Q: What breeds do you specialise in? 
A: At Labraberry, we specialise in breeding high-quality Labrador Retrievers known for their friendly temperament and intelligence.

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Q: What colour of Labradors do you breed?

A: We specialise in breeding black Labradors. Our focus on this color helps us maintain the breed's highest standards in terms of health, temperament and physical characteristics. Black Labradors are known for their classic look, excellent temperament and versatility as companions. By concentrating on black Labradors, we can focus on maintaining the breed's integrity and ensure that each puppy meets the highest quality standards for health and behaviour.

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Q: How do you grow your puppies?

A: Our puppies are raised in a home environment with plenty of interaction with people, other dogs and different stimuli. This early exposure helps them become confident, well-adjusted and friendly companions.

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We do early neurological stimulation (ENS) to expose puppies to mild, controlled stressors during their critical development phase. By doing this, their nervous systems develop resilience, making them better equipped to handle stress, new environments, and unfamiliar experiences later in life. ENS is usually done between 3 and 16 days of age, when puppies' brains and nervous systems are in a critical stage of growth. During this period, very brief exposure to certain stimuli can have long-term positive effects on their behavior and adaptability. The ENS protocol includes five simple exercises performed daily:
   - Tactile stimulation: Gently rubbing the puppy’s paws, which introduces them to touch.
   - Head held erect: Holding the puppy with its head up for a few seconds, helping them become accustomed to different positions.
   - Head pointed down: Gently holding the puppy with its head pointed downward to stimulate a different sense of balance.
   - Supine position: Laying the puppy on its back for a few seconds, which introduces a sense of mild stress.
   - Thermal stimulation: Placing the puppy on a cool surface for a short time to expose them to mild temperature changes.

These exercises are brief but help stimulate neurological development. Studies have shown that puppies who undergo ENS tend to be more resilient, calmer under stress and better able to handle new situations as they grow older.
 

After the ENS period, starting around 3 weeks of age, puppies are introduced to various sights and sounds. It’s important that this is done gradually and in a controlled manner to avoid overwhelming the puppies. Examples include:
   - Gentle household noises: Introducing puppies to the sound of a vacuum cleaner, TV or washing machine helps them become less reactive to everyday sounds.
   - Exposure to different textures and surfaces: Allowing puppies to walk on various surfaces such as carpet, wood floors, grass, and gravel helps them become comfortable with different environments.
   - Interaction with new objects: Introducing toys, mirrors, or small obstacles allows puppies to become curious and exploratory, rather than fearful of new objects.

Regular handling by different people (including adults and children) plays a major role in desensitization. Puppies who are gently handled frequently become more confident with human interaction and less likely to be fearful of strangers or new environments. Early socialization with other dogs, under controlled conditions, is equally important.

Around 5-8 weeks of age we start introducing puppies to slightly more complex or stimulating experiences. These might include short car rides, gentle play sessions or visits to new areas within your home or yard. By gradually increasing the level of stimulation, we help them build confidence in a wide variety of situations.

While early neurological stimulation is beneficial, it’s important to balance it with plenty of rest and relaxation. Puppies need time to process new experiences without being overwhelmed, so the stimuli should always be controlled and introduced in small, manageable amounts (that is why we organise home visits to meet the puppies in certain dates and times). By following this structured approach, we are helping the puppies in our breeding program grow into well-rounded dogs but also making them better companions for their future families. They’ll be more confident, resilient and ready to handle the various challenges of life with ease.

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A healthy, balanced diet is also a crucial part of raising strong, resilient puppies. From the moment they start weaning, we ensure our puppies receive the best possible nutrition tailored to their developmental needs. We begin with high-quality puppy food that is rich in essential nutrients like protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, all of which support healthy growth and brain development. We also incorporate omega-3 fatty acids to promote cognitive function and a strong immune system. As the puppies grow, we gradually introduce a variety of foods to diversify their diet and help them develop healthy eating habits. Our focus is on providing a diet that not only supports their physical growth but also contributes to their overall neurological development and long-term health. We provide guidance to new owners on how to continue this nutrition plan, ensuring the puppies thrive in their new homes.

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Q: What health checks do your puppies receive?
A: We are committed to breeding healthy, happy puppies. All of our puppies receive comprehensive:

• Initial Veterinary Exam: Puppies receive a thorough health check from a veterinarian shortly after birth. This ensures they are healthy and free from congenital issues.

• Vaccinations: Puppies are vaccinated against common diseases. These vaccinations typically begin at six to eight weeks of age and are crucial for their protection.

• Deworming Treatments: Most puppies are dewormed multiple times during their early weeks. This helps eliminate any intestinal parasites that could harm their growth.

• Microchipping: We alsos microchip puppies before they go to their new homes. This provides a permanent form of identification and helps reunite lost pets with their owners.

All this ensure that puppies start their lives on the right foot and receive the care they need to thrive. Additionally, our breeding dogs and studs from other breeders that we use, are thoroughly screened for any genetic conditions to ensure the best possible start for our puppies.

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Q: Can I visit the puppies before making a decision?
A: Yes, we encourage potential owners to visit our home and meet the puppies. Please schedule an appointment in advance. 

If you have more questions, feel free to reach out!

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Q: Are your puppies registered?

A: Yes, all of our puppies are registered with the appropriate kennel clubs, ensuring they meet the breed standards for Labradors. This registration provides peace of mind that your puppy comes from a responsible and reputable breeding program.

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Q: How do I reserve a puppy?

A: To reserve a puppy, you can get in touch with us via our website's contact form or email. We also maintain a waiting list for upcoming litters, so if there are no current puppies available, we can keep you updated.

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Q: How much does a puppy cost?

​A: At Labraberry, we pride ourselves on breeding only high-quality, healthy and well-tempered Labradors - we are very picky! Our puppies are carefully raised with a focus on excellent lineage and comprehensive health checks. Pricing is based on pedigree, lineage and considering all the health checked and registrations necessary, so please contact us directly for more information.

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Q: When can I take my puppy home?

A: Our puppies are ready to go to their new homes at around 8 weeks of age, once they have been fully weaned and received their first round of vaccinations. We will provide you with all the necessary documentation, health certificates and guidance on how to care for your new puppy.

We are always here to offer advice and support as your puppy adjusts to their new home. Whether you need tips on training, nutrition, or general care, we are happy to help you every step of the way.

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Q: Do you ship puppies within Australia?

A: Yes, we offer nationwide shipping within Australia. We work with professional pet transport services to ensure your puppy arrives safely and comfortably to their new home. We will coordinate all the necessary details and make the process as smooth as possible.

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If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out! We’re here to ensure your experience with Labraberry is smooth and enjoyable, from reserving your puppy to welcoming them into your home.