labradoodle out of the area. Wrapping paper, ribbon, and other decorations can cause intestinal blockages if consumed. Christmas Tree Safety Tips Christmas lights can be hazardous to curious Labradoodles. If your pet becomes tangled in the lights, it can cause burns. Furthermore, chewing on cords and lights can result in dangerous electrical shocks. Always hide electrical cords behind the tree to prevent chewing. If you use tinsel, be sure to hang it beyond your Labradoodle’s reach. Ingesting tinsel can lead to intestinal blockages that may have to be corrected with surgery. Ornaments can also be hazardous to pets. They are a choking and intestinal blockage hazard, plus broken ornaments can potentially injure your Labradoodle’s paws and mouth. Beware of Toxic Holiday Foods It’s dangerous for dogs to consume many of the foods that people enjoy during the holiday season. Most people know that dogs cannot have chocolate, but did you also know that macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs? Keep a watchful eye for plates and cocktails left at Labradoodle level. Alcohol and toxic foods might become available to your pet if left on a low table. Even if it is generally considered safe, it’s a good idea to limit the amount of rich “people food” your dog consumes. Fatty, spicy human foods can lead to digestive upset. Your Labradoodle can join the festivities in other ways that won’t lead to costly vet bills. Give your dog a special treat for the holiday, such as Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy treats or chews that are designed to be safe for dogs. Reducing Holiday Stress The holidays can be a busy, stressful time, even for your Labradoodle. It’s important to prepare a quiet hiding place where your pet can retreat and feel safe. Do your best to maintain their routine so that everything feels normal around the home. By taking the time to provide for your Labradoodle’s physical and emotional needs, the entire family will benefit from a more peaceful and relaxing holiday. Enjoy the holiday season, but at the same time, it’s important to make sure that your pets are protected. We hope that these tips will help everyone have a safe and enjoyable holiday season. Happy Holidays! #holiday #celebration #christmastree #toxicfoods #fun #labradoodles

Puppies are the most impressionable during their first few months of life which means that, to some degree, you have the power to influence the type of adult your puppy grows up to be. Not only can you shape your puppy’s personality and temperament through socialization, but you can actually influence his cognitive development. Through early neurological stimulation, a technique we use on all of our puppies at Notch Hill Labradoodles, you can maximize your puppy’s brain development and improve his performance later in life. Keep reading to learn more about neurological stimulation and its benefits for puppies. What is Neurological Stimulation? From the time they are born until they reach adulthood, puppies grow very quickly. Not only are they increasing in size, however – their brains are growing and developing as well. Most of your puppy’s early neurological growth occurs between three and sixteen days after birth, so this is the ideal time to implement neurological stimulation. The type of neurological stimulation used today was developed by the U.S. Military for their canine program as a means of improving the performance of dogs that were trained for military purposes – it was called the Bio Sensor program. The Bio Sensor program utilized six specific exercises, each of which was designed to stimulate the puppy’s neurological system. The program involved handling the puppies once a day while performing a set of five exercises – the five exercises are listed below: Tactile stimulation Head held erect Head pointed down Supine position Thermal stimulation The tactile stimulation exercise involves holding the puppy in one hand and touching his toes with a Q-tip. The second exercise involves holding the pup in both hands so that he is perpendicular to the ground with his head directly above his tail. The head pointed down exercise is the opposite, pointing his head toward the ground. Supine position involves holding the pup on his back, and thermal stimulation involves placing the puppy feet-down on a cool, damp towel. Each of these exercises should be performed carefully and for a period of 3 to 5 seconds. What Are the Benefits of Neurological Stimulation? Studies have shown that puppies who receive neurological stimulation by the time they are sixteen days old are better able to cope with stress and that they have stronger problem-solving skills. Not only that, but they show improved cardiovascular performance, stronger immune systems, and better health overall. Though the perfect window for neurological stimulation is three to sixteen days after birth, socialization should be carried out through the first twelve months of life. Early neurological stimulation will get the ball rolling in turning your puppy into a well-adjusted adult, but socialization is still important to continue that trend and to shape your puppy into a healthy and happy adult. Whether you want to improve your puppy’s performance for a certain purpose or you just want him to develop into a healthy, well-adjusted adult, neurological stimulation is the key. At Notch Hill Labradoodles, we test all of our puppies and put them through early neurological stimulation to ensure optimal performance later in life. #neurological #labradoodlepuppy #stimulation #temperment

Crate training is an important skill that all pet owners should teach their pets. A crate is an essential tool in the house-training process. It can also be used to keep your pet and property safe. Crates are also a great way to transport your Labradoodle in the car. As den animals, dogs generally like having an area that is all theirs, but that doesn’t mean that your puppy will automatically enjoy spending time in his crate. All Notch Hill Labradoodle puppies are introduced to crate training in a positive way before being sent to their new homes. If you continue to follow the below tips, your puppy will learn to love his crate. Introducing the Crate When introducing the crate to your new puppy, don’t lock him inside immediately. Instead, place the crate in an area of the house where your puppy spends a lot of his time. Put a few blankets and toys inside and leave the door open. The goal is to get him comfortable with going inside the crate. Do not close the crate door for the first time until he is completely relaxed. Crates should never be used as punishment. Feeding Your Puppy in the Crate When your puppy is happily entering the crate, your next goal is to get him comfortable with the idea of staying inside the crate for a longer period of time. One of the best ways to accomplish this is giving your Labradoodle his meals inside the crate. Place the food in the back of the crate so that he goes all the way in, but keep the door open. This creates a positive association with the crate. Closing the Crate Door As soon as your Labradoodle is comfortably eating his meals inside the crate, it’s time to close the door. After he is done eating, open the door immediately. Then you can start leaving him in the crate for longer periods, adding a few minutes with each meal. When he can stay in the crate for about 30 minutes, you can begin leaving him crated while you’re gone for short periods. This process can take several days or weeks. Crating Duration Guidelines During the day, puppies and adult Labradoodles should not be in the crate for more than 5 hours at a time. When putting your Labradoodle in a crate for more than 2 hours, it’s best to provide water by attaching a bowl or dispenser to the crate. Follow these daytime guidelines to avoid potential problems: Important Reminders Don't ever leave a chain, prong, training, or slip collar on your Labradoodle when you put him in his crate. Give your puppy the opportunity to fully eliminate before being crated. Puppies do not like to soil their sleeping quarters if given adequate opportunity to eliminate elsewhere. Most adult dogs can stay in a crate for the entire night without a trip outside. However, young puppies and some old dogs cannot physically hold their bladders and bowels through the night. If you have questions about the crate training process, don’t hesitate to contact us! #cratetraining #safety #toys #pottytraining

Accidents can occur at any time. Those who have encountered an emergency can tell you that it’s important to prepare yourself before you’re confronted with an accident or sudden illness. A pet first aid kit is the first step in being prepared should an animal emergency happen. Many situations require quick action to prevent further injury. By assembling a first aid kit now, you’ll be ready when your Labradoodle needs immediate help. Always be prepared Everyone who shares a home with a Labradoodle should have a basic pet first aid kit on hand. If you frequently travel, you may consider putting together a second kit for the car. Pet first aid kits should be stored in a secure location. For your family’s safety, it’s important to keep all medical supplies and medications out of reach of children and pets. Starting your first aid kit Are you starting your pet first aid kit from scratch? You can purchase complete pet first aid kits online or at a pet supply store. You can also buy a first aid kit designed for people and add pet-specific items to it. However, you can easily assemble your own kit by gathering the items listed below: 50x4 inch gauze sponges Triple antibiotic ointment Rubbing alcohol A 2 ounce ear syringe A 3-inch wide Ace self-adhering athletic bandage Petroleum jelly Eye wash Sterile, non-adherent pads Pepto Bismol tablets 25 mg Benadryl capsules for allergies 1% Hydrocortisone acetate cream Hydrogen peroxide Maximum strength Kaopectate tablets Scissors Custom splints Vet Rap bandage Blankets Tweezers Health records and medications In addition to these items, be sure to include any materials your veterinarian recommends. You may also want to think about taking a pet first aid class. Classes are readily available online and through community educational centers, libraries, pet stores, and sometimes even your local veterinarian. Always keep a list of important phone numbers available in case of an emergency. These numbers should include your regular veterinarian, the local animal emergency clinic, and the number for the SPCA animal poison control center, which can be reached at 888-426-4435. Finally, check your pet first aid kit regularly to replace any items that have expired. Handling a medical emergency If an emergency occurs, take a moment to fully assess the situation. Carefully approach your Labradoodle and determine his condition. If your dog is bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wound immediately. Always handle sick or injured dogs carefully. Even the gentlest Labradoodle may bite due to fear or pain. Use a calm, soothing voice to reassure your dog. If your Labradoodle is too heavy to carry, you can use a large board, sled, or blanket for transportation. Lastly, remember that pet first aid is not a substitute for expert veterinary care. It’s simply meant to stabilize your Labradoodle until proper veterinary care can be administered. All pet first aid should be immediately followed by a trip to the veterinary or emergency clinic. If you have any questions about preparing a pet first aid kit, be sure to contact your veterinarian. #firstaid #labradoodle #labradoodlepuppy #emergency

Hiking is a great way to get exercise while appreciating the beauty of nature. It can be even more enjoyable with your canine pals. Most dogs love the outdoors. It’s a completely new world of exciting sights, smells, and sounds. Hiking with your Labradoodle can be a lot of fun, but you also need to take some extra steps to ensure that both of you have a great time. Here are some tips that will help you get started. Before you go Make sure that your dog’s vaccinations are current and carry proof when you travel. Also, check to ensure that the information on your pet’s ID and microchip is up-to-date. When hiking through the woods, your Labradoodle will also need flea, tick, and heartworm preventative. If your Labradoodle has been spending a lot of time napping lately, you’ll need to condition him before a long hike. You can start with short walks and gradually increase the distance. If you want to hike in places with rough terrain, spend some time getting your dog used to that type of exercise. Also, remember that dogs less than one year old cannot go on hikes until fully grown. Always check the canine regulations for the areas where you’ll be hiking. For example, many U.S. national parks do not permit dogs on trails. If dogs are allowed, be sure to find out about leashing requirements. Your Labradoodle should be trained to walk calmly on a leash. A dog that pulls can be dangerous to you and others on a steep or narrow trail. Packing for your dog Once your dog is conditioned, it’s time to start gathering supplies. Hydration is crucial for an active dog. Bring at least 1-2 quarts of water for a daytime hike, unless you know that clean water will be available. You’ll also need to have a way to dispose of pet waste. Bring plenty of plastic bags or tools to bury the waste at least 200 feet away from trails, camps, and water sources. It’s a good idea to bring a pair of dog booties if you’ll be traveling with your dog over rough terrain. It may take a few tries to find the right pair. Be sure to test them out on short hikes before a big trip. In cooler conditions, your Labradoodle may also benefit from a vest or coat. When planning a trip, it’s always best to be prepared. As dog owners, we have to be ready to take care of our dogs no matter what circumstances arise. Be sure to bring a basic first aid kit for minor injuries. Sites such as peteducation.com can also provide plenty of useful information about pet first aid. On the trail Now it’s time to head out for an adventure. When you’re out on the trail, you and your dog are both ambassadors for everyone who enjoys hiking with dogs. If you keep that in mind, you’ll be sure to make a positive impression. It’s a good idea to keep your dog on a leash at all times, even if it’s not required. This will prevent your dog from getting into an unsafe situation. Unless you’re very confident that your dog will obey your commands no matter what, leashing is best. Always keep your dog on the trail. Be sure to avoid plants with three leaves such as poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Allow time for frequent rest and water breaks, preferably in a shaded area. If your Labradoodle isn’t wearing booties, stop periodically to check his paws for cuts. Also, if you’re in an area where you might encounter hunters, be sure to get a bright orange vest or bandana for your dog. After the trip After a day’s hike, thoroughly check your dog for fleas, ticks, and scrapes. Since dogs can’t tell us what might be ailing them, we must be diligent in checking them for issues. You might also want to give your Labradoodle a quick bath. With any luck, now you’ve found a fun activity that you can do with your dog. Happy trails! #hikinglabradoodle #vaccinations #labradoodle #water