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Planning a getaway this year? Vacations can be even more fun if you share them with your canine companions. But if you want to have the best possible experience, you’ll need to do some preparation. Here are some tips that will help ensure that you have an enjoyable road trip with your Labradoodle. Safety First Your whole family will be much safer if your dogs are securely confined in the car. There are many ways to make sure that your Labradoodle has a safe ride. Some popular restraint options include travel harnesses, crates, and car barriers. If you put your Labradoodle in one of the seats, be sure to deactivate the airbag. It can severely injure your pet. Don’t let your dog stick its head out the window, particularly at high speeds. It exposes your Labradoodle to dust, dirt, rocks, and other road debris. Never leave your dog is the car unattended. The inside of a car can quickly reach dangerous temperatures, even during relatively mild days. When it’s 80 degrees outside, the inside of a car can reach 130 degrees in 30 minutes. Pack for Your Pet It’s important to pack enough food and treats for your pet – plus a little extra. You may not be able to find the same brand when you reach your destination. Also, be sure to bring food bowls, water bowls, chew bones, dog beds, and your Labradoodle’s favorite toys. Bring a leash and collar for outdoor adventures. Pack plenty of poop bags so that you can clean up after your dog. Check the information on your pet’s tag to make sure that it’s up-to-date. It’s also a good idea to bring photos of your Labradoodle, just in case your pet gets lost. Finding Accommodations Before leaving for your trip, make sure the hotel you plan to stay at allows dogs. When making your reservations, ask about specific pet policies at the hotel. Some hotels have non-refundable pet deposits, weight limits, and other restrictions that could apply to your pet. If you need to leave your pet alone in the room, be sure to bring a crate. It can help protect your Labradoodle during your travels. In many situations, it’s helpful to have a secure place for your dog. Plus, a crate will prevent your Labradoodle from slipping out the door if the hotel staff needs to enter the room. While traveling with your Labradoodle, you might be able to find nearby parks, events, and dog-friendly restaurants. The following link lists a variety of ideas for dog lovers in North America. You can also search the Internet for even more fun local activities. Plan a Road Trip to Remember Traveling with your Labradoodle can be an exciting adventure. All it takes is a little bit of care and planning. We hope that everyone has a safe and happy summer vacation. If you have questions about traveling with your Labradoodle, feel free to contact us for help. #travel #roadtrip #accommodations #vacations #safety

Over the past two months, we’ve been incredibly busy with the 9 beautiful puppies from Sophie's litter. The pups are just about ready to head to their new homes now. Meanwhile, summertime has been creeping up on us. How can you prepare your Labradoodle for warmer weather? Here are some of our top tips. Provide plenty of fresh water If we can impart just one essential summertime tip, it’s this: make sure your Labradoodle has access to fresh water at all times. Dogs can dehydrate quickly in hot conditions. And dehydration can be deadly. While engaging in fun summertime activities, be sure to bring plenty of water for your dog. You can pick up a portable water bowl online or at your local pet supply store. Limit sun and heat exposure Overheating is a big concern for dogs during the summer months. If your Labradoodle is going to be outside with you, be sure to provide a shaded area. It may be better to walk your dog in the early morning or in the evening when the sunlight is indirect. In general, it’s a good idea to limit outdoor exertion during the hottest part of the day. Help your dog cool off Dogs don’t sweat like people do. They regulate their body temperature by panting and through their feet. You can help your Labradoodle stay cool when it gets hot with a frozen bandana. Just wet a bandana, wring it out, and then pop it in the freezer. If you take your Labradoodle on city walks across potentially scalding pavement, consider picking up a pair of mesh booties to protect and cool the feet. Give your Labradoodle a summer cut A shorter coat can help your dog stay clean and cool during the summer months. But be careful not to shave your Labradoodle all the way down. A close shave can leave your dog susceptible to sunburn. Be sure to take your pup to a quality groomer for a safe and stylish summer trim. Watch out for bees and wasps Labradoodles are naturally inquisitive. They’re always sticking their noses in everything. But bee and wasp stings can be dangerous for your pets. Bees and wasps are more likely to congregate near compost heaps and fruit trees. Always keep an eye on your dogs to make sure that they don’t wander into dangerous areas. Never leave your dog in a hot car During the summer months, it’s never safe to leave your Labradoodle in the car. Not even with the windows open. It only takes a few minutes for your pet to succumb to heatstroke and suffocation. And it doesn’t even have to be that hot. On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can exceed 100 degrees in minutes. No matter how much your Labradoodle loves running errands with you, don’t take the chance. Leave your pets at home where they are safe. We hope that everyone has a safe and fun summer. If you have any questions about the tips in this article, don’t hesitate to contact us. #summer #labradoodle

For a while there, it seemed like winter would never end. But now spring is here. You and your pups are probably excited about the coming season. I know we’re looking forward to the warm sunshine and green grass. As you get ready for more outdoor activity, it’s important to prepare for the fun times ahead. Here are some tips that will help get your Labradoodles ready for spring. Check outdoor areas for hazards. Inspect your yard to make sure that it’s ready for your Labradoodles. Fences can develop holes during the winter and you don’t want your pups to escape. Clean up your yard and make sure that it’s waste free. If you treat part of your lawn with chemical fertilizers or weed killers, keep your dogs out of those areas. Use non-toxic household chemicals. When cleaning indoors, it’s important to use non-toxic chemicals in areas your pets frequent. Harsh chemicals can irritate your Labradoodle’s skin and eyes. As part of spring cleaning, it’s a good idea to wash your dog’s bedding. You can also cleanup useable toys and discard the ones that are broken, losing stuffing, or falling apart. Inspect your Labradoodle’s leash and collar. Now is a great time to look at your Labradoodle’s leash and collar to make sure that they are not damaged or frayed. Also check the collar for proper fit. Your dog may have gained weight over the winter due to inactivity. It could be just enough to cause the collar to fit too tightly. Adjust or replace these items if needed. Add supplements to your dog’s diet. During the early spring months, many Labradoodles suffer from dry skin and fur. Your dogs may also have chapped paws due to winter chemicals like rock salt. A fish oil supplement can improve your Labradoodle’s skin and coat in a matter of weeks. You can add the liquid directly to your dog’s food or use fish oil capsules. Schedule a heartworm test. Spring is a good time to take your Labradoodles to the vet for a checkup and heartworm test. Heartworms are spread through mosquitos, which means that your dogs are more at risk during the spring and summer months. Ask your veterinarian about preventative treatments that will help keep your pups safe and healthy. Start flea and tick prevention. If a few short weeks, fleas and ticks will be out in full force. It’s important to protect your Labradoodles from these tiny invaders. Fleas and ticks can carry a variety of diseases that can harm your dog. There are numerous products on the market. Talk to your veterinarian about your options. Get ready to have fun. Spending time outdoors can be fun for the whole family. Look for fun activities that may be happening in your area. Ask around about dog parks, puppy playgroups, and outdoor festivals. Soon it will be time to head outside to enjoy some fun in the fresh spring air. #spring #outdoors #labradoodle #Ready #fleas #ticks #labradoodle

It’s been a long winter, and it doesn’t show signs of stopping anytime soon. This is the time of the year when everyone starts to feel a bit stir crazy. Especially our pets! Your Labradoodle needs physical and mental stimulation, regardless of the weather. But it’s not easy when you’re trapped indoors. Here are 5 boredom busters to help you keep your sanity for the rest of the winter season. Rotate dog toys every week. Dogs can get bored with the same toys week after week, even if they have plenty to choose from. But that doesn’t mean that you have to buy new toys every week. Choose 5-10 different toys and put the rest away. After a week, pick up those toys and offer new ones. Your Labradoodles will be much more interested in toys they haven’t played with for a while. It’s almost like they’re brand new! This is a great way entertain your Labradoodle and to get more mileage from existing dog toys. Try food-dispensing dog toys Every Labradoodle loves to eat! Food-dispensing toys are essential winter boredom busters. You can find a variety of food-dispensing toys online or at your local pet store. Kongs can be stuffed with dog treats or peanut butter. You can even freeze them to provide an extra challenge. Buster Cubes can be filled with treats or kibble. Your Labradoodle has to learn to push the cube around to get the food. There are many options, so try a few to find out what your dog enjoys. Play indoor games Hide and seek is a great way to exercise your Labradoodle’s mind and body. Plus you can use it to practice recall skills. The entire family can get involved in the game. To begin, each participant should stock up on tasty treats. You can take turns hiding throughout the house and calling your dog. When your dog finds you, provide a generous reward. To keep the game going, call out “all done!” This will cue the next family member to call your dog. Another fun one is the muffin tin game. You can see it in action in this video. You’ll need a muffin tin, tennis balls, and some tasty treats. Smelly treats are best, especially when your Labradoodle is first learning. To play the game, put a treat in each muffin hole and place a tennis ball on top. Your dog will have to figure out how to dislodge the tennis ball to get the treat. Food-motivated dogs love this game. Teach your Labradoodle new tricks Training stimulates your dog’s mind and alleviates boredom. Labradoodles love to learn new tricks. You can start my making a list of the tricks you want to work on. Pick one and start moving down the list. Training sessions should be short, positive, and fun. All it takes is two or three 15-minutes training sessions per day. You’ll be amazed by the amount of mental energy your Labradoodle can burn in a short period. Take your Labradoodle to doggie daycare Many Labradoodles enjoy going to doggie daycare. It allows you to leave your dog in a safe place that provides lots of attention and playtime. Plus your Labradoodle will have the opportunity to socialize with other dogs. You can take your Labradoodle to doggie daycare as often as you want, but a couple times per week generally provides enough exercise and mental stimulation. We hope these ideas will help your Labradoodles have a fun, boredom-free winter! #indoors #australianlabradoodle #boredom #toys #newtricks #doggiedaycare #outdoors #coldweather

The winter months can be a dangerous time for your Labradoodle. Snow, ice, and cold-weather chemicals can create unsafe conditions for our beloved pets. However, you and your Labradoodle can still enjoy the great outdoors during the winter months. In December, we covered some safety tips for cold-weather outings. Here we will go over some additional tips you can use to protect your pets from hazardous cold-weather chemicals. Antifreeze Poisoning One of the most dangerous cold-weather chemicals is antifreeze. Ethylene glycol, the active ingredient in antifreeze, is highly toxic. Even a small amount can make your pet very sick. In fact, 5 tablespoons of antifreeze can kill a medium-sized dog. Unfortunately, antifreeze has a sweet taste that appeals to animals. Pets will drink antifreeze from open containers or lick it off the ground. Even a car that leaks a small amount of antifreeze in the garage, driveway, or street can be a potential source of poisoning. Protect your Labradoodle by keeping antifreeze in tightly closed containers and cleaning up spills promptly. Rock Salt and Chemical Deicers It’s important to remember that rock salt and chemical deicers can be dangerous to pets. Unpurified rock salt contains traces of toxic heavy metals, such as mercury and lead. Additionally, it’s often mixed with a toxic anti-caking agent called ferrocyandie. Chemical deicers may contain a variety of toxins that can be harmful to your Labradoodle. Licking or swallowing these substances can result in digestive upset or vomiting. When dealing with icy conditions, try using kitty litter or sand to gain traction. If you must use rock salt or chemical deicers, prevent your pet from entering those areas. Remember that snow and ice in an urban setting may be filled with unknown toxins. Never allow your Labradoodle to eat dirty snow or drink from puddles near the side of the road. Cleanup After Winter Outings Your Labradoodle’s paw pads a very resilient. However, dogs can still absorb harmful chemicals through their paws. Dogs may also lick their paws and swallow hazardous chemicals after spending time outdoors. Being a fuzz-butt mom, I always keep a container of baby wipes near the door at all times. It’s important to wipe your Labradoodle’s paws thoroughly after every winter outing. Booties can protect your Labradoodle from icy conditions and dangerous cold-weather chemicals. Many dogs do not like wearing booties at first. Use plenty of positive reinforcement and allow your Labradoodle to get used to the booties gradually over time. Know the Signs of Poisoning We do everything we can to protect our pets. Despite our best efforts, accidents can still happen. The signs of poisoning may include restlessness, depression, lethargy, excessive drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you think your Labradoodle has been exposed to a dangerous chemical, don’t wait! Contact a veterinarian immediately. The sooner your pet receives treatment, the better their chances of survival. #coldweather #antifreezepoisoning #australianlabradoodle #rocksaltandchemicalde-icing #signsofpoisoning

Dogs lose heat through their ears and feet. In extreme cold weather believe-it-or-not your dog can get 
frostbite on their paw-pads. Don't Leave Dog in Car – You would think this warning falls into having common sense? Don't leave your dog in the car unattended for anytime during extreme weather periods – cold or hot. Frozen lakes and ponds
Animals don't realize what "thin ice" is. Once they fall in, it is very difficult for them to climb out and hypothermia is a very real and life-threatening danger. "Ice skating" dogs are prone to injuries such as cruciate tears if allowed to "skate" with their humans. This is also true of icy walks Of course, your pet still needs exercise when it’s cold. Do your best to walk were shrubbery will block a lot of the biting winds. Take care not to walk on slippery roads with narrow shoulders; the risk with cars passing by is much too great. Also be sure to keep your pet on a leash and have them properly identified with a microchip, ID tags, or both. Take precaution when playing. Although your dog is likely to be having a great time outdoors, take frequent indoor breaks for water and warming up and don't ever stay out too long. If you are walking or playing in unfamiliar areas, keep your dog close. It is easy for them to venture onto unsafe ground….for example, some ponds and lakes are small and can be hidden by snow and ice and pose hazards to unsuspecting frolicking dogs. Don’t let your dog eat snow. The snow may cause stomach upset or there may be hidden objects in the snow. booties can help give your dog a better grip and prevent slipping on ice. At 10 degrees, the animals only go outside to go to the bathroom. #outdoors #snow #coldweather #labradoodle #australianlabradoodle

Proper grooming is an important part of your Labradoodle puppy’s overall health. It’s never too early to start preparing your puppy for a professional grooming. The first grooming appointment can be frightening for your puppy. But, it doesn’t have to be! The following tips can help your puppy have a positive experience at the groomer. Handling and socializing your Labradoodle puppy Before scheduling your first appointment, make sure your puppy is comfortable with being touched and handled. Begin by stroking your pet’s favorite spots before moving on to more sensitive areas, including the face, ears, paws, and rear end. Be sure to praise and reward your puppy for calm behavior. Continue socializing your puppy by introducing him or her to new people and animals. Introducing the grooming tools Once your puppy is comfortable with being touched, you can introduce common grooming tools. Let your puppy inspect and sniff the brush, comb, scissors, hair dryer, and clippers. Gently brush your puppy’s coat for a few seconds at a time. Turn on the hair dryer and clippers while feeding your puppy treats to create a positive association. Grooming your puppy at home Keep your initial grooming sessions short and reward your puppy for good behavior. You can build up the duration over time, as your puppy gets more comfortable. If you’d like to give your puppy a basic grooming at home in between professional grooming appointments, check out this helpful YouTube video from the Australian Labradoodle Association of America: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWkJcGe8dUo Visiting the grooming salon When your puppy is accustomed to being groomed at home, you can introduce the grooming salon. Schedule the first visit after your puppy’s second round of vaccinations at about 4 months old. The first session should be short and positive. In fact, just visiting for a quick introduction and nail clipping is a good start. The most important thing is to give your Labradoodle puppy a positive experience with professional grooming. Your puppy’s first full grooming Now that you’ve done everything you can to prepare you puppy, it’s time for a full grooming appointment. After drop-off, always wait to be notified that your puppy is ready for pickup. Never come back to the grooming salon early. If your puppy sees you or hears your voice, it will be very difficult for the groomer to finish the job. Maintaining health with regular grooming For best results, your Labradoodle puppy should be professionally groomed every 4 to 6 weeks. You will also need to brush your puppy at home. While many Labradoodles do not shed, their undercoats can mat and become difficult to manage. Daily brushing keeps your puppy’s coat clean and shiny. Also be sure to keep your puppy’s eyes and ears clean and brush your puppy’s teeth daily using a special dog toothpaste and toothbrush. By following these tips, you can have a healthy and gorgeous Labradoodle puppy that doesn’t mind being groomed. If you have questions about how we groom our Labradoodles, feel free to contact us any time. #grooming #groomingtools #labradoodlepuppy #socializing #firstgrooming

Many dogs enjoy riding in the car. However, motion sickness is a common problem in puppies. If your Labradoodle puppy drools excessively or vomits in the car, you may be dealing with motion sickness. Fortunately, there are ways to treat motion sickness in puppies, so you and your dog can have fun traveling year-round. Why puppies experience motion sickness Puppies are more likely to have problems with motion sickness because the ear structures used for balance are not fully developed. The balance system matures when puppies are approximately 1 year old. At that time, some dogs will outgrow the condition. However, that isn’t always the case. Puppies who have several bad experiences with motion sickness may associate traveling with illness. These puppies will often continue to experience motion sickness symptoms due to stress and anxiety. That’s why it’s important to begin treating motion sickness as soon as possible. Preparing for a car ride with your puppy Feed your puppy at least 2 hours before riding in the car to reduce nausea and vomiting. Cover the car seat and floor with old towels or sheets that can be thrown in the washing machine. It’s also a good idea to bring extra towels, plastic bags, and odor neutralizer for easy cleanup. Letting your puppy see out the front windshield can reduce nauseating signals. For best results, place your puppy in a forward-facing position using a specialized car harness. If your puppy is small, you may wish to use a booster seat. You can also crack the car windows to equalize the air pressure and give your puppy fresh air. Conditioning your puppy to enjoy car rides If your puppy is already afraid of the car, you can improve the situation with training. Begin by approaching the car with your puppy without getting in. When your puppy is showing less anxiety, you can start sitting in the car with the engine off. Once your puppy is comfortable, you can turn the car on. The next step is to take your puppy on short car rides. Start by just going around the block and work your way up to short trips to fun locations. If possible, avoid taking your puppy to unpleasant places during this period, as you work your way up to longer car rides. Using medications to treat motion sickness You can use prescription or over-the-counter medications to combat motion sickness symptoms. Your veterinarian may prescribe an anti-nausea medication that can prevent vomiting. Antihistamines, including Benadryl, Dramamine, and Bonine, can reduce drooling, prevent vomiting, and provide sedation. While these medications can be purchased at your local drug store, you should always check with your veterinarian to determine the proper dosage for your Labradoodle puppy. Never give up on your puppy The only way to prevent and treat motion sickness is to face the problem head-on. Motion sickness can be cured with patience and persistence. Eventually, your Labradoodle puppy can learn to enjoy car rides. You will be happy that you made the effort when it’s time to travel for holidays and special occasions. #Motionsickness #car #labradoodle #notchhill #middleear

Chewing is part of normal puppy behavior. Puppies use their mouths to explore their environment and learn about the world. Chewing isn’t a destructive behavior unless your puppy is chewing on the wrong thing. Fortunately, it’s possible to teach your Labradoodle puppy to only chew on acceptable items. The benefits of appropriate chewing The teething process typically starts when puppies are 3 months old. You can expect your Labradoodle puppy to be teething until the adult molars come in at 6 to 7 months of age. Chewing is a natural instinct that facilitates teething and soothes sore gums. Your puppy may also enjoy chewing for fun, or to alleviate boredom. For these reasons, it’s important to provide your puppy with a variety of appropriate chew toys. Offering a variety of chew toys If you go to any pet store, you’ll see a variety of edible and inedible chew toys. Try different items and see what your puppy enjoys the most. Don’t confuse your puppy by offering old socks or shoes. Your puppy cannot tell the difference between old and new. You can also put a wet towel in the freezer and give it to your puppy to alleviate teething pain. Puppy-proofing your home Providing your puppy with appropriate chew toys isn’t enough to prevent destructive chewing. You will need to teach your puppy to only chew on certain items. While your puppy is learning, it’s best to remove temptation. Pick up or secure any inappropriate items your puppy might chew on. This includes clothes, shoes, papers, trash, and electronic devices. Using taste deterrents You can coat inappropriate items with taste deterrents, like Bitter Apple® spray, to make them unappealing to your puppy. Keep in mind that most spray deterrents have to be reapplied frequently to maintain effectiveness. Supervising your puppy Always keep an eye on your puppy in the house. When not confined, it’s best to keep your puppy in the same room as you at all times. When you’re away from home, confine your puppy to a crate or exercise pen with fresh water and plenty of appropriate chew toys. Catching and correcting mistakes It’s important to realize that mistakes will happen. Despite your best efforts, your puppy will probably find something inappropriate to chew on. If you see your puppy chewing on an inappropriate item, interrupt the behavior and give your puppy a chew toy. Praise your puppy for taking it. You can only correct the behavior if you catch your puppy in the act. Do not try to punish your puppy if you find a chewed up item, even if it’s minutes later. Your puppy will not associate the punishment with the act. Never yell at or hit your puppy under any circumstances. Management and supervision is the key to success These simple tips can help you prevent destructive chewing. Always remember to be patient with your puppy. In time, your puppy will learn to understand the rules and grow into a well-behaved adult Labradoodle. #chewing #teething #chewtoys #deterrents #australianlabradoodles #labradoodle #puppyproofing

The Notch Hill Labradoodle puppies are nearly seven weeks old. They’ve been growing so quickly, it’s hard to believe that it’s almost time to send them to their forever homes! They are like little sponges, taking in their surroundings – unless it’s time for a puppy nap! Let’s find out what the Labradoodle puppies will be up to during their final weeks at Notch Hill. Learning to understand new things By now, the puppies have a well-developed sense of hearing, which means that they can start understanding words. That includes a new name! If you choose one of our puppies before it’s time to go home at 8 weeks, I can start calling your puppy by his or her new name. It’s also possible for young puppies to learn some basic commands, including sit and down, using positive reinforcement. Each puppy has a short attention span, but can learn very quickly. Gaining even more independence The puppies came into the world completely helpless and dependent on others to sustain life. By 8 weeks old, they will be completely weaned with a mouth full of sharp puppy teeth. No longer relying on mom for food, the puppies enjoy three meals per day. The newly independent puppies may start venturing away from their mother and littermates for short periods. Weather permitting, the pups will be allowed to play outside in a secure puppy playpen. Growing and becoming more agile There’s nothing cuter than a clumsy puppy hopping about. Though their coordination and motor skills aren’t fully developed yet, they are improving every day. The puppies are growing rapidly during this period, which means they need a lot of sleep. When the puppies aren’t bouncing around, they’re probably taking a puppy nap. In fact, young puppies need approximately 15 to 20 hours of sleep per day. Socialization is still very important Many animal behaviorists believe that the first socialization period reaches its peak at around 7 weeks. At 8 weeks, the puppies will be going to their new homes. By that time, your puppy has already received lots of love and human contact. All the puppies have been exposed to different environments and new situations, which will make it easier for them to adapt to their new homes. Transitioning to a new home Each puppy has a unique temperament and personality – whether it’s strong-willed or eager to please, gentle or rambunctious, cautious or outgoing. Different personalities match different homes and families, which is why we help you choose the best puppy for your lifestyle. The puppies have all been well socialized so far, but they will need you to continue the process. Set ground rules for your puppy right away, so that he learns to understand boundaries and control his impulses. By introducing your puppy to his new home in a positive way, you can ensure a happy and rewarding relationship that will last for years to come. If you have questions about how we raise our puppies here at Notch Hill Labradoodles, feel free to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you! #sixthweekdevelopment #seventhweekdevelopment #eighthweekdevelopment #labradoodlepuppy

The newest members of the Notch Hill Labradoodle family are a little over 4 weeks old, which means that they have entered the first critical socialization period. Our happy, bouncing Labradoodle puppies are increasingly interested in exploring the world and interacting with their environment. Let’s find out what’s in store for the puppies as they continue to grow up. Learning that the world is safe (and fun!) During this critical period of development, everything the puppies experience will remain in their memories and always be familiar. Well-socialized puppies generally become confident adults, because they learned that the world is safe at a young age. That’s why this is the ideal time to make their environment as interesting as possible. We introduce our puppies to a variety of sights and sounds, including TV, music, hair dryers, vacuums, cars, etc. This makes it easy for our puppies to adapt to their new homes. Meeting new people At this stage, the puppies will begin to recognize people and form attachments with humans. It’s important to introduce the puppies to new people during this period. Luckily, there is no shortage of people interested in meeting and interacting with the Notch Hill Labradoodle puppies! Our puppies learn that meeting new people is fun and exciting, which prevents them from being shy around strangers as adults. The puppies will get used to being handled by a variety of people at a young age. These experiences will come in handy when it’s time to take them to the groomer or vet, or in any new situation. Establishing pack behavior and social order The puppies will start interacting with each other and displaying new behaviors, including chasing, nipping, barking, and wagging their tails. They will also start engaging in group-coordinated behavior. For example, if one puppy leaves the den area, others will follow. As the puppies grow up, they will begin to establish social order through play fighting. During this time, we interact with the puppies on an individual basis, away from the litter. The personal attention helps Notch Hill Labradoodle puppies learn that they are individuals. Plus, it can help a naturally timid puppy feel more confident. Still learning from mom While the puppies are becoming more independent, their mother still plays a critical role during this phase of development. These babies still have important lessons to learn from mom. Through play, she will teach them bite inhibition, which helps the puppies learn to be gentle with their mouth. This is one reason why puppies should never be removed from the litter too early. The puppies are still nursing, but they are also eating solid food to supplement their increased energy requirements. Our puppies would love to meet you! We generally start allowing visits when the puppies are around 5 weeks old. If you do visit the puppies, you’re likely to see some fun stuff as they bounce and play. To schedule a visit, contact us anytime. We look forward to seeing you! #labradoodle #labaradoodlepuppy #fourthweekdevelopment #fifthweekdevelopment #packbehavior

The next two weeks will be an exciting time at Notch Hill Labradoodles, because our newborn puppies will be going through lots of changes. During week two, your Labradoodle puppy will enter a phase of development called the transitional period. Any day now, the puppies will open their eyes and see the world for the first time. There are many other physical and mental changes in store for our puppies in the coming weeks. Find out what the Notch Hill Labradoodle puppies will be up to. Experiencing sight and sound This phase of development begins when the puppies open their eyes for the first time. Once that happens, the puppies can start recognizing and interacting with things in their environment, including their mother and littermates. The puppies are now aware that they belong to the canine species. Their ear canals will open around day 14, which means that they will start responding to noises. Thanks to the gift of hearing, the puppies will learn to expand their vocabulary from tiny grunts and mews to boisterous yelps and barks. Gaining some independence While the puppies are still completely dependent on their mother for feeding and care, they start to develop the first signs of independence during the transitional period. The puppies will be better at regulating their own body temperature. However, rapid or extreme temperature changes can still be harmful during this period. Their mobility will increase and they will start to stand up around day 15. By day 21, they will be taking their fist steps! Natural instincts kick in At this stage, the puppies no longer require stimulation from their mother to eliminate. In fact, the instinct to go potty away from the nest kicks in during this stage. The puppies will start playing, wrestling, and showing social behaviors, including growling and tail wagging. These early interactions signal the start of social hierarchy placement within the litter. Puppy teeth come in The puppies will get their first teeth during this period. As the puppies learn to lap up liquids, they will become comfortable drinking from a bowl or bottle. They will also start showing interest in solid foods. They are getting ready for the weaning process, which starts around week three. Continuing the imprinting process At Notch Hill, we continue working with our puppies during this important period of development. The puppies are exposed to soft music and low level light changes, so they can learn how to use their new senses. Getting puppies used to noises is an important part of socialization. The puppies are handled and weighed every day for the first three weeks. Around this time, we also start hand feeding the puppies to supplement their nursing, so they become more accustomed to human contact. We’re looking forward to seeing our puppies grow and change over the next few weeks. If you have questions about how Notch Hill Labradoodles are raised, feel free to contact us anytime. If you’re interested in a puppy, contact us to get on our waiting list. #puppydevelopment #labradoodlepuppy